In 2013, country music can be defined in many ways. From rock infused country to pop cross over, country music is taking on a life of its own but The Modern Day Drifters are taking this style of music and making it their own unique flavor of musical bliss.
With their one of a kind style, The Modern Day Drifters are starting to gain popularity and attention in the Michigan music scene. William Shadrick, from The Modern Day Drifters, spoke about the process of coming up in this complex and diverse musical scene in Michigan. "I spend a lot of time rehearsing and writing. Some songs work and some don’t so I've learned not to fight with a song or an idea and come back to it at a later time. Patience and dedication is a must. I work hard to hone my skills and do lot of foot work, whether it's networking, advertising, marketing, booking, etc. All in all, it’s a fun ride. There is nothing like performing and having the crowd come alive! That is what makes all the hard work worth it," said Shadrick.
The Modern Day Drifters are working on their first album and plan to continue their hard work well into 2013.
I had the chance to interview The Modern Day Drifters, we talked about everything from the bands early musical influences to how they are rising in the current Midwest music scene. The entire interview is below.
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C: When did The Modern Day Drifters come together?
M: I formed the band in 2009 when I left a steady job as a rhythm guitar player in a popular country band to pursue my dreams of performing my original material.
C: What would you consider to be some of your most notable music influences at a younger age?
M: I grew up listening to some of the great artists in country music. I must say that Don Williams and Vince Gill were without a doubt my two biggest influences when I was young. I love Alan Jackson, George Strait, Brad Paisley and Jason Aldean.
C: The Modern Day Drifters in a few words, how would you describe the band's musical sound?
M: Our style and sound is a cross of modern country with traditional influences. We pride ourselves on the blend of the two styles!
C: What musical influences do you pull from when you are performing or writing music?
M: Oh that’s easy! I pull both my writing and performing influences from a lot of the current and classic artists! The way I look at it is, “If it ain't broke, don't fix it.” I go by what worked for the stars and I add my own personal touch to it. I also get a lot of my writing influence from a very talented local artist, Kari Holmes.
C: The Modern Day Drifters has gained quite a large following in the Midwest, what was the process of coming up in the industry like?
M: Thank you! That is a huge compliment! It’s a lot of work! I spend a lot of time rehearsing and writing. Some songs work and some don’t so I've learned not to fight with a song or an idea and come back to it at a later time. Patience and dedication is a must. I work hard to hone my skills and do lot of foot work, whether it's networking, advertising, marketing, booking, etc. All in all, it’s a fun ride. There is nothing like performing and having the crowd come alive! That is what makes all the hard work worth it.
C: How do you all as a band feel social media has helped and will continue to help your career?
M: It has given us a better way to connect to our fans on a more intimate level. They are able to see the different sides of us, not just what they see on stage, and we get to know them more too. Plus they are constantly updated on where we’ll be and what we’re doing so they never miss a beat.
C: What does the future of the band hold?
M: We are currently recording our first CD and plan to push the single to radio this year. We are constantly expanding our tour and of course will always be writing more songs.
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