Drake White In His Words:
TWS: You sang in a cave and serenaded a big group at Trinchero in the family library. Have you sung in a wine cave before?
Drake White: No but the shower kind of sounds like a cave.
TWS: What is the most unusual place you’ve played your music?
Drake White: A hotel elevator.
TWS: Spark is your debut album. What was the inspiration for the name of the album and what does this album mean to you?
Drake White: I’ve always been enamored by the spirit of a flame and love how a fire sustains, warms and encourages camaraderie among folks. With this being my first album, I decided to call it “spark” because it is the start of a fire that many will experience. Love, acceptance, and brotherhood for many years to come.
TWS: What is your creative process when you are songwriting?
Drake White: I love nature, travel, animals, and people. It’s the experience with these loves that inspire my songs. I like to live then come in and write about that process. I generally like to freestyle lyrics over a melody and fine tune from there.
TWS: Who are some of the musicians who inspired you to write and sing?
Drake White: The Allmans, Marshall Tucker, Willie, Roger Miller, James Taylor, Ben Harper, Jack Johnson, Sublime and John Prine.
TWS: What kind of impact did growing up in Alabama have on your music?
Drake White: It’s everything!! The geographical location of Hoke’s Bluff has a sound. It’s south Appalachian soul produced with tree frogs, cotton & the muddy Coosa River.
TWS: What’s the most challenging aspect of performing live for you?
Drake White: Being patient in the pocket and letting the crowd come to me. I get excited easily and have to remind myself to let it flow.
TWS: Where do you find yourself wishing you are when you are on the road?
Drake White: Traveling abroad with my wife enjoying experiences. I love the road and have so much respect for its warriors. But it does take sacrifice and dedication to man thy miles.
TWS: What do you hope people walk away with when they listen to your music?
Drake White: Faith of a good world, good people and that the struggle is real so you might as well embrace the shit!!!
TWS: If there was a younger version of you aspiring to be a musician reading this right now, what kind of advice would you give him or her?
Drake White: Enjoy yourself! You’re going to achieve whatever you set your ragged ole heart to.
TWS: Today you live in Nashville. What has this done for your music and your life?
Drake White: Freedom to create with the best in the world. The spirit of music city can be matched by no other. Diversity is king nowadays. Real is cool. Imperfection is the reality.