Crystal Drake

“These talented muses to composers like Vivaldi were shielded from the viewership to "protect their sanctity" but also to make the listening experience more pleasurable, distanced, and other-worldly for the audience."
By RYAN MARTIN September 7, 2021

Crystal Drake has released her new album titled ‘Sirens’. Pop as a standard has come and go as the years progress and can quickly become stale if not done right. I say this knowing how styles change and evolve. What Crystal Drake has done, however, may be considered ‘timeless’. We get a taste of the best from the different eras of pop and soul, but we get them through the filter of originality. Drake has the habit of changing her voice to fit the song. This is very evident. And she does it with the sills of a true singer and the talent of an artist. I would even go so far as to say we have a musical chameleon in the making with ‘Sirens’. And the artists that can achieve that have the longest staying power.

About ‘Sirens’

‘Sirens’ is a ten-track pop album inspired by the seventeenth-century Venetian all-female music ensemble of virtuosic orphans named the Figlie Del Coro “Daughters of the Choir”, Sirens is a celebration of power in feminine identity and of embracing the realities of being watched as we age into competence. “It is a lighthearted spin on owning the beautiful but sometimes bitter realities of being feminine in our culture,” says Drake. Obsessing about the clothing, veneer, and attitudes we choose to wear (or not) in our daily lives, Drake started writing songs about the metaphorical veils through which we are perceived. It was during this time she learned about the virtuosic Figlie Del Coro who performed for large crowds veiled behind grates. “These talented muses to composers like Vivaldi were shielded from the viewership to “protect their sanctity” but also to make the listening experience more pleasurable, distanced, and other-worldly for the audience. It was more lucrative for patrons not to see that some of the women were differently-abled or, as perceived at the time, playing inelegant and unfeminine instruments like bassoon or cello,” says Drake. Visitors from around the globe projected their own opinions on these performers, referring to them at once as angels and messengers of God or “sirens”. Instead of being uncomfortable with this history, Drake chose to celebrate these women and to write about what modern women, especially musicians, can learn from them.

Sonically the inspirations for Sirens washes of watercolor, evolving out of the hard edges of Drake’s last album and inviting you into a warmer, rounder, softer musical world. Starting with the track “Upstream”, Drake enters into a hopeful but carefully-paced plea for divine help in the form of an imaginary (or perceived) friend upstream. The song is enveloped in watery synths and anchored by a cautious, detuned piano, admitting the fragility of asking for a lending hand. Later in the album, listeners are greeted by the title track – a call to female-identifying artists to take up space with their work and to move forward boldly and rebelliously so their voices and stories can be heard.

Lamenting over the lost history of the Figlie del Coro, Drake imagines how angry they’d be if they knew their history and talents were lost to antiquity and channeled that into the lilting, irreverent vocal with its surrounding, haunting production. Drake touches on several other topics through the other tracks in the album, several of which are based on the Figlie del Coro. Covering everything from policing women’s looks, cultural fear of overt sexuality, embracing both the ambitious and joyously restful parts of ourselves, realities and societal pressures of women’s aging, and new beginnings, Drake leaves no stone unturned as she explores the nuances of femininity – both historically and in modern times. Her powerfully earnest singing borrows from gospel and soul traditions with songwriting that is thoughtful, grounded, and moving – nudging us to feel and remember that we are divine. - Jammerzine

Displaying her signature vocals on top of another riveting single, Crystal Drake is back with another hit titled “Deep”. Please read on for our full review of the track, as well as a background on this talented artist.

Lending her talents to a modern take on soul pop music, Crystal Drake has just let loose another powerful and emotionally charged single titled “Deep”. While she’s certainly put on impressive displays of vocals in the past, there was something just a little extra special on her newest output here. Without a doubt, we are highly recommending that you immerse yourself into the world she’s created here.

Borrowing from gospel and soul traditions within her delivery, this newest track “Deep” is an “exploration of the authenticity that emerges when external pressures quiet and ever-looming "FOMO" stops being the loudest voice in the room”. While it’s something that seemingly everyone has dealt with at some point in their life, it’s never been easier to relate to the deep lyricism that Crystal has displayed here. Every word resonates and every line was delivered with a massive amount of passion and truth.

While her vocals are the obvious star of the show here, there’s no possible way we could get through this without giving a massive shout out to the production and instrumentation holding everything else up. With a deep rumbling synthesizer peeking its head out at every turn, the emotion and anxiety within the song felt a rise from start to finish. With that being said though, Crystal was there to keep us at bay and keep the calmness flowing while the background did its own thing.



