Life & Work with Drew Foust

Today we’d like to introduce you to Drew Foust.  

Drew, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I remember having my first connection to music as a kid in church. My paternal grandmother was a gospel songwriter. There was a lot of regional traveling to attend fellowship concerts or “singings,” as she called them. That early exposure informed me on how music works and the feeling it gave me. By the age of 15, I had a fender guitar and was cutting my teeth on Jimmy Hendrix and Led Zeppelin, a right of passage for so many. This eventually led to open mics, sitting in, and starting bands. I was fortunate to be accepted by the local music scene, and it was during that time I began to find my voice. I spent my 20s raising children, working odd jobs, and performing when I could. With time I had informally broadened my taste and knowledge of music by tracing the roots and finding an appreciation of where it came from. With this new perspective, I began to hone my craft as a songwriter, focusing on original music. I’m 32 now; my daughters are becoming young adults, I’m still working a 9-5. I’ve released three records of my original music so far with some of the most talented folks around, and I’m still performing with my band, the Wheelhouse. I feel grateful to be surrounded and supported by so many wonderful people in my community both music and personal. Happy to be on this journey and excited to see what the future has in store. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’ve had a fair share of personal struggles throughout my life that have certainly shaped my journey. Having a mother with mental illness. Becoming a father at 20. Having to hustle and work odd jobs to make ends meet. The ensuing depression that come from those things. I’ve learned a lot of what not to do from experience. It’s never been a smooth road, but that’s how the cards are dealt for some folks. It’s evident in my songs and a part of who I am. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I suppose people know me for my voice and songwriting. I’ve been a working songwriter for over ten years and a band leader for almost the same amount of time. I’m proud of the opportunities I’ve had thus far, making records with world-class musicians, traveling and playing shows with my band, Being able to sustain what I’m passionate about while also making time to be a dad. I think the way I express what I’m feeling through my songs and performances is what sets me apart from others, or so I’ve been told. 

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Always learning. Hard to decide one, so here are several; Serve the song. Play to the room. Collaborate every chance you get. Lead with love. 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/drewfoust
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/drewfoustmusic
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@drewfoustmusic
• SoundCloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/CyrHe

Image Credits
Justin Gartman Savannah
Leigh Thorne
Ryan Bell