Tell us a little about yourself?
I am an 18-year-old musician from Grayson, KY. USA. I am currently a full-time traveling musician as well as a news anchor and disc jockey on two local radio stations. I have performed on national and internationally syndicated television and radio shows. At the age of 12 I was commissioned a Colonel by the state of Kentucky, the state’s highest civilian honour.
How did you come up with your artist name?
Dreyden Gordon is my true, given name.
How long have you been in the music industry?
I began when I was 2 years old dancing on stage. At age 7 I began singing on stage. At age 11 I taught myself to play guitar and began accompanying myself on guitar on stage.
How did you get started in the music business in the first place?
My true beginning and introduction into the music business came when I was only two years old. I would attend a local venue that hosted bluegrass music. Several folks in the audience would dance to the band. I began copying what they were doing’.
One night a bluegrass legend, Melvin Goins, was performing, he saw me dancing and invited me on stage. Thus, giving me the entertainment bug. At the age of seven I began singing as a guest on many of his road shows and personal appearances.
How would you describe your latest single?
My latest single is a true story song written about a World War II veteran and the things he witnessed while in combat as told to me by him shortly before his passing.
When can fans expect the visuals for the single?
The song is currently available on all platforms. “Soldier’s Story” – Dreyden Gordon
Who are your inspirations in the music industry?
I find myself drawing inspirations from musicians in all genres of music, but within the worlds of Bluegrass and Country Music I am inspired artists such as Jimmy Martin, Ralph and Carter Stanley, Bill Monroe, The Osborne Brothers, Hank Snow, Hank Williams, Loretta Lynn and countless others.
How do you go about writing a song and what is your process?
I look around and draw inspiration from what I see in day-to-day life. The songs I write are songs that I and my audience alike can relate to either in day-to-day life or emotionally.
Any plans on touring to promote your latest single?
I am currently keeping a full touring schedule with between 80 – 100 shows on the road across the United States each year.
What did you buy with your first check off music?
I truly do not remember, being so young when I started in music it was probably a toy, candy, or something along those lines. Ha Ha.
What are must haves when your in the studio working?
A good knowledge and understanding of the songs I am working with.
What is the best piece of advice in this business you actually followed?
Give every audience the most respect and best performance you possibly can no matter how big or small the show.
What artist have you had the pleasure of working with and what was it like?
I have been fortunate and blessed enough to work alongside and perform with several of my musical hero’s and inspirations such as Dr. Ralph Stanley, Larry Sparks, Melvin Goins, Marty Raybon, Joe Mullins, Kody Norris, and many others.
Name an artist(s) that you would love to work with?
Larry Sparks, Jeannie Seely, Bill Anderson – Just to name a few.
Do you think your music is mostly enjoyed more for the beats or for the lyrical flow and content?
I would like to think it is a combination of all three!
What area do you need to improve on in regards to your career? (Example: Better production, Delivery, Stage presence, etc…)
I think every artist who is sincere about their music is their own worst critic. With that being said, every artist can view their own show and see room for improvement in various areas. The day that an artist quits critiquing their own work is the day they start to lose sight of the main objective, the music and their own personal reasons for making the music. Every time I perform, I can look back and see something that I should have done differently. With that being said I take mental notes and make improvements for the next show. Just like the music, the artist and stage show are ever evolving.
What’s your all-time favourite song?
Dublin Blues – Guy Clark
What was the last album you listened to?
“At Carnegie Hall” – Flatt and Scruggs
Your favourite artist of all time and why?
There are truly too many to narrow down to one.
Whose your favourite five artists right now?
Guy Clark, Jeannie Seely, Ralph Stanley, Jimmy Martin and George Jones.
In your opinion who is the most influential and successful artist in your genre today and why?
Larry Sparks, his styling, deliverance and drive, are just as relevant today as they were when he released his first album.
Who have been some of your favourite artists that you’ve been able to work with?
Refer back to the question labeled: “What artist have you had the pleasure of working with and what was it like?”
How do you feel about the current state of music?
Just like with any trend or form of media, there are “ups and downs.” I feel like the state of bluegrass and country music is good and getting better.
There will always be mainstream artists that do not truly encapsulate what the music (of any genre) truly is, but there are just as many independent artists out there living what they are writing and singing. Music is something up to the interpretation of the listener and what they can relate to and feel.
Any dream award shows you hope to one day play at?
Grammy’s, IBMA, SPGMA, CMA’s
What is your main goal as far as music?
To create truthful music that the listener and myself can relate to.
Who would you say your music relates to the most?
A country and bluegrass audience.
What separates you from other artists? (What’s makes you different?)
My styling, drive and sense of tradition but with a twist.
When your not in the studio, What do you like to do for fun and relaxation?
I enjoy collecting vinyl records, fishing and traveling.
What’s the biggest highlight of your career thus far?
In March of 2021 I performed at the Ryman Auditorium with dear friends Jo-el and LeAnne Ulmer of the country music duo ‘2 Country 4 Nashville.’ The Ryman was the former home of the Grand Ole Opry and is one of the most prestigious venues in the world hosting artists such as Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, Hank Williams and countless other legends. The sold-out show was truly a dream come true!
What is your dream venue to perform at?
The Grand Ole Opry
What’s the name of the last book you read and by whom?
Familiar Quotations by John Bartlett
Whose your favourite actor or actress and their best movie?
I don’t really have a favorite actor or actress, but I do have a favorite movie, “Smokey and the Bandit.” I feel that it is truly a timeless classic.
Name someone famous who inspires you and why?
Bill Monroe, he combined various types of music he had heard into one to create what became known as bluegrass music.
Where can the fans check out for your music?
Available on all streaming services.
Support this artist by using the links below:
Is My Music Fire 🔥 