By Jae-Ha Kim
Chicago Tribune
December 11, 2018
Best known for his work with Emblem3, musician Drew Chadwick says he finds inspiration in his travels, which have taken him all over the world. But there’s no place like home for the 26-year-old “Pacific” singer. “I’ve done a pretty significant amount of traveling,” he says. “But nowhere has ever been as beautiful or held as much sentimental value as Washington State, which I consider to be home base number one.” Chadwick, 26, stays in touch with his fans on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Q. What is your favorite vacation destination?
A. There’s this island off the coast of South Thailand. I don’t want to say its name because I don’t want people to know where it’s at, but it’s actually paradise and it’s an island where no animals are killed and all the food’s plant-based. Everyone is enlightened and lives together in harmony with nature. I would recommend that (visitors) forget that they previously existed the second they step off the plane. That way the trip will be a rebirth and a fresh experience with no weight from the past.
Q. What was the first trip you took as a child?
A. I went to the happiest place in the world — Disneyland. I absolutely loved it.
Q. What’s the most important thing you’ve learned from your travels?
A. That it’s not where you go. It’s not the marvels that you witness. It’s not even those who you are in company with. It’s the quality of your very being, the richness of your heart and the lightness of spirit that makes any location and any adventure a cherishable, memorable, enriching experience.
Q. Have you traveled to a place that stood out so much that you felt compelled to incorporate it into your work?
A. Absolutely. Inspiring landscapes and dynamic cultures always stimulate creativity and art.
Q. Where are your favorite weekend getaways?
A. I have a secret spot about 30 minutes out of town. It’s a two-and-a-half-mile hike to a giant water hole with rock cliffs all around it. It’s deep enough to jump off the rocks and into the water.
Q. Where is the most romantic destination?
A. I think the answer to this is very subjective, but my personal opinion would be a hotel suite with some champagne and a beautiful view of maybe Paris or Rome right around dusk.
Q. What are your favorite hotels?
A. Clean, spacious luxurious hotels that smell good. Though I consider myself a simple man, when it comes to traveling in hotels, my preferences are definitely more high-end.
Q. If you’ve ever gone away for the holidays, which was the best trip?
A. One time, I didn’t see my mom for a couple of years. On Mother’s Day around 11:55, I showed up at her house, which is about 3,000 miles away from where I currently live. She was so happy.
Q. What are your five favorite cities?
A. Montreal for the people; Rio de Janeiro for the fans; London for the arts; New York City for the nightlife and Tokyo for the culture shock.
Q. Where would you like to go that you have never been to before?
A. Bali. I just know that I would fit in great there. Seems like my kind of people: kind, sincere, spiritual practitioners aimed at thriving together as a community on a beautiful island. Also, I want to visit the Hang Son Doong caves in Vietnam because there’s a lot of uncharted territory there. It’s only now just being discovered. They found hidden beaches and forests, underground rivers and massive caverns filled with radiant crystals.
Q. When you go away, what are some of your must-have items?
A. My guitar, clean clothes, basic hygiene and a recording device to document any spontaneous creative expressions.
Q. What would be your dream trip?
A. Rent a mansion in Bali with my closest friends and celebrate like there’s no tomorrow, because there is no tomorrow or yesterday, there is only now.
Q. What are your favorite restaurants?
A. Quality whole food, plant-based nutrients, cruelty-free.
Q. What kind of research do you do before you go away on a trip?
A. Closest swimming spots. I like to be near water.
Q. What is your best and/or worst vacation memory?
A. One of my best memories is going to Brazil and shutting down the airport while being greeted by fans. My worst would be flying out to the Philippines for a show and not getting paid.
© 2018 JAE-HA KIM
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