Fit for a King
Words: Michelle Wallace IG @my.michelle.w
Photography: Sergey Yusin @sergey_yusin
Wardrobe: Jaxson Maximus @jaxsonmaximus
Make-up: Julia Brig @juliabrigmia
style | June 01, 2021
Raising the VIBES with Drew: Miami as my Co-Host
Words: Gelsandra Guszman | IG @gellsandra_guzman
Photography: Lian perez | IG @yippiekiyey
The Creative. July 1, 2021
For the People, by the People.
Allow me to reintroduce myself- my name is Drew, I started on the magical streets of Miami, a
mere 8 years ago, with my heart full of love and passion for the people of our community. I
have been inspired by so much great talent in Miami and today I am paying tribute to my
father, my mentors, the team behind iHeartRadio and the people which I am able to smile with,
laugh and cultivate incredible conversations on a daily basis with intentionality and a heart full
of joy and positivity. Throughout the years, in my journey I have learned and evolved, but most
importantly I have reached a point in my life where I am living “my best life.”
I wake up fulfilled knowing I will never walk away from those human connections which touch the deepest part of our souls, supporting the wonderful community of South Florida and serving with social impact, we owe it to the people.
Let’s get to know Drew..
What is one moment in time which served as that ah-ha moment for Drew, in regards to figuring out what your purpose was in life?
I love people. I am here to make people smile and to laugh. My life started in the streets working promotions and gifting tee’s and keychains, people were so excited, it was admirable, inspirational and motivational for me. This moment I was in awe, blessed to have a positive impact with my voice on the radio.
Have you had any mentors throughout your life?
YES! I have a lot of mentors. I am blessed to live in Miami where we call it home to some of the best talent in the world. Mr. Mauricio, Papa Keith, and Doc Reno are among a few of the mentors I admire. What I get from them is that they spread love, they spread positivity and use their platform in the right way. Also, DJ Laz is the man, recently entered the building and I am already starting to learn from him, he's amazing. Thank you for all you do!
Do you have an idol or someone you look up to?
Ryan Seacrest is my GUY. My career started very similar to his. I have secretly stalked him all my life. One day, I was in the building and Ryan Seacrest was visiting where I worked. My boss at the time told me, you have to show him how to use the board, so I went downstairs to greet him and help him and I was amazed. I was able to ask him about his number one advice, and he answered ”Everything that is thrown your way- always say YES” if it's within the field of what you love, go for it. And I ran with that, it might be that my home life is non-existent, but my career is the best- I love it! So few people can honestly say they love what they do, and I am one of them, a true blessing.
How do you feel being in the limelight and having your voice be so influential?
It's scary. There are so many people that don't use their platforms in the right ways. The simple act of knowing and acknowledging that to talk into this microphone is powerl, I commit and promise that every single word that comes out is meaningful and meant to spread positivity. People need that spirit, and I am here to serve and listen to my communit.
How do you feel you have made a social impact for the community in Miami?
I am pretty out there, I do a lot of charity work, free events, and community involvement. I'm currently setting something up around Thanksgiving in honor of my dad, which has passed. It includes dropping off turkeys for the underprivileged, showing up to spread light and love, raise awareness and utilize my platforms to make this more visible for those with influence who can be part of the change, to do good. I grew up rooted in humbleness. I would go to food shelters and serve the community, that's what I will bring to my platform, in love and kindness
Talk to us about being a music director?
Every song on the radio I select. I get together with the program director, her and I curate music, literally a playlist for Maimi. Every week it's updated, we crunch numbers, talk to labels, they feed us new music and we make the necessary changes where it's needed. Being a music director is a very important role, one that I don't take lightly, because if you don't like the music
being played it's a reflection of me. It's fun and frustrating at times, there are alot of numbers that goes into what plays, and I have learned that it's essentially being a DJ and reading the room. So I hope I have people jamming all over South Florida!
What are some of your favorite spots in Miami?
I love Wynwood. I lived all over the State of Florida, and what I enjoy most is to grab a drink from 1-800 Lucky, walk over to the wynwood walls, as I am a fan of art. I love that Wynwood is local, sometimes I love to go there to be alone, it serves as an escape. A time for me to reconnect, to look deeply into the pieces of art influenced by music, and admire forms of creative expression
How do you separate Drew from Y-100 and Drew as someone who holds their personal brand?
I publicize my life a lot. I live my life on social media, I put my daughter, my girlfriend, my family, everything that is important to me. My personal life bleeds onto the radio. I know I am so far from perfect, I am imperfect, but I really like people to see what is going on in my life, it allows my listeners to know about me more authentically.
How do you recharge and disconnect from life in an industry that never sleeps?
Recharging for me is going to the beach, meditating, it's getting to know myself on a deeper level. Now that I have set myself up in a way where I have met goals, I can sort of work my schedule and do more of what I love. I am trying to learn more about myself. I have set some scary goals, but I know I have only scratched the surface, yet I am taking steps back to continue to learn about myself
One phrase you hold close to your heart?
