JMU alum to release debut CD
Singer/songwriter Drew Ginson will perform Friday at the Little Grill
By Kelly Fisher, a&e editor
Posted August 31, 2006

From playing in Taylor Down Under to getting ready to release a debut album, JMU alum Drew Gibson is slowly getting his career under way as an aspiring singer, guitarist and songwriter.

Gibson, who graduated in 1998, currently lives and works in the Washington, D.C. area. When not moonlighting as a musician, Gibson, who graduated with a degree in Health Science, is a certified athletic trainer and a kindergarten PE teacher in the D.C. area.

To help his career as a musician grow, he has been playing shows across the country, while also working on his debut album, Letterbox, set to release in 2007.

“This project is something that I am so proud of,” said Gibson, adding that his production team and guest musicians are helping to get things rolling. “We are putting a lot of hard work into it and it’s really coming along nicely.’

As for his sound, he finds it hard to label himself. But he adds that his songs “have been known to hang out with the likes of country-blues, folk-blues and the overall roots music genre.”

He discovered music at a young age, a passion that has continued to follow him throughout his childhood and into his time at college.
           
During his years at JMU, Gibson tried to perform wherever he could, taking advantage of the many opportunities presented to him around campus. 
           
“My dorm. My apartment. Taylor Down Under, and a few of those talent night shows they used to have in Wilson Hall,” Gibson said. “I never placed, but I always got a good response.”
           
TDU especially gave Gibson a good chance to showcase his songs to students hanging out, drinking coffee.
           
He draws inspiration for his songs from all aspects of his life, but relationships are always a great source for material.

“I like to say that my songs come easy, because heartache comes easier,” Gibson said.

However, he finds comfort in the music he creates.

“Music is what I have the most confidence in,” he said. “It’s always been there for me, it always does what I need it to do for me. And I can always pick up my guitar and feel like I’m in control of something that no one else can change.”

For students hoping to make it in the music business, Gibson urges them to not be discouraged.

“You have to take risks and not be afraid of those risks,” he said,

Gibson will swing by Harrisonburg and perform at the Little Grill on Friday at 9 p.m.