What is your background? tell us where you grew up and some information about your upbringing/experiences as a youth:
I was born and raised in Lowell, Ma. With that being said, my family and I had also spent a period of my youth traveling from shelter to shelter along the outskirts of Boston. My experiences throughout life have taught me to never take anything for granted, and that pain is only temporary. Hard work really does triumph all.
At what moment did you know that music was part of your life and what feelings did you have towards making an active impact with your music?
It started when I was about 5 years old listening to Eminem’s Marshall Mathers LP. Honestly it sounds like the worst thing a 5 year old could be listening to from a parents perspective, but he had me instantly hooked. With me getting older and expanding my ear for music; each and every song had started to speak to me in a way. I started to learn that each song had an individual message, and from there I had known that I wanted to use music as a way to not only raise awareness of things I believe need to be spoken about, but to also do it in a way where others can relate. My music is about my story, and what has gotten me where I am today.
What artists inspired/influences you and if you could collaborate with any artist (alive or passed) who would it be and why?
A lot of artists influence me, but I’d have to say that J. Cole is my biggest influence. His music is just too relatable. It’s almost as if I’m hearing parts of my life being spoken through someone else. As far as collaborations go, there are so many artists that I’d love to work with. Nas, Rihanna, and Tory Lanez are just a couple that I can name of the top of my head, But that list is really long. Their styles of music are what I’m really into.
What do you think about the current state of hip hop/mainstream music?
The mainstream music now is different from what I grew up listening to. I miss the constant hot 16’s, and the adlibs that made everybody go crazy like Wu-Tang and such. Don’t get me wrong though, I do like the new wave of music, but it is different from what I prefer.
Currently, what projects do you have in the works that you are most excited about?
I’m currently working on a 7 Track project called “D.R.E SP to Infinity”. It’s a mini tape I made from Lord Finesse’s “The SP 1200 Project: A Re-Awakening” beats. I’m hoping to release it mid to late fall.
What are your short term career goals within the next 6-10 months?
My short term career goal would have to be to sharpen my engineering and producing skills. I honestly want to expand in all regions of music.
What are your long term career goals within the next 2-5 years?
My long term goal is probably the same as everyone else. I am constantly striving to ensure that my future career as an artist is set in stone. I want to be performing on stages, and opening venues consistently. I want my music to be changing people’s lives.
If you had one song out of the catalogue you have created to show a person what song would it be and why?
I have a lot of un-released work, but I’d probably show a song titled “Born Again”. It was a song I wrote with my best friends/ rap group called “Selected Few”. It’s something I think we worked hard on it and it came out great in my eyes.
To the person who had never heard of you what is it about your music and story that you would tell them to entice them to be a supporter?
I would have to tell them what I stand for. I’d have to let them know that I believe music can do more than just bring in a nice paycheck. It can be used to heal those in need. I know that there are countless people in the world that turn to music when there is nobody else. If I can manage to make a song that is not only appealing to you, but is able to make it seem as if everything will turn out ok, then I know that the people will support me.
If your music could be described in five words what would those five words be?
Honest, Lyrical, Heartfelt, gritty, and different.
What do you bring to the game that is unique and different?
What I bring to the table is constant flow, unique comparisons, and consistent bars. I love to tell stories of my past, and also bring a lot of video game and cartoon references. I use what I grew up around.
To the aspiring artist who is considering a career as a musician what lessons or advice would you give them to inspire them or to uplift them in the journey?
Don’t hold back. There are too many people in this world who have given up not knowing just how close they really are. If you want your spot, you need to earn it.
What are your social media profiles and where can people purchase/download your music?
You can find my music on my SoundCloud below. I haven’t attempted to sell any music yet.
Soundcloud: Soundcloud.com/andresmenzies
Twitter: Dre_since_95
SnapChat: TooReal2Feel
Instagram: Dre_since_95
What are your final words you would like to say to people that you have left out?
Don’t be scared to look up “Selected Few”! If you like my music, there’s no way you won’t like the rest of us.
Be on the lookout for “D.R.E SP to Infinity”!
#SelectedFew
#Flowlife
#TheCxxL
#DRESPtoInfinity