Page 66 - ION Indie Magazine JanFeb 2021 Issue

MH: Do you have anyone that you consider your mentor, and if so, how has their help or
advice shaped you?

DTCM: There's definitely a big list of people who have offered advice to me or helped me grow
in any way, but a large part of music and life is making your own mistakes, creating your own
path, and learning your own lessons. I'm lucky to have friends that I consider brothers and
sisters. I even consider some of their parents my parents as well. I'm thankful for each and every
one of them for leaving their mark on my life.

MH: Do you have any specifics on how you choose your next song to cover and how
does your creative process work?

DTCM: LOL! I dead-ass just imagine what a big song would sound like with a dancehall beat
behind it, and if it sounds good in my head, I'll cover it. It's fun doing some of the TikTok hit
songs, too. Because you hear those sounds MULTIPLE times a day it’s cool to switch it up and
make it your own thing. Even when some of those songs are TRASH, LOL (jk)! Kinda, not really.

MH: What is one experience in life that, without it, you wouldn’t be the artist you are
today?

DTCM: Not to be corny or anything but getting sober changed my life in ways I couldn't imagine.
My heart and soul can be put into things that progress me musically and spiritually. I hit a rock
bottom and became someone I didn't want to be, but through that I've become the person I was
meant to be -- and I thank the creator every day for putting me exactly where I need to be. I
could be dead right now, but apparently there was a different plan for me. I've lost a lot of people
in my life and I know that tomorrow is never guaranteed, so I'm blessed to have every moment.

MH: 2020 has been incredibly hard for the music community around the globe with this
crazy virus. After this pandemic slows down and possibly finally over, what’s next for
Drives The Common Man? What are your goals as a musician/artist? Do you see yourself
continuing to work in music or do you have bigger and great plans in your life?

DTCM: My biggest goal is to start playing shows again…solo shows or even shows with
Youngest and Only. I just want to feel that high again. I also really want to start speaking with
indigenous and non-indigenous youth about mental health and addiction. Whether that be
through my music, or speakings, I know deep down that I want to attempt to inspire our youth
in any way that I can.

MH: Drives The Common Man, thank you for giving me this opportunity to interview and
share your musical story journey. Is there anything else you want to say to our readers
of ION Indie Magazine?

DTCM: Thank you for interviewing me!! I appreciate you giving me the platform to talk about
things that are important to me. You da best! Wela'lin (Thank you)

Learn more about Drives The Common Man at the following links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drivesthecommonman
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drivesthecommonman
YouTube: “Night Vision”: https://youtu.be/08xbWHuPoQk
YouTube: “Indian Car”: https://youtu.be/Xp2n0xwV5sY