Exclusive | Dre Walton Talks Motivation From His Daughter and Making Feel Good Music
“What separates me from other artists in my genre is the fact that I’m a RAW talent. No autotune needed, I write all of my own material and sing it.”
By: Omar Cook
This week's "Who's Hot?" Artist of the week is Cleveland singer, Dre Walton! Dre brings a soulful R&B sound which reminds you of artists such as Lyfe Jennings, T-Pain and Tank. He recently dropped a new video to his song "WYDT" which stands for “what you doing tonight.” Dre Walton has a laid back vibe and relatable lyrics that anyone can get into. This is definitely an artist you should add to your playlist!
Dre Walton - "WYDT" (Official Lyric Video)
We talked with Dre Walton in an exclusive interview, check it out below!
How long have you been making music and how did you get started?
Dre Walton: I’ve been making music since probably around the age of 14. I always knew I could sing but I started to write my own music at that age. I just tried my hand at it and it sounded decent for a young teen.
Musically, who has been your biggest influence in helping you along your journey and who are your favorite musicians?
Dre Walton: My biggest influences musically would have to be Tank and Avant. I believe I carry a little bit of both artists in my own bag. Avant being from Cleveland Ohio like myself and him being the last R&B artist from my city to be signed and recognized nationally. I met Tank via Twitter around 2010 or something and ended up opening his Savage Tour stop in Cleveland in 2017.
What artists would you like to collaborate with and why?
Dre Walton: I’d like to work with Ty Dolla $ign, Chris Brown, Tank, ASAP Ferg & Rocky…H.E.R., SIR, Anderson Paak. All these artists have significant sounds and hold down their perspective lanes in the music industry. I respect that. And they’re all original artists they don’t sound like anyone else.
What do you feel is your best song/project ever released and why?
Dre Walton: I believe ALL of my work is BEST because the world hasn’t heard my sound yet. My personal favorite record of mine is “11.16” because it represents & signifies a shift in my life and career as a man and artist. All my work is based on True stories.
What projects can we look forward to in the near future?
Dre Walton: I have a few projects I’ve been working on. 2021 is going to be a ride for everyone who’s been supporting and everyone who becomes a fan of what I do!
How do you generate new ideas for your music?
Dre Walton: Everything I write is from experience so it might be someone I know dealing with something or me personally dealing with something rather good or bad. I write about it. That’s how I get my ideas out. After I roll a few joints of the “Pressure Pack” lol.
What motivates you and how do you define success?
Dre Walton: Life motivates me. My daughter Melody Rain recently came into the world so she’s added much more motivation since then. I love her life. Success to me is being able to do what you love , take care of your family and doing good with your people while doing it. I really want my gifts to be able to take care of my family for generations to come.
How do you describe your music to people and what separates you from other artists in your genre?
Dre Walton: I make music that feels good!! You can pop my songs on and every one of them will make you feel good, feel like dancing, making love or all the above at the same time. What separates me from other artists in my genre is the fact that I’m a RAW talent. No autotune needed, I write all of my own material and sing it. I’m also a Veteran of the US ARMY; I’ve been deployed twice to Iraq in my younger years.
Do you believe there is a formula to being a successful artist?
Dre Walton: Yes, but it isn’t the same for all artists. The common thing is staying consistent. Repetition is another. Keeping God first is number one.
Who is your greatest inspiration?
Dre Walton: My Family.
In your opinion who is the most influential and successful artist in your genre today and why?
Dre Walton: Hmmmm. I’d say Beyonce and Jay-Z…like it or not they are the culture in black music.
Which emotion more than any other, currently dominates your music? Joy, sadness, anger or passion etc. , and why?
Dre Walton: Joy, Passion and Love.
What sacrifices have you had to make, to make your dream a reality?
Dre Walton: I left the military in 2010 to make music. I could have stayed in and got a great steady paycheck and benefits after 20 years but my heart wasn’t in that. I’ve been without a car, a job, money, and a peace of mind. I’ve spent thousands in my career to do what needs to be done. I regret nothing.
What aspect of the music making process excites you most, and what aspect discourages you the most?
Dre Walton: Creating. The entire process from the idea to the finished product. The part that discourages me the most is when you’re independent and its hard to reach an audience outside your current area until you start to branch outside of your hometown.
Where do you see yourself and your music in 10 years?
Dre Walton: I see myself Grammy award winning. Multiple accolades in the music industry, writing for some of the upcoming artists and eventually running my own record label.
What advice would you give to other up and coming artists or people looking to break into the music industry?
Dre Walton: Don’t give up if it’s something you want, do whatever you have to do to make it happen. Its a Marathon not a sprint. Enjoy the ride have fun with your art.
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