Life & Work with Drey Skonie of Detroit

Today we’d like to introduce you to Drey Skonie.

Hi Drey, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Drey Skonie, born Lewis Andrew Jackson, is a multifaceted artist from Detroit, Michigan, known for his work as a singer, songwriter, producer, and audio engineer. His musical journey began at the age of six, nurtured by a family deeply rooted in church music, where he honed his skills in singing, piano, percussion, and drums.

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In 2007, Skonie gained national attention by participating in MTV’s “Making the Band 4,” where he showcased his vocal talent and Detroit hustle. Following this exposure, he joined the Chicago-based R&B group Kwiet Storm under Jonnetta Patton’s JPat Records, performing extensively across over 120 cities.metrotimes.com

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Embarking on a solo career, Skonie has released a substantial body of work, including his album “Rolling Skone,” which features an uptempo house rendition of the Temptations’ classic “Papa Was a Rolling Stone.”

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In 2022, he achieved a significant milestone with his song “All Of Us/Memphis” being featured in the Netflix film “End of the Road,” starring Queen Latifah.

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In 2023, Skonie’s dynamic performance of the Miracles’ “Ooo Baby Baby” earned him the title of Artist of the Year at the Motown Museum’s “Amplify: The Sound of Detroit” competition.

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He also leads “Skonie and The kLOUDs,” a retro-style band with a modern twist, which won the Masterpiece Sound Studios’ Cover Song Contest with their rendition of Stevie Wonder’s “I Was Made To Love Her.”

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Beyond music, Skonie is set to portray legendary singer Jackie Wilson in the upcoming television series “Higher and Higher,” a role he secured after impressing Wilson’s daughter with his stage presence.

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He holds a Bachelor of Science in Audio Production and continues to influence the Detroit music scene with his soulful blend of R&B, funk, and techno.

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Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No! not at all. The biggest struggle is how often the music industry has changed in the past 15 years. Also having a team and the finances it takes to complete everything in a timely manner. Even exposing your ideas so someone with more money and a bigger team can copy you is a risk.

Its so many factors. Being a dad plays a part, because I have to be there for my kids. but I also have to show up for myself. People gave me a ton a kick back when I originally decided to change my style. So that was a process as well. It wasn’t until “Silk Sonic” came out with the album, when people realized what I was doing. I like that, but also somewhat dissapointed in my Detroit people for thinking its anything other than Detroit classic vibes.

Content is king currently. That’s a huge struggle here. Most people in a city like Detroit are a part of the working class. Even the creatives have 9-5’s or plant jobs here. So everyone has to get paid. So you need a budget for that here,. Same with working witgh writers, producers, and studios. Most people don’t care to do free work, me included. I find it easier to network and create in other cities like ATL, or LA. Based on it being a lot of people there for creative reasons.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I sing, perform, produce, engineer, write, and act. I specialize in being an Artist and a professional. I’m quite known for my style, but especially my hair currently. Previously, I was known for being in a reality tv show called “MTV’s Making The Band 4”.

I’m most proud of not giving up on my dreams, and having more of a grassroots style progression in today’s music climate.

I believe what sets me apart is my will to keep going, even when things are tough. I go into auto-pilot, but I never stop.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Yes, I’ve had a ton of mentors or people who’ve helped along the way. My first thank you goes to my grandfather York Lafleur. He passed away last year, but was the main investor with money, time, and the instruments to help me be successful. He even paid my college fees to get in school.
My uncle Tim Dye, has also recently passed away. But he was my challenger. The one who always gave me fun obstacles to learn with my voice.

My uncles York jr, Paul, and Jerel Lafleur, they all taught me something different andf special with creativity. Also doing it while being cool . They were the coolest people I knew growing up, and I wanted to be just like them. I’d say I’m a version of all them.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.dreyskonie.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dreyskonie/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drey.skonie
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DreySkonie