Drax Project is a four-piece band from New Zealand that formed back in 2014. Since then, the group has seen much success and became even more popular after the release of their single ‘Woke Up Late’ in 2018. In an exclusive interview with United by Pop, Drax Project opened up about music, what they like to do during their free time and how it has been to tour the world.
How was Drax Project first formed and what inspired the name?
We (Shaan, Matt and Sam) were studying music together at u
Your song ‘Woke Up Late’ is a huge success! What can you tell me about that track?
It started off in Ben’s bedroom late one night when Shaan forgot his wallet and couldn’t pay for a bus ticket. The song was then forgotten for a few months until it resurfaced one day when we were together doing some writing. The rest of the parts fell into place really naturally and it was released in NZ later that year.
Who do you hope to collaborate with in the future?
We’ve always loved Chance The Rapper, so it would be cool to work with him. Ariana Grande, Alessia Cara or SZA would be awesome to work with [too]. Tokimonsta is awesome. Zedd is amazing. Flume would be fun to work with too. Louis The Child…there are too many!
You guys have opened up for some major names in the industry. How has it been to perform for crowds and be a part of their shows?
It’s been awesome. Ed Sheeran was such a nice guy and gave us so much of his time to chat about his experiences and playing to that many people (even seeing that many people in front of us in one place) was amazing. Camila was really lovely and getting to travel around Europe supporting her was such a fun experience. It was also an insight into how hard she works; that taught us a lot.
What are your goals as a group for 2019?
Release heaps of new music and play a bunch of shows around the world! 2018 has been a huge year for us; hopefully we can continue the trend.
For fans who may be just discovering your music, What would you like them to know about Drax Project?
We love playing live just as much as writing and recording music! This stems right from the beginning when we were busking. You can’t beat that feeling of seeing and hearing people singing your songs back to you or just dancing away.
When you aren’t making music or performing, what do you like to do for fun?
Outside of music, we’re into sports, especially table tennis. Sometimes we take a break from playing table tennis to write some music at the studio. We’re pretty competitive! We’ve each grown up around water, so [we] love spending time at the beach or a river!
Who would you love to tour with next year?
Oh wow, so many. Justin Timberlake, Shawn Mendes, Ariana Grande, SZA.. anyone!
What can fans look forward to in the near future?
More music and even more good times.
