Exclusive Interview: Dru Cutler Talks “Vibrate,” New Music Video, and More

Indie-pop singer-songwriter Dru Cutler pens a love letter to the human connection with his new single “Vibrate.” As the world began to shut down in 2020, Dru found himself holed up in his Brooklyn apartment as he grappled with emptiness and frustration, but he refused to let those feelings fester. Instead, he channeled that negativity into positive vibrations and created a timeless track that makes listeners feel less alone. Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to speak with Dru about his journey as a musician, “Vibrate,” and more.

PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
Dru: Ya know, I remember going to a birthday party when I was a teen, and there was this blonde kid who could play “Lithium” by Nirvana. I was basically blown away. My mind exploded. I got a pawn shop guitar that summer and started numbing around. Songwriting has been a big part of my life ever since then.

Here in Brooklyn, I’ve spent a great deal of time in the DIY scene. I co-founded a music space called Unit J that has been hosting independent shows for years now.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Dru: My high school TV production teacher was a gigging musician. A weekend warrior. Rayoul Zayas, or as the kids called him “Mr. Z.” He had long hair and wore a pair of white Converse in the classroom. He was hip.

I’m not sure he knows it, but he was a very inspiring figure for me. He had somehow found a certain balance in life, ya know? He had a day job and a kid, but he was still releasing his own music and making art.

He actually came to my house one Saturday and recorded my band on a four-track cassette machine. It was the first time I had ever heard my voice on tape, and it absolutely transformed my entire life.

PC: Tell us about “Vibrate” and the inspiration behind the song.
Dru: I often have a strong idea of the story behind a song, but for this track, I wasn’t thinking like that. This song was written in March of 2020, and the world kind of didn’t make sense. Everything was upside down. Ya know?

So I wasn’t searching for music that had a simple story. I was only interested in making sounds that felt good. That’s it. I was trying to make healing music because that’s exactly what I needed at the time.

PC: You’re releasing a music video for “Vibrate.” Can you talk about bringing the message and inspiration behind the song into visual form?
Dru: For the last few years, things have felt really uncertain for artists. Nothing has been solid. I think a lot of people are looking to feel more grounded, ya know? So this video plays on that feeling in a rather literal way.

I had this vision in my head of watching a character fall through the sky, and a bunch of other colorful worlds. Eventually, the character lands somewhere peaceful.

Truth is, I couldn’t have done any of this without Jesse and Kaela at Trick Pony. They really brought the spirit of this project to life. They both have an incredible eye for adding details. They aren’t afraid of any crazy ideas and they’re very inspiring artists.

I always joke around that the only way I get to see my friends nowadays is to work with them! [laughs] That’s kind of the case here. The song has a floaty feeling, and the entire production team helped to realize that in every aspect of the motion graphics, art direction, and editing.

PC: You’ve steadily released music throughout the years. If you had to choose the song that best encompasses who you are as an artist, which would it be and why?
Dru: Great question. My songs are like my children, so it’s hard to pick a favorite. [laughs] I would say my song “Familiar” is pretty close. It helped me to realize my love for nostalgia. It’s been a central theme of mine for many years. I just love dreams and memories and personal history.

PC: You’re also one of the co-founders of Unit J. How did this venue come to fruition?
Dru: For as long as I can remember, I’ve been interested in the DIY scene. I mean, my high school punk band played at my own prom. That’s some nerdy stuff. [laughs]

Unit J started with a bunch of roomies having an impromptu jam session that lasted into the wee hours of a Tuesday night. I think people enjoyed being there because it was great music but it wasn’t stuffy. Ya know? It was basically a living room. We accidentally started to build a scene.

Over the years, I found roomies who were interested in the space and interested in making art and had a vision for where we could go. We’ve hosted film screenings, plays, dance parties, punk shows, folk nights, and everything in-between. It’s an art and music space, but it’s also our living room.

PC: As we look ahead to the rest of 2022, what does the year hold for you?
Dru: I’m so psyched to get this lovely video out into the world! I’m hosting a monthly Songwriter Night in my loft at Unit J, and I’ve got a show at Rockwood Music Hall on 7/28. Follow me on Instagram to get the deets.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Dru: Karlheinz Stockhausen.

PC: First album you bought?
Dru: Prince, Diamonds and Pearls.

PC: First concert you attended?
Dru: Rod Stewart!

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Dru: Oh lord. There are so many. Bjork’s Vespertine is one of my all-time favorite records. It’s both soft and haunting, and the melodies are eternal. There’s so much depth in those waters.

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Dru: I want to play a disco show at a roller rink. Do you know anybody?

PC: A must-have on the road?
Dru: Headphones. Journal. Coffee. Rolling papers. Time alone.

To keep up with Dru, follow him on Twitter, Instagram, Spotify, and Apple Music. Pick up or stream “Vibrate” today.

Photo Credit: Vladimir Weinstein // Video Credit: Trick Pony