Drake White has been on steady incline into the music business since releasing his debut single “Simple Life” in 2013. His legion of loyal fans has grown, gaining new ones as he climbs the charts with his newly released album Spark. Here are a few reasons why old and new fans alike love Drake and why he’s this week’s #MCM.
1. The Songwriting is superb. Drake’s innate ability to put life’s ups and downs, the trials and tributes, and the uplifting and encouraging words into song is like no other. His songs are relatable. Whether it’s the life of a family just doing what they can to survive, or the life of a man who reminisces about his childhood, the life he had when things were simple. His songs pull you into these mini movies of life, his and ours.
2. His Voice has a raspy, guttural albeit ethereal feel to it. It flows from country to blues to jazz as easy as the tide. His voice sinks deep into the soul of each song he sings. His ability to switch the tone of his voice to suit the meaning of each song, from the anthem style of “Live Some” to the dark moody tune “Waitin’ on the Whiskey to Work” makes him extremely captivating to listen to. It’s like getting multiple gifts in one package at Christmas.
3. Stage Presence is something fans feed off of. Drake uses the entire stage during shows. From his signature hat, sunglasses, and guitar, White entices the audience thru his groovy dance moves and guitar playing. His shows are ones that the audience never sits down. His style is his own, which makes his command of the stage easy to see, especially for his boot stomping, dance your heart out tune “Feels Good.”
4. Livin’ the Dream/Giving the Dream Charity Tour called “Flight to Light the Spark” Campaign. While promoting his new EP Spark, White traveled on a five-city tour, which was over 3,000 miles and nine hours on planes, giving back to charities, all in a 24-hour time frame. Drake spent the time performing for five different charity events, in five different cities.
NYC: Friends of Firefighters where he spent the day singing and serving firefighters breakfast. Dallas: North TX Food Bank White spent the morning sorted food, stocked shelves, and loaded goods onto carts. Wichita: Boys and Girls Club Drake spoke to members about reaching their full potential and becoming productive citizens. Besides singing he even took part in a science experiment. Denver: Musicians on Call where Drake partnered with M.O.C. by visiting the local VA Hospital. Lastly, Los Angeles: Western Surfing Association had White meeting with members of Salt Life & Western Surfing Association for a Marine Conservation Event to clean up the beach area. While promoting his album, on his own dime, he gave back to these worthwhile charities. Such a selfless act.
5. His Ability To Honor the Classics. White was recently tapped by CMA to be a part of their “Forever Country Cover Series,” performing “Good Hearted Woman” by Waylon Jennings. Listen to his wonderful stripped down version below:
My new favorite!!!!! Needs more radio playtime!