Drew Stevyns did not have a choice. Full-time singing would be his career without contest.
“In some ways, I never really felt like I had a choice to do anything else. I kinda just wanted to sing,” he said. “I was good at it and people liked hearing it, so I sang.”
A singer since he was 5 years old, Stevyns, now 26, dabbled in various bands for about six years before deciding to go solo 18 months ago. “It?s working out great,” he said. “I?ve been playing everywhere.”
Going solo proved to be a better fit for the singer, who is originally from Sykesville in Carroll County. “I like [being solo] because it enables me to play more, and there is less complication,” he said.
Stevyns works his original compositions in between covers of popular songs during performances. His musical influences include The Doors, Nirvana, The Beatles and Elliott Smith, he said.
Although he?s not currently looking to get signed by a large record label, Stevyns said that if it happened, he would welcome it.
“If it happened I wouldn?t throw a fit,” he said. “As long as I am still playing music in the next couple of years.”
Stevyns plays every other week at BF Biggins Restaurant in Annapolis. “Drew?s awesome; he?s got a great voice for a young guy,” BF Biggins owner Chuck Saine said. “He?s the only young singer that packs the house, all night until 2 a.m.”
Currently finishing up the recording of his first CD, “Intro,” a 12-track debut of original songs, Stevyns is playing shows in Maryland, Washington, Delaware and Virginia five nights a week.
“It?s definitely a pleasure playing full time,” he said. “I?m just doing what I love.”
If you go
Drew Stevyns performs
» Venue: O?Brien?s Oyster Bar and Grill, 113 Main St.,Annapolis
» Time: 9 p.m.
» Cost: Free
» More info: www.drewstevynmusic.com
