Interview with The Drifts

What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?

• I’ve been singing my entire life whether it was in my room, through choir, musical theater, for weddings and events.. It’s just been my thing as long as I can remember! It was only in recent years that I began to write and create my own music. If I hadn’t gotten into music I certainly think I would have still landed in the arts in one way or another. I also am involved in the travel industry which is my other greatest love.

What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?

• When I am not playing or writing music, I am generally on an airplane or somewhere far away. It is the perfect fuel for my creativity and inspiration as I am constantly experiencing something and somewhere new.

How long has your band been around?

• The Drifts started up in the later end of 2019. We released a full length album the following year and are now rolling out a few singles from our upcoming EP!

Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?

• We are all based out of Toronto, Ontario. The music scene in the city is pretty great and though we’ve had alot of great local influences on our sound and style, I think we also pulled a lot of our style from what we weren’t hearing out of Toronto rock music. What was missing and what could The Drifts bring to the table.

How did you come up with the name of your band and what does it mean to you?

• The mood during the creation of our band was unique. Myself and Sammy, our guitar player, had both just gone through some big life changes and were feeling a big shift emotionally and creatively. The Drifts represent the slow movement from one place to the next. A current, a shift.

Tell me about your most memorable shows.

• I am pretty biased to our show at The El Mocambo last year in April. It happened to be my birthday and it was a sold out show. It was sweaty and loud and it was rock and roll and it was perfect.

What is your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?

• The Horseshoe has got to be a favorite. Such an iconic local gem, still has its old grungy charm. Holds a perfect amount of people and how do you beat that A&W window at the front? You simply can’t. As for places we would love to play, obviously The Danforth and Massey Hall are dream venues for a Toronto show!

If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?

• ANY? Hmm. for me,Fleetwood Mac would be alongside us most definitely. My band mates would likely say Queens of The Stone Age would be a great addition. Alexandra Savior, Dope Lemon. It would be a mish mash crew, but a great show.

What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into playing in a band and some advice that you would give to your younger self?

• To my younger self I would say get off your butt and quit worrying what anyone thinks. I wasted too much time holding myself back because I didn’t think what I was making was any good. We can be our own hardest critics. Lifes short- make the stuff you want to make.

• As for advice to someone just starting out in a band- I would say be honest with your opinions and your ideas. It doesn’t benefit you in the long run to keep your thoughts to yourself.. Make it an open dialogue with your band mates and bring your ideas forward and don’t be shy about your ideas.

Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?

• “Evil Woman” is a special one for me. I had just gotten out of a very long term relationship and that song kind of just poured out of me one afternoon. Minimal edits. Pretty raw. Plus I get to sing from the gut with that one, it’s a real cathartic experience performing that one.

Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most?

• Love playing our song “Why You Wander” live. Its a catchy chorus that people can generally join in on if they know it. “One Of a Kind” is also a fun one. Upbeat and energetic for sure.

What is the creative process for the band, and what inspires you to write your music?

• Generally it would always start with me and Sammy sitting on a living room floor with a bottle of wine. Talking about our love lives our heart aches, all the good stuff.

What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?

• Just truth, really. There’s something powerful in vulnerability. It’s how people can connect with your music is hitting them right in the feels.

Do you ever have disagreements in your band, and how do you get past them?

• For sure. I think that is inevitable when you put 4 strong minded creatives in a room together. Usually about business type stuff really.. The creative part is where it’s the breeziest for us. It’s always a very safe space.

What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?

• Who knows what the future holds for us but we certainly feel like we are in our element sound-wise with our latest singles and upcoming EP. We would love to hop on a tour, play some more live shows, create more music as always…We just want to make some good stuff!

How can your fans best keep up to date with you, any socials you want people to check out?

• We are on instagram @thedrifts , our website is www.thedriftsmusic.com, and you can find us on any streaming platform! Thanks for checking us out we appreciate it !