Drake Milligan’s Debut Single Makes Big Moves
This is one of those moments when you love being wrong.
Recently while reviewing Drake Milligan’s excellent debut album Dallas/Fort Worth, Saving Country Music claimed that the country music listening public would be responsible for spreading the word about this young man since radio was sure to ignore him. He was just too good, and too country.
Well here I am eating a big ol’ bowl of crow, because not only is Drake Milligan’s blazing country song “Sounds Like Something I’d Do” being serviced to radio, it’s already doing killer on the format that continues to warm to more vintage-sounding country songs, and true country artists.
During its first week of “adds” as they say in the radio business, Drake Milligan’s “Sounds Like Something I’d Do” came in at an impressive #2 in country this week, with 26 official adds according to Mediabase, and 33 total stations showing commitment to the song. It’s still very early on in the process, but this is an extremely positive sign for the neotraditional performer whose riding a wave of momentum after appearing recently on the finals of America’s Got Talent.
“Sounds Like Something I’d Do” first appeared on Drake Milligan’s EP released in 2021, and was also the song he auditioned with on America’s Got Talent. But Drake is no talent show diva, and “Sounds Like Something I’d Do” is not your average radio single. A perfect vehicle to showcase both Drake Milligan’s cool factor and his country roots, it’s got that very hot 90s country vibe behind it as opposed to more of the classical sounds of other Drake Milligan selections, but it’s still very country and twangy.
Though Milligan has a sound and approach that is more indicative of an independent artist, he’s signed to major label BBR’s Stoney Creek Records imprint. That means that he has the muscle to make a big move on radio if they’re behind him, which they appear to be. After his big appearances on America’s Got Talent, the label was at the ready to release his debut record, which included songs and recordings Milligan has been sitting on for years now, waiting for the right time to pounce.
Drake Milligan starred as none other than a young Elvis Presley in the highly-regarded television series Sun Records that aired on CMT in 2017. Written by Hank Williams biographer Collin Escott, it was the best thing CMT had done in years, though it only lasted one season. Drake Milligan was a big part of the show’s critical acclaim and appeal.
Milligan’s origin story is that he saw an Elvis impersonator in a restaurant when he was young, and then all of a sudden was obsessed, emulating Presley in talent shows and such. But soon he started taking music and entertainment more seriously, writing his own songs and developing his own style. Drake co-wrote every one of the 14 songs on his debut album Dallas/Fort Worth.
I may have been wrong about radio warming to Drake Milligan, but I was right about him finally finding his moment. Country music very well may have its next big star, and lucky for all of us, he’s actually country.
September 24, 2022 @ 8:50 am
A fantastic song from a solid album! Highly recommend to anyone who hasn’t listened yet.
2022 is the year Country Music officially became cool again…..I am not saying we are back to the 1990s, but the quality of albums and songs that have come out this year at the independent and mainstream level is impressive.
September 24, 2022 @ 9:14 am
Country music is definitely cool again, both mainstream and independent country. Just look at how many crossover hits we’ve had this year. I predict that the next few years will be very good for country music.
September 25, 2022 @ 4:30 am
I have to say I never really liked country music I could tolerate it but I was never a fan but listening to this guy Drake I like it very much it’s fun and enjoyable to listen to I love his voice he’s got moves like Elvis when he also has his own style so I’m very happy with I would definitely recommend it to anybody
September 26, 2022 @ 7:52 am
Not trying to be a jerk or start something, just curious. If you don’t like country music what makes you follow “saving country music”?
September 27, 2022 @ 10:33 am
Drake Milligan brought us here. We like a success story. Im like Terri. Not a huge country fan… but watching Milligan on AGT, made us fans… at least of his, if not country music in general. I wanted to see how is career is taking off and that search led me here. First time on this site for me.
September 26, 2022 @ 11:57 am
*.
September 25, 2022 @ 4:26 pm
Really enjoy this artist music. If I could only find a way to buy it in mp3, to play through my poweramp app.
September 25, 2022 @ 11:10 pm
His album is great but his live shows will blow your mind I saw him Sep 21 in Oxford MS at a small club a lot smaller than they are used to. You can tell they have been playing this material for a while they are tight they engage and captivate the audience. His is a hell of a songwriter has
he co wrote one with and released one with Ronnie Dunn in 2021, even a western swing song that Vince Gill did a verse on. After he kept the entire club in his grasp he made sure to be humble and greet each fan after the show. Even this 50 something guy who gave him a special song writing pen filled with the next hits he will Pen Thanks for a great show your connection was like country used to be maybe Saving Country Music??
September 24, 2022 @ 10:53 am
That’s fun. It is like what we used to call in the 90s “turbo tonk”.
September 24, 2022 @ 11:42 am
Much better for the format than music inspired by that *other* guy named Drake (Niko Moon, Walker Hayes et al.).
September 26, 2022 @ 2:27 pm
When I saw him and his band perform on AGT I said to myself they we be an overnight success. They are sensational.
