RussellMusician + Musician in Atlanta, GA

SEEKING

ABOUT

WHO AM I

An experienced drummer from Denver who is looking for work in Atlanta. Rock, Gospel (contemporary / southern), Funk, Country, Hip Hip/R/B, and Jazz - all within my scope.

EXPERIENCE

I started playing at church at a young age. My formal training was in jazz band in High School and College - then some marching drum-line.

I marched Blue Knights Drum / Bugle Corps playing quads as section leader from 2003 to 2005, and also marched with the Blue Knights Independent World Indoor Percussion Ensemble 2003-2006 and 2008; Gold Medalist in 2003. Precision drumming with Denver Broncos Stamped - playing quads at games and gigs with them during 2007-2009 NFL seasons.

I have done some teaching/coaching as well. Teaching: Beginners and Intermediates. Coaching: Advanced and professional players.

My "rock band" experience started with playing at church (stylistically but not necessarily behaviorally). But aside from church, I have been in several bands in Colorado.

"Alright Alright" is the biggest group I"ve had the privilege of playing with, a folk/Americana band. They are a high demand group for patriotic and sentimental acts around Colorado. Their music can be found on Spotify but unfortunately, I have not been their studio drummer.

I played at many clubs, bars, and venues with a rock/alternative band out of Denver called "Wendy Clark Band." Their music consisted of mainly originals. To note, with that group I had the opportunity to learn about 40 songs in a short period of time (weeks). It was challenging but I charted everything out and it went smoothly!

I had a few other gigs on drum-set in Denver, helping out some friends with their projects for University of Colorado, a hip-hop group, and various other volunteer performances and guest appearances. I also played bass guitar for a group called "Dandy Horse."

I had the opportunity to lay down some tracks on an album called "Altars" by Jenny LaJoye, which is the only album on Spotify featuring my drumming as of now. Additionally, I did some studio recordings as a product of helping some of my Music Production friends complete their school work.

Through these experiences, I have had a lot of practice performing for people, which is what it's all about to me.

Screen name:

RussellMusician

Member since:

Jul 07 2019

Active within 1 week

Level of commitment:

Touring

Years playing music:

20

Gigs played:

Over 100

Tend to practice:

More than 3 times per week

Available to gig:

6-7 nights a week

Influences

STYLE/MUSICALITY

I would say my influences are rock, country, gospel, R/B, hip hop, funk, and jazz. I have most fun playing funky dance music and jazz, but I can fit into multiple styles.

I'm all about creating new music, but if I had to name some names...

I grew up on 311, Foo Fighters, Nirvana, Dave Matthews Band; that sort of alternative rock. Stylistically, I can do rock, country, and CCM - all day long. I tend to avoid metal and punk rock stylistically, for some reason.

I've also been influenced by (and have had more fun playing) the styles of artists like James Brown, Ray Charles, and Michael Jackson, and groups like Earth Wind and Fire, Commodores, and Motown - to name a few.

Its the music that demands the skill of keeping a nice consistent groove, soulful and funky, that I find very satisfying to play.

Lately I've been into some of the history - Muddy Waters, Robert Johnson, Eric Clapton; the blues and that whole scene - where it came from and how it played out. But those modern funky groups like Vulfpeck and Trombone Shorty - I can't get enough.

With that said, I love jazz. Joshua Redman, Moonchild, and Hiatus Kaiyote are closer to my aesthetic ideal that many other artists. The music can be jazzed up for sure, but needs that solid groove to be the driving force, in my opinion. However, I have studied some Real Book and can branch out.

If I had to choose, my favorite group would be Snarky Puppy. My dream is to play with them someday.

I've also been influenced by several Hip-Hop artists because of their rhythmic approach to music.

The last thing worth mentioning about my influences is that I am often moved by any artist who finds the courage to put their work out to the world. When authentic work happens in spite of criticisms, judgements, and trolling - I am impressed.

Instrument experience:

Drums:

Expert

Vocalist - Baritone:

Moderate

Bass Guitar:

Moderate

EQUIPMENT

Drum-Set: Gretsch Catalina Ash w/ Ludwig Steel Snare Drum
Cymbals: Sabian Family
Hardware: Heavy-duty hardware and hardware case by RoadRunner
SM-57 Microphone Kit with stands and cables
Yamaha Electric Bass Guitar

MUSIC