Drew Ryan

"Nice!" - Anthony Bennett from Toronto, Canada

"Sick titties dudes" - haydenschmitz from unknown

"really nice wish more bands had your beat" - deadgnat55 from Gibsons BC, Canada

"I like the chord progression and the intro" - riveracj2 from unkown

"Sounds good guys - keep at it!!" - patrick.thorpe from Rickmansworth, United Kingdom

"Very good..." - kokoman_ariesto from Jakarta, Indonesia

"I love this kind of music. Cool. Keep on going" - princess_lavi from Odorhei, Romania

"Nice progressive, wild tense rythmically cool..voice is on par with guitar skills. interesting, hard work. i just heard a little Jeff Buckley! morrison, yeah baby." - guitardianaz from Huntington Beach, CA

"Nice soulfull sound" - Phukeneh from Calgary, Canada

"Brilliant guitar" - jd432 from Ireland

"Love the blues - Not bad for a white boy!" - Rusted but Metal from Guelph, Canada - Jango.com

(music placement in video)
Mid morning surf session at the ka'aka'ako park.
The break is flies and the waves are so-so today but worth a few shots and a new episode.
Music from the Drew Schwartz.
Song: Where i Wanna Be
http://drewschwartz.com/ - Surf Session Report

BOSTON, Mass (November 16, 2009) – Buffalo native Drew Schwartz will be hosting a concert event this November in honor of the release of his first EP. Schwartz will be donating 50% of all the proceeds from the event to Roswell Park Cancer Institute for the great work they have done for the community including his father, who has recently undergone two separate brain tumor removal surgeries and is being treated with chemotherapy and radiation. "As music has always helped me, I hope I can use my music to help benefit Roswell Park and my home town of Buffalo”.

Schwartz collaborated with fellow Buffalo native and Berklee College of Music graduate Mike Baldo who produced, mixed, recorded, mastered and engineered the EP. The two Hamburg locals used years of friendship and music education to create an EP that will impress the masses.

Growing up in Buffalo and his experiences living in Boston, New York City, Cape Town South Africa as well as many trips to California, all inspired Schwartz’s music and led him to title his 3 song EP “Go West & Grow Up” after the famous quote by John B. L. Soule "Go West, young man, and grow up with the country".

The EP release party will be held on November 21, 2009 at The Tralf in downtown Buffalo. Clarence Lott will be opening the concert and Schwartz will be performing an acoustic set, tracks off the EP will be played periodically throughout the night. Tickets are currently available at all Ticketmaster locations, charge by phone 1-800-745-3000, or at ticketmaster.com for $20. Doors will open at 7pm, where the EP will be available for free or donation. A raffle will also take place including tickets to a Buffalo Bills vs. Patriots game.

About Drew Schwartz
Drew Schwartz hails from Hamburg in Buffalo, NY. In December he will be receiving a Bachelors of Science in Music Industry with a minor in Business Administration from Northeastern University in Boston, MA. Schwartz has had a wealth of music industry experience including working at Wilspro Management under former head of A&R at Atlantic Records, Nick Cassinelli; as well as former manager of Gavin Degraw, Debbie Wilson. In the Spring of 2009 Schwartz studied Artist Management from former manager/current web-manager of Aerosmith, Keith Garde. On top of creating his own EP, Schwartz has merged his love of music and business by managing two bands; “Micah” and "Shoney Lamar and the Equal Rights" securing both bands concerts and press coverage. Schwartz also recently returned from a 5 month study abroad in South Africa where he taught Music Theory to musicians in the Kensington Township, and studied the social effects of Gangsterism at the University of Cape Town. www.myspace.com/drewschwartz

About Roswell Park
Roswell Park Cancer Institute, founded in 1898, is the nation’s first cancer research, treatment and education center. It is the only National Cancer Institute designated comprehensive cancer center in Upstate New York.

About Clarence Lott
Clarence Lott is a Buffalo-born musician who learned his craft from a number of great artists who were members of the Colored Musicians Club in the 1950's and 1960's, including trumpeter George Holt Sr., saxophonist Graff Young and pianists Johnny Gibson and Al Tinney. Lott relocated to Cleveland, Ohio in 1961, and joined a group of musicians, playing with the famous Roland Kirk and accompanied artists such as Dionne Warwick, The Impressions, The O'Jay's and other Cleveland artists. By the 1960's, Northeast cities like Cleveland and "Motown" Detroit were hot on the music scene. Talented musicians like Lott have a unique ability to bring back those memories and magical sounds.
- ellekross.weebly.com

In November 2009, Western New York native Drew Schwartz hosted an album release party to celebrate the launch of his new EP, entitled Go West & Grow Up, and to raise money for brain cancer research at Roswell Park Cancer Institute. The event was in honor of Drew's father who is currently battling brain cancer. Thanks to the support of Drew's friends, family and fans, the evening raised over $20,000 to support RPCI. Thank you to Drew and all of his supporters for this incredible event! - Roswell Park Cancer Institute

