We had the good fortune of connecting with DRWMCHL (Drew Michael) and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi DRWMCHL, alright, let’s jump in with a deep one – what’s you’re definition for success?
I actually don’t use the word “success” often. I’ve come to realize that “success” is subjective for everyone and everyone has different expectations and standards of it.
I like to use the word “significance” more. It doesn’t always go hand in hand with an idea of success, but to me it’s more important. Impact. Legacy. Love. How are you making people feel? How are you changing their lives? Are you showing your humanism? Are you for the greater good? Does your work reflect your personal creativity? Or is it chasing fads?
Money and fame, likes and follows, streams and downloads, verified check marks, are all major “success” standards, but most of the time they don’t carry any true “significance.”
I’d rather have that.
Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I am a singer songwriter who loves all aspects of entertainment. I love to sing all types of music and enjoy acting as well. My personal music is R&B/Soul. It is what resonates the most with me. I’ve worked really hard at being consistent in what I do, in everything that I do. Whether I am working on my own music or working with Disney, my goal is always to present the best song, best show, best product I can.
The business of show is the greatest challenge and we all have to deal with it to pay our rent, but it’s filled with a lot of things that don’t align with my intention as an artist.
Sometimes that means I miss out on things, but I’m a person that operates first in integrity. My integrity is everything to me and I’ve learned as long as I’ve kept that in the forefront of my intention as an artist, the most amazing things come to me when they are supposed to!
I’ve also learned that there is never any competition with anyone else. Just against yourself. I love supporting other people and their crafts, I post more about others sometimes than I do myself, because I genuinely believe in them the same. We all can win. We all can support each other. We all have something to offer. Not one of us is the same. Sadly the business has set us up to only think of our own lanes and that someone else having something is supposed to make us compete against them. The more we band together in the space of community, true support of each other, the more the business of show becomes built on OUR terms.
I’ve also learned I am in no rush! The tortoise wins the race. I may reach mountaintops slower than others, but I’ll get there with joy in my heart and so much peace knowing I did it my way. The right way. Honored MY journey. That’s keeps me driving forward!
With that being said, go enjoy all my music! It is available on all downloading and streaming platforms. In July 2021, I dropped my latest song SunDaZe, which is all about Sunday Funday. Great summer jam! Can’t wait to release more music this fall and have another live show in the area.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am a kid at heart… eternally 12. So we’d definitely do theme parks. I love Disney so we’d definitely do Disneyland. I love rollercoasters so we definitely do Six Flags! Because I am in entertainment and have many friends in it, we’d go see a couple of their shows or performances. Anywhere they are playing music live or in a club you would find us there. I am also a foodie and love a turn up moment, so we’d go to some of my favorite food spots like Ocean Prime for brunch, Mr. BBQ, Miss Shabu, and Issé for Korean cuisine, Newport Seafood for Chinese, Sari Sari and Mix Mix Kitchen and Bar for Filipino food, and Stevie’s Creole Cafe for some amazing soul food. We’d also just sit up at my place and watch our fave movies. I like to cook as well. Gym and hiking would also definitely be on the list. It would be a full week!
Alright, so let’s jump right in! The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there a person, group, organization, book, etc. that you want to dedicate your shoutout to? Who else deserves a little credit and recognition in your story?
It takes a village. At this point in my life and career there are so many people that have made an impact. I would say my parents for the unconditional love and support. My first music and vocal teacher Patty Yancey for helping me find my voice. My tight circle of best friends who keep me grounded and loved. My producer Sheven who believes in me time and time again to level up even when I don’t believe in myself. It takes a village.
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Image Credits
Steve Limones Photography