ARTIST PROFILE
DRE COLE
ATLANTA, GA
band: B.Slade // KeKe Wyatt // Josh Waters // B. Chase Williams and Shabach // Session Drummer
STICK SIZE: 5AR
It’s rare that anyone comes across a creative force like Andre “Dre Cole” Kitchings and realizes what they experienced. Yet, the mention of his name to anyone in the Atlanta music community evokes a storied musical tapestry that only few could weave so well in a short period of time. His music is raw, honest, always real. To see him perform on stage is an experience –he’s far from your typical musician. Dre Cole always keeps the audience on the edge of their seats and always leaves them wanting more.
Born November 5, 1986 in Paterson New Jersey, Andre is no stranger to the music world or living the life of a musician, following in the footsteps of his father Gregory Thomas who was also a keyboardist, drummer, and producer. Also he is the Nephew of the Late David Cole of C&C Music Factory, Grammy awarding winning producer for The soundtrack from the movie bodyguard. So I guess it’s safe to say that music is in Andre’s Blood. He has been told countless stories from his mother of how as a young boy he would use the Pots and Pans in the kitchen as his drum set, this clearly helped develop him into the drummer he is today. Musicians that influenced Andre’s Career includes: George “Spanky” McCurdy, Lil John Roberts, Chris “Daddy” Dave, Aaron Spears, Chris Coleman, and Dana Hawkins.
After moving to Atlanta, he began playing for a local community choir Min. Kevin Lemons and Higher Calling while also being mentored and trained by a number of musicians including Justin Gilbert, Tres Gilbert, Eric Sinclair, and Marc Mays. During this Journey Andre has graced the stage with such greats as Ricky Dillard, Walter Hawkins, Tonex, Marvin Sapp, Vashawn Mitchell, Richard Smallwood, William Murphy, Isaac Carree, Malachi (Dungeon Family), Future, Masspike Miles, Kindred Family Soul, Lenny Williams, Shirley Murdock, Christopher Williams, Tye Tribbett, Kim Burrell, Maurette Brown Clark, and a host of local artist around the city of Atlanta and surrounding areas. In 2007 Dre was able to do his first Live Recording for Kevin Lemons and Higher Calling’s Destined for Greatness Album. From 2009-2013, he played for The Voices of Tabernacle as well as The Anointed Voices of Tabernacle at the How Sweet the Sound Choir Competition It was his musical arrangements that help bring home the win.
He is also the Music Director for National Gospel Recording Artist B.Chase Williams & Shabach and Musically Arranged, as well as Recorded on their 2014 released album entitled “Live Again Bigger, Better, Greater”, as well as Musical Directed numerous of shows for Grammy Award Winning Soul Singer, Mrs. Ann Nesby from the Sounds Of Blackness. Currently living in Atlanta GA with his Family, Andre is a God Fearing young singer, songwriter, musician, and producer who just wants to share his gift with the world. “I want for people to think of me first, when they think of music entertainment,” said Andre “I want to be the definition of MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT!” “I want my music to make others think outside the box, break musical rules, and create their own sound.” So in short who is Andre “Dre Cole” Kitchings? A name you should remember because you most definitely will be seeing it in Lights.
WHY DO YOU PLAY COLLISION?
I enjoy playing the 5A Reach. They feel incredible. What I like the most about them, is they are durable, and they last me an ENTIRE show. Which doesn’t happen with any other stick……..
For that reason, I would DEFINITELY recommend Collision Drumsticks to ANYONE.
PRESS
“Dre Cole has been my Music Director and playing for me for over a decade. His precision, skill, excellence and unique feel along with his commanding performance is what makes him authentic and one of the BEST‼️‼️‼️”
– B. Chase Williams
“I’ve had the luxury of working with Dre for a little over a year now and I must say, he’s very dependable, punctual, and his work ethic is unmatched. Dre’s ability to adapt to any environment and present a level of professionalism that I have yet to see from another drummer! It has been such an honor.”
– Josh Waters
“It is rare to find a talented, gifted, punctual & professional musician all in one. Well, We found him.. YOU! My artist R&B diva Keke Wyatt, the amazing BSlade and many more are all looking forward to the next shows to work with you. It has been a pleasure having you as the musical director for Drae Shaw Entertainment.”
– Andrae Crenshaw
DRE’S
KIT SHOT