Drew Schwartz is a new breed of singer-songwriter. He combines the old soul of Bill Withers, with the creativity of the indie-rockers of today, and adds a side of intensity you'd see in a bar fight. His recent journey's through Japan, South Africa, Jamaica, NYC, and Boston, have all lead him to his road-trip across the USA to land in Los Angeles and follow his dream, like the title of his 2009 EP implies, to "Go West & Grow Up". You can hear all the tracks, get the latest tour info, and find out more about Drew at www.myspace.com/drewschwartz - The Deli Magazine

aturday November 21st, check out the Tralf Music Hall and the Drew Schwartz EP Realease, “Go West & Grow Up.” The evening will serve as a benefit for Brain Cancer Research and doors will open at 7:00 p.m. for this all ages event. Admission is $20.00. Tickets are available at all Ticketmaster locations and www.ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone, call 1-800-745-3000. The Tralf Box Office is open Monday through Friday from 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m. and one hour before doors on all show dates. The Tralf Music Hall is located at 622 Main Street in Theatre Place and for more information call 716/852-2860 or visit www.tralfmusichall.com. - Buffaloplace.com

Drew Schwartz - Go West And Grow Up
2010, Drew Schwartz

Hamburg, New York native and current Santa Monica, California singer-songwriter Drew Schwartz is cut from a different cloth. Looking at the everyday world around him for inspiration, Schwartz is as likely to be moved by the mundane as the exciting moments. Schwartz is self-taught on guitar and a number of other instruments, and continues to strive to expand his methods of musical expression. Schwartz’ debut EP, Go West And Grow Up, finds him creating after spending a few years managing the careers of other artists.

Schwartz opens with By Your Side, a gentle love song about devotion and staying in for the long haul. The arrangement is gentle and uncomplicated, allowing Schwartz free range with a voice that's somewhat limited but very affable. Schwartz treats listeners to the funk-driven Darwinism before launching into the highly impressive Rare Find. Schwartz finds the temerity to inject a highly melodic song with high-end energy as a calling card for listeners.

Drew Schwartz lights the musical lamp with the Go West And Grow Up EP, leaving listeners with a lot to think about. If this is any indication, it should be exciting to see what Schwartz comes up with next.

Rating: 3.5 Stars (Out of 5)

You can learn more about Drew Schwartz at www.myspace.com/drewschwartz. You can purchase Go West And Grow Up as a digital EP from iTunes. - Wildy's World

Buffalo-native Drew Schwartz sent a clear message about moving on while still maintaining a sense of community in his benefit concert Saturday night.

'We often take a lot of things from the community without realizing it,' Schwartz said. 'It's time we give something back.'

The Tralf Music Hall in downtown Buffalo hosted Schwartz, a 21-year-old musician and music producer. The guitarist and vocalist used the stage to promote his songs, including three news releases from his first EP, 'Go West & Grow Up,' as well as to raise money for the Roswell Park Cancer Institute.

'We need Roswell desperately,' Schwartz said. 'It's our duty to help those people, and we're doing our part.'

Schwartz, whose father was recently diagnosed with brain cancer, has collected over $12,000 so far and hopes to raise more after the performance. All profits from the concert will go directly to Roswell Park.

The concert did not go unnoticed by the Buffalo community. In addition to all the monetary donations made to the concert, there was an autographed football from Buffalo Bills wide receiver Terrell Owens and a hockey stick signed by the entire Buffalo Sabres team – both of which were raffled off.

Schwartz's family and friends helped with organizing the event, including his colleague and music producer Mike Baldo.

'I've known Drew for a very long time,' Baldo said. 'It's an honor to work with him. He's off to a great start.'

Others at the show shared the same sentiments.

'I think what he's doing is amazing,' said Maria Guarrera, a friend of Schwartz who volunteered. 'When I found out about this, I was willing to do everything I could to help.'

Schwartz grew up in Hamburg, N.Y. After graduating from Hamburg High School, he enrolled in Northeastern University in Boston, majoring in music industry. He has interned in New York, travelled to California and studied and taught in South Africa, all while sustaining his musical performances.

The concert itself had a warm reception. Over 100 people attended the event. Schwartz's opening act was the legendary Clarence Lott and his jazz quintet 'Cadenza' from the Colored Musicians Club.

Schwartz's performance followed. His style combines the smooth melodies of progressive rock and the playful, but at times searing, lyrics of social activism.

Before one of his songs, for example, he explained to the audience his views on the judicial system – which is partly based on his experiences in the gang-ridden parts of South Africa – and how the government should be more mindful about the adverse conditions faced by some in society.

But the concert was generally lighthearted. In addition to playing his original songs, he invoked old classics such as Bill Withers's 'Lean On Me' and James Taylor's 'You've Got a Friend.' His friend and saxophonist Ben Eliot accompanied some of his songs.

