Today we’d like to introduce you to DRiN Elliott.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started life as a kid in my bedroom making songs up on a cheap Yamaha keyboard. From that, it was very apparent to me at a young age that music was an outlet for me and making it made me happy. I remember recording songs with a microphone to a cassette tape. I made a few copies and would pass them out at school for people to listen to.
Had a crazy song called “sniff your fart” and another called “too legit”. Around the age of 15, I began playing for my home churches which made the music even more real for me because I was now playing in front of strangers. Other than this, I had no formal training besides a few piano lessons that I quit early on because I didn’t have the patience (BIG MISTAKE!)
However, when it came time to select a college major, I chose Music Composition because I knew it was the ONLY thing that could hold my attention enough for me to study and pass. College was so much fun, but I struggled to keep up with my counterparts who had studied music from young children up until this point. My ear has always been exceptional but I didn’t know a thing about reading music until College. As usual, I clawed my way through and graduated miraculously in five years with a Bachelor of Arts in Music. Life after college was stagnant honestly. I wasn’t focused and I allowed my relationships to dictate my happiness. I still played music locally but my aspirations were low and I didn’t pursue my dreams.
After sticking around my college town, Birmingham AL for a few more years, I decided to move to Dallas, TX. I’d visited one time for an audition and decided I needed to move here although I initially wanted to move to LA. I felt Dallas would teach me important lessons that I needed to learn before making the jump to Los Angeles. In Dallas, is where my career really began to take off. I met & played with the top musicians and I also made a little name for myself which is impressive because prior to moving there I didn’t know anyone. After three years in Dallas and a bad break up, I determined it was time to make the jump to LA. I’ve been living here for the past three years and what a journey it has been. I’ve played for some of my favorite artists including Musiq Soulchild, Goapelé, Eric Benet, Angie Stone & Marsha Ambrosius.
I currently serve as keyboardist for The Jacksons (Jackson 5), Andre Cymone (Prince/NPG), Nikki Glaspie (Beyoncè, Maceo Parker). I also released my first single “Abandon Me” this year! Seeing as though I am the only person in my family to pursue music professionally and I’ve been privileged to make it this far, I know one thing. GOD IS REAL! I am extremely grateful for the steps my life has taken, although it seemed unorthodox at the time. My journey is a unique one; self-taught & self-made
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not smooth at all. In my twenties, all I cared about was my relationships and being cool. Music was an option, not a necessity. Lack of focus & low self-esteem kept me down, away from my goals.
Tell us about your work. What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?
I am a musician and I also referee basketball. But I’m known for music worldwide. My referee career is more low-key, but I’m equally as passionate about it. I am most proud of being self-taught and self-motivated. I have dreams that were given to me at a young age (God ordained me to do everything I’m doing now) and nobody MADE me do any of this, I’ve done and am doing it because I love it! I’m different than most because of these aspects I just listed. I’m also different because I’m ME, and there is only one ME. Genetics, my experiences, my upbringing is all specific to me.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite memory from childhood is attending basketball camps every summer and standing out at camp. I was mad short and chubby so it was harder to do it but I would usually walk away with a trophy or some recognition for my hard work. In school, not so much; I was pretty typical on my basketball team but at camp, I could boost myself and show out more or so I thought Ha! Ha!
Pricing:
- https://music.apple.com/us/album/abandon-me-single/1460620096 (ABANDON ME on iTunes/ Apple Music $.99 cent
- https://drinwear.bigcartel.com/products (DRiNWEAR fitted tee $15)
Contact Info:
- Website: iamdrin.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @drinxdrin
- Facebook: @DrinElliott
- Twitter: @drinxdrin
- Other: youtube.com/drinelliott
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