September 24, 2022 @ 12:18 pm
How bout reviewing Nikki Lanes new album instead of this American idol guy….
September 24, 2022 @ 1:51 pm
#1 – Folks need to stop acting like the only way to feature music is album reviews. Nikki Lane’s album already received its own dedicated article:
https://savingcountrymusic.com/nikki-lane-readies-new-album-denim-diamonds/
She was also featured prominently in the recent Release Radar article:
https://savingcountrymusic.com/release-radar-most-anticipated-albums-for-final-part-of-2022/
As you can see from that article, there were NINETEEN articles just released this week alone that have been prescreened, and come recommended, not to mention albums that weren’t, and that happened every week.
#2 – Just because I cover one artist, does not need I’m NOT going to cover another. Reviewing an album takes an extreme time commitment. I have to listen to the album at least 3 or 4 times, compose thoughts that are worthy of sharing, then add the artwork, songs links, etc. It is a many hour process. And article like this does not take that committment.
#3 If I review Nikki Lane on Friday, someone complains that I didn’t review Sunny Sweeney. Someone already complained that I reviewed Sunny as opposed to Benjamin Tod and Chris Canterbury. If I’d reviewed Benjamain Todd and Chris Canterbury too, you still would have complained that I didn’t review Nikki Lane.
The simple fact is there is too much music being released these days. I am not going to be able to review everything. It is my intention to review the new Nikki Lane, but as I’m listening to albums in a rotation and composing reviews, I can cover other news as well. I also review more material that pretty much any other country music website, as a one-man operation.
I appreciate that people want to know my opinions on music. But frankly, it’s unfair to continuously do these either or comparisons.
September 25, 2022 @ 5:08 am
Trigger,
Here here on your reply. The only thing more annoying than people always requesting reviews on a review post is when you make a list and others have to submit their own alternative list.
September 24, 2022 @ 2:23 pm
Love the new Nikki Lane album as well, Jbird. Also, Ragland and Vandoliers new albums are also two of my favorites released this year. Would love a review on any of the three. Great year of releases thus far.
September 24, 2022 @ 2:47 pm
Wait a minute, this sounds like country music.
September 24, 2022 @ 2:54 pm
Not a buyer on this one yet. I do think he has the look and sound to break through on radio, though. TV notoriety should help a ton too.
That’s a great radio single, sounds like an early Dierks Bentley song (What Was I Thinking” era).
I need to go back to the album. I put it down after cringing so hard on the “bad day to be a cold beer” song.
September 24, 2022 @ 2:59 pm
Called it! This is going to do well in the mainstream, as it should. Wholesome, easy listening that makes my ears feel nice.
Anyone else think he sounds very similar to Scotty McCreery? Not an insult bc they’re both great singers. Funny because McCreery is a former awards show guy too.
Can’t believe it has almost been a year since Jeremy Pinnell released the album “Goodbye LA”, which has been rumored to rip not only extremely hard, but in a consistent and pleasurable fashion.
September 24, 2022 @ 9:16 pm
Well damn… His first week album sales are projected to be within the 50 – 55k unit range.
That’s huge. He might top Morgan Wallen for the week
September 25, 2022 @ 2:14 am
I watched him on AGT & all the family, friends & neighbors loved him & his original songs. He’s very personable, easy on the eyes & down to earth. We’ve all listened to his songs & he’s very creative – also has a great band. They all seem to be having fun & engage the audience. Hope he makes it as he’s already better than several including the guy Jon Pardi who was at the finali. Would live to see him invited to the Grande Ole’ Opray. He’s also been singing w/ Vince Gill & a couple others, so he’s been noticed & approved by some of the best. Good luck to Drake Milligan & his band. Our 3 favorites we’re: Sounds Like Somethin’ I’d Do, Overdrinkin’ Undfthinkin’, & Kiss Goodbye All Night. SHE was also very memorable. Remember, every single song on albums of the already great singers aren’t always hits, but most of the artists don’t write much of their own songs. He’s managed to write an entire album & quite a few I think will be very memorable.
September 27, 2022 @ 2:01 am
He’ll be at the Grand Ole Opry on October 5, 2022. ????
September 25, 2022 @ 7:05 am
Yep, and lots of people mainstream public are liking and loving his music, so we’ll see where radio is on this one!! Lots are predicting he’ll be the next Young George Strait or Garth Brooks mega super country star!! I think their right! He’s got some of the best seasoned in Nashville working with him, mentoring, writing songs with him, producing him, etc!! So time will tell! Got one of the most clear understand every word he sings, low smooth as velvet voice than many of the new country artist out there today, but we’ll see what all the millions of public think….
