The Independence of DRIFTWOOD
Photo Credit Tristan Tringali
Multi-disciplinary artist Driftwood has released his new single ‘Bremfields’, featuring British rapper Still Greedy. The creative track is a perfect addition to Driftwood’s already impressive independent catalogue of music, and the accompanying self-directed, and self-edited music video can only be described as visually amazing. We sat down with Driftwood to talk about the meaning behind ‘Bremfields’, the highs and lows of being an unsigned artist and the possibility of a new album this year.
For those that haven’t heard your music before, how do you describe your sound?
I’d say the genre of music is Alt R&B with Hip hop & electronic influences.
Tell us about your new song 'Bremfields'?
My new song ‘Bremfields’ is about breaking free of genres and playing with the concept of breaking “The Fourth Wall’.
What does the song mean to you?
I’ve always been curious about the universe and consciousness. This song is an ode to the feeling that I am trapped in this paradigm of consciousness and don’t belong here. I had some fun with it.
You brought British Rapper, Still Greedy in for vocals on Bremfields. Was it his voice you had in mind when writing the track? and what was he like to work with?
I was very grateful he collabed, I love his verse
Also on this song is ARIA nominated Reigan Derry on backing vocals and the track was mixed by the Big Nasty himself Dan Vinci, does working with such a heady mix of artists make the process of getting the song 'just right' easier?
She is an absolute star and one of the most talented people I’ve ever met. In the studio and as a performer, she is on another level.
Dan Vinci added production and beefed our initial sound and did an incredible job mixing the track. Very grateful for his work on this track it wouldn’t have been the same without him.
“no budget can get tricky, but on the upside it forces you to get resourceful and good at your craft”
You direct and edit all your own videos now, so was it your concept for the video? Any memorable moments during the making of it?
Yea, I’m very passionate about the visual aspect of my aesthetic. The concept was a breaking free of the material universe. It was exploring the concept of freedom, the ebb and flow of the universe and our relationship with time and space.
Is there an album out soon? If so, what can fans expect?
I don’t want to give away too much but yea, there is a lot of new music / videos coming.
“You don’t need to be signed, or in the cool crowd to create what you want to create. No one has a monopoly on art”
You have been quoted as saying “I’m just an artist creating pieces of work I want to create and doing it independently. I’m not signed to a major record deal, and up until late last year, I did everything on my own, with the help of a few friends, and without any backing. You don’t need to be signed, or in the cool crowd to create what you want to create. No one has a monopoly on art.” What are the advantages to being the Independent Artist that you are?
Biggest advantage I’d say would be being able to execute things in the way you see them without a lot of other voices clouding the direction or vision. Also, you can operate on your own timeline which can be to your own detriment also.
I respect major labels though. I think they hold a very important role within the music industry and do an incredible job in such a rapidly advancing industry. There’s advantages to both.
What disadvantages or problems do you face being that Independent Artist?
I think you have to take a lot more responsibility for your work and the business side and be really organised. It can be a grind.
Also having no budget can get tricky, but on the upside it forces you to get resourceful and good at your craft.
How did you get your start in music?
I would just write songs and have fun making music with friends and grew from there.
“I’m always going through new pockets, being influenced and continually learning. ”
Who do you credit as your musical influences?
Too many to mention. I love old gospel, Alt Rnb, Hip hop, Reggae, Electronic. It’s too tough as I’m always going through new pockets, being influenced and continually learning.
Where was your first gig? Was it a success or flop?
I don’t actually remember TBH, haha… can’t imagine it was great (lol)
Who would your ultimate Collab Partner be?
Kanye West or Sam Cooke
Who in your crew or team deserves a shout out but never gets one? And what is it they do that keeps your world turning?
I’d have to say Glenn. He has stepped in behind the scenes a bit over a year ago - he’s honestly a genius and the Goat.
I’d also have to say my friend and fellow collaborator Mitchel Sloan AKA Hunter Farlow. He’s a musical genius and just one of the most talented people I’ve ever met.
What's next for you? What can we look forward to in 2022 and beyond?
I’m headed to the US in a few weeks to lock in and work with some incredible people. Will be releasing a lot of new work and I’m excited to play live.
Thank you very much!
Interview by MIchelle Symes
February 2022