I Talked to Drey, A Music Journalist Who Thinks Relationship is Just Paparazzi

My Creator's Story: The Writer's Edition (Ep01)

In a generation filled with myriads of talents, some people are standing out, despite the odds. Here's a young creative, who's strived to craft a space for himself in the music industry, crafting narratives and stories, and making an impact with music journalism. In this piece, we hear this Creative's journey and delve into his personal life. I present to you, Drey. And here's his Creator's Story.

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Damdam: First of all, who is Drey? And who is Damilare Abioye?

Drey: Thank you for that question. Drey is a creative writer and a music journalist. And for Damilare, I think people know me as that cool guy. I think that's all. A 400L(at the time of this interview) student studying Animal Production and Health at FUNAAB.

Damdam: Cool. You introduced yourself as a music journalist. You do see yourself as a journalist already. 

Drey: Yeah, of course. Because you have to start from somewhere. You get? Inasmuch as you're building authority in that space that you want to delve into.

Damdam: Good, good. How did your journey into the pop culture scene and creative writing begin? And were there specific moments or influences that inspired you to pursue these paths?

Drey: So for creative writing, I've always been someone who likes writing right from secondary school. So when I gained admission into FUNAAB, I joined communities, and I met people who were doing the same thing as me. But at that time, I was into more poetry. So whenever I write my poems and post them, I get nice compliments from people. But you know, there will be a time when you'll want to explore. And with the fact that you'll need money too, as a creative, you'll do other things. So that's when I decided to go into content writing. And when I joined then, I joined a community in FUNAAB where I was creating content for the brand. There was even a time when I did spoken word poetry and I won a competition in OAU.

Damdam: For real?

Drey: Yes. To tell you how much I was into poetry. But I had to shift because I needed money. So I started learning, reading books, and watching YouTube videos. I attended classes online. I started creating content, and people started noticing me. I've always been interested in music. I would analyze songs. I even used to play the keyboard back then.

Damdam: You don't mean it? But you no dey play keyboard again o.

Drey: Yeah, that was then. I used to play in church. But I've always been interested in music. And I think in 2020, I knew that I wanted to focus on something different. And the only thing that was coming to my head then was…I think Music/Entertainment. 'cause one thing about this content writing is that you have to know your niche. I understand that you can be multifaceted, but then you should have an idea of what you are really good at. 

Damdam: Or what you want to be known for…

Drey: Yeah, you get it. And also, I had to get someone to look up to. Like a mentor. That was when I started to read works of Viewsfrombod. Then I started to write about EPs on Medium. Sometimes, I would write and not post, but I was serious. I was learning different things about how to write music reviews, and different things in the music space. And when people see that you're good at something, they'll share opportunities with you. 

And if you know that you are pretty good at something, you can also reach out to different platforms. If they have space to employ you, they will. So I created that identity and authority.

Damdam: You've written for various music publications like Unorthodox Reviews, and the last work you posted was from DigiMillennials. Can you share the story of how you first got involved with these platforms and what your initial experiences were like?

Drey: After I started pushing out on IG and Medium, I pitched to bigger platforms. And they'd always ask “What have you done?” So I sent them my portfolio. And that was it. Working with them made me realize that I wanted to do more. Because of most of the people I look up to, I had to study the way they write and the platforms they have written on. So I applied to those places. And that was it.

Damdam: Interesting. Can you talk about your creative process?

Drey: For me, it just flows. You know ideas come from anywhere. From the internet, conversations with people, or posts on social media. So I just let it flow. And I listen to music. Plus, I read from other publications like Culture Custodian and The Native.

Damdam: Shout-out to them. Tell me something. In these times when getting gigs can be exhausting, how do you get yours?

Drey: I think everyone needs to figure out different approaches to these platforms. Sometimes you'd have to send a cold email to the CEO of the company.

Damdam: Even if they air you.

Drey: Yes, you just have to keep trying. Shoot for a living. There's this platform that I work with, if I tell you that I sent emails to them five times, would you believe it?

Damdam: Which platform is that?

Drey: Soot Africa. Bro, I was sending emails back to back. And I was sending messages on their socials.

Damdam: I would have given up. Haha.

Drey: It's all about you going for what you want. Don't be discouraged. Just keep doing your thing and create authority in that space. And you'll get there.

Damdam: Right. So have you ever experienced burnout before?

