Localized: Drew Danburry and TaughtMe Love Each Other
Issue 216 / December 2006 More from this Issue
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By Jeff Guay
It is said that genius is one percent inspiration and 99 percent perspiration. If that’s true, these two acts are funky with the sour stench of brilliance. Earlier this year, Drew Danburry approached Blake of the band TaughtMe impressed, by his music as well as his solid touring schedule. They both make honest, richly influenced folk, but it is their solid work ethic that makes the two click so well. Together they’ve already done one US tour and are planning another, as well as a European tour. They’re two of the most active and interesting acts around; their enthusiasm for their own work as well as for others’ around them is infectious. The two will be playing Localized on December 8th, 10 p.m., at Urban Lounge, opening the showcase will be The Hotness.Drew Danburry is a returned missionary and a BYU graduate, originally from Huntington Beach, CA. His MySpace page advertises "kick-ass sing along kindergarten folk-pop music," and I don’t think I can describe it better than that.
"When I first started writing songs I was listening to a lot of Reggie and the Full Effect and Bright Eyes," he says, "but at the same time the Wu-Tang Clan was my favorite group growing up." That might seem like an unlikely trichotomy of influences, but it’s just what sets Drew apart from other folkies. When listening to his uniquely catchy and honest songs, the hip-hop inspiration is lyrically evident. His influences don’t stop at emotional folk or sword-slinging hip-hop; though, Drew likes to be inspired by the people and musicians around him.
"When I tour with The Robot Ate Me, Aubrey Debauchery or TaughtMe, I find I gravitate to a lot of the ideas I'm around." His attitude to local music is unique in that he believes in comradery and mutual support among artists, which comes from his own desires for a more tight-knit artistic community. He is willing to support and help other musicians in the area, which is refreshing in a state where many artists feel a lack of community.
He has spent the majority of ‘06 on tour, both in the US and in Europe. Although the "Danburry" word is spreading, Drew tries not to let any success get to his head.
"I don't see myself as ‘successful’ really. Plus, I don't think any kind of acclaim or positive reception really is a form of success…I think we need to be true to ourselves and make something we can be proud of."
Although he is very religious, no stereotypes seem to stick to him, which is exactly how he likes it. Lyrically, his songs are layered and complex, and although he admits to writing songs according to his perception of the world, he doesn’t want religion to be a part of the artist/audience equation.
"I'm not really a religion or a person lacking in depth. I'm not a thing, or an idea, or anything someone can box up into a stereotype or assumption." His songwriting approach is unique in that his songs tend to sound entirely different when played live as opposed to being played in the studio. He admits some fans find it irritating, but the fact that he embraces change and adapts to what’s around him is part of the charm. In ’07 we can look forward to a sequel album to Besides, and, perhaps to resolve the difference between his live shows and studio work, as he plans on releasing a live album in the near future.
It is said that genius is one percent inspiration and 99 percent perspiration. If that’s true, these two acts are funky with the sour stench of brilliance. Earlier this year, Drew Danburry approached Blake of the band TaughtMe impressed, by his music as well as his solid touring schedule. They both make honest, richly influenced folk, but it is their solid work ethic that makes the two click so well. Together they’ve already done one US tour and are planning another, as well as a European tour. They’re two of the most active and interesting acts around; their enthusiasm for their own work as well as for others’ around them is infectious. The two will be playing Localized on December 8th, 10 p.m., at Urban Lounge, opening the showcase will be The Hotness.Drew Danburry is a returned missionary and a BYU graduate, originally from Huntington Beach, CA. His MySpace page advertises "kick-ass sing along kindergarten folk-pop music," and I don’t think I can describe it better than that.
"When I first started writing songs I was listening to a lot of Reggie and the Full Effect and Bright Eyes," he says, "but at the same time the Wu-Tang Clan was my favorite group growing up." That might seem like an unlikely trichotomy of influences, but it’s just what sets Drew apart from other folkies. When listening to his uniquely catchy and honest songs, the hip-hop inspiration is lyrically evident. His influences don’t stop at emotional folk or sword-slinging hip-hop; though, Drew likes to be inspired by the people and musicians around him.
"When I tour with The Robot Ate Me, Aubrey Debauchery or TaughtMe, I find I gravitate to a lot of the ideas I'm around." His attitude to local music is unique in that he believes in comradery and mutual support among artists, which comes from his own desires for a more tight-knit artistic community. He is willing to support and help other musicians in the area, which is refreshing in a state where many artists feel a lack of community.
He has spent the majority of ‘06 on tour, both in the US and in Europe. Although the "Danburry" word is spreading, Drew tries not to let any success get to his head.
"I don't see myself as ‘successful’ really. Plus, I don't think any kind of acclaim or positive reception really is a form of success…I think we need to be true to ourselves and make something we can be proud of."
Although he is very religious, no stereotypes seem to stick to him, which is exactly how he likes it. Lyrically, his songs are layered and complex, and although he admits to writing songs according to his perception of the world, he doesn’t want religion to be a part of the artist/audience equation.
"I'm not really a religion or a person lacking in depth. I'm not a thing, or an idea, or anything someone can box up into a stereotype or assumption." His songwriting approach is unique in that his songs tend to sound entirely different when played live as opposed to being played in the studio. He admits some fans find it irritating, but the fact that he embraces change and adapts to what’s around him is part of the charm. In ’07 we can look forward to a sequel album to Besides, and, perhaps to resolve the difference between his live shows and studio work, as he plans on releasing a live album in the near future.
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