Ben Andrade

What do you teach at Loudlands?

Drums

When did you start playing?

I began playing percussion at age nine and transitioned to drum set at ten.

What's your favorite aspect of music or your instrument?

My favorite aspect of music is its ability to connect people. I’m amazed when large crowds sing the same lyrics and dance to songs they’ve each made a personal connection to. What I love most about playing my instrument is how it lets me express feelings and ideas without words. In many ways, drumming is my clearest form of communication.

Who are some of your favorite bands/musicians and why?

Led Zeppelin was my first favorite band, and at 10 years old, I was in awe of the new possibilities I discovered through John Bonham’s soulful performances. Another band that had a huge impact on me was the Red Hot Chili Peppers; Chad Smith taught me a lot about creating drum parts that perfectly complement and accentuate the other musical elements of a song. I’ve also developed a strong connection to bands like Sunset Rollercoaster, TOLEDO, and Far Caspian, each expressing the lyrical meaning of their songs through colorful and vivid music.

What are some of your current and/or past music projects?

Currently, I’m performing with artists like Nick Prato and Brady Dallas Jones. I’ve also been part of a band called Champagne Charlie & the Wah Wahs, and I’ve previously worked with Dylan Routhier, Jack Holland, Riley LePere, the Thistle Bros., and Lizzy McAlpine.

How would you describe your music and playing style?

I would describe my playing style as punchy and groove-oriented, yet very expressive and sensitive to the flow of the music. My main priority is to ensure that my beats feel good and provide a dynamic foundation for other musicians to build upon.

Can you please describe your gear of choice?

I’ve always used Vater drumsticks, which originated in the basement of Jack's Drum Shop, formerly located across the street from Berklee. Since then, it has moved to Hyannis on Cape Cod. Growing up, I spent my first nine years taking drum lessons at Jack's Drum Shop on Main Street in Hyannis, which ultimately led me to attend Berklee College of Music. For me, using Vater drumsticks is a tribute to my drumming history.

Any general advice you'd like to give to beginner musicians or someone looking to get started?

I’d recommend finding anything you enjoy about drums and exploring it. There’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to what excites you about playing drums or what music you like. In my opinion, the best approach is to stay curious about what resonates with you musically and to utilize all available resources to learn how to play music in a way that feels right for you.

Aside from playing/making music, what are some of your other interests and hobbies?

Aside from playing music, I really enjoy spending time with my dogs and visiting my family. I like going to concerts, Boston sporting events, and taking short trips out of state to explore random good food spots. I also enjoy incredibly bad movies, meditation, and painting, even though I’m not very good at it.

If you were battling a physically identical but evil android version of yourself on top of a skyscraper during a thunderstorm and someone miraculously intervened, how would they know which one was the real you?

Ask us, 'What's the worst song off of RHCP's The Getaway?' The answer will always be 'The Hunter.'