Bio

I started playing drums at the age of eight, introduced by my father as a means of channeling my inccessant ‘tapping and banging’ as a child. Advancing from pillows and a set of sticks to a rubber pad practice kit, and finally the real deal, a red four piece Premier at age 12.

My teacher was Frank Gibson Jnr, who gave me a strong foundation of technique and was extremely supportive and encouraging, despite my lack of practice at times.

At 14 I joined a blues band which quickly transformed into a group called Supergroove. With seven members including horn section, the music was a mix of Funk, Rock, Rap, Catchy Choruses and high energy on-stage antics. The group was signed to BMG Records and became a huge success in the mid 1990’s with the group’s debut album ‘Traction’ reaching Multi Platinum sales in New Zealand.

At 19 I left the group, and began teaching drums, both as an itinerant tutor at various Secondary Schools and privately. This has proved to be a great skill to have as being a full-time drummer in a small market like NZ requires a multi faceted approach.

Over the last 10 years I’ve been fortunate to have worked with a number of high profile local artists, which has put me in good stead to make the most of the session work available in NZ. I’ve performed on numerous recordings across a range of styles from Rock, Pop, RnB, Hip Hop, Acoustic based ‘singer/songwriter’ material, and even a Childrens Christmas album (bring on the brushes and sleigh bells!)

A few of the NZ Artists I’ve worked with over the years include Che Fu, Anika Moa, Brooke Fraser, and my own band from 1996 – 2004 ‘Eight’. I’ve performed extensively throughout New Zealand, and internationally in Australia, UK and Europe, Singapore, and even India (if six weeks playing hand drums on the beach counts!)

In April 2006 I relocated to London with my wife and daughter, keen to pursue further opportunities as a session drummer. I enjoy the diversity and challenge of performing with a variety of artists and look forward to new opportunities in the years ahead. For me music is about ‘capturing moments’, and as a peformer behind the drum kit, whether it’s on-stage or in the studio, it’s all about finding the unique feel and flow of each song, and putting everything into communicating the energy and emotion that the music intends.

(For more info check out the feature article from Drum Connexions Magazine December 2005 in the press section)