Drake Milligan: From Elvis to International Country Star
The American country singer Drake Milligan was born on June 1, 1998, in Texas. He gained recognition through his role in the television series ‘Sun Records’, where he impressively portrayed Elvis Presley. Later, he participated in various talent shows, including ‘American Idol’ (2016) and ‘America’s Got Talent’ (2022), where he reached the finals.
In that same year, he released his debut album “Dallas/Fort Worth”, featuring the successful track “Sounds Like Something I’d Do”. From that moment on, his career grew rapidly. Not long after, he made his debut at the renowned country temple Grand Ole Opry. His latest achievement is the EP “Jukebox Songs”, a follow-up to his debut album, which was released last year.
European Fans
Some time ago, Drake prepared at home for his European tour, which is completely sold out. In a conversation with Maxazine, he enthusiastically looks forward to his return to Europe after an intensive tour through America. According to him, there is a clear difference between American and European concerts: European fans participate more actively. ‘In Europe, people often start singing along from the very first song, whereas the American audience takes a bit longer to warm up,’ says the singer. He also notes that European fans buy tickets more quickly because they are unsure when an artist will return. In the U.S., people tend to be more hesitant, which is why his shows in Europe often sell out faster.
Country to Country
We look back at his performances last year during ‘Country to Country’. ‘It was a great honor to stand on such big stages,’ he says, although he was already familiar with large venues. In America, he had already performed at the legendary Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. ‘The atmosphere there is amazing, you are welcomed with open arms.’ Behind the scenes, he ran into several other artists and had casual conversations. ‘It feels like one big family,’ he adds.
Music and Songwriting
During our conversation, he talks about his music. He is extremely proud of both his debut album and his EP. He revealed a fun fact: throughout his career, he has written more than 100 songs, though a large portion of them will never be released. Some songs are simply too personal or not suitable for radio. This is partly because he remains true to his signature sound: a mix of Elvis-like tones and charming stage moves. A great example of this is the song “Hating Everything She Tries On”. ‘Fans relate to this, and when they come to a concert with their partner, it is often confirmed by them. That is exactly why I make music,’ he says.
The Influence of the Jukebox
His EP “Jukebox Songs” was a logical continuation of his debut album. The title originates from an experience in an American dive bar, where he encountered a jukebox filled with timeless classics by Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and George Strait. ‘I want my music to feel timeless as well,’ he admits. The title track of the EP has since become a crowd favourite, passionately sung along to during live performances. A timeless classic in the making.
Future Plans
Looking back on his career, Drake is grateful for everything he has achieved so far. Currently, he is working hard on writing new songs for an upcoming album. ‘The music will stay true to what my fans expect from me: danceable and recognizable,’ he reveals. He cannot provide a release date yet, as he is still actively touring. In addition to his headline shows, he will soon be opening for Luke Bryan and Lainey Wilson. But new music is on the way…
Photos (c) Joseph Llanes, Robby Klein, Jay Blakesberg
