Doing old things in a new way
At only 19 years old, Drake Milligan moved from Fort Worth, Texas to Music City. Armed with an appreciation for the history of country music, Milligan listened intently during co-writes and recording sessions, where songwriters taught him how to tell a story, legendary producers taught him how to use the mics and studio as a vehicle for his voice, seasoned musicians were willing to back the new guy, and his country music heroes shared insightful advice on how to seamlessly shift from the studio and the stage. Now at 23 years old, wisdom instilled, he’s ready to introduce himself to the world with the release of his debut EP, Drake Milligan, out now. The five tracks are his debut not only as a songwriter but an artist, who works tirelessly to hone his craft. Co-writing every song on the EP, he tapped into different themes to showcase his songwriting talent and vocal chops. Milligan layers the fiddle and steel in the trouble-drowning, alcohol-soaked “Over Drinkin’ Under Thinkin’” and emphasizes his fast-talking mastery in the upbeat, rebellious “Sounds Like Something I’d Do.” But it’s not all up-tempo toe-tappers. It’s in the ballads that he really showcases his deep, smooth as silk vocals. “Don’t Look Down” has Milligan painting a picture of falling in love on a dance floor, defying gravity thanks to the honky-tonk’s trusty old jukebox, and “She” is a beautifully simple but emotive depiction of a lovesick boy, listing off everything he loves about a girl. Produced by award-winning industry icon Tony Brown and songwriter/producer Brandon Hood, Drake Milligan’s self-titled EP is out now from BBR Music Group / Stoney Creek Records.