GET TO KNOW: DRAKE MILLIGAN [EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW]

Milligan’s debut EP might be one of the best releases of the year…

A Texas native who possesses George Strait’s storytelling prowess, Elvis Presley’s charm and a deep reverence for the genre’s forefathers and the trail they’ve blazed. That, perhaps, is one way to describe rising singer/songwriter, Drake Milligan.

The newly-signed BBR Music Group artist recently released his self-titled debut EP, and it is one that finds him proudly embracing the warm nostalgia of good ol’ traditional country music.

From start to end, Milligan’s project cohesively captures the heart and soul of country music, both lyrically and sonically. After all, when sheer talent is paired with the impeccable production work of Brandon Hood and the legendary, award-winning Tony Brown (Strait, Reba, Vince Gill), its amalgamating product is bound to be nothing short of perfection.

The tight five-song sampler features plenty of fiddle and steel guitar, with Milligan’s rich baritone melodically narrating each cut. It boasts raw twang, potent instrumentation, and an organic sound that takes listeners back to the yesteryears of country.

“Sounds Like Something I’d Do” is a rollicking anthem that drips with 80’s and 90’s country swagger, while the feel-good “Kiss Goodbye All Night” fleshes out the influence Alan Jackson, Brooks & Dunn and Presley have had on Milligan’s artistry. Elsewhere on the EP, the 23-year-old also pays homage to Roy Orbison, Dwight Yoakam and Strait on “Don’t Look Down” and “She”- two romantic ballads that display his more tender, romantic side.

The EP’s strongest track however, is “Over Drinkin’ Under Thinkin’.” Coming in at just over three minutes, this infectious, throwback country song is a standout that will hook listeners on their first listen—and has the makings of a bonafide hit single.

With Milligan’s authenticity breathing new life into the familiar high lonesome sound, this debut collection arrives as one of the finest offerings from a newcomer yet.

Sounds Like Nashville got to have an in-depth chat with the talented newcomer about his journey to Nashville, influences, creating the debut EP, working with Tony Brown, and much more.

Introducing the next artist you have to “Get to Know”: Drake Milligan

SLN: We’re so excited to get to know your story, Drake! So, to start, what was your life like growing up in Fort Worth, Texas? Did you listen to a lot of country music?

Drake Milligan: I grew up with both of my parents’ music. My dad runs a scrap metal recycling yard and my mom’s a veterinarian. We had all the George Jones, Merle Haggard, Alan Jackson and George Strait CDs. One of my first loves in music were George Strait’s CDs, which [my dad] always had in his car. My mom was cool too. She had all the Waylon Jennings and outlaw stuff that she loved. And then when I was about 7 or 8, I discovered Elvis and just thought he was the coolest thing ever. I tried to find everything I could about Elvis, researched all of his movies, songs and dance moves, which grew into me trying to sing like him throughout high school. That was my gig- traveling as an Elvis tribute artist. But all the while, I was playing traditional country songs as well. And then I got into [acting on] CMT’s Sun Records. I was lucky enough to be part of that and figured after the show, I’d move to Nashville to try to make my way as a songwriter and a singer. So, here I am!