DREW SHOURD / DRUMS

~ DRUMS ~ PERCUSSION ~ VOCALS ~ LYRICS ~
First and foremost, thank you for visiting.
Please allow me to express a few of my overviews concerning music, rhythm and drums.
Ever since I can remember, I have felt the energy and strength behind the song and have come to realize that the power of music is beyond any of our explanations. The best we can do is respect it and stay true to it's energy by being the best possible vessel for it.
I have also realized that the song is larger than the individual and for me, it's about listening to each other and respecting the flow and direction of the music. Making myself accountable to these observations has truely made me a better musician.
In the 25 years on this instrument, I have learned some very valuable and essential lessons.
One of those lessons is understanding the power of the rest and to let the song breathe. Knowing how to play your instrument is important, but knowing when to play it and when not to play it, is possibly more important.
Even the busiest song relies on the space between the notes and respecting the negative space creates growth within the positive. Most times, less IS more. Another important lesson and the most important role as a drummer is steady time. I've heard drummers that were so busy that the tempo was all over the page. Think about it, nature and the rhythms of life thrive on consistant patterns and so does most music.
In my opinion, a huge part in becoming the best you can be as an instrumentalist is to be sensitive to the relationship and the ever changing dynamics between the players.
Reggae is probably one of my favorite genres. What other type of music is so simple and yet so important. Most people think reggae is just about sittin' around and smokin' cannabis.
On the contrary, reggae music is about social and political oppression and the peaceful solutions of the oppressed. About the struggles of the poor and the movement of the positive energy that will never die. Songs of love, peace, positive energy, tolerance and patience, this is Jah.
I love vocals that tell stories, heal the soul and raise the spirit. As a vocalist, I feel a strong connection between the energy of the rhythm and the vocals. There are many social, political, emotional and spiritual issues around us that need to be voiced AND heard. I feel a responsibility to raise the bar.
If you are recording or showcasing, drop me a line. I am available to complete your rhythm section and lay down a nice groove for you
~BIO~
Drew was born in Los Angeles and raised in Flint Michigan and has been back in L.A. for twenty years. Being raised on the mean streets where gun shots were the background noise, Drew found peace in music AND beatin' the hell out of his drums! At the age of 16, Drew was playing in many bands around town, playing everything from soul, funk, R/B, reggae and rock and roll.
In 1985, Drew moved back to Los Angeles and got very busy playing with different bands throughout Southern California. Staying true to his roots from Motown, Drew keeps soul, R/B, reggae and funk closest to him. In 1994, Drew worked with Andy Summers (the Police) on an Amnesty International production.
In 1997, on vacation in Manila, he was asked to perform as a guest with Platinum recording artists ART START, a popular group throughout Asia.
Drew has had the honor of working with several artists, a partial list includes:
SWARM
ANDY SUMMERS (The Police)
DANIEL DE LOS REYES (Sting, Earth, Wind and Fire, Don Henley, Stevie Nicks, Jennifer Lopez, Ricky Martin, Steve Winwood, Lionel Richie, Sergio Mendez and Cher to name a few)
LEAF (Les Garland/M.T.V.)
ASPHALT FUNK (CBS Records)
ARTSTART (Island Records/Manila)
MICHAEL FELL (Harmonica God)
JOHN MARX (Blues Patrol Music)
GENO MATEO (Thee Rhythm Kings)
WORD OF MOUTH (www.wordofmth.com)
Drew's love for rhythm and more importantly, the song, makes him a highly sensitive and musical drummer that is constantly in demand. As a lyricist, Drew deals with important social, political and spiritual issues that he feels are the key to growth, love and life.
FOR MORE BIO visit www.drewshourd.com
Drew has been a chef of over 20 years in hotels, restaurants, country clubs, motion pictures, music videos and commercials.
Working with Brian Adams, Lenny Kravizt, Earth, Wind and Fire, Janet Jackson, Whitney Houston and more.
Check out www.myspace.com/drewssharedsecrets
As a Set Designer in motion pictures, Drew has worked with many stars, including Brad Pitt, Rick Schroder, Liz Talor, Jeff Goldbloom, Steven Spielberg just to mention a few.
Type in "Andrew Shourd" in any search engine and enjoy!
Drew is hoping to increase the awareness and open peoples minds to not only the history but also the importance of the drum, as a musical instrument and as a major tool of communication since the dawn of man.
Drew is also working to improve musical conditions for under privileged and inner city children by finding good homes for donated gear, If you wish to donate anything, please contact him...THANX! Check out www.myspace.com/drumsouls
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