It’s not a surprise to us, but this song was a clear standout and a full on winner. It’s an obvious evolution of her sound and we can’t help but continue to recommend it to all who’d like to listen, but it’s also been difficult to stop playing here as well. We’re suckers for a sweet production and slightly minimalistic sounding song, especially when it allows the musician to show off their best assets. This is exactly what you’re going to get here and it’s 100% worth your time and effort to explore the rest of her music as well, it delivers. - We Write About Music

Snowburst is the soul-pop artist’s decadent interpretation of four iconic holiday classics; Drake stays true to their traditional roots while invigorating them with a modern flare

by Emily Manifold December 6, 2021

Chicago based soul-pop artist Crystal Drake makes her mark on the holiday season with her jubilant Christmas Classics EP, Snowburst, out November 19th. Her undeniably sultry, comforting vocals take the spotlight on this project; she breathes charisma, joy, and nostalgia into every track with her refined style and delivery. From the jazzy groove on “Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town” to the pristine harmonies on “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” Drake has something for everyone on this EP. For the Chicago native, these songs represent beloved holiday traditions. She says, “these carols and the accompanying annual holiday preparations bring a sense of seasonality to our days, attuning us to the rhythm of our lives”. Snowburst is a gorgeous recount of Drake’s most sentimental Holiday favorites that reminds listeners of the magic that makes this the most wonderful time of the year.

The four track EP is a collection of deeply loved christmas tunes including “Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town,” “O Holy Night,” “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” and “Auld Lang Syne.” Listeners can expect a dazzling introduction on “Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town” with the simple, keys and bass led arrangement behind Drake’s impressive, buttery display of vocal finesse. On “O Holy Night,” delicate strings and keys caress Drake’s glimmering vocals before delay-kissed, staccato synths embellish the track. The second half of the carol’s production blossoms into a masterfully composed classical + pop fusion that will undoubtedly catch the listener’s attention. Drake mesmerizes fans with her pitch perfect harmonies on “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” and quickly transitions to the enticing pop production layered behind the classic “Auld Lang Syne” to finish the project. She says, “[her] intention with this EP was to honor the melodies and historic integrity of the songs while modernizing them with phrasing and vocal arranging.” The final product delivered to listeners achieves this and so much more. - Madison Graph

Soul-pop singer Crystal Drake has just released a surprise EP containing her favourite Christmas songs. Borrowing from gospel and soul traditions. Crystal is known for her soulful, emotional vocals and her earnest and thoughtful songwriting.

Crystal Drake – Snowburst EP

Drake’s “Snowburst” EP is a collection of reworked Christmas classics, including “Santa’s Coming to Town”, “O Holy Night”, “Hark! The Angels Sing” and “Auld Lang Syne”. The fil rouge connecting these songs is Drake’s powerful soulful voice, and a winning combination of classical and modern arrangements, that keep intact the spirits of the songs whilst giving them a new perspective.



The first half of the EP contains more traditional renditions of “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town”, and “Hark! The Angels Sing”. Thanks to the guitar and piano-led arrangements, the holiday atmosphere fills the air.

The second half of the collection will definitely surprise the listener with a shimmering touch of pop on classical arrangements. “O Holy Night” surprises with the emotional, layered vocals delivering a spiritual atmosphere,


But if you ask us, the real gem in the collection is Auld Lang Syne, which boasts an enticing pop production. The harmonized vocals on top of a slow-building beat really give a modern and unique outfit to this classic.

With a few days left until Christmas, Crystal Drake’s “Snowburst” is the perfect soundtrack to really feel the festivities in the air. - Right Chord Music

“I wrote “Deep” about a longing for rest that might not be detected until there's permission to slow down and how this new, richer space can ignite veracity in expression.”

By RYAN MARTIN August 6, 2021

Crystal Drake has today released her new single titled ‘Deep’. I identified with this song from the first verse onward. As I write this, I am waiting for the test results to see if I have COVID. I am fully vaccinated, yet have all the symptoms. Maybe devine intervention had this song scheduled for today. Maybe I needed to hear something. That something is ‘Deep’. As I realize that I will need to take a break, or slow things down, I listen to Drake and get the feeling that its ok to do so.

That quasi mix of electronic and subtle soul grip into my ears with that angelic vocal and meaningful words. I feel rested. - Jammerzine

Crystal Drake is a soul-pop singer whose earthy vocals have been described as “refined” and “emotionally charged.” Her powerfully earnest singing borrows from gospel and soul traditions. Crystal’s songwriting is thoughtful, grounded and moving. “We all need a little push to believe, to appreciate, to listen, and to love.” Her soulful voice nudges us to feel and remember that we are divine.

Drake’s new single, “Deep” is a pumping exploration of the authenticity that emerges when external pressures quiet and ever-looming “FOMO” stops being the loudest voice in the room. Inspired during a pandemic through resilient conversation with her makeup clients, Drake decided to go deep. ”People had the time, space and inclination to pick-up abandoned interests, they reported visiting digitally with completely different groups of friends, decompressed from the grind of their daily lives, and sat with who they truly wanted to be.” Drake describes “Deep” as colorful, whimsical, but also tentative‒as one might imagine exploring inner territory would feel.



