Digital Social Hour with Drago Sound: “Dating in America Is Way More Money-Driven Than Europe” (DSH #1743)
Host: Sean Kelly
Guest: Drago Sound
Date: January 8, 2026
Overview
This episode features a candid conversation between Sean Kelly and international musician Drago Sound, delving into the current state of dating culture in America versus Europe, the influence of money and social media, Drago's evolving music and fashion career, and broader reflections on authenticity and masculinity. They tackle unfiltered topics: the impact of wealth on relationships, the shifting standards of fashion and dating, the effects of modern feminism on chivalry, and the guest’s vision for the future in both music and style.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Dating Culture: U.S. vs. Europe
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Money-Driven Dynamics in the U.S.
- Drago reflects on how wealth is paramount in American dating, contrasting this with Europe and Canada where expectations are more “even” and accessible.
- Quote:
"This country is very money driven, so the top girls in this country are probably getting flown out by, like, the top millionaires. Until you get there, you’re not going to have your access to probably like the top girls until your money is right in this country." - Drago [00:00]
- In Europe, “If you can dress nice and afford decent dinners, a couple vacations, it’s easier to date—the expectations are not as high." [00:00]
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Preference for European Dating
- Drago, born in London, prefers Europe’s more “classic” approach and claims “the class is a bit different over there.” [13:51]
- He does not dismiss American women entirely, noting there are “classic girls in America as well” but argues American culture creates higher barriers. [13:49]
2. Fame, Authenticity, and Relationships
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Women’s Motivations in Fame
- Drago shares that, as his fame increased, he noticed more insincere interest from women (“DMs flooded” after touring), making genuine connections harder to find. [12:32]
- Quote:
"You get on tour and they see you get off tour and it's like DMs flooded now... So it kind of just—I like genuine people, you know, and it kind of seems disingenuous to me." - Drago [12:32]
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Relationship Philosophy
- Drago values compatibility and genuine belief over looks or status. He reminisces that all his serious girlfriends “were my biggest fans or whatever the case may be. And they believed in me and they helped me be who I am today.” [16:00]
- He resists the “trophy wife mentality,” preferring partners who contribute to his journey. [16:25]
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Impact of Social Media
- Both discuss how social media homogenizes beauty standards and relationship desires (“now you go to Atlanta, it’s the same girls as Miami, it’s the same look”). [20:21]
3. Chivalry, Feminism, & Modern Gender Roles
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Drago argues chivalry “is kind of dead with all the feminism stuff going on… women kind of killed it.” [10:05]
- “Chivalry is only—they only want it when it benefits them.” [10:05]
- He still acts as a gentleman with women who appreciate it, lamenting the competition dynamic with more “masculine” women.
"When it's a person who's, you know, in competition with a man... you want to compete, go ahead." - Drago [10:05]
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Host’s Take on Marriage & Work
- The discussion veers into gender roles: Sean suggests that “if your girl's at a work environment around other guys, the rates of cheating are way higher,” proposing financial success allows women to stay home for a healthy partnership. [16:52]
- Both agree that women “lose femininity” when forced to work long hours and that “men are meant to carry that burden” in the family. [17:11]
"When women start doing that stuff, it's just long hours... I'd rather just get my money up and just focus on my business right now." - Drago [17:11]
4. Fashion, Music, and Personal Branding
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Drago’s Fashion Philosophy
- Fashion, he says, was instrumental for his career and social ascension. He’s now launching his own brand, Castle Style. [06:26]
"Fashion has changed my life. It's gotten me in rooms that I never thought I'd be in, and I'm pretty sure it was part of the deciding factor that even got me on the Coldplay tour." - Drago [06:29]
- Drago prefers clothes with character and “story”; he dislikes hard shopping, opting for statement pieces ("I just like to get pieces that are quality and that have story. Like this jacket. We don't know what happens, but I know you can tell by looking at it that it has a story." - Drago [09:13])
- His line will mix high fashion streetwear with business attire and travel accessories, aiming for stores in Paris and other capitals. [07:46]
- Fashion, he says, was instrumental for his career and social ascension. He’s now launching his own brand, Castle Style. [06:26]
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Style and Confidence
- Drago helps friends elevate their style, observing its powerful impact on confidence and social performance.
