Dillon Droke

What did Norco music mean to you?

The music program became my home during my time at Norco. When I first came to the school I didn't really know anyone there, so I'd pretty much just go to my classes, wander around a bit and then go home for the first two semesters. It wasn't until I started enrolling in some music courses did I finally start to make friends and feel like I was apart of something.

Favorite memory of your time here?

Favorite memories have got to be just all the time we killed hanging out in the parking lot and on the knoll. Smoking and talking our problems away. RIP knoll.

What are you doing now?

Still playing music and getting creative with two of my best friends which I met at Norco, Steen Kevett-Lopez and Stephen Taylor. Getting older so life tends to pull us away from each other now and then, but we're still able to make time to get together and work on things we love.

Biggest challenge you've faced?

I feel the biggest challenge I've faced, and am still facing, is how to navigate the art world now that we live in a world where AI art/music is becoming more common place. It's robbed me of the simplest joy of being able to enjoy a piece of art without scrutiny. I can only hope that within an ever growing artificial world, authenticity will be sought after and ultimately prevail. 

A moment you knew you were on the right path?

I remember I had been nominated for best in class for pro tools and I had to sign my name down to note that I had arrived. Brady saw me sign in and he said to the girl at the desk "you're going to want to keep that signature."

Project you're most proud of?

I'm most proud of the work done with all my friends in our band inthebackground.

How do you stay inspired?

I stay inspired by making art no one will ever see or hear. Not worrying about the outcome of every little artistic decision and just enjoying the process. 

What advice would you give current Norco Music students?
This is only the beginning so have fun and go break something! Take a breath, look around and cherish these moments.