With comparisons to Adele, Massive Attack, and Eartha Kitt, the artists serve as a blueprint for Drake. Drake uses Adele’s crooning and songwriting as an analogy to her craft. In the words of Drake as “more aspirational than alike,” Massive Attack is the affair Drake aims to achieve when making her shows experiences. Eartha Kitt serves as an example of the cabaret quality you get from Drake due to years of doing smaller, intimate performances.

“I wrote “Deep” about a longing for rest that might not be detected until there’s permission to slow down and how this new, richer space can ignite veracity in expression.” -Crystal Drake

Drake identifies as a female Chicagoan born into a Catholic, Eastern-European family. Influenced by her mom, who is also a singer, Drake was singing on stages by the age of six and recording in the studio by age 12. “Religious, ethereal and ritualistic themes run through all my songs both lyrically and melodically.” A continuing theme in Drake’s music is the intersection of mortality and divinity in the human experience. She feels she serves as an authority of bridging those worlds for her audience, leaving a sad, dense residue to her music. Drake is working on implementing a lighter resonance to her sound.

Crystal Drake is a soul pop singer whose earthy vocals have been described as “refined” and “emotionally charged.” Her powerfully earnest singing borrows from gospel and soul traditions. Crystal’s songwriting is thoughtful, grounded and moving. “We all need a little push to believe, to appreciate, to listen and to love.” Her soulful voice nudges us to feel and remember that we are divine. - The Hype Magazine

Bringing the holiday season to ears all around the world, Crystal Drake has just shared her Christmas Classics EP titled Snowburst. Please read on for our full review of the record, as well as a background on this talented artist.

While we’ve loved everything we’ve reviewed from Crystal Drake in the past, she’s truly shown off the best side of herself with this Christmas-reimagined EP called Snowburst that takes the best parts of the season and puts beauty as the priority. Slightly changing up some of the arrangements but ultimately showing off her dynamic vocals, we highly recommend clicking the play button and diving head first into this record.



For this Chicago native, Crystal has breathed a new life into these songs that weren’t necessarily dull, rather lacking the extreme joy she’s infused right back into the. On the background of the record, Crystal says, “these carols and the accompanying annual holiday preparations bring a sense of seasonality to our days, attuning us to the rhythm of our lives”. We couldn’t possibly agree more, because soon as Halloween ends, this is all we want playing through our speakers.



Kicking the record off with a massive cover of “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town”, she immediately moves the listener to a nostalgic time when all feels right in the world. Seeing as though these are mainly covers and most are familiar with the songs, the direction and focus of Snowburst goes directly to her vocals, which 1000% cannot be overstated how great they were. Even if you were unfamiliar with Crystal’s music in the past, we still think this would be a great introduction to really see how well she can pull it all off. The other highlight for us had to be the highly emotional track, “O Holy Night”.

Honestly, there isn’t much else to say here other than we whole wholeheartedly recommend you click those links below to get listening. Once you’re finished, go ahead and check out everything else she’s made because it’s highly impressive as well. Enjoy! - We Write About Music

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
A musical torch was passed to me. My great-grandmother (a farmer in Poland) sold a cow behind my great grandfather’s back to buy her son his first accordion. My grandpa played and taught music his whole life, same for my mom, aunt, uncle, and cousins. As a kid, my favorite activity was transcribing Mariah Carey for hours. I started writing songs at 12 and learned the ropes of singing in a studio just as young.

Has it been a smooth road?
I struggled to define what was right for me musically and waffled about the “practicality” of my career choice. Too soon and too often, I bent to others’ expectations of me – what this band needed this, what this producer wanted, what my parents wanted, etc. My sincerest advice to a young woman starting out is to take many silent moments to listen to her own compass. You’ll learn no matter which path you choose, but my wish is that your lessons never come at the expense of your own voice. I learned that the hard way.

These hurdles are often gendered. Wherever my career takes me I want to invest in increasing equal access to opportunity for girls. In the music industry alone, only 30% of senior-level executives are female. There is also an embarrassingly large gender disparity on the production and engineering side of the music industry. I have been lucky to find many supportive male allies but there is still much leveling of the field left to do. Any glance at the news shows as much.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
I write and sing Pop R&B song and released my first album called Invitation. The debut is a raw, honest, art-project of an album and carried many lessons for me. Writing and producing music is proving to be just as fulfilling as belting onstage!

I’m currently working on a second album, more upbeat and hopeful thanks to a better mood and a firmer grasp of songwriting. I still play live regularly and it’s such a thrill. There’s nothing so exciting as a new experience with an audience. We get to know one another in that hour and I am so grateful to be able to share my songs.

Do you feel like there was something about the experiences you had growing up that played an outsized role in setting you up for success later in life?
Being a first-generation American taught me to hustle. Bootstrapping and making something out of nothing were recurring themes. I learned QUICK to sing on pitch and in time because there were always musicians around. - Voyage Chicago