"I saw his whole aura change, his whole personality change... He's running up, talking to girls and doing that stuff..." [07:03]
- Drago helps friends elevate their style, observing its powerful impact on confidence and social performance.
5. Artistry, Inspiration, and Ambitions
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Drago discusses origins in music, inspired by Michael Jackson, Usher, and Chris Brown—culminating in writing for Chris Brown and touring with Coldplay. [24:18]
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Plans to transition into acting, particularly in action films:
"I would like to do action. I grew up [a] big action fan... Arnold Schwarzenegger was one of my favorite. Jean Claude Van Damme, Wesley Snipes..." [29:51]
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Fusion of Music and Fashion
- Intends to launch his upcoming fashion line Castle alongside an album/EP, hosting events in Vegas, Miami, LA, London, Paris, Milan. [31:45]
6. Masculinity, Individuality, and Social Pressures
- On copying trends: Drago bemoans the lack of individuality, among men as well as women—
"A lot of guys just look at other guys and see, you know, I'm going to do the ultra tattooed TRT trend look, you know, and that's just insecurity." [20:26]
- He attributes his uniqueness to influences from Michael Jackson, anime, movies, and his father's cowboy style.
"I just dress like movies and cartoons and various things I like." [22:20]
- He attributes his uniqueness to influences from Michael Jackson, anime, movies, and his father's cowboy style.
7. Controversy, Censorship, and Andrew Tate
- Drago admits being compared to Andrew Tate, expressing his agreement with many of Tate’s views but noting the need for caution as a public figure:
“Andrew Tate can do that because he’s rich already... For me, my thing is I'm gonna outlast the competition. I'm going to... bring back that feeling..." [25:10, 27:12]
- Host shares experiences with social media demonetization, stressing the importance of independence from platform control. [26:49]
Timestamps for Notable Segments
- 00:00-01:00 — Drago introduces the "money-driven" dynamics of U.S. dating vs. Europe
- 03:10-04:10 — How Drago landed the Coldplay tour
- 06:26-08:19 — Drago’s vision for Castle fashion line
- 10:05-11:17 — Is chivalry dead? Gender roles, feminism, and dating
- 12:32-13:49 — Effects of fame on relationships and perception of genuineness
- 15:04-16:29 — Relationship philosophy: looks, compatibility, and partner support
- 17:11-18:49 — Women working, men providing, and traditional relationship models
- 19:01-20:26 — Social media’s effect on individuality and beauty standards
- 20:26-22:25 — Trends vs. authenticity, Drago’s inspirations
- 25:10-28:36 — Andrew Tate, censorship, “war on men,” and the importance of being independent
- 29:51-31:45 — Ambitions in acting, fashion line launch, and future creative direction
Memorable Quotes
-
On American Dating:
“Top girls in this country are probably getting flown out by the top millionaires... Until your money is right in this country, you’re not going to have your access.” - Drago [00:00]
-
On Fashion’s Impact:
"How you dress is such a big part to me... Fashion has changed my life. It's gotten me in rooms that I never thought I'd be in, and I'm pretty sure it was part of the deciding factor that even got me on the Coldplay tour." - Drago [06:29]
-
On Chivalry:
"Chivalry is kind of dead with all the feminism stuff going on... Chivalry is only—they only want it when it benefits them." - Drago [10:05]
-
On Authenticity:
"Why would I move you into my place... if you're just going to be a replica of every other girl out there?" - Drago [20:10]
-
On Individuality:
"I just dress like movies and cartoons and various things I like." - Drago [22:20]
-
On Masculinity and Pressure:
"A lot of guys just look at other guys and see, you know, I'm going to do the ultra tattooed TRT trend look, you know, and that's just insecurity." - Drago [20:26]
Conclusion / Where to Find Drago Sound
- Drago Sound’s Fashion Brand: CastleStyle.com (launching Fall 2026)
- Music, Updates, & Socials: @DragoSound
- Drago’s upcoming projects intersect music, fashion, and a drive to champion authenticity and positive masculinity in a shifting cultural landscape.
Summary prepared for listeners and non-listeners alike—engaging, comprehensive, and true to the spirit and tone of the conversation.