Drey: Of course. Everyone does. It's always crazy. But when it happens, I listen to music, spend moments with my guys, and just while away time. The most important thing is to just take a break.

Damdam: In this industry, collaboration is essential. What have you learned from working with others?

Drey: I have learned how to manage my time. There's so much to do, you have deliverables, you want to catch up on social media and you have friends to chat with too. And you are a student. So working with people helps me manage my time.

Damdam: Moving forward, let's talk about your personal life. Are you in a relationship? Even though I'm supposed to know this as your guy.

Drey: I'm not o! (laughs hard) 

Damdam: What?! Why?

Drey: Uhmm. I don't think I'm ready for the back and forth that comes with relationships. For now. Although I used to have someone. I don't think I'm ready for the paparazzi.

Damdam: Really? I was going to ask about your thoughts on Creatives being in relationships.

Drey: Love is sweet o. But you know, being a Creative, you're focused on yourself and your work. It's always about you. And one thing I know about relationships is that communication is important. So for me, I don't want to distract myself. And I actually haven't seen someone that would get me back into a relationship.

Damdam: Hmm. So what happened to your last relationship?

Drey: Nothing really. It was a thing of miscommunication. I was saying I was busy and all that. And the other person couldn't take it anymore. So we reached a consensus to go on a break. From a break to a long break. And as they say, “Out of sight is out of mind.”

Damdam: In this generation, there's a lot of takes on relationships, especially on Twitter. What do you have to say?

Drey: Love in our generation is just pure cruise to me. Because most of the time people go into relationships for them to have someone to talk to. And also some people believe that if you don't have someone to talk to, you're mature enough or something. I feel like it's just peer pressure sometimes.

Most times it's even lust, not love. They date this person and break up to date someone else again. They'll still use quotes to support it. Meanwhile, they've dated like three people in a year. Is that how you want to live your life? You don't need a romantic relationship to have people to talk to. 

Damdam: True, true. So have you ever been heartbroken before?

Drey: No, I haven't.

Damdam: I think you're lucky. 

Drey: (chuckles) I don't go into a relationship for someone to hurt me, because I'm a spec too. 

Damdam: I don't think people go into relationships for someone to hurt them. It just happens.

Drey: Yeah, yeah. That's why you have to guard your loins. Always be ready for what's to come. Also, at this point where people are dating, they're not really ready for marriage now. They just want to do the dating thing for the moment.

Damdam: Omo, this is our generation, God will help us.

Damdam: What advice would you give to creatives looking to have a great career in the industry?

Drey: One thing I will always say is that you always hang out with people who share the same ideas with you. Always be in a community of goal-oriented minds. I think one of the things that helped me was that the people I moved with, even though they're older than I am. But they are the type of people that would always go for more. So you cannot afford to be average or mediocre. So when you move with such people, you get inspired. 

And also show doings rather than talk too much. When I'm saying doings, I'm not saying you should go to a club and do Dorime. Or wear expensive outfits. I mean just show your workings. Show up that you can do it rather than saying it. Nobody really cares how you get it done. But show that you can get the job done.

Damdam: That's profound. Thank you for that. What's been an exciting or impactful moment for you in this year of pop culture

Drey: I think when I got into Music Business Africa (MBA). It's been really impactful. I've been learning a lot about the music Industry. Everything happening, and the business side of it. It's really amazing.

(For context, Drey is now an alumnus of MBA)

Damdam: MBA is really that platform. Before we end this, any last words?

Drey: Just do your thing. Don't think anyone is doing better than you. Because, one thing you should know is, if you put in the amount of work, you'll also be where you aim to be. So just do it afraid, and everything will fall into place. Whatever you know how to do, music, designing, just start. And you'll be where you always dream of.

Damdam: Thank you for taking the time to do this. Got any questions for me?

Drey: (laughs loud) I can't question my interviewer o. But I just hope this is going to be consistent. This is really amazing, and there are people that could be featured here. What was the idea behind this?

Damdam: I just wanted to find a way to tell other people's stories. The Behind-the-Scenes, their experiences or journey, basically their stories as a creative. I don't know what it'll be called yet. But I just wanted to help tell their stories.

Drey: Thank you so much for this.

Damdam: Thanks, man. We meet in bigger places!

Follow Drey on socials @dreyschronicle

PS: This is the first ever episode of this series, and it was done in December 2023. I wasn't sure of the direction at the time. Let me know what you think. If you'd love to be featured or know who I should feature, please write to me.