Q: What inspired you to start exploring music?

A: Probably my dad and some musicians, such as Dave Grohl and Neo Peart from Rush but mostly my dad.

Q: How did you learn to play the drums?

A: I did take lessons for a little bit, but I stopped because I didn’t really like doing them so I kind of taught myself.

Q: What was your first experience playing music like?

A: I asked my dad because he had [an] old drum set that he used in the garage and I asked him to  put it up in my room so I could play.

Q: How long have you played the drums?

A: For about a year, maybe longer. That’s when I seriously started playing.

Q: What made you want to start a band with your friends?

A: I think it’s really fun to play drums, and I feel like it’s even better with more people and playing live.

Q: Could you describe a hardship of being in a band?

A: Arguments between band members. Knowing what to play when you’re writing music. Knowing when to play, and knowing when to stop while trying not to overplay.

Q: Is it always easy to work with your band members?

A: No, absolutely not. Sometimes it is, somebody plays a riff and then I’m like, “play that again.” Then I make a drum part on the spot and then we kind of just start playing in my room. Sometimes it’s like that, but then sometimes it’s not. My [band members] have a hard time writing music, like lyrics or just something that feels like [it’s] missing in the song. 

Q: What is it like to be in the school band?

A: You learn a lot, you get to interact with people. The marching band was really fun. It’s not incredibly hard, but I did have to learn some stuff from the seniors. For the most part, it was really fun to do. I enjoyed it.

Q: Which is easier for you being in band for school, or having your own band?

A: My own band, because I don’t really know how to read music at all, so that’s hard when you’re in band. But with a band like mine, we kind of just do whatever sounds good. We don’t have to really read the music, I like how you feel the music. In band, it’s just like static, you’re not really putting emotion into it. 

Q: How has playing the drums affected your social, personal, and school life?

A: Sometimes people walk by and they are like, “Oh, you’re the guy from that band.” It’s kind of hard to coordinate with [my friends] because they’re busy with school so it’s hard to play. We have a show soon, so we practice a lot. It’s definitely made me more confident.

Q: What drives you to keep playing, and why?

A: I think it’s really fun just to play and I like doing it. 

Q: Is there anything else you want the readers to know?

A: Don’t be boring. Be different. Stand out.

by MAIA MCENROE-LEYVA and PRESLEY SHARP