Conversation with a talented singer Drew Finchum
Today on our Hot Seat we have Drew Finchum a country singer from Knoxville, Tennessee. Let’s have a chat with him.
Twist Online : First of all please introduce yourself to our readers.
Drew : My name is Drew Finchum. Born and raised in Knoxville, Tennessee. I’m a libra. lol I enjoy long walks along the beach and popping bubble wrap. I’ve been a professional beard harvester for about 9 years. lol Nah, but, really I am just a blue collar guy trying to make a name for myself and an honest living doing what I love.
Twist Online : Who or what inspired you to get into music industry?
Drew : My parents were in a traveling gospel/bluegrass band and so I grew up around music. WIVK was my favorite station growing up and I used to lay in my room and color in my coloring books and listen to country music or old Elvis cassette tapes and just get lost. My dad was always into johnny cash and hank williams and so I used to listen to that. I never really appreciated it though until I got older and could relate more. I love country music, because, it is about the “blue collar” balad. The stories it tells. I wrote my first song at 14 years old (it sucked), but, I’ve always connected with that idea of telling your stories to the world and connecting with people all over the world and relating to them like my favorite artists did for me. I went and bought my first acoustic guitar in college and learned how to play chords and ended up dropping out to pursue it. It’d be 2am in the morning (class would be at 7am or whenever) and I’d be up working on a song and then sleep in, wake up, and go fishing.
Twist Online : Tell us about your recent track Turn this Truck Around ?
Drew : If you have ever been in a pickup truck or a car with your buddies and spotted a beautiful southern girl across the road and whipped the truck around to get back over to her, then this song is for you. This song is about that moment when you see a girl that makes you wanna risk it all and embarass yourself just for a shot to take her out. You don’t care how dumb you look or whatever, you just know she is the finest thing you’ve ever seen and you wanna talk to her. When I recorded this song I wanted it to thump and I feel like it’s got that down home southern edge that most new country music has lost. lol Funny story too, I was on sick leave from work when I recorded it and I actually recorded the whole song with a hernia. lol I feel like I did aite, but, there was a couple high notes that really hurt.
Twist Online : What kind of response you have received from the release?
Drew : Mostly positive. My buddies at home blair it in their trucks all the time as well as random people around Knoxville. Although, (not sure if I should even say this) apparently there is a line in the song that says, “But, when I saw you girl I had to mash the brakes.” Apparently, “Mash the brakes” sounds like something different. So I’ve had to elaborate with a few radio promoters who thought it was something else. But, this is a fun “bar” song to sing. It’s a simple straight forward song that you can blare in the truck or sing live with your friends and get rowdy to.
Twist Online : What attracts you more, performing on stage or working in studios?
Drew : I really have a blast when I go into the studio. Miah at the Sound Lair in Knoxville does a phenomenal job and we have a blast. But, I love meeting new people and talking/getting to know them and what makes them tick. So, that part I love, but, honestly I really am not a fan of the spotlight. I never feel like I deserve it and I don’t like attention on myself. So, it’s really hard for me to get up on stage and sing in front of people that paid to see me sing. I kinda wanna just be like, “Are you sure? Me? You paid and WANT to see ME?” But, that is just kind of how I am. I don’t take compliments very well. But, people? Gah, I love meeting people and making people laugh.
Twist Online : What’s your favorite music genre?
Drew : Country, Rock, and Metal. My top 5 favorite artists are: Bob Seger, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Kenny Chesney, Bobby Mackey, and Thin Lizzy. But, I mean I love all different types of music.
Twist Online : Have you set some goals to achieve?
Drew : I want to play the Tennessee Theater. I’d love a gold album. One of my ultimate goals is to be a member of the Grand Ole Opry though.
Twist Online : Are you working on any new project?
Drew : My first full length album: Blount County. I’m pretty pumped about it. But, right now I’m not playing any shows I’m just trying to get my album done. In the meantime just keep an eye on my website for updates. www.bigdrewmusic.com
