Dror Talks Texas Pop, Recording Debut EP & Navigating The Music Industry
WITH DROR
His newly released music video, PEN15, takes us on a dare-I-say ride, floating on a classroom desk through nostalgic suburbia and tossing footballs out on the field.
Photography, Julio Nuno
Words, Brandon Scott Roye In Conversation with Dror
VIEW GALLERY
The mid-20s are a decisive time in one’s life.
Self exploration and improvement, finding your people, mastering your craft, discovering new passions, building a team and taking the leap—or not. It’s a time of deciding to strive or to settle with make-or-break first impressions at every corner.
There are just a handful of virtuosic creators I’ve had the pleasure of meeting—let’s say five out of the hundreds, if not thousands—who I’ve known from our very first “hello” would soon call the likes of Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga, Tom Ford and Victoria Beckham their peers.
To set the stage for today’s conversation with BOND OFFICIAL, let’s take it back six years to Austin, Texas. I’m sitting by myself a few rows back in an intimate auditorium at UT Austin, awaiting a friend’s first performance with the “it” acapella choir on campus. One could always expect a perfectly pitched, beautifully balanced and effortlessly cool performance from The Ransom Notes.
It’s tempting to create a viral hit, but everyone who inspires me took the long-term approach with an attention to artistry.
THE LOOK
Black Leather Sport Coat, Rosleen; Button Down, Brooks Brother; Real Scorpion/Texas Bolo Tie, His Late Grandfather’s; Belt, Late Grandfather’s (Pasadena Livestock Show and Rodeo, Reserve Champion Fryers Buyer); Rings, His Father’s.
This was the first time I saw Dror perform live, followed by a snowball effect of viral Youtube videos, conceptual shoots around the city and his debut single, Tryna Be:
Do you ever think that you don't Belong in your world surroundings,
Ya meant for something More than average
Do you ever think that you were meant For something so much bigger
and better, Than ya doin
One day I'll laugh all the way, Straight to the bank, With all my homies, W
We'll stay up late in the night with all of our time, And we'll just think about
Oh, all of the girls, All of the girls, All of the girls,
Tryna be something they not Just for the boys
And all of the boys, All of the boys, All of the boys,
Tryna be something they not Just for the girls
I’ve witnessed Dror’s mindset, style and sound evolve for the better part of a decade. In some ways, he’s matured as an artist—and in just the right ways, he’s let go. There’s a never ending line to walk between controlling every detail and simply letting your artistry flow.
His newly released music video, PEN15, takes us on a dare-I-say ride, floating on a classroom desk through nostalgic suburbia and tossing footballs out on the field. Notes of love and sex, posing in a trophy room—truly something to talk about.
Always laser focused on music, Dror has simultaneously fallen into a budding career as a celebrity stylist with clients including Adidas, Cameron Dallas, NBA players and Thanasis Antetokounmpo. With a number of singles and his debut EP in the pipeline for the summer and fall, we sat down to reflect on his journey, share a few laughs, and manifest a future worth singing about.
As always, Dror is digging in his boots, sticking to his roots, and manifesting a live performance back home at The Houston Rodeo—his North Star, for now.
BSR: We met back in college when you were just getting started in music. So glad to catch up before this inflection point in your career with debut EP releasing this fall.
D: It feels like such a full circle moment from our college days to meeting Igee in New York and now being featured on the publication. For the past year, I’ve been working on my debut EP. I feel like this is the best next step for me and my career. I got my start with singles in Texas to figure out my look and sound. Now, I’m taking a step back as an artist to create a full composition with a consistent image and message. I feel like this is a reintroduction in a way because you only get one shot to make your first impression with a body of work. It’s taken some patience, but the best changes have come with time.
BSR: Since the last time you were in the studio and on camera, how have you been focused on leveling up your craft? Where is your niche in the creative process and how have you learned to build a team for the rest?
D: L.A is full of so many talented people. It’s the best people in the industry which really made me want to be the best I can be. You’ve got to constantly improve and I can thank L.A for that. I still work with friends in Austin and I’ll always have a soft spot for their sounds. Producing here, I’ve started co-writing. I’ll write on my own to get the song started. As I find tough spots and want another opinion, I’ll get a few ears on it.
Love working with songwriters, producers, photographers, videographers. I’m lucky to work with them
BSR: Tell me about your signature as an artist. When I see you and hear you, what should make me immediately think, “Oh, that’s totally Dror.”
D: This project has a cinematic, soulful, pop sound. I’ve coined it Texas Pop with a ruggedness and western strings, reminiscent of vintage Texas. But, I love a catchy hook and chorus which still makes it pop. The sound is very confident and makes people feel good.
I feel like there’s not a lot of male pop music that everyone can dive into. Their fanbase is usually female and I’m inspired by artists who bring everyone in like Justin Timberlake.
BSR: Speaking to Texas roots, where do you find your inspiration back home and beyond?
D: Family has always been a huge source of inspiration for me, especially my dad in the 80s. Gold chains, growing out a mullet—I love recreating his outfits. My mom and two older sisters are very in tune with all things style and fashion.
Since moving to LA, I’ve learned to mix and match with new brands and modern styling for a new fusion. When I’m back in Texas, I’m in my Wrangler white wash jeans five days a week. Here in L.A, I love to play with nostalgia, dress it up a bit and always remember my roots.
THE LOOK
Vintage Varsity Suede Leather Jacket, Vintage Varsity Princeton N.J ; Tie, Calvin Klein; Handkerchief, Fendi; Headphones, Sony; High top, Converse
BSR: Let’s talk about stage personas, alter egos and authenticity. How do you fluctuate as an everyday guy at the supermarket vs. a performer on-screen and on-stage? Are you keeping it consistent or like to play with new characters?
