Unlocking
The Drake Bros
What inspired you both to enter the music space?
Trevor started a hip hop group in high school with a friend where his partner rapped while he produced. Though their early work wasn't polished, both continued developing their craft. Trevor's friend "Jamo" is now releasing music on Spotify. After college separation, Trevor transitioned toward electronic production and eventually joined Connor. Connor recalled being captivated by a YouTube video of DJ Craze using Traktor Scratch Pro 2 during middle school but lacked funds for equipment at that time. In college, witnessing someone DJ with an affordable setup inspired him to purchase his own board. His first electronic show solidified his passion, and when COVID-19 arrived, he committed seriously to the pursuit.
How did you guys decide to pursue DJing and producing as a duo?
After years of separate involvement in DJing and production, they united as brothers in late 2021. Both were passionate, performed at their respective colleges, and produced independently. Noticing their musical tastes converging and discovering they attended identical shows and spoke daily made collaboration feel natural. Plus, their mom loves it (shoutout Gail).
How did you decide on the name 'The Drake Bros' and the genre you would perform together?
They deliberated extensively on their name, ultimately selecting something not limiting them to specific genres as they continued exploring direction. Regarding genre, they acknowledged still determining their sound. They appreciate diverse music across eras and remain comfortable with this undefined space, viewing their sonic journey as potentially endless yet exciting for audiences.
What brought you to San Diego?
Trevor attended San Diego State University and described it as "a hard place to leave." Connor resides in Los Angeles, requiring commuting for performances and studio sessions.
Talk us through what it's like being a sibling DJ duo. Any challenges or strengths?
They described the experience as fortunate, citing their close relationship as foundational. While typical sibling disagreements occur, they maintain mutual respect and openness. Establishing individual strengths and passions has streamlined workflow. Their telepathic connection benefits both DJ sets and production work. They value each other's honest critique, recognizing that trusted feedback is essential for producers.
What is your process for preparing for a set?
Their approach varies significantly but generally involves agreeing on a directional vibe and assembling a playlist of 20 to 40 songs. They remain flexible, understanding that you never really know what is going to land with the crowd. Frequently, their actual sets diverge completely from plans, creating the most rewarding moments.
With so many newly opened venues and recently started events, the San Diego dance scene is growing rapidly. What are your observations on the scene and community here?
They praised San Diego's dance community for its welcoming, familial atmosphere compared to Los Angeles's corporate environment. They noted growth from event companies like Love Machine, Music is 4 Lovers, and Yoon alongside CRSSD's established dominance.
Our telepathic connection benefits both our DJ sets and our production work.
What's been your favorite venue to play and why?
Trevor highlighted Sound Nightclub and Day Trip at Academy, where they've witnessed favorite artists perform and experienced exceptional crowds and production quality enabling them to showcase more challenging tracks. Connor favored EOS Lounge in Santa Barbara, acknowledging potential bias from attending college there. He appreciated its intimate setting, Funktion-One sound system, enthusiastic crowds, impressive lighting, and consistent roster of renowned performers.
When you're going out dancing in San Diego on a night off from DJing and producing, where will we find you?
Trevor frequents various venues including Spin and Bang Bang, which he called classics, and praised Camino Rivera's developments. He commended Music is 4 Lovers for booking exceptional talent. Connor concurred with Trevor's recommendations.
If you could play anywhere, at any venue in the world tonight, where would it be?
Trevor identified Warehouse Project in Manchester, England and Brooklyn Mirage as dream venues, citing their unmatched passion, energy, and production as ideal platforms for their music. Connor selected Printworks, motivated both by its imminent closure and its legendary reputation documented through stories and videos.
Who are your 'ones to watch' from the San Diego dance music scene?
They recommended Tyler Chase, Soraya, and Shepard and Seiber, describing them as working extremely hard in the studio with excellent musical taste and strong DJ curation abilities.
In what ways can the San Diego dance music community support you or collaborate with you?
Trevor emphasized focusing on creating engaging music. "Just streaming our music and any feedback is always welcome." Connor encouraged following @drakebrosmusic on Instagram for release and show updates, announcing plans to release substantial music and perform regularly in San Diego.
What are your future plans, and what should we look out for from you?
Trevor stressed prioritizing quality music creation and skill development. They're experimenting with diverse sounds and shifting toward fewer, higher caliber performances to dedicate time to production and demonstrating readiness for advancement. Connor reinforced building their discography and discovering their authentic sound without rushing, and mentioned exploring potential live performances.
The Drake Bros