QuietChild, The Genre-Bending Band From St. Paul
Interview via Leah Brawdy - @brawdyleah
Journalist Leah Brawdy interviewed St. Paul’s very own QuietChild singer Drew Dravis in an exclusive enthusiastic, passionate interview on September 14th, 2024. Drew is originally from La Crosse Wisconsin, but has recently moved to St. Paul after spending her past four years at the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire graduating in 2022. Outside of music, Drew is big into politics and loves to understand people and help with current issues going on in the world.
QuietChild consists of three members; Drew Dravis (singer), Galen Austin (drummer) and Cuyler Monahan (keys). Cuyler and Galen previously started a band in high school and came up with the name “Quiet Child” because they were always making music and doing quite the opposite of being quiet children. Drew met Cuyler through a mutual friend when they both found they were looking for what the other person was missing, which completed the band.
The trio has been making music together for about a year, while individually Drew has always been singing since she could remember (pre-k). Being from the Midwest helps Drew with the craft and networking. Previously living in a smaller town helped her learn how to talk to people, how to build a community, and learned to be successful by being genuine. Drew also mentioned that it helped her find her voice and be proactive and strong in her opinions.
(left) Drew Davis - (right) Galen, Drew, and Cuyler
Drew describes their style of music as a blend of multiple genres. It is a mixture of EDM, Pop, Electron, RnB, and Metal-Rock. Drew mentions that in the future, she wants their music to impact the music industry by showing others that music doesn't have to stick to one genre. You can do multigenre things as well. Although genres are ever changing and bands may experience difficulties trying to stay relevant, Drew stresses the importance of going back to the core sounds QuietChild started with. There is an electronic component to their music and when you are consistent, people remember that's who you (and your music) are. She also mentioned that in the future, she wants to be an activist in the music industry as well and use her voice for things that matter.
Within QuietChild, Galen Austin (drummer) acts as a producer. He draws up a blank slate with beats, ideas, etc. to encourage the other members to use their creative process of writing and adding finishing touches to the songs. Drew mentions that some of her musical inspirations are Ariana Grande (for sound), Lauryn Hill (RnB), Tori Kelly (soulful), and other “RnB/pop girls”. She also mentions that she finds inspiration through Broadway musicals as well.
To QuietChild, lyrics started off as a story, but have recently transitioned into experimenting with a more personal, heartful approach. Although Drew is new to writing lyrics, all three work together. Drew tweaks lyrics slightly after they are written to finalize the songs to perfection. Although all three work together to perfect their songs, there are times where constructive criticism comes into play. Drew mentions that they are all so passionate about their work, which may lead to arguments. Since music is personal, it may feel like a personal attack to other members when it is critiqued. Drew mentions that you have to be blunt and have constant communication to work through disagreements.
One of Drew’s best memories as a band is when they released their first song together (and Drew was still a feature) and they had a release party. This release party was a “good ol’ Eau Claire” release party which meant supporters getting together in a college house to listen to their new song. Quickly, Drew realized that people were packing the place and they all sang along to a song they just released. Drew said that “seeing everyone supporting them was the coolest thing ever, it was the best moment.”
Recently, Drew got asked to guest perform with an opener for a band in the St. Paul venue, Amsterdam, which is extremely hard to get into. The headlining band loved Drew and her vocals so much, they wanted her to sing with them in a cover at the show (did I mention this was a sold out show?!). This venue really set the tone for Drew wanting to accomplish her dreams with some of her dream venues including: 7th Street Entry in Minneapolis (current goal), Xcel Energy, or Madison Square Garden as her substantial dream venue. However, her favorite venue so far has been The Plus in Eau Claire going back to her collegiate roots.
Drew opens up about some of her anxiety and nerves surrounding the music industry and being an artist. She mentions that she always gets nervous with putting so much time and effort into music and it ends up not working out. However, that hasn’t stopped her and is reminded that music itself is never something that can be taken away from you as a human being, it's not going anywhere. It's like a plant, the more you try to watch it grow, the more frustrated you will become because you won't see results immediately.
Instead, one day you'll look at it and see the growth. Music is not a tangible thing that can be taken away from her which gives her reassurance and peace. From this, Drew has learned that the best advice out there is that you just have to go for it. You have to take chances on music. You won't know everything there is to know about music, you have to be uncomfortable with the unknown. As previously stated, Drew was always scared when starting her music career. She said she “fumbled her way through the beginning.” She also mentions that you won't ever feel comfortable enough to start, you just have to go for it.
Since Drew has left Eau Claire, there has been no new music released, (but that doesn’t mean there isn't new music on the way;). Drew mentions that QuietChild is entering a new era with a new song being released on October 18th. This starts a month-to-month release basis known as the water method for their new album.
