Page 53 - ION Indie Magazine_JulyAug 2021

INTERVIEW

Interview by Kiki Plesha

Photo credit: Ken Maxwell

Music by Kerosene Drifters
“Bad Mojo”

I first met Dana Chavez Manuel and Korey Manuel of the band Kerosene Drifters when I
was a producer on the television music competition show “The One – Indie Music Battle”
on REELZ. In preparation for the premier of the show, thousands of music videos were
submitted in the hope of being selected to be featured on the show. Yet, even with a
plethora of music videos review, Kerosene Drifters and their high-energy song “Barb’s
Wired” ear-wormed its way into my brain. That, to me, is the mark of a great song…it’s
memorable.

Apparently, our television viewership agreed, as week after week, “Barb’s Wired” was in
the top 4 of the rankings. This was no small feat, especially when you look at the caliber of
talent that Kerosene Drifters was up against -- some being represented by well-known
management companies and powerhouse PR agencies, boasting large social media
followings which easily could have stacked the votes for those artists’ videos. It only goes
to show, when you are indie, your fans matter. Each week of the competition, Kerosene
Drifters’ fans showed up and cast their vote for “Barb’s Wired,” keeping the multi-
dimensional, multi-talented husband-and-wife duo in the top rankings. You can check that
video out at https://youtu.be/DnUIkourIyw.

I recently caught up with Dana and Korey of Kerosene Drifters, and the timing couldn’t
have been better as they have recently dropped dynamic new singles, the prelude to the
nd
release of their 2 album, which is slated for Fall of 2021. “Redemption” which features
Korey’s driving vocals, was released on May 28, 2021. An intriguing, up-tempo storytelling
track with a western flavor and a dark mood, it draws the listener in, taking them on a
raucous ride that will leave them breathless from the sheer adrenaline rush.

Dana does the vocal honors on “Bad Mojo,” a lusty song that is reminiscent of such
powerful female presences in music as Elle King and Grace Potter. It’s a sexy and flirty
brash track that celebrates ballsy women. Much like the predatory Black Widow spider, the
song lures you into its melodic web and holds the listener captive. ”Bad Mojo” drops on
June 25, 2021, thus, it will be available on all music service outlets when this issue of ION
Indie Magazine goes live.

Here is my insightful interview with Dana and Korey of Kerosene Drifters.