Michael Daughtry and the Drift

Tell us about yourself and your music

My name is Michael Daughtry. I lead the group Michael Daughtry and the Drift from Raleigh, North Carolina. We deliver high energy melodic original rock music to our fans and to the world! Our music has been featured in athletic marathons and events nationwide, and we have performed for 60,000 runners for the Cooper River Bridge Run in Charleston for five years and counting. Our music is fun yet meaningful.

Talk to us more about your latest release

Avenues (the single and full-length album) is a culmination of several recording sessions from the past few years. We have ventured into the new musical territory from our classic rock influences (without leaving them). What music is missing from the radio/collective unconscious in 2020? This album is that answer.

What inspired you to write this release?

My wife and I took a trip to New Orleans recently. Neither of us had been, and it did not disappoint! We enjoyed the vibrancy and energy; it was infectious. The song is a reflection of not only the anticipation but the visceral experience.

Describe the writing and recording process

As a graduate of Berklee College of Music, I had just enough experience with horn arranging to get by LOL. I definitely had to brush the dust off with Avenues! Looking back, the track has classic rock, jazz, Dixieland, and Gospel influences. None of this was intentional; it just flowed. We quickly laid the tracks down at Hondo Creek Recordings outside of Pittsboro North Carolina, and the rest is history!

Any plans to release a video?

Any plans to hit the road?

We will do our east coast tour in late spring and early summer. We look forward to seeing our old friends as well as making new ones! Get ready to move!

As an indie artist, how do you brand yourself and your music to stand out from the rest of the artists out there?

We stand out because we stay true to our collective voice. Our live shows feature 100% live music (no pre-recorded tracks). As a SoFar performer and Berklee grad, I will continue to respect the value of connecting with listeners both in the studio and live. We stand out simply by being our crazy selves!

Who have you been listening to lately?

     I am DIGGING on some Rival Sons, Dirty Honey, Twenty One Pilots, Bastille, and those that rock in general.

Who are your biggest influences?

     Two bands that really influence us are Poster Children and King’s X. The sounds of these bands may differ, but their consistency is beyond impressive. These are the bands that musicians go to see. They have both been making music and performing since the ’80s; now that is staying POWER!

Tell us about your passions

I started teaching music appreciation and performance about a decade ago. It was a way to supplement my lifelong passion for making and performing music. Sharing my knowledge and experience with the younger generation of musicians has become a passion that truly coincides and thrives with my love of music!

What else is happening next in your world?

Some of my students are auditioning for All-District and All-State Band here in NC. The full album from Michael Daughtry and the Drift (Avenues) will be released in February or March with tour support to follow. Life is good!

 

 

Thanks for an awesome interview, Michael Daughtry and the Drift

 

 

Connect with Michael Daughtry and the Drift

Website: http://www.michaeldaughtrymusic.comFacebook: http://facebook.com/michaeldaughtrymusicInstagram: http://instagram.com/michaeldaughtrymusicTwitter: http://twitter.com/michaeldaughtryYoutube: http://youtube.com/michaeldaughtrymusicSoundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/michaeldaughtryReverbnation: http://reverbnation.com/michaeldaughtry

Genres: Rock

Source: ArtistPR Indie Artist Interview