Virgin Islands Featured Artist: Lion Dre
Lion Dre was born and raised on the island of St. Croix U.S.V.I. He's a young up and coming artist and entrepreneur, his goal is to go global with everything I do. Growing up the young artist had a deep appreciation for music, and was fascinated by music videos and cool beats. It always uplifted him and made him feel better. He was also very good with poems. There are many people in the music business, as well as , underground such as Tupac, Notorious, B.I.G, Lil Wayne and many others. The words and rhyme schemes have been very influential. Locally artists such as Dan Dadda havr inspired Lion Dre, to take initiative to make music. However what inspires him is hard times and struggles. Through many trials or tribulations faced, he always puts it into a song to express himself, also his family has been a big inspiration.
Taking care of his love ones and making sure they're set for life motivates him daily. When Lion Dre began doing music, he was presented with the opportunity to perform. His stage name "Lion Dre" he asked a local graphic designer that goes by the name of Shane Durand, SDProductionzVI to create logo on a T shirt for upcoming performances. In the beginning it was for personal use and a handful of supporters wearing them. He never expected it to become a brand. Down the line, he made many sacrifices to invest in an upgraded design and started selling shirts through social media. Days that he wasn't making music his name would still be abundant. Eventually his website was active and he continued to push the brand. This brand can be described as one which focuses on personality, passion, and goal orientation. Those simply things count the most. Now moving on to the artist side of things, him being an artist he didn't want brand named after him, so he came up with "Build Sumtin Great" growing in the baron spot area inspired that, the term BSG was abundant. This was his way of publicizing his stomping grounds on a professional note.
As far as cons, the opportunities are limited especially on an 84 square mile island, some may say that doing music in your dialect doesn't get you far, but this artist disagrees with that statement. Being from the islands you have to put in twice as much work due to a smaller population. As far as pros, being an artist from the islands serves a greater chance of versatile, especially being familiar with American, Caribbean and African genres altogether. Being apart of a very diverse culture, it gives his lyrics a different vibe. It paints a picture no one else can paint for you.
We asked about his writing process and he described it as this,first off to write music he has to feel a vibe, he has to be able to reciprocate the energy that the beat he's listening to gives him. Once he chooses a beat he feels something. Once a beat is chosen he listens to it until something comes to mind. Usually he freestyles to feel the beat out. Then when he comes up with something catchy for a chorus, that's how it begins. The young musician takes his time to write the music, he doesn't rush. After all perfection takes time. He's trying to take at least 3-4 days to write that way when he's ready to release it he can do so.
He leaves us with these words of inspiration: whether its music, entertainment, sports, or anything you're trying to achieve in life, you can't do everything by yourself. Success takes a team and unity is strength. He feels like he's not where he wants to be as far as his goals. The time to shine is near, he wishes success towards everybody in life. Humble is key, and patience will always be the biggest virtue. He also gave us a shout and thanks us for the featured which were more than delighted to do.
Written by: Minoca Alexander
Pc: Lion Dre
Info provided for the article by: Lion Dre
