My journey with drums began at the young age of 12 years old. I was gifted a black Pearl Export kit from my father. I’m sure my mother thought he was insane! Luckily we had a basement and that would soon become the setting of countless hours of practice and band rehearsals. 

The first couple of years I picked it up slowly, balancing a schedule full of sports and other academics. I was using a Carter Beauford VHS as early inspiration and practice material. When I was 14 I formed a band with some guys in my neighborhood and that’s when I started practicing more seriously. I was into punk rock, pop punk, heavy metal, and screamo in my early years. I even lended my talents to the drama department and played live drums for the play “Little Shop of Horrors”. That was great because I had a whole class period every day where I had my drums setup and was learning the music for the play. After learning the play early in the semester, I had nothing but time to continue practicing and learning other material. 

My touring life started early. Our high school principal let us graduate a couple weeks early so my band could head out to California on a two month tour. Talk about breaking your mother’s heart! It was an amazing experience navigating a tour with 1 map quest and an actual map! That journey was imprinted on me for eternity and provided the drive that got me where I am today. 

Sometimes all good things come to end and I got to experience a band break up about a year after that tour. I ended up attending Georgia State University where I graduated with a BBA in business economics. I kept playing drums throughout college jamming with friends and keeping my musical spirit and dreams alive. I moved into more jam oriented bands after having a “spiritual” experience :) I wanted to groove more and play more dynamically leaving the heavy metal scene behind. I formed a band called Bodega Roja with some college friends and even bought a house with the bassist to lock in a rehearsal space on potential studio build. I couldn’t focus on anything except music. Even when I was at work, I’d be booking shows or reaching out to promoters or agencies trying to promote the band. I was soon laid off and knew at that moment I needed to focus on music. 

We toured a little bit but Bodega Roja only lasted a couple years. So back to the grind it was. I was playing for a church and in cover bands, trying anything to make a living as a drummer. I’d teach lessons while taking lessons of my own from a local ATL great, Jeff Wilkinson. I’d keep part time jobs in marketing to keep the drumming dream alive. I soon found a band called Funk You out of Augusta, GA who needed a drummer and we hit it off. Being from the hometown of James Brown, we had a job to do. Keep the funk alive! We were lucky enough to play with some of his last band members throughout the years. We were touring the southeast all in separate cars. Mine was a Honda Civic. Still not sure how I fit my drums in there. We were all focused and determined to make this band our career. We eventually had enough money to buy a van, then an RV, and we toured all over the country for 10+ years. We were brothers in love with music and chasing our dreams every weekend. 

Throughout the years my girlfriend (now wife) and I would go on jam cruise and enjoy a musical marathon. It was always my goal to get booked on the boat. On my 5th appearance as a patron on the cruise I was asked by my good friend Shawn Eckles to be his drummer in the jam room. Excited is an understatement. We played for 3+ hours and towards the end of our set, Daniel Donato came on stage. I looked to my right and saw this guitar guy just staring at me. So I stared back. It was as if we were looking into each others souls. Later, at like 5am, he asked for my number and said he may need a drummer next year. And 6 months later he called me. 

I’ve been touring with Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country for almost 3 years now and have crossed off more bucket list venues and experiences than I ever imagined. From playing Jam Cruise, the Grand Ole Opry, The Ryman, Red Rocks, and The Beacon Theatre. All of which were dreams that finally became reality. Patience, persistence, and positivity led the way. Now throw in a Pearl endorsement and I can die a happy man!