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Each month we will be featuring different drummers
and styles of music, letting them speak their mind on all aspects
of drumming, equipment, what they love about the drums, philosophies
and their reflections on music from the drummers unique perspective.
Please contact us
if you would like to share your thoughts at info@MetroMusicMayhem.com.
Watch
out Metro Music Mayhem…you gave me the floor! LOL,
seriously…this opportunity to give a shout
out in MMM comes at an ironic time. In a recent
email from a “friend”, I was reminded
to take time everyday to reflect where I am at musically
today versus only a few years ago.
I’ve been a
member of the South Florida music community for well
over 20 years. I gig regularly throughout Palm
Beach and Broward Counties with my bands “Wicked
Revolver” and “Trial By Fire”. I
love what I do, but the real pleasure is in watching
people have fun and enjoy our music.
Especially
with the world in the state it is, the economy, etc…it’s
just very cool to be able to be a part of what gives
people a “break” for a little bit to
forget about work, bills or whatever is on their
plate and just have a good time.
Here’s
the quick history of me learning to play drums:
I picked up sticks at age 12, played in middle school & high
school bands, got my first drum set while I was still
in high school and played in “garage bands” until
I got my first real audition at 19. After the
first taste of playing on a real stage, there was
no turning back!
I played for about
10 years professionally until I had a car accident
that crushed the cartilage in my right knee. I needed
physical therapy and injections of artificial cartilage
behind the knee cap. I got frustrated with
the pain and ended up selling my drums and “giving
up” on playing. |
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So,
after a number of years not playing, I credit my “return
to the kit” to one sole person, Vince Neil’s
drummer, and now personal friend, Zoltan Chaney. I
was downtown in West Palm Beach watching a Vince
Neil concert on Clematis Street. I could not
take my eyes off the drummer. In fact, the only thing
I heard was people around me commenting about how
amazing he was.
He was simply infectious and you
could literally FEEL his passion for drumming. That
night, the music was re-lit in me and I started playing
again the next day. Zoltan has become not only
a friend of mine over the years, but also remains
a huge inspiration. My return to the kit comes
with the desire to play because it is a passion of
mine, the belief that I was meant to do this, and
the hopes it may inspire others. Thank you
Zoltan for reminding me to take the time to reflect!
It’s a good reminder to not take things for
granted. People always comment that I smile a lot
when I’m playing. That is a direct result
of playing for the “right” reasons! |
Since that night about
3½ years ago, I’ve
been lucky enough to work my way back into the music scene
and into two very talented cover bands. Gator Cases
provided me with an artist endorsement deal several months
ago and it just keeps getting better and better.
I’m mega excited about the things to come in 2012. “Wicked
Revolver” has already begun to work on some originals,
collaborations from all three band members. We are
excited about rolling out a CD of original material later
this year. I have always loved writing lyrics and
singing as well. And my band mates are very encouraging
about me doing both, so watch out 2012…there are
no brakes on this machine!
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Please friend me on facebook at www.facebook.com/angel.valin.watson
If you make it to a “Wicked Revolver” or “Trial By Fire” gig,
please come say hello!
Trial By Fire: www.facebook.com/tbfband
Wicked Revolver: www.facebook.com/wickedrevolverband
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