Videos
Tommy the Villain (USA)
@tommythevillain
One of my best friends is Mikey Teeze, the crazy stylist who cuts and colors my hair. He also does Ash and Nikki from New Years Day. Mikey showed them my hair (as well as my drumming) and they swooped me up like a hot date for prom night. It may be an unusual way to get a gig but you never know where your big break is going to come from.
@nydrock, @orgyofficial
Paquito Aranda (Mexico)
@paquitodrums
Growing up in Mexico, many of my favorite bands were from California. One of my biggest breakthroughs was getting a full scholarship and moving to LA. However, by a twist of fate, I was recently asked to tour with my childhood heroes from Mexico. I ended up playing the songs that were the soundtrack of my life for thousands of people all over the world. Follow your dreams.
@thecitie, @twinseasmusic
Gris Mendoza (Mexico)
@gris_mendozam
I’ve always been immersed in art, but discovering percussion awakened something deep inside me. It didn’t just lead me to become a performer—it turned me into a teacher, and soon, a music therapist. If you feel the call of rhythm—follow it. It won’t just change your life, it might inspire others too.
@kahoba_acustico
Jessica Goodwin (USA)
@jessthedrummer
You never know who is watching you and what might come of it down the road. The artist who hired me for my very first tour did so after seeing me perform at a show with an audience of about 15 people. That’s why I always give it my all for crowds big or small. Sometimes making an impact on just one person can totally change your life.
@laurenruthward, @dreamersjoinus, @blazecisco, @big_black_delta, @itslewreal
Jessica Dann (UK)
@jessicadrums
My biggest breakthrough in my drumming journey was when I discovered King Crimson and their drummer, Bill Bruford. The music was so wild and heavy it transported me to another dimension! Now when I play I try to channel the feeling I got when I heard them for the first time— focusing less on technique and more on entering that hypnotic space where the rhythm just takes over.
@hawxxmusic, @coda_led_zeppelin_tribute
Jacob Chatelain (USA)
@jacob_chatelain
The moment that lit the spark for me was watching a drummer perform at a jazz concert my dad took me to when I was 8. By 10 I had learned my first beat, got my first kit and started a punk band with my best friend Jackson. After working our way up to local venues, we started recording. We were 14 when we got our first manager. Later on we signed a deal with RCA and, since then, I’ve played with Ayokay, Carol Ades, Matt Maltese, Mazie, Mykey, Marinelli and others. Today, my priority is to play with as many people as I can and learn as much new music as possible.
@carolades
Sam Campbell (USA)
@captainbattleax
I consider myself a drummer, programmer, band leader and team builder. Even though I’ve toured nationally and internationally and collaborated with artists like Linda McCrary, Beyoncé and Teddy Riley, I still work a regular job to pay my bills. Playing music is hard but it’s also beautiful. That’s what keeps me going. I won’t ever stop.
@mcbamproductions
Matt Arsenault (USA)
@mattxarsenault
I’m currently on the road with Honey Revenge for their “Loving and Losing” summer headliner. I came up playing drums in the local LA/Orange County music scene. On one of my gigs, I met Devin. She was singing with another band at the time but, after the pandemic, she started a new project that became Honey Revenge. I must have impressed her because she called me for the band’s first tour and I’ve been playing with them ever since. You only get one chance to make a first impression… so make it count!
@honeyrevengeca, @eoyband
Megan Spencer (USA)
@meganspencerdrums
I am so grateful that I get to teach and play for a living. Drumming is where I get to display intensity and power but also subtlety and finesse. Whether I’m playing at church, a pop gig, or for my social media videos, I love being able to express my creativity and engage others through it.
Shavante Hughes (USA)
@pocketking_42drums
I started beating on pots and pans when I was around 3 years old, which lead me to playing in church when I was 10. I really started playing out when I joined the Eric Wayne Band. I still have a long way to go but I am definitely enjoying the journey. I always say practice makes progress because I’ll never stop learning.
@ericwayneband
Jit Chatterjee (USA)
@jeetlejee
You could say my first big break was being selected to play in the Disneyland College band. That allowed me to move to Los Angeles and pursue my career in music. Throughout my journey, I’ve had the opportunity to meet and perform with many remarkable people and talented musicians, from Grammy Award-winning composer Gordon Goodwin to Bollywood playback singer Sudesh Bhosle. To anyone chasing their dreams: stay focused and keep moving forward. It WILL pay off.
@brunotribute @thepurplegeneration
Cintia Concia (AR/MX)
@cintiarwr
Since I discovered the drums, I knew they more than just an instrument — they’re a way to connect and open paths for girls and women. Through Ella Suena, an organization that uses drums and drumming to advocate for female musicians, we’ve helped girls from all over Latin America grow, share the stage, dream… and drum… together.
@ella.suena