Y2Dre: A Journey Through Solitude to Self-Expression
Written by Alexandria Anglade
Introduction
Meet Y2Dre, a talented musician known for his introspective and emotionally charged music. Born in 1997, Y2Dre's journey in music has been shaped by his unique life experiences, diverse musical influences, and his unwavering commitment to self-expression. In this article, we delve into the personal and artistic journey of Y2Dre, exploring the factors that have contributed to the creation of his distinctive sound.
Solitude and Self-Expression
Y2Dre's early life was marked by constant change and a sense of isolation. Frequent moves left him disconnected from established friend groups, and he often found himself in solitude, despite having siblings. This solitude played a significant role in his life, leading him to feel misunderstood and unexpressed. Despite these challenges, Y2Dre discovered a unique ability to help others through their issues, even as he grappled with his own internal struggles, including depression, anger problems, and bipolar disorder. It was during these difficult times that he turned to writing as an outlet for his thoughts and emotions, allowing him to articulate feelings that had never before left his lips.
Diverse Musical Influences
Y2Dre's musical journey began with a strong foundation in hip-hop, shaped by the early 2000s music scene. Influential artists like Lupe Fiasco, The Cool Kids, Busta Rhymes, and Twista left a lasting impact on his musical tastes. However, his musical horizons expanded significantly when he discovered rock music through video games like WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2005. Bands such as Egypt Central, Breaking Benjamin, and Three Days Grace piqued his interest and led him to explore this new genre. Y2Dre's embrace of rock music set him apart from the norm, especially as a young black kid, and he gravitated toward the "emo" subculture, finding comfort and camaraderie among those who felt like outsiders. To this day, his love for rock and metal remains, with bands like Linkin Park, Drowning Pool, Finger Eleven, Pantera, and Deftones becoming prominent influences.
Evolution of Musical Style
Y2Dre's musical journey has evolved over the years, reflecting his changing tastes and life experiences. Initially drawn to hip-hop due to its prevalence in his life, he drew inspiration from artists like Lupe Fiasco, Kid Cudi, Wiz Khalifa, and Eminem. From 2015 to 2019, his music was characterized by lyrical depth and emotional expression, reflecting his inner struggles. However, in late 2019, he transitioned to a phonk style, gradually infusing more rock and metal elements into his songs. This transformation was a reflection of where his true passion for music resided.
Music as Self-Expression
Y2Dre's music is a canvas for his life experiences and memories, particularly his emotions. As an introvert who rarely vocalized his thoughts and feelings, music became the medium through which he could release pent-up emotions, whether positive or negative. Loneliness was a constant companion in his life, even though he had people who cared about him. Few truly understood what went on in his mind, and this sense of isolation weighed heavily on him. His music became an outlet, allowing him to express himself when words fell short. Without music, Y2Dre might never have found a way to communicate his innermost thoughts and emotions.
A Unique Perspective
In a genre filled with artists who have faced their own versions of hell, Y2Dre stands out for his willingness to explore duality. He embraces both the good and the bad, the positive and the negative, and allows his music to exist in the space between. This ability to dance with duality adds a unique layer to his artistry, making his music both relatable and thought-provoking.
Overcoming Challenges
Depression struck Y2Dre at a young age, shaping his mind and artistry. At the age of 14, he contemplated ending his life, overwhelmed by the darkness within him. He faced bullying in middle school and moved to a new area just before high school, where he grappled with the challenge of making new connections. His closest friends battled their own mental health issues, and life felt like a constant struggle. Yet, it was during these times that Y2Dre discovered the therapeutic power of music. Writing and creating allowed him to find himself and navigate the complexities of adulthood.
"Dead Inside" and Personal Beliefs
One song deeply rooted in Y2Dre's journey is "Dead Inside," featured on his second album, "Poetree Emotion." The song explores his struggle with religion and belief, a theme he grappled with throughout his life. Feeling dead inside, haunted by his own negativity, and experiencing dissociation were all parts of his journey. Ultimately, he used music to develop his own beliefs, finding guidance from angels.
The Role of Nostalgia
Nostalgia plays a significant role in Y2Dre's music, infusing his songs with a sense of longing and reflection. Even in his sad, angry, or raw tracks, he draws from his emotional reservoir, creating music that resonates with listeners' own experiences and memories. His goal is to ensure that the expression never stops, allowing his music to connect with people on a deeply personal level.
Evolving Inspirations
As he has continued to make music, Y2Dre's inspirations have evolved. While he initially leaned heavily into hip-hop, he has since found himself drawn to alternative music. Artists like Scarlxrd, Bones, Ghostemane, Denzel Curry, and Zillakami have influenced his evolving sound. He also draws inspiration from bands such as Asking Alexandria, Bring Me the Horizon, Motionless In White, Slipknot, and Evanescence. Y2Dre's musical journey is a dynamic exploration of his roots in alternative music.
A Continuously Evolving Sound
Y2Dre's music will continue to evolve as he delves deeper into the roots of alternative music, blending rock and metal elements with rap influences. His music serves as a reminder to always express what you feel, offering a lifeline to those who navigate dark emotional roads. Y2Dre's artistic path is one of transformation and growth, and his goal remains to connect with hearts and minds across the realm of existence, delivering a powerful message of self-expression and resilience through his art.
Instagram: @y2dre_