iRock: Lovedrug

posted in: Features • Rock

When it comes to genres of music, many artists blend styles to create a mishmash of sounds that is truly unique and creative. Well it doesn’t get any more pure than Lovedrug. Hailing from Canton, Ohio, these 4 young men bring a breath of fresh air to the rock market. With their first self-titled EP in 2002, they gained the interests of many music lovers across the board. After being signed to The Militia Group for a number of years, the band now stands as an independent artist looking to strike back at the music industry and make their mark with a triple-series EP +/- to help fund their careers and bless us further with their inspirational sounds. I’m proud to announce this week’s featured iRock artist (and a personal favorite) Lovedrug.

I was fortunate enough to catch the band for a Q&A, so check out what the band has to say as well as a few songs in a player below.

Enjoy iRock world, I promise you will not be disappointed!

IW: What made you guys choose the name “Lovedrug”? What’s the meaning behind it?
LD: Michael came up with the name. He was attending film school in New York but left school to pursue music again. His love for music was “dragging” him back to it. Thus Lovedrug.

IW: While starting out, what were some obstacles you had to overcome? Any tips you can give aspiring young artists today?
LD: It’s difficult to get people to listen at first. You’re really competing for attention and it’s overwhelming how much music is out there. The best tip of advise I can give to anyone would be never stop writing, keep trying to write better songs and experiment and take every opportunity to expose your material to new ears.

IW: Do you have any memorable stories while on the road?
LD: Too many at this point. Collectively we seem to be great at getting into trouble where ever we are, but I think my favorite one would have to be getting Michael wasted in New York and talking him into dressing up like a woman and walking around the city. You could see guys from far away checking him out and when they get close enough the look of horror on their faces was too good. It still makes me laugh.

IW: You were signed to The Militia Group for many years. Are you happier as an independent artist now or do you wish to be back in the arms of a label?
LD: Right now it’s great to operate without a label. Taking our time writing and not having the pressure has been nice but we are currently talking to a few labels and I expect that we will back with a label in the not so distant future. It’s about finding the right situation.

IW: You’re in the process of releasing a 3-part series of EPs. What made you guys decide to do it this way?
LD: We’re eager to get music out and into the hands of our fans and we wanted their feedback on the material. It’s a way to get the fans involved and let them have a say in what material makes it toward the next record. The response has overwhelmingly positive and I really love how we’re connecting with our fan base more. It’s important that they know how much we love and appreciate them.

IW: Since you first began in 2001, the advancement in technology has progressed tremendously (as well as an influx of young bands). Do you feel that it’s easier to market and run a band on your own now?

LD: Basically how the Internet and music have become married. Without the Internet you can’t even operate as a band anymore. You have to embrace it and constantly evolve with it. It can definitely complicate the process at times but it makes it so much more simple to have direct contact with fans. Thanks to all our fans and friends. We’ll be seeing you all very soon.