Drew Chester

Over the past two years, Drew Chester worked on a project unlike any other he’s done with the usual band format. So, on his debut,Waiting., he decided to go solo and try his hand at recording and engineering the entire album himself out of his apartment. Later on, drums were recorded at Chalet Recording Studio, the mixing done by Dave Featherstone and the mastering by Noah Mintz at Lacquer Channel Mastering. Chester’s influences are a mix of many styles and he describes his work as alternative, acoustic and vocal pop. Waiting. chronicles the high peaks and low valleys of Chester’s ten-year journey while trying to break into the music industry.

“One More Time” begins with a sweet, soft indie rock feel that was easy to like, but what caught my ears right away was Drew Chester’s voice. The high and low mellow tones of his voice will be easily recognizable if he decides to stay in the music industry for some time. I’m no record executive or talent scout, but I just have a hunch as a music fan – that’s all. “Hasn’t Hit Me Yet” features a pleasant folkish rock ‘n roll feel. Kind of in the same vein as Wilco or some band like them. Again, I was fixated on how likable Chester’s voice was.

“Discovery” has a more contemporary country rock feel with bits of inspirational indie folk. Overall, I liked the lighter and happier vibes to this one, like taking a walk on a new spring day. “Let’s Dance” sounds bit more popish like newer Sting or folkish light rock like Ed Sheeran, but the kicker here is, that yes… this is a cover of David Bowie’s hugely popular 1983 hit. A very gutsy move to cover the icon of all icons (in my opinion), but I’m sure Bowie would have approved of Chester’s arrangements and style. Well done! Oh, and by the way, Chester has more videos on YouTube showing him singing other well-known songs from artists such as The Beatles, Neil Young and Radiohead.

The title track of the album “Waiting” begins with gentle acoustic rhythms and “la-la-las” and continues on with gorgeous melodies and vocal harmonies. I really like the key the song is in – you know the one – that melancholy, sad key that makes your heart ache and gets you to feel the music. Overall, a very moving piece of work and one worth listening to again and again. “Reprise” is a replay of the first track “One More Time” except this time around the drums are thunderous and bold, the rhythm slower and the guitar belts out a little more of that indie rock jangle sound. I thought this version of the song stood out better because of its dreamy, slower beat and also for the additional electric guitar work.

​All things considered, this is a stellar debut.
Become A Fan - Divide and Conquer Music