Brooklyn-based indie rocker Drew Citron is far from a rookie in the game! From forming Beverly in 2013, touring the world with bands Frankie Rose and The Pains of Being Pure of Heart to opening Bushwick music venue, Alphaville, Citron has successfully navigated every facet of the business but only now has she had to stand on her own. Following the split of Beverly, Citron signed with Park The Van Records to embark on the journey as a solo act. Her solo debut album, Free Now, is a powerful emotion-filled journey through heartbreak ending with gratitude.
We had the chance to catch up with Citron to discuss the split of Beverly, the album, and what’s next for her as a solo act. Read the full interview conducted by Andrea Lara below!
Congratulations on the release of your debut solo album, Free Now! Many fans have come to know you as a member of Beverly, how was it making the transition from band member to solo artist? Did you have any trouble adjusting to doing most of the work by yourself?
“Thanks! Not really, it was a natural progression from Beverly, where I was the primary songwriter. The hardest part has been just switching over to my own name, and the vulnerability of the material.”
Free Now was originally supposed to be Beverly’s third album, how was reworking it to become a solo project?
“It was mostly just switching over the socials to my own name and buckling up for the emotional rollercoaster of the songs. It’s definitely some personal stuff.”
What’s the story behind the album’s title?
“Free Now is the titular song on the record and the most important song theme-wise for sure. It’s a record about spreading your wings, liberating and you guessed it: getting free!”
Free Now is a very personal album on tracks like “Summertime” and “Love’s the Illusion” where you discuss topics such as heartbreak and adulthood. What was the writing process this time around?
“I wrote the bulk of the album in my home state of California, on the coast by the Pacific Ocean, one of the most violent, moody, and breathtaking coastlines on the planet. I had the luxury of writing according to my moods and the experiences I was going through at the time, aided by the backdrop of the birds, the sea, and sky.”
The album is filled with amazing tracks, my favorite being, “17”. Which song is your favorite and why?
“Dead on Arrival is my favorite song on the album. I love the lyrics, the drum pattern, and the production. It’s a song that evolved over several demo versions and the finished product fills me with joy.”
You played many instruments on the album in addition to producing and engineering. Can you speak to that experience? What was it like working on so many different areas on the album?
“I love playing drums, and I think being a non-traditional and super non-technical drummer can be really helpful from a production standpoint. I’m a melody-maker and a singer, and I bring those qualities to every instrument I play, including the drums. Whatever’s happening on the record, it’s put there intentionally to support the melody, the song’s progression, the story, and the singing.”
Tours are not likely to come back until at the earliest mid-2021, even then nationwide indie venues are permanently closing their doors. As a working musician and now a newer act (solo), how are you managing during these covid times?
“I’m just living my life and getting through the pandemic, as everyone is currently. Trying not to be hard on myself. I’m not really taking live streams and socials more seriously than I would in ‘normal’ times, it’s just not my style. I’ll play shows when they come back, I certainly hope. I’m dying to play live!”
Finally, what’s next for you? Although things are a bit tricky right now given the virus, can fans expect any videos to go along with tracks like “Don’t Know A Good Thing” or any special virtual performances? Should we expect a second album or a new project in the future?
“There is a new video coming out soon, and a live-streamed performance as well. Additionally, I wrote a lot in quarantine, and my second solo record will be out next summer!”
Drew Citron’s debut album Free Now is available across all streaming platforms. To stream or download, click HERE.
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