FEATURE
Hip Hop artist Don Drago talks about upcoming projects, love for his craft and more
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Don Drago (Jesse Piedra) aka The Dark Prince, is a Costa Rican American music artist who is known for combining both aggressive lyrics and melodic hooks.
He released his first two singles “Closet” and “The Don” on Halloween of 2019, where he combines a powerful blend of rap and rock, creating a style all his own.
When did you discover your love for your craft and what made you realize you wanted to pursue a career in it?
Well, I started rapping and writing lyrics at about 10 years old. It started off as just a way to get my feelings and frustrations out because I use to get picked on a lot as a kid.
So I started spending the majority of my time listening to new music and continuing to write lyrics. It was almost as if rapping and writing was my way of fighting back against everything that was wrong with the world for me and gave me a sense of power.
Ever since then the music just seemed like it was ingrained in my DNA. As I got older and started dealing with different people, experiences and tribulations music was always there with me.
I would always make songs about what I was going through and suddenly whatever it was seemed just a little bit better, suddenly by listening to the music I was back in control.
Music became my passion and eventually became my business. And as I continue through this journey we call life I just feel like I give me something to leave behind and tell my story.
On your upcoming project, how did you come up with the concept?
Yes, so I actually just released a new EP called (Dragon Hymns) on January 17th, 2020, which is available on all platforms. It has a dark melodic feel to it and I really just tried to capture and paint the framework of what it’s like to be an artist today and just tell people about things that I’ve experienced and dealt with personally.
The (Dragon Hymns) name comes from the concept that we all have a Dragon spirit sleeping inside of us and when awoken can use that energy to accomplish things greater then we have ever imagined. So its like music for an emotional killer dragon. haha
What are some of your greatest challenges, and what is your greatest attribute when it comes to your work ethic?
Well, I have never looked at myself as being the most talented person in the world, but I do feel my work ethic is second to none. I feel like that has definitely leveled the playing field for me and allowed me opportunities that may not have opened up off just talent alone. I feel like if your able to work hard and stay focused and block out all the noise you can really accomplish anything.
Also when it comes to obstacles I have definitely faced my fair share. I remember having no car, no money and sleeping on my mom’s couch after leaving my job to try and do music full time. I fell flat on my face!
But I did learn a lot about myself from sitting there on rock bottom, and one of the things I learned is that my greatest attribute is my ability to be Relentless and never quite. To always believe I could win one day and reach my goals and that is what I’m gonna do.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank, any shout outs?
First and foremost I want to thank Below zero design for giving me the best graphics and merch design I could ask for on this release. Also, I want to thank my features Melodic, Lumenate and Sh3 for bringing straight heat on this project and my engineer Ether Unlimited for doing a fabulous job.
I also want to take this time to thank all my wonderful fans where without you none of this would be possible. Also, I want to thank my family and friends for all the support and my beautiful girlfriend Sara for all your work and help along the way, we did it!
How can fans find you?
My music is available on all major streaming platforms including Spotify, apple music, and amazon just searches Don Drago (Dragon Hymns). Also, you can go on my website at dondragomusic.com and follow me on Instagram @dondrago_official. I actually also just released a line of merch based on the EP which you can find at https://www.dondragomusic.com/merch Thank you
What suggestions do you have for other artists like yourself?
My suggestion would be to make sure this is really what you want, and if it is dedicating your whole self to studying and learning the game. Also not just the music part but also the business part and build a team around you and stay committed.
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