After making it through multiple rounds, including a choreographed dance and a talent portion, junior Drew Morris was able to win the hearts of the audience and judges and came out on top as the King of Hearts.
Hailing from St. Louis, Drew is a strategic communications major with a marketing minor. He is also a member of Beta Theta Pi. Back home, he’s the lead vocalist of a band called Raising Kane. Drew is also a tour guide at the Budweiser Brewery and DJ’s graduation parties on the side. Even with Drew’s busy schedule, I was lucky enough to sit down with him and get to know a little more about this multi-talented musician.
Her Campus: How did you get involved with King of Hearts?
Drew Morris: I actually did it last year with a friend from my pledge class, Craiger Eshleman. He was the one who told me about it, and we worked together on a medley of popular 90’s music and boy-band songs. It went well last year…but I definitely wanted to come back again and give it another shot.
HC: What made you most nervous during King of Hearts?
DM: I decided to perform “Bright Lights” by Matchbox Twenty on the piano. As soon as I sat down, I realized I forgot to change my socks, so the whole crowd could see my bright white ankle socks with my black dress shoes and suit. Pretty embarrassing! But in all honesty, I’m pretty used to performing in front of people so I wasn’t too nervous. I was just hoping for a good turnout.
HC: What was the most difficult part about preparing for this?
DM: I’d have to say the hardest part was choosing the right song to perform. I went through about 3 or 4 ideas before I decided on “Bright Lights”. Also, learning the beginning dance portion was pretty tough. I kind of had to swallow my pride on that one.
HC: What’s your favorite thing about performing?
DM: The best part is soaking in the audience’s response. I just feed off the crowd’s energy when I’m up there, and it’s the best feeling when the crowd gets into it and cheers you on.
HC: When did you first get involved in music?
DM: I’ve been playing instruments since I was 7 years old. I had a few bands in grade school and middle school, but the most we ever did was play at our winter talent shows. In middle school and into the beginning of high school, I went through a phase where all I listened to was Ozzy Osbourne, Motley Crue, Guns N’ Roses and other artists like that. I met some guys in my class who already had a band that played similar music, but they still needed a vocalist, so I started playing shows with them. Even though all five of us went our separate ways for college, I’m still with it! We just take a little hiatus during the school year.
HC: What was your first memory of music/performing?
DM: I was a little too young to remember this, but my mom says I used to walk around the house singing Garth Brooks. The first time I ever performed in front of a crowd was when some of my grade school friends and I formed a band and played at our 6th grade talent show. If I remember correctly, the first time I ever actually sang in front of anyone was at my 8th grade graduation. They had our band play “School’s Out For Summer.” I’m sure those home videos are probably hilarious.
HC: Who or what inspires you?
DM: First and foremost, it’s my family. Musically, my biggest inspiration has always been Michael Jackson. My dad had Michael’s greatest hits CD when I was little, and I would play it over and over again. I think that’s what got me so interested in music from a young age, and probably the reason I’m still doing it today.
Drew’s Favorites…
- Bar at Miami: The Woods
- Restaurant at Miami: TGD
- Favorite musical artist: Michael Jackson, Eminem, Skrillex, DMX, Waka Flocka, and anything 80’s