D: People can be so dynamic. In general, I’m a homebody. Writing, meditating — I love my alone time. And sometimes, I like to go out and have the craziest night ever.
In this artist project, I’m playing in every direction and it’s all still me. I’m embellishing who I am with a thread of truth through it all. My debut EP became a confident escape for me which instantly makes me feel good. If I’m not having the best day, my music instantly makes me feel better which is huge. It’s something I’ve never had before.
I’d say my persona is over the top, confident and Texas.
BSR: Major and minor chords. Happy and sad emotions. What journey are you taking us on with your first album?
D: It’s a very fun, but dark sound.
BSR: Fun and dark?
D: Well, what’s dark about it is the percussion and strings with a deeper sound. But, it’s upbeat. Think rock and roll vibes with a strong energy which really keeps you going. Classical elements are juxtaposed with hip hop baselines creating this incredible duality. I’ve found if you go all in with classical instruments, it’s difficult to modernize and entertain a live audience. This fusion will keep them going.
BSR: Where would you die of happiness if you heard your music playing in LA?
D: So many places. If I was just out with friends and heard it, that would be so cool. There are so many L.A spots which would feel like a stamp of approval. I usually prefer a relaxed, intimate house party. And of course, I’d love to bring it all to life at the Houston Rodeo.
You need a comfortable window to take your time, get creative, and release something with longevity.
BSR: Let’s talk about the music industry. Everyone has their own way of kick starting their career. How are you pulling it off?
D: I’ve learned a lot in the last couple of years. If you don’t have any prior experience or family in the industry, you have to figure it out as you go. I understand the industry now and figured out exactly how I want to navigate it.
I’ve learned to be very patient and music focused. It’s tempting to create a viral hit, but everyone who inspires me took the long-term approach with an attention to artistry. I’ve taken the last year to really figure out my sound and style. You need a comfortable window to take your time, get creative, and release something with longevity.
I’ll be chatting with management and labels, but want to focus on my craft before signing into a bunch of partnerships.
BSR: What have you given up to make it where you are today?
D: The first thing that comes to mind is family. They’re all back in Texas and I always miss them after moving across the country to pursue music. Maybe one day I’ll return to Texas, but I’m right where I need to be for now.
The second is simply lifestyle. I certainly gave up a more comfortable, stable life by pursuing entertainment. But, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m a firm believer that you should fully commit to your dreams and leave no room for regrets.
Genuinely, I don’t feel I’ve given up a lot. There are challenging days, of course. I’m grateful to live in the city I’ve always dreamed of and working on a passion project for myself.
THE LOOK
Ostrich Jacket, Bernini Beverly Hills; Cowboy Cut Original Fit Jeans, Wrangler; 1984 Tennis Shoes \ Sunglasses, Gucci
BSR: What is your definition of the modern man? What example do you hope to set for others through your work?
D: I always strive to create a confident sound—without putting anyone else down. That’s how I was taught. Old school confidence meant taking from others. New age confidence is a strong sense of lifting up others on your way to the top.
We can be genuine, authentic and comfortable without taking from others.
BSR: Your recent song, 90s Winona, was set in a chaotic, grungy bedroom with words scribbled in Sharpie across every possible surface. How did you come up with the concept—and how did you find this space?
D: It’s a historic room. The Jim Morrison room. He used to stay there when he was going through a divorce and after he died, all of his superfans would stay in this motel room. There’s a really spooky vibe. I don’t know how anyone actually sleeps there. The scribbled writing on every object, walls and ceilings is pretty heavy. It was perfect for the song. We rented the room and I made a few complementary pieces to amp up the set design like prints of Winona Ryders and angsty teenage props. It was the first time my set felt fully authentic. It didn’t feel like a persona. It was me—accentuated and brought to life.
BSR: It’s funny to hear you say that with your pristine, white room behind you on Zoom.
Both:
[Laughter]
D: Totally. The first stuff I created was very polished, symmetrical and perfect. Those vintage Wes Anderson vibes still have a place, but I’ve tried to dirty it up a bit and express those deeper, authentic emotions.
BSR: As you grow in your music career, I know styling has surfaced as another passion for you. Tell me about styling the likes of Cameron Dallas and Thanasis Antetokounmpo. How did this all come about?
D: It’s the first time in my life where I’m doing something I didn’t initially set out to do. I didn’t know how the styling side of the industry works. I’ve never had the desire to dress other people. There’s a photographer I often shoot with and she was shooting with Cameron. She had nothing for him to wear and asked me to bring over my own clothes to style him. From there, it started evolving for another shoot with Fendi.
Over the past year, I’ve worked with NBA players for All Star Weekend, their tunnel outfits, Cade Cunningham for Slam Magazine, Adidas for Coachella.
It’s become a fulfilling creative lane I never saw myself in and I’m really enjoying it. Clothes make me feel a certain way and they tell a story. I’ve enjoyed bringing that to other people to share their story.
BSR: What serendipitous moments have you come across which show you that you’re on the right path?
D: There was a full circle moment with Cameron. For my first music video, Tryna Be, I created the treatment and one of the photos of Cameron wearing a plaid jacket, pinky ring, and wooden wall which inspired one of the scenes in the library. Fast forward to styling him in L.A and I take my pinky ring off for him to wear—which he initially inspired.
Musically, I started out not really knowing how to make a beat. And still, I’ve found a place for a few of my early songs in this debut project which feels really gratifying.
Who I was then and who I am now live together in this album.
THE LOOK
Shirt, Everlane; Cowboy Cut Original Fit Jeans, Wrangler; Vintage Trucker Hat, Houston United States Secret Service
New age confidence is a strong sense of lifting up others on your way to the top.
