Drew Angus – Made to Love You

By starrymag | June 22, 2021

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) I’d describe my sound as pop/rock singer/songwriter.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) I grew up on the greatest hits records my parents always had on in the car. Tom Petty, the Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, the Beatles, Allman Brothers and your classic rock favorites. These days I’m big on Ben Rector, Kasey Musgraves, Anthony DaCosta, Bon Iver’s old stuff, Gabe Dixon, Emily King and Allen Stone.

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Made to Love You.”

 

A) Last year (pre-COVID) my friends (we’ll call them B+T) came to me looking for the perfect wedding song for their first dance. Having played hundreds of weddings at this point, my wedding singer sales pitch took over and I fired off the top ten first dance songs I’d sang in the last year and went about my business.

After I hung up the phone with B+T, I remembered that my co-writer, Matt, and I had written a verse and part of a chorus for a new song earlier that week that might fit as a first dance. I sent B+T a voice memo of the demo with a “what about this?” text. They fell in love with it immediately. With their eleven-year love story in mind, the song finished itself. It was meant to be! I then performed it at their wedding.

 

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

 

A) It’s super relatable. We all have someone or something that we’re made to love, whether it’s your husband, wife, boyfriend/girlfriend or maybe a pet. It’s a hopeful love song.

 

Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?

 

A) The romantic video is set in a sun soaked, crumbling space – the perfect backdrop for the two ballet dancers to depict the love story of strangers. Their playful, flirtatious solos reveal a meeting meant to be as their choreography lifts the viewer through light-hearted phases of a romantic relationship. We filmed a one-shot music video – no cuts! – featuring two incredible NYC ballet dancers, Silken Kelly and Jonatan Lujan who choreographed themselves. The video was directed by Shari Goldenberg and shot by Todd Rawizer. The way Silken and Jonatan took the lyrics and made it their own through movement is emotional to watch. The incredible Unison Productions team really excelled in capturing their passion to produce a beautifully shot film that depicts the meaning behind this special song.

 

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

 

A) It’s a little bit of both. Sometimes I’ll get a lyric idea. They always come at the worst times. But most of the time I start from a musical idea and a title and build from there until I have a smash hit. [smiles]

 

Q) Mikhail Pivovarov lent a hand with production on this track, but how much of a say do you have in the production of your music?

 

A) Mik definitely produced “Made to Love You,” but I always have the final say in sounds/production. He lives down the street and his number is pinned to the top of my messages. We make a great team, and he helps bring my songs to life.

 

Q) Will there be a full album or EP coming in the near future?

 

A) I’m in the middle of a ten song record hopefully dropping in September!

 

Q) You’ve performed with the incredible likes of Andrea Bocelli, Nile Rogers and even Harry Styles! What did you take away from working with these iconic musicians?

 

A) It doesn’t matter where you are in your career, stay humble, be kind, work hard and keep going.

 

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

 

A) Steelstacks in PA, City Winery in New York and Chicago, Rockwood Music Hall, The Acoustic and Infinity Hall in Hartford. These are the places that confirm every time I play there that I’m on the right path.

 

Q) With concerts currently on hold, what do you miss most about being on stage?

 

A) I missed being able to connect with the audience. It’s just not the same singing into a computer. But this time has given me the opportunity to work on developing new music. I made the best of it. I released three singles “Mr. Gemini,” “Just a Dream” and “Made to Love You.” We also put out a parody video of Andrew Gold’s “Thank You for Being A Friend” to say thank you to all of the frontline workers. Oh, and then I wrote and released a Christmas record as well. It was a busy time. Ha!

Luckily, gigs are starting to come by and this Summer is booking up fast! I’m looking forward to getting back out there.

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

 

A) I would love to collaborate with John Mayer, Harry Styles, Ben Rector and Anthony DaCosta.

 

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them? 

 

A) Right now, I’m spinning Ben Rector, Gabe Dixon, Sammy Rae & The Friends and Kaylyn Marie. They’re all incredible songwriters and have great new music out…I’m a big song guy.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

 

A) Social media is the bane of my existence, but also the only way to reach eyes and ears out there. That said, I’ve had some incredible interactions with fans from all over the world reaching out and connecting over my music, so it can be a good thing…. In small doses.  BTW, you can follow me on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and TikTok @drewangusmusic!

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

 

A) To all of my fans, friends and supporters, I am grateful and humbled that the music I make has an impact. It’s the greatest feeling in the world to step out on stage or have people respond to what I give. Thank you to all of you who make what I do possible!