Meet Drew Minako | Singer/Songwriter & Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Drew Minako and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Drew, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I think taking risks can help mold us into the best version of ourselves. There was a lot I didn’t do at at an early age because I was scared of what people would think, and I never really subscribed to cisgender’d norms for as long as I can remember, long story short, i was scared to change the course of my comfortableness. Staying comfortable doesn’t allow room for growth and I didn’t know who I was at the time. Nowadays Its a lot different. I’m not afraid to dress how I want and express myself how I want because I realize now that I’m not meant to fit in at all, & never was. The same goes for my music. I love all kinds of music. I draw influences all across the board genre wise, so I don’t plan on putting myself in any boxes when it comes to my sound either.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
For me, creating allows me to maintain a sense of peace; something that has been steadily needed this past year with all the challenges we’ve faced; from the pandemic to racial equality. When lockdown first happened, it put a lot into perspective for me and that’s when I started writing songs. Although songwriting is new for me, I started producing at 17. My first record was a remix to Lana del Rey’s “Born to Die”. A large bulk of my time in high school was spent making beats, I would just be on my computer for hours putting together my own remixes & sometimes full on album concepts for artists that I liked. I kind’ve felt like I was maybe limiting myself by sticking to just producing & choosing to have other artists sing on my songs. I’m glad I stepped out of my comfortableness & allowed myself to take that step & started writing and expressing myself in that way, I have so much I want to talk about. I think the very essence of my existence & my identity is what sets me a part from others. People want to see diversity, and there’s so many sides to me. I think now that I’ve come into myself & I’m in a position where I have full creative control it’s going to really benefit me in the future.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We’d definitely visit some parks. There’s nothing like disconnecting from the busyness around you & taking time to relax & reflect. Miami’s Design District is where we’ll be if we want to get a little shopping done, by this time the sun just about to go down & the next stop would have to be wynwood. The Taco Stand & Esotico Miami are usually my first pics for restaurants. Bars like Gramps & the Dirty Rabbit are some of my favorites.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I wanna shout out my photographer Kassandra Cuero ( @kass.bby ) She’s so talented behind the lens and she just so happens to be a close friend of mind. We do a lot together & we just have a really good bond. Next I wanna shoutout my makeup artist Nino Garcia ( @ninas_vanity_ ) Nino’s one of the hardest working women I know. She also just launched her own beauty business “Nina’s Vanity” and recently released a line of all natural Lip Scrubs & Lip glazes. Last but not least I wanna shoutout my creative assistant Daniela Paez ( @_danielapaez_ ) none of my projects would be as successful as they have been if dani wasn’t there to give some of her last minute creative input & ideas, she’s such a talented makeup & special fx artist. she also designs custom sneakers ( @daniscustomkicks )which are nothing short of amazing. I work so we’ll with all these great artists because we all happen to be close friends. I feel really lucky actually, It’s really cool to be able to work with people who are rooting for you & have your best interest in mind.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drewminako/

Linkedin: https://linktr.ee/drewminako

Twitter: https://twitter.com/drewminako

Image Credits
Kassandra Cuero