September 25, 2022 @ 8:45 am
It’s great that 26 stations added his song first week out, but the real test will be whether it ever gets exposure on the big radio chains’ stations in major markets. I’m fortunate enough to live in a very small market with four country stations (three contemporary, one a contemporary/classic mix), one of which is very accommodating to new music and new artists. It’s already playing the new Parker McCollum song so I’d expect this one to be added soon. But these stations are all either mom-and-pop operations or in small regional chains that don’t bring the exposure to huge numbers of listeners that quality country music needs to continue taking radio back. Fingers crossed here.
September 25, 2022 @ 3:42 pm
I think his sound is irrestible!
September 25, 2022 @ 12:16 pm
Amazing from the first time I heard him on AGT. Wow, his voice pure country. Hope he comes to Canada for a concert.
September 25, 2022 @ 12:42 pm
Picked up this and Alex Miller’s album. Drake’s is a good album but I prefer Alex’s better. Alex appears to be more heavily influenced by guys like Lefty, George, Hank Sr. and I know the Drake and Elvis connection but his album is a 90’s influenced country album. Nothing wrong with that just when given the 2, I enjoyed Alex Miller better.
September 26, 2022 @ 8:21 am
He is young, nice appearance, smooth intonations, humble, has a star quality
that can’t be taught.
Because he is young, there are dark cracks that he needs to avoid.
Success has its followers: drugs, sycophants, too much exposure.
Success enhances the EGO’S demand for the front page.
September 26, 2022 @ 11:01 am
Drake is young enough that he has a lot of girl that are in love with Drake the country music star. I know because me and my daughter were watching AGT win Drake cam on and since that night my daughter has not stop losing to Drake songs and ever time she gits home. From school she goes on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on About Drake.
September 26, 2022 @ 11:25 am
I TOTTALLY GIT WER YER DOTTER ISS COMING FROM I LUV U DRAKE YOU ARE TRUE KING OF COUNTRY JST LIKE ELVIS WASS KING OF ROCKNRLLL ND CHARLIE IS NEW KIND OF ENGLND OMG THE QUEEN DIED SO SAD
September 26, 2022 @ 3:42 pm
I know,Eugene,and if he does,Drake’s future should be bright.
September 27, 2022 @ 8:23 am
Not many “adds” this week for Drake. Again, the build-up time for new songs, especially by new artists, on country radio is ridiculously long. The Cody Johnson song on this list has been out since early summer and is just now starting to gather momentum. So it’s far too early for a verdict here.
Artist Title Label Adds
MAREN MORRIS I Can’t Love You Anymore Columbia Nashville 34
JAKE OWEN Up There Down Here Big Loud 31
TOBY KEITH Oklahoma Breakdown Show Dog/Thirty Tigers 28
HANNAH ELLIS Country Can Curb 23
KANE BROWN & KATELYN BROWN Thank God RCA Nashville 14
PARKER MCCOLLUM Handle On You MCA Nashville 12
SHANE PROFITT How It Oughta Be BMLG 11
ERIC CHURCH Doing Life With Me EMI Nashville 10
HARDY wait in the truck f/La. Wilson Broken Bow/Big Loud 10
ELLE KING Worth A Shot f/Dierks Bentley RCA/Columbia Nashville 8
CARLY PEARCE What He Didn’t Do Big Machine 7
COREY KENT Wild As Her Combustion/RCA Nashville 7
DYLAN SCOTT Can’t Have Mine (Find You A..) Curb 7
CODY JOHNSON Human CoJo/Warner/WMN 6
DRAKE MILLIGAN Sounds Like Something I’d Do Stoney Creek 6
RYAN GRIFFIN Salt, Lime & Tequila Red Street 6
SCOTTY MCCREERY It Matters To Her Triple Tigers 6
September 29, 2022 @ 5:25 am
Saw Elvis in Charlotte before his appearance on Ed Sullivan show! Then for his final show in Charlotte. So sad he couldn’t remember words of his songs. As Drake has loved Elvis may he also learn from him the pitfalls along the way. I am 93 and maybe his oldest fan. When I saw him on AGT. I said he is the winner.
September 29, 2022 @ 5:29 am
I’m not a big fan of country music, but I’m a big fan of talented singers. Drake Milligan writes his own songs, his voice is fantastic and he has a great stage presence. He engages the audience and he puts his whole heart and soul into his music. The band is exceptional. This guy has something special. The songs he writes are brilliant. I say this because they are the kind of songs you want to hear over and over again and they sound better each time. What a talent!!
September 30, 2022 @ 1:05 pm
Not to be a smarty pants or anything, BUT…..The first time I saw him on AGT..I was like holy s__t. This kid has got it goin’ on. The song Sounds like something I’d do is awesome. He has the moves, the stage presence, he really engages with his audience. Good lookin’ ?? Jeez. Hottie. So I can’t wait to see what he does .
October 31, 2022 @ 1:39 am
I knew from the moment I saw him on the TV movie “Sun Records” that he was destined to be a star either in acting or music. He is well on his way to making a difference in Country Music. Way to go Drake Milligan! My sister and I have already hit on our local radio station KIX 103 to play his music.