Drake Milligan has swiftly captured the attention of country music enthusiasts, and for good reason. With a sound that blends traditional country roots with a contemporary energy, Milligan is not just another newcomer; he’s a force. For those just discovering this rising star, understanding his journey through his songs is the best introduction.
Milligan’s deep-seated love for country music was cultivated from a young age by his parents, who immersed him in the sounds of legends like George Jones, Merle Haggard, George Strait, and Alan Jackson. This classic country upbringing formed the bedrock of his musical taste, but it was a chance encounter with an Elvis impersonator that truly ignited his performance spark.
Drake Milligan performing on stage, showcasing his energetic country style
At the tender age of 7 or 8, seeing an Elvis impersonator perform was a pivotal moment. “He had the jumpsuit and was singing the songs. I had never seen anything like that,” Milligan recalls. This fascination led him to explore the real Elvis Presley, watching videos and movies, and recognizing the captivating power of entertainment. He began honing his own Elvis impersonation, a skill that would become his early stagecraft training.
Entering Elvis impersonation contests and often winning, Milligan spent his formative years, from nine into his teens, touring and performing as Elvis throughout Texas and neighboring states. This wasn’t just a hobby; it was an invaluable apprenticeship in showmanship. “It was a great way to get on stage and learn how to entertain people,” he explains. “It was my summer job, and I could make good money doing it.” Simultaneously, his passion for playing guitar grew, always gravitating towards country songs, hinting at his deeper musical aspirations.
As he transitioned from impersonator to original artist, the Elvis fan community surprisingly offered support, recognizing his genuine talent. Milligan acknowledges the lasting impact of his Elvis years: “I still carry that Elvis Hits book. Obviously, I carry some of the moves, and since I tried to sing like him for so long, I’ve had to learn to not sound like him. I’m carrying the torch but in a different way.” This unique blend of influences is subtly woven into Drake Milligan Songs, creating a sound that is both familiar and distinctly his own.
In 2017, Drake Milligan auditioned for American Idol, advancing to Hollywood. However, he made the insightful decision to withdraw, realizing he needed more artistic development. He felt unprepared for such a massive platform, having only recently arrived in Nashville and begun songwriting. This period of self-awareness and dedication to craft would prove crucial.
After several years of honing his songwriting and studio skills in Nashville, Milligan unveiled his artistic evolution in 2021 with the release of “Over Drinikin’/UnderThinkin”. This original track immediately showcased his mature country sound, reminiscent of a blend between George Strait and Midland. It encapsulated the essence of Texas country music, resonating with authenticity and heartfelt storytelling. This song marked a turning point, signaling his arrival as a serious country music artist with his own voice.
By 2022, Milligan felt ready for a larger stage, auditioning for America’s Got Talent (AGT). He bravely chose to perform another original song, the infectious and energetic anthem “Sounds Like Something I’d Do”. The performance earned him a standing ovation from Simon Cowell and the judges, instantly captivating a national audience. Howie Mandel even playfully dubbed him “The Elvis of Country,” acknowledging his captivating stage presence.
His AGT quarter-final performance of “Let’s Kiss Goodbye All Night” further solidified his position, with Simon Cowell declaring it “the best of the night.” Milligan’s natural stage presence is undeniable. “I always get nervous before I go on, but once I hit that stage, I’ve got the best band in the world,” he shares. “Those guys are my friends, and it’s kind of a comfort zone for me. I know I’m not in this alone. Once I’m in it and grooving, I feel pretty comfortable.”
Drake Milligan songs are a tapestry of his diverse influences. “I pick my Elvis moments. I pick my George Strait moments. I try to sprinkle all that in there,” he explains. “Elvis was a culmination of his influences. If you bring all those influences together, you can find your own sound.” This thoughtful approach to his artistry results in country music that is both respectful of tradition and vibrantly contemporary.
Culminating this journey is his debut full-length album, Dallas/Fort Worth, released on September 15th. This 14-track project is deeply personal, with Milligan co-writing every song. The album title reflects his Texas roots and the contrasting vibes of Dallas and Fort Worth. “As a native son of the Dallas/Fort Worth area, I’ve always been intrigued by the difference between the two cities,” he explains. “Dallas is determined to prove that everything really is bigger in Texas. Fort Worth holds true to its Stockyard roots with a taut rope around its cowboy brand. My goal was to bring those same distinctions to the two parts of this album.”
Drake Milligan and his band performing with energy and passion
The Dallas side of the album features songs with a “little more polish,” while the Fort Worth side delves into “traditional Honky-Tonkin’, Western swingin’, cowboy culture roots.” Produced by Tony Brown and Brandon Hood, Dallas/Fort Worth positions Drake Milligan as a next-generation traditionist, injecting fresh energy into Texas twang. His “double-barreled baritone vocals match electrifying honky-tonk hooks, Western swing two-steppers, country pop balladry and more,” exploring themes of “trouble-making fun, young romance, life-sustaining love and more.”
Milligan himself emphasizes his lifelong passion: “As a lifelong Country music fan, it has been my dream to make a full-length record that pays homage to traditional Country roots, while still bringing new sounds and energy to the genre.” Regardless of his AGT journey, his focus remains on sharing his music: “Regardless of whether I win or lost (on AGT) I want to be focused on promoting my record and getting it out there. Either way, it’s a great time to release a record. A lot of people will be paying attention.”
Drake Milligan is undoubtedly an artist to watch. His dedication to crafting authentic country music, combined with his captivating stage presence, marks him as a significant new voice in the genre. Explore Drake Milligan songs and discover a country music revelation that is just beginning. Be sure to check out his new record and follow his website for tour dates and more.