My dad always said to me- “Life is 10% of what happens to you, 90% how you react to it” Shit happens always, it's about how you react to it. You will find the best outcome when you apply this. Try it- and let me know
Are there any traditions or initiatives that you have implemented at the station?
Pre-pandemic, we hosted tequila-fridays at the station, I am a tequila guy and it was so much fun. I had people in here, pouring some tequila, kicking off weekends with great vibes. I am excited as things start to normalize again, slowly the tradition is coming back.
Talk to us about this amazing opportunity for our community to have the chance of winning $1000 dollars in efforts to support those who have been affected by this global pandemic?
This couldn't have come at a better time, this is a real heartfelt act of impact by iHeart Radio. Post-Pandemic we had people winning $1000 dollars 12 times a day, to feel them, hear them and know they are crying, people are paying rent, buying diapers, taking this money to purchase real life necessities. It has become so amazing to be impacting people's lives on a daily basis. Know that every dollar at iHeart that comes in goes back into the people. And now that I have my Miami Vibes Family here, it's going to be a “Pay your bills summer” so please be prepared!! Tune in.
What are the roles of DREW? DJ, Music Director, Host? Which one is your favorite?
Clearly, based on social media, which is a true reflection of me, I wear many hats. I am a son, fiance, father, DJ, Music Director and more. The key is to balance this all out, it's hard, it's tough but at the end it's beautiful. My Favorite role is being a dad. I have a 2 yr old daughter, I am showing her the world everyday and it's incredible. My life is exactly where I want it to be.
What are some of the craziest “poll the people”?
I like when it gets weird. It makes for fun radio time. You can call into the show with anything, people call in and give you advice. You put something out there and people genuinely want to help and support. Phone lines light up, people care. I feel it's a form of On Air Therapy, it's so dope. People connect and it's a great hour of people weighing in on these topics.
What is one moment in time which served as that ah-ha moment for Drew, in regards to figuring out what your purpose was in life?
I love people. I am here to make people smile and to laugh. My life started in the streets working promotions and gifting tee’s and keychains, people were so excited, it was admirable, inspirational and motivational for me. This moment I was in awe, blessed to have a positive impact with my voice on the radio.
Have you had any mentors throughout your life?
YES! I have a lot of mentors. I am blessed to live in Miami where we call it home to some of the best talent in the world. Mr. Mauricio, Papa Keith, and Doc Reno are among a few of the mentors I admire. What I get from them is that they spread love, they spread positivity and use their platform in the right way. Also, DJ Laz is the man, recently entered the building and I am already starting to learn from him, he's amazing. Thank you for all you do!
Do you have an idol or someone you look up to?
Ryan Seacrest is my GUY. My career started very similar to his. I have secretly stalked him all my life. One day, I was in the building and Ryan Seacrest was visiting where I worked. My boss at the time told me, you have to show him how to use the board, so I went downstairs to greet him and help him and I was amazed. I was able to ask him about his number one advice, and he answered ”Everything that is thrown your way- always say YES” if it's within the field of what you love, go for it. And I ran with that, it might be that my home life is non-existent, but my career is the best- I love it! So few people can honestly say they love what they do, and I am one of them, a true blessing.
I know you're revealing some secrets with us today, and one of them is the podcast you are launching with Y-100- tell us a little bit about the strategy and ideation behind this?
So happy to finally be able to talk about this- It’s a Podcast- It is out, it's awkward, it's sexual, it's very MIAMI VIBES. It's called the Hot Seat Podcast. We go to bars between Miami and Fort Lauderdale, we set up for 3 people, my partner and I and the person on the hot seat. You wouldn't believe how many people are willing to sit in the hot seat, questions are very uncomfortable, and if you don't answer, you have to take a cayenne shot of tequila.
I am talking the worst tequila of your life, which will be sure to catch on camera. Questions are spicy, this is an example of what you are looking forward to- “Would you rather give the first 90 seconds of a blow job or the last 10 seconds of it? Miami- you are going to love this!
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
WOW-In 5 years, I am living my dream job right now. It's surreal right now. I love radio, I love connecting with people, I would love to take this to TV. I have always wanted to host a game show. I know my mom was on Wheel of Fortune when I was in her belly and my dad has been on the price is right, so I think it's just right to do the honor one day.
How can we best support you?
Listen to the show! Be tuned in Monday-Friday on Y-100. Pay attention to the station, win the tickets, win the cash, do something good and please let me know how I can support you as well. To any moms, teachers, nurses etc who are looking for support, please feel free to reach
out.
As I sit in your studio, being able to witness you giving away Jonas Brothers tickets to a loyal listener and follower of Drew, I can only admire and acknowledge the energy in the room, this girl's voice of excitement and encouragement to keep going, to look forward to living
something special. Music has a way to touch our inner soul, spark the child in us, serve as a form of therapy, take us back to relive beautiful and not so beautiful moments, but it's definitely a healer, thank you for utilizing your talents to spread positivity, uplift spirits and give
the community a chance to believe in the power of music.
Xoxo,
Gelly Guzman