FROM HOMELESS TO HARLEM INSPIRING SINGER-SONGWRITER ‘COUCHSURF’ IS BLOWING UP THE MUSIC SCENE AND WE GOT A CHANCE TO HAVE A CHAT WITH HIM ALL ABOUT HIS NEW MUSIC, WHATS COMING AND WHAT QUOTES HE STICKS BY!

Photo by: Alexis Acar

What is your name?
My name is Andrew Lynn AKA Drewski AKA Captain AKA Drizzle AKA COUCHSURF

What is your genre of music?
The most recent tracks I’ve released are pop rock, but later this year I’m going to be transitioning into a funky pop style that I’ve been working on.

Give us a little bio about you.
COUCHSURF is not your everyday artist. From homeless to Harlem (NYC), he has not gone unnoticed. COUCHSURF has traveled the country performing everywhere from private house shows to Vans Warped Tour in 2018 with Survival Kit. He aims to inspire the world with positivity and realistic views on self growth. Since breaking into the scene, his songwriting has amassed a dedicated following online. The song “Stranger Things” by Survival Kit was co-written by COUCHSURF in 2017 and has garnered over 500,000 streams across multiple streaming platforms. With the release of “Kung Fu” in 2020, he is showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

What made you go into music?
I’ve been playing guitar since I was 11 and singing since I was 13. I started doing promotions for artists at a young age and realized I wanted to be a professional musician after being a part of the amazing music scene in Atlanta, Georgia.

Are you signed?
I’m an independent artist and always have been. I’m open to conversations with record labels, but don’t see the necessity at this point in my career.

You released your new single ‘Kung Fu’, tell us more about the single.
“Kung Fu” speaks on mistakes we make, accepting that we aren’t perfect, and not letting others opinions get the best of us. This is a little different than the way I usually write, but I love the way it came out. The feedback I’ve received has been really positive thus far!

What is the meaning behind ‘Kung Fu’.
It’s basically a story I came up with about a person who makes a lot of mistakes including drug use & getting into fights that aren’t worth getting into. People talk shit about the person, but their negative actions aren’t helping the person get better. They know they need to be better and understand that they are the only person able to better their situation. Nobody can fix them but their own self.

Describe the track in two words. Energetic & Different

What was the writing process like? I started writing the bass line first and wrote the first verse in a day. Several months later, I came back to it after I had moved to Nashville. The rest of the song naturally came to me including the super funky bridge. That’s probably my favorite part.

What was the recording process like?
I always record with Aaron Pace in Atlanta, Georgia. We’ve been working together for almost 5 years and I can’t praise him enough. He is probably the most talented producer in the southeast. For this track, we recorded everything acoustic and then added in everything else. It was a blast.

Who did you work with on the single?
Aaron Pace helped me bring the vision to life.

Do you have any shows coming up?
I don’t currently have any bookings that I can talk about. All I can say is that I may be making some appearances at a few festivals and private events in the coming months. Just keep your eyes on my socials and website for the details.

If so where will you be heading? All will be revealed soon 😉

What else can we expect in 2020?
I will be releasing an EP and have already started recording a full length album. I’ll also be writing and recording with some other artists in Pop & Hip-Hop genres. I’m super excited to get those tracks out into the world.

Do you have any collaborations coming up with any up coming artists?
Yes! Specifically, I’m excited to release my collaborations with Lexis Yelis and Justin Morrison (811 Inc). Both are super talented and have what it takes to be extremely successful artists.

Would you be up for collaborations if other musicians wanted one with you? and who would they have to contact?
Absolutely! I love writing for people, with people, and featuring on tracks of all genres. Simply email contact@iamcouchsurf.com to discuss the details.

Do you play any instruments?
Indeed I do! I play guitar, bass, a little piano, and produce enough to know how to midi drums & other instruments.

Who are your influences? My biggest influences are the funk/disco artists of the 70’s/80’s as well as groups like Talking Heads & CAKE. I grew up listening to a ton of alternative, punk, and metal as well, but it’s these classic artists that are starting to influence me more and more as I get older.

How do you get inspiration to write songs?
I’ve been writing lyrics and melodies first lately. I’m able to get a better variety of music that way as opposed to writing everything on guitar first. Every song starts differently, but I’m enjoying the process of writing this upcoming album.

Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?
I hope to be making a difference in the next generation of musicians, performers, and dreamers across the entire world. Whether that means chart topping success or exposure of the message that I preach, I want to be making a difference.

When you’re not doing music, what do you do?
I do a lot of sustainability work for music festivals and events. Basically, that means that I get really gross and sort through trash to recycle as much as possible and throw uneaten food into compost so that it can be turned back into fertilizer to grow more food. I love doing my part to leave as little negative impact on the world as possible. We only have one Earth that we know of. Stop fucking it up.

What was the song you listened to most that influenced you to go more into the music scene?
For the beginning of this project particularly, I find myself listening to a band called The Wrecks a lot. I’ve met all of the member’s and hung out with them a couple of times throughout the last few years. Nick Anderson’s swagger, writing, and vocal abilities are very inspiring to me. Billy’s the homie and is an insanely talented drummer. Listen to “Favorite Liar” & ‘Panic Vertigo’. Killer jams.

What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
“Life shrinks and expands on the proportion of your willingness to take risks and try new things” – Gary Vaynerchuk

What advice would you give to aspiring musicians not about the industry and just as an artist?
Fuck what anyone else thinks about your work. If you’re happy, that’s literally all that matters. If you aren’t happy, make a change toward doing what makes you happy. It isn’t about money. Do what drives you to wake up and chase the high that pushes you to be the best that you can be. I believe in you if you believe in yourself.

What quote or saying do you always stick by?
Well I have 2 that I say pretty frequently… “Expect to do great things and you will.”
“I’m going to succeed doing what I love or I’m going to die trying.”

Where in your hometown is a must go to visit?
R Thomas Deluxe Grill in Atlanta, Georgia. Hands down the best wings in Atlanta in my opinion. Amazing shakes. Killer nachos. Beautiful birds. Also, it’s open 24/7 so you have no excuse. GO!

Your coming off tour;
1/ Where do you go first?

Anywhere I can to sleep for 3 days straight.
2/ Who do you see first?
Usually one of my best friends. Matt, Justin, Rylan, Rachel, or Kelli. 3/What do you eat first?
R THOMAS WITHOUT A DOUBT

When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget? Water, Cables, Picks, Beers, and Vocalzone Throat Spray

Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you? I’ve got it all!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamcouchsurf Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamcouchsurf/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamcouchsurf
Snapchat: iamcouchsurf
TikTok: iamcouchsurf
Website: https://www.iamcouchsurf.com

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