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Biography

Dru Chen is a funk/soul singer-songwriter/producer based in Melbourne, Australia . His 2013 release is titled Intentions EP as an ode to pure artistic vision, his intentions as an artist. Specifically, a fusion of the values of old-time musicianship with the laptop production chops of the new breed. Dru's voice as an artist also reflects his cross cultural upbringing.

With his adolescent years split between the vibrant shores of Singapore and the city streets of Melbourne, Australia, Dru took part actively in both music scenes. A keen multi-instrumentalist (violin, piano, guitar, bass, drums) and music production degree student, he played sessions with members of Yeo and Kimbra's live bands, while recording and performing with Charlie Lim and The Sam Willows.

Dru's commanding stage delivery and musicianship has landed him on several internationally renowned stages including appearances at Mosaic Music Festival in Singapore alongside Babyface, Joss Stone, Esperanza Spalding and Grizzly Bear. In Australia, Dru has performed and collaborated with members of The Bamboos and Saskwatch. Other festival appearances include Anglesea Music Festival, Caxton St Seafood & Wine Festival, Darebin Music Feast, and Stringybark Suburban Sustainability Festival.

In February 2013, Dru released 'You Bring Out The Best In Me' as first single from Intentions EP. It was swiftly added to commercial and community radio in Australia. It's James Brown/Soul Train-inspired music video (choreographed by Kimbra, Delta Goodrem and Guy Sebastian dancer Aisha Kuryana) garnered 15,000 views on YouTube within 1 month of its release and was featured on blogs Tone Deaf and The Next 2 Shine alongside Lianne La Havas. The song also featured The Bamboos' Graeme Pogson on drums.

Punchy pop choruses mix with experimental soundscapes and high production values are combined with do-it-yourself bedroom recording practices. Dru's unique approach has found his music being played on radio stations around the world including 93.8FM, 98.7FM in Singapore, Triple R, PBS106.7, 4zZz, Switch 1197 and JOY FM in Australia, and WKCR89.9 in New York, USA, while being featured on blog sites Music Weekly Asia, Bandwagon, Poached Mag, and newspapers mX and TODAY.

A blending of the traditional forefathers of soul with the new breed of digital musicians, Intentions EP fuses the old-school with the new-school. Experimental hip-hop thumper 'Turnaround' will catch you singing along to Dru and he stretches out all three-octaves of his vocal range, while the stunning shimmering dance-soul number 'Lovelight' is a celebration of young love recalling Prince's mid-80s work. 'Involved' is a 21st century slow burner which calls to mind recent indie R&B achievers Frank Ocean and Miguel. The poignant closer "Trainwrecks" is one of Dru's earliest and most honest songwriting efforts composed at the tender age of 15 at the wake of a teenage breakup. Not unlike Ray Charles' "Drown In My Own Tears," or even Jeff Buckley's most soul baring moments, Dru's wash of guitars, violins and basses sweep over this grandiose ballad.

"Intentions EP first strikes with Dru Chen's technical mastering and songwriting ability, but leaves you with his genuine passion and sincere dedication to his influences, which is exactly what makes it an inspiring listen." Audrey Fenghuang, MusicWeekly.Asia

After selling out the first pressing of 'Intentions EP' on his headline tour of East Coast Australian Tour (which took him to Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane Maroochydore and Byron Bay), Dru is back on the road to perform festivals and club dates in Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Hong Kong and Taiwan for the rest of 2013.

www.druchen.net

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