Drew Quatro: From the Passenger Seat to Center Stage
DREW QUATRO
This week, The Groove Palace introduces Drew Quatro, a Miami-based DJ whose evolving sound bridges the worlds of house, R&B, and underground grooves. With a style shaped by diverse influences and a relentless passion for music, Drew crafts sets that balance soulful melodies with driving, rhythmic energy. From his breakout performances in Miami’s vibrant scene to his dedication to pushing creative boundaries, Drew’s mixes captivate listeners and keep the dance floor alive.
Dive into his latest mix and experience the dynamic energy and unique perspective that define Drew Quatro’s journey as one of Miami’s promising new talents.
This week, The Groove Palace introduces Drew Quatro, a Miami-based DJ and budding producer whose fresh approach and deep dedication are rapidly making waves in the underground music scene. With a foundation in diverse genres like rock, rap, and R&B, Drew brings a unique outsider perspective to his house music journey, creating a sound that is as innovative as it is personal.
A Journey Sparked by Curiosity
Unlike many in the electronic music scene, Drew’s journey began not with an early love for EDM but with skepticism. Growing up, he immersed himself in the sounds of rock, rap, and pop from the ’80s, ’90s, and 2000s, drawing inspiration from his parents’ playlists. However, his first exposure to electronic music came in middle school, when dubstep pioneer Skrillex took over the airwaves with Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites. Though intrigued, Drew drifted back into hip-hop and R&B, leaving electronic music behind for a time.
It wasn’t until years later, at Miami’s III Points Festival, that his perspective shifted. Watching Kaytranada perform a genre-bending set blending R&B, rap, and house, Drew found a connection between his musical roots and the electronic world. This realization, further cemented by his first night at Club Space, where he saw Mochakk perform, inspired him to dive headfirst into the house music scene.
The Transition to DJing
For Drew, DJing began as a casual experiment. Inspired by DJ friends like prince! and Perez, he purchased a small controller to play at pregames and afterparties. What started as a hobby quickly became a passion. "When I like something, I dive deep into it," Drew explained. Hours of practice—sometimes up to six a day—allowed him to progress rapidly, mastering the technical and creative aspects of DJing within weeks.
Drew credits his early exposure to the underground scene for shaping his unique style. "At first, I was drawn to mainstream artists like Fisher and John Summit, but my friends opened my eyes to the underground. That’s when my sound really started to evolve."
Crafting a Distinct Sound
As Drew continues to grow as an artist, his style is defined by its versatility and innovation. He pulls inspiration from a broad spectrum of artists, from the groovy minimalism of Cloonee to the darker, experimental sounds of Beltran and Blond:ish. "I like blending upbeat, danceable vibes with a bit of grit. It’s about creating something that’s me—fresh but rooted in what I love."
His approach to DJing reflects this ethos. Drew curates playlists with "main songs" to anchor his sets, but he leaves room for improvisation. "It’s planned improv," he said. "I feed off the crowd’s energy, finding that sweet spot where the music resonates with the people in front of me."
The Leap into Production
Drew’s passion for DJing naturally evolved into a desire to produce his own music. Inspired by tracks he loved but couldn’t find enough of, he set out to create music that blends his diverse influences. "I still listen to rock, R&B, and rap, and I want to bring those elements into house music to create something unique," Drew shared.
Currently, Drew is focused on learning Ableton and aims to release his first original tracks by the end of the year. His goal is not just to create music but to offer a fresh perspective to listeners, much like the DJs who first inspired him.
Building a Community with Sunnyside
Drew is also a founding member of Sunnyside, a collective that began as a beach pop-up event and has grown into a thriving community of DJs and music enthusiasts. Sunnyside focuses on using music to break barriers, bringing together diverse groups of people through events, radio shows, and eventually a record label.
"It’s not just about the music—it’s about the people. The music is the glue that brings them together," Drew said. For him, Sunnyside provides purpose and a sense of collaboration that extends beyond his individual artistry.
Advice for Aspiring DJs and Producers
Reflecting on his journey, Drew emphasizes the importance of taking action. "Minimize the time between having an idea and acting on it. The sooner you start, the sooner you’ll know if it’s for you." He also advises aspiring artists to embrace their unique perspective. "Don’t try to emulate someone else entirely. Take inspiration, but make it your own. That’s what sets you apart."
What’s Next for Drew Quatro?
With upcoming plans to release his first original productions and continue growing Sunnyside, Drew’s focus is on building a career that blends passion with purpose. "It’s about creating something that resonates—not just with me, but with others. Music has filled a space in me I didn’t even know was empty. Now, I want to share that with the world."
Drew Quatro’s mix for The Groove Palace offers a glimpse into his evolving artistry—a journey through underground grooves, fresh rhythms, and unexpected twists. Listen now on The Groove Palace SoundCloud, and stay tuned as Drew continues to make his mark on Miami’s electronic music scene.