| Drew Devine | |
|---|---|
| Born | June 1987 |
| Origin | Scotland |
| Genres | Alternative / Hip Hop |
| Occupations | MC / Promoter |
| Labels | Sons of Scotland (SOS) |
| Associated acts | Vagabonds / Werd n Deeko / Savage Sound System |
| Website | www.werd.bandcamp.com |
Werd (S.O.S) (born June 1987)[1] also known as Drew Devine, is an Edinburgh based hip hop artist signed to Sons of Scotland (S.O.S)[2] record publishing. He mainly focuses on creating music in the genre of Scottish hip-hop or electro / trip-hop with Savage Sound System[3] also based in Edinburgh.
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First released material through Sons of Scotland[4] with fellow emcee and Edinburgh resident Deeko, the duo gained success in Scotland and performed at various gigs throughout the country. The release itself, created an underground following for both artists, however Werd (S.O.S) never reached a larger audience until the release of The Scottish Rapper towards the end of 2008. This mix tape attracted the ears of local promoters and artists projecting him to new heights and gaining exposure on a national scale.
In December 2010 Werd teamed up with fellow Edinburgh artist Wardie Burns to create the 26 track Vagabonds[5] mixtape released on Sons of Scotland. The follow up mini-album Vagabonds In Space released June 8, 2011[6] along with Zambian Astronaut further increased their presence in the UK Music scene. The album features arguably the most recognised Scottish hip hop artists, Madhat McGore, Adam Holmes and Glasgow’s Mog who featured on the debut music video titled 'A Declaration'.[7]
Werd therefore has continued to push the music, already making waves in the underground scene and appearing on national UK radio and international hip-hop stations in Germany, Norway, France and US. Featured on local stations such as Glasgow University's Subcity Radio[8] and Steg G's Sunny Govan Community Radio he has progressed to larger national stations such as BBC Radio 1Xtra and Scotland's BBC Radio 1.[9] On 26 June 2011 Werd appeared on BBC Radio 1 Introducing show with Ally McCrae and Wardie Burns discussing and playing live tracks from his ‘Oor Wardie’ album (released on SOS).[10]
Werd has worked with, and continues to work with new and old artists in Scotland and abroad, creating music with some of Edinburgh’s top producers and artists in the genre as well as performing gigs at venues in the major cities. Venues such as The Ark, The Store (GRV), Club Media, The Jazz Bar, Sneaky Petes, Maggies Chamber, Cruz, Club Berlin, The Hide, Bongo Club, Shanghai Club, Henry's Celler Bar, The Voodoo Rooms, The Venue and The Yard (as part of Music2be Festival)[11] have hosted Werd on stage in Edinburgh, as well as playing during the world famous Edinburgh Festival. Furthermore, The Garage, 13th Note, Box and Beat Club in Glasgow and as part of the 2010 Dunnedin Glen Festival.
In 2011 Werd supported some of the UK's top hip hop acts including; Dr Syntax at Edinburgh's Studio 24, Stig of the Dump (rapper) at the same venue and Devlin at Edinburgh's Liquid Rooms.[12] [13] [14] His music is mainly described as Scottish hip-hop however he also performs live with electro band Savage Sound System and Zambian Astronaut [15] creating more of a trip-hop / rock experience.[16]
In 2011 Werd won Urban Recording of the Year at the Scottish New Music Awards ceremony held on Sunday September 4, 2011 at the Classic Grand in Glasgow for the Vagabonds In Space release along with Wardie Burns, Zambian Astronaut and Mog.[17][18][19]
Werd (S.O.S) has also worked at youth workshops in Edinburgh using beat boxing, graff, rapping and lyric writing. Mainly focused on writing lyrics and performing rap with young people, he has taught at 'Pilton Youth and Children's Project' and 'Dance Base' located in Edinburgh's Grassmarket.[20][21]
Worked on an Anti-Knife Crime project in 2009/2010 with Leith Agency[22] containing Scottish hip-hop music aimed towards a young audience. Together with Edinburgh City Council this was used as research at public schools and youth groups. Also featured on the project; Wardie Burns, UV Beatz and Powercut's Steg G.
Hosted and co-hosted rap battles in Edinburgh and Glasgow in conjunction with Scotland Stand Up and Don't Flop (UK's No.1 Battle group).[23]