by Runs Jan. 11-15th.
From small town Standard, AB to Nashville; from main stage Big Valley Jamboree to garnering three ACMA Male Artist of the Year nominations, Drew Gregory’s heart still remains within the community he was raised. He remains an active member of the local Ag Society, local hockey and baseball team. Drew continues to support and represent the community in every way knowledgeable to him.
Music had always been a huge influence in Drew’s life growing up. In Junior High he began honing his guitar playing skills and by High School, he was a mainstay at many local gatherings within the community. It was through this that he began penning his own songs. Inevitably this would bring him to recording; in the form an EP for his Mother’s Christmas gift in 2009.
As every graduate seeks a new career path, Drew sought his by attending SAIT and obtaining a degree in Geomatics. Spending a year surveying in the field, he quickly realized this was not the correct career choice for him. In search of his future, he set off on a backing adventure to Australia. Upon returning to his native homeland on the farm, Drew realized the pursuit of a music career and staying true to his roots, was where his heart lay. With his path laid out, Drew immediately began honing his songwriting skills and developing his vocals. His sister, Natalie, secured a position with a local recording studio and it was inevitable that some recording would develop. The first recording of his songs would be a gift to his mom for Christmas, which rather quickly spread amongst his friends, all of them asking for a CD.
It is from this community’s support, financial contributions from 10K20 program and winning Best Song “Country Hurricane”, in the Country 105 / Lammles Rising Star in 2010, that his debut album had the opportunity to become a reality. This was also the kick off for Drew’s first venture to Nashville. Packing some clothes and guitar, he headed to Tennessee. Coming from a town where he knew everyone to a city where he knew no one, quickly became a humbling experience. Living in hostels, Drew rapidly gained new friends and made many Industry and song writing connections. He gained a greater appreciation for the music business. At the time Drew didn’t realize that these connections would be instrumental in assisting with the recording of his debut Album “County Hurricane”; a dream come true.
Friends and family boosted the Country Hurricane album locally so much, that later in 2010, Drew recorded a party EP “My Drunk Friends”. With the EP complete, a fun video starring some friends was recorded for the song, “Gonna Get Drunk”. One could say, Drew now had the bug and started to pursue his recording career with more determination. Knowing he was unable to move forward on his own, Drew began building his team.
With the start of his team in place, Drew released his debut single “Lay It All Out There” to Canadian radio in early 2012. He immediately set out on a radio tour to introduce himself. Performing acoustic shows at small venues along the way, Drew gained many new fans and friends. The fan favorite and title track “Country Hurricane” followed his debut release in April 2012.
That summer, Drew made his first televised appearance by garnering a semi- finalist spot with his single “Small Town Way” on CMT’s Big in a Small Town, airing nationally across Canada in August 2012. Performing his debut single “Lay It All Out There” on air, this program was watched by over 2.7 million viewers.
Drew’s sophomore album “The Way I Was Raised” was kick started with the single “Truck. Beer. Girl” dropping to radio in February 2013. Drew’s prolific penmanship shone through on six of the twelve songs with a host of respected writers penning the remaining six songs. The release of the title track “The Way I Was Raised” harvested charting numbers at Canadian radio, and the video is being played on CMT.
He continues to assist on the family farm, while maintaining his musical career. This trail blazing artist has his sights on the horizon.
