JULIAN DRUMWRIGHT
What do you teach at Loudlands?
Drums and beyond. I strive to help my students become complete musicians.
When did you start playing?
The way I see it, most people really have two start dates. So for me, I first started in the sixth grade, but I didn't get serious about it until a year or two later.
What's your favorite aspect of music or your instrument?
To me, there's nothing more infectious in music than a really strong groove and, as a drummer, I get to be part of the foundation of that. My favorite musical moments are when the groove is just so solid that I can't help but throw my head back and laugh!
Who are some of your favorite bands/musicians and why?
I really value having a unique "sound" in the musicians I listen to. My favorite musicians are the ones who can play or write very simply while still being identifiably themselves, even if we don't typically think of them that way. I'm thinking Roy Haynes, Ella Fitzgerald, Ray Brown, Djavan, Michael Jackson, Art Blakey, Miles Davis, Queen, Beethoven, Jimmy Cobb, Tony Williams, Thelonious Monk, Ron Carter, Eric Harland, Paul Chambers, Walter Smith III, Olivier Messiaen, Christian McBride, Brad Mehldau, Richard Wagner, Joe Henderson, Charlie Rouse, or any number of others. Jazz is the music that speaks to me the most, but I'm also passionate about classical music (especially opera), Brazilian music, and Balkan folk music and dance, particularly from Bulgarian and Macedonian traditions. Folk dancing has showed me music's capacity to bring people together and make communities stronger. While I'm at it, I'd be remiss not to mention my teachers and mentors, who have influenced me more than anyone else. In a no-way comprehensive list, big thank-yous to Steve Walker, Peter Edelman, Sal DeRaffele, Jon Hazilla, and Billy Kilson.
What are some of your current and/or past music projects?
Since 2023, I've been working on a project called "Crooked Swing," which is a series of compositions for piano trio that skirt the line between jazz and Balkan folk music. Now I'm looking to expand the project to include a much more eclectic mix of influences, such as classical composers, hip-hop, Brazilian music, pop songs, and even film scores. As a performer, I've played in the US, Spain, and Panama alongside musicians such as Danilo Pérez, Luis Perdomo, Fred Foss, Muneer Nasser, and many more.
How would you describe your music and playing style?
Some of my favorite drummers are Jimmy Cobb, Art Blakey, Ari Hoenig, and Jeff Hamilton, whose sounds I synthesize into my historically-rooted modern jazz voice. When I'm playing with bands, I value a strong connection between the bass and drums, deep listening, and musical spontaneity.
Can you please describe your gear of choice?
I play a DW Jazz Series drum set and a combination of Funch and Istanbul cymbals. I use Vic Firth Peter Erskine Ride Sticks and Remo Fiberskyn heads.
Any general advice you'd like to give to beginner musicians or someone looking to get started?
If practicing becomes a chore, it's your chance to reassess your approach. Practicing feels tedious when there isn't a clear connection between what you're working on and your goals. If you don't see that connection, don't be afraid to ask your teacher why they gave you the assignment.
Aside from playing/making music, what are some of your other interests and hobbies?
I enjoy reading, playing video games, and just going down rabbit holes of things that interest me. I also harbor a life-long love for language learning, which is why I'm able to offer drum lessons in English, French, and Spanish.
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 about Doctor Who lore and strap in for a three-hour lecture about Daleks, Chumblies, and why Patrick Troughton was the best Doctor.
