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

Hi Drew, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
I think that many people think that all entertainers but especially musicians are all sort of lazy. The truth is, being successful in the music industry requires a work ethic most don’t posses. It is a constant and consistent machine that you drive with your efforts. You must either hire a professional to manage you, or develop the skill set yourself to manage your performance schedule, promotions and marketing, merchandise sales, track your earnings and costs, etc : Plus, dedicate yourself to your craft by practicing, writing, and recording. It is after all the music BUSINESS. You must be competent at both to have success and you must have a team of proficient professionals to achieve greatness. As an independent (indie) recording artist and professional musician, you are in reality a sole proprietorship small business who operates as a retailer, a manufacturer, and a contractor/service provider. Your success will rely upon your ability to perform well in each segment of this business.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My music is INCLUSIVE not exclusive. My message is one of love and acceptance. Although most would correctly categorize my songs as Blues or Rock, I love to use elements of other styles too. I find that many messages in popular music are divisive and materialistic. I am in defiance of those messages. I am making new sounds but trying to recreate the vibes of a time when rock music spoke to people of all backgrounds, colors, and nationalities. This new EP “Agents of Change” was made in its entirety in Georgia. We used musicians from Georgia, we tracked in East Point, all photographers, designers, engineers, everything was done here in Georgia by Georgians. I’m really proud of that. Going the indie route is insanely difficult but it is also the most rewarding. It ultimately allowed me to express my message in a way that is genuine. I want people to hear my music and understand that they have tremendous power in themselves to change their own world. Love each other, Accept one another and cherish our differences. I hope that we can as a species move away from this notion that we all must be sub divided into sects and tribes. I see the world as many Nations but one People.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
In Atlanta, you simply must go to the Varsity for lunch. If it’s hot, get a frosted Orange. In order to get a feel for Atlanta, you have to go to Auburn Avenue. The King Center is THE must see attraction. Make sure you swing through Little Five Points and see diversity in action. In the evening, check out the Atlanta Blues Society’s pages for a comprehensive list as to who is playing which legendary Atlanta juke joint. You could end up at Northside Tavern sipping a Sweetwater 420. You might see me there too.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are MANY people who have had a hand in helping me along the way. I simply wouldn’t be doing this on this level without my wonderful wife Angela. She is my best friend, confidant, business partner, adventure mate, sounding board. She is my everything and is a critical member of my team. I love her dearly and we are 100% committed to helping each other achieve our goals. She is also an entrepreneur. We run Crest Pointe Entertainment Group together and she also founded an online American Sign Language academy with instructors all over the United States and is responsible for thousands of people learning and communicating with America’s 3rd most used language. I’m so proud of her!

Website: www.drewashworth.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drewashworthmusic/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/drewashworthmusic
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4mTiGuvdDrcQN9R9W_A5ig/featured
Other: Crest Pointe Entertainment Group links: Facebook: @crestpointeentertainmentgroup Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crestpointeentertainmentgroup/

Image Credits
Photos Taken by Angela Ashworth and Charlie Hudgins for CPEG, LLC. Original Artwork by Angela Ashworth, Greg Crimmins, and Shay Stone for CPEG, LLC. Drew Ashworth Band logo designed by Ivey Smith for Drew Ashworth Music

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