He also played songs from his EP, 'By Your Side,' 'Rare Find' and the remarkably conscientious 'Darwinism.'

The EP is set to release on iTunes within the next month.

As for Schwartz's future plans, he intends to take his career outside of Buffalo. He will graduate in December and plans to move to California to pursue his musical career. He hopes to record an album within the next two years.

'The industry as a whole really draws me. I really love to perform,' he said. 'It is also important for me, however, to start producing. I want to help artists maintain their integrity when making great music.'

Schwartz made it clear, though, that he has not – and will not – forget where he came from.

'I have deep roots in Buffalo,' he said. 'I love my hometown and will always support it. I can't imagine abandoning this place.'

- The Spectrum: The Independent Student Publication of The University at Buffalo

(see link for photos) - Daily Sundial

The vibration and beats of blues-infused indie rock reverberated through a tiny second floor apartment in Santa Monica. This is where Drew Schwartz and The Watchtowers practice for their up-coming gigs.

One of their upcoming concerts is taking place at Trip Bar in Santa Monica May 20, and all of the proceeds will go toward the environmental beach group, Heal the Bay.

Schwartz and his band members, stand-up bass player Dylan McCabe, electric guitarist Antonio Rodrigo and drummer Zakary Iannitelli, feel strongly about helping the environment.

“When I released my EP initially, it was all on recycled materials, and the t-shirts were printed on recycled shirts,” Schwartz said. “I do everything I can.”

Schwartz found the gig, he said, by chance while feverishly searching for new places to play on Google. Originally from Buffalo, New York, the 22-year-old front-man titled his latest EP “Go West & Grow Up,” pairing bluesy, acoustic riffs with experimental sounds and emotional vocals.

“We just finished my tour, and I started booking and playing shows before I had a place to live here,” Schwartz said.

Drummer Zakary Iannitelli, 21 came from New Jersey, but his band members said he fits the California lifestyle perfectly. Although he isn’t tied to any environmental groups in L.A., Iannitelli said he would help out his community back home.

“I was a big part of the Ocean City community, and we always did cleanups as surfers. It’s like, my second home,” Iannitelli added.

A picture of Ianitelli’s dog, Duncan McCloud, hangs off of one of his smaller African Djembe drums. Tinkering with different computers, microphones and instruments, Iannitelli picked up an oblong wind instrument, the didgeridoo, and recorded its sound. As the band began to play their song “Darwinism,” Ianitelli played the drums with his hands, while using his feet to play the tambourine.

“Basically, I find anything that makes noise and turn it into an instrument,” Ianitelli said, who also said he has had no formal training.

Ianitelli and stand-up bassist Dylan McCabe, 20, make up the back band, The Watchtowers.
They said they first met Schwartz on a wild night of partying. For their past two shows, they have gone acoustic because Antonio Rodrigo, their electric guitarist, is out of town.

Their last live show was at Rusty’s Surf Ranch in Santa Monica on April 9, and McCabe said that Drew Schwartz and The Watchtowers gathered a larger crowd than the headlining band.

“After us, everyone left, and they are a signed band,” McCabe said.

“People were drained afterwards, they cheered so loud and hard,” Schwartz added.

Schwartz uses a lot of energy on stage, McCabe said, and described his stage presence as something similar to a young James Brown.

“It’s all about hard work, and Drew just has bags and bags of it,” McCabe said.

Though his band-mates hale from different parts of the U.S., McCabe is native to Los Angeles, and has volunteered for Heal The Bay in the past.

“I only volunteered with Heal The Bay for about two weeks, but I’ll probably go back,” McCabe said.

Along with this, McCabe regularly volunteers for Treepeople, an environmental organization that promotes the planting and growth of trees.

“My goal if I can’t make it with these two is to join the forest service,” McCabe said.

After starting with Treepeople about a year ago, McCabe began taking kids on reforestation hikes, and he said he plants trees at least twice a week.

“I’m going to buy national forests when I’m rich and famous,” McCabe added.

In addition to their environmentally conscious performance on May 20, Drew Schwartz and The Watchtowers are also performing acoustic on April 23 at the Voodoo Lounge in Hollywood, and on May 2 at Brick By Brick in San Diego.
- Daily Sundial

Drew Ryan has released his debut ep, “Three”, featuring 5 songs in between blues, late 60s acid pop and rock and roll.
Drew’s vocal style, Jim Morrison-esque, yet personal and instinctive, is the core of these tunes, mainly built on a warmly overdriven electric guitar, backed by a solid rhythm section and a vintage organ. - Shake Magazine

Drew Ryan *****

by IndieManiac77
If you haven't bought this album yet, or just don't know about Drew Ryan then get this record now! The songs are well crafted and worth every penny. It's so good to see someone stretching out in today's paint inside the lines mainstream music market. Catch on to this artist now because great things are to come!

Amazeballs *****

by jenjsaudi
This album is beautiful and oh so soulful. Awesome work! - iTunes Customer Reviews