Drives the Common Man Talks about Music and His Upcoming Album

Daybreak Star Radio’s RONN!E and Sherry (AKA DJ Red) got to sit down with Drives the Common Man to discuss his music, his influences, and what he has coming next.

Drives the Common Man pulls a lot of influence from pop punk and punk rock styles, having grown up around that music after being introduced to it by his older sisters. Punk rock was the first time he felt like he knew where he belonged, having grown up mixed and feeling a bit adrift between his Indigenous and white roots.

When it comes to his process, Drives usually starts with the music itself. He enjoys getting the emotional sensibility of the song down before he comes up with the lyrics, even if the two don’t always match in vibes. He is confident in his ability to be both a songwriter and a producer. Since he is making his own music and has full control, Drives is able to add all his favorite influences and create music he truly enjoys.

Social Media has been a big part of Drives promotion, using it first as a way to get his covers out to the masses, and now his own music. He notes that it is nice to find connection with people in that way and to create a space for them to hear his music, but he prefers to play music live.

During his music career, Drives has started to change his style a bit. He started by creating music about his personal life but has started to expand out to talking about the world at large. His next project, a concept album, explores more of what is happening in the world, while also incorporating more musical influences.

For other Indigenous youth who want to get into creating their own music and art, Drives the Common Man advises to not think too hard about it making what others want or think you should make. No matter what you create, whether from traditional aspects or otherwise, it will be Indigenous art because it comes from you. Keeping the traditions alive is important and to carry the torch of those traditions is an honor, but make what you want and what makes you happy, because it all counts as art.

Check out Drives the Common Man’s music, and keep an eye out for his new album, coming soon!