Yamaha Drums, Yamaha/DW hardware, Sabian cymbals - Live (Sabian or Zildjian - whatever works best for the situation - when recording ;-), ProMark 5BN Japanese White Oak Drumsticks, AUDIX/K&K Systems microphones, Drumlights(TM).
Influences
I'm influenced by pretty much everything, musically. I love classical, pop, rock, metal, funk, jazz, progressive, etc.
I realize that it will sound pretty vain, but I also like to listen to the music I've been involved with writing and recording. If you don't get into your own material, how do you expect anyone else to? Of course, I spend more time away from my own music - but I do enjoy it, nonetheless. ;-)
My main drumming influences include Terry Bozzio, Neil Peart, Stewart Copeland, Buddy Rich, Gene Krupa, Phil Ehart, Charlie Adams, Dennis Chambers, Billy Cobham, Jeff Porcaro, Niko McBrain, and just SO many more.
My biggest musical artist influences include Mozart, Beethoven, Louis Armstrong, Aretha Franklin, Yanni, Rush, Yes, Kansas, Styx, Journey, REO, TSO, Sara Brightman, Savatage, Zeppelin, Triumph, Chick Corea, Spyro Gyra, Zappa, Iron Maiden, and again just SO MANY more - and I have to include my friends Jamison Masters and Lonnie Melland as my influences, as well.
Sounds Like
Myself (hopefully).
I can hear so many of my drumming influences in my recorded work. But I try to remain open to outside influences - wherever they may come from. I frequently incorporate concepts and techniques that interest me from other drummers, musicians, artists, craftsmen, comedians, actors/stage performers, and even athletes into my own playing style. Sometimes just being in a specific location is enough to inspire my imagination and spark new ideas to try. And like any musician, sometimes just a new piece of equipment can also do the trick and eventually work into my 'style'.
UPDATE 12/14/2009 - The new drum set is here, and it's a beauty! Some pictures are available in the photos section, and I'll post more in the coming weeks. Check them out!
Hi, my name is Eric, and I've been a drummer / musician since the age of five years old. The only reason anyone would know my name, is from the work I did with my progressive rock band EQUINOX. Equinox signed our first major label deal with JVC/Victor, and our debut album hit the Top 20 and Top 40 charts in many countries back in the mid-to-late 90's. We were on top of the world for a short period of time (our 15 minutes of fame ;-), and we charted higher than other prominent rock artists of the time, like: Bon Jovi, Iron Maiden, Mr. Big, Anthrax, Jimmy Page & Robert Plant, Aerosmith, Great White, and others (see the charts in my photo section). Today Equinox songs still receive airplay in more than 50 countries (per official ASCAP accounting reports), and we're all very proud of that achievement.
I do a lot of recording session work for artists from around the world, and fill-in with certain artists in a live capacity as my schedule allows. Any interested parties should email me through my website - www.ericdrums.com . Some of my session work has made it out into the world of video games and commercials (jingles). I tend to get busy with that kind of work just prior to every holiday season. I also teach the art of drumming.
Currently, I'm performing with the band Joy Ride - 80's Pop to Current Rock. The band plays the more exclusive circuit venues and corporate events around the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. You can visit the band online at www.joyriderocks.com. At a Joy Ride show, you'll hear your favorite dance and party songs from artists like Michael Jackson, Pink, Journey, Katy Perry, Bon Jovi, Duran Duran, Van Halen, Loverboy, AC/DC, Lady Gaga, Gretchen Wilson, Wild Cherry, Big & Rich, Joan Jet, Salt n Pepa, Kiss, and many more! Plenty of fun dance music to keep your booty shakin' all night long!
I've previously been a member of the band Luna Sea - a fun variety band of longtime friends that played shows and festivals all around the multi-state area. The Bad Animals - A Tribute To Heart, who were Nominated by the MMA as one of Minnesota's Best Cover/Tribute Acts for 2006 while I was in the band. I'll be filling in with them for a few shows in 2009 - watch my calendar for updates. Some of you that are familiar with more of my past work will also remember my involvement with Shaky Jake, Renaissance (funk group featuring Prince's cousin Tony V.), The Mindy Gunn Group (classic AOR female touring artist), Torok (hard rock group also featuring Michael Torok from Impaler) and Vox Tempus (featuring former background musicians from Equinox and Takara).
I've been a Martial Artist for more than twenty years, and have been an instructor for fifteen years. I collect ancient weaponry (mostly swords), and watches (novelty to luxury time pieces). I'm an amateur magician, and I love anything to do with horror memorabilia. For more information about myself and the artists I've previously worked with, or to contact me with regards to hiring me for recording sessions or for drumming lessons, please visit my website - www.ericdrums.com
Rise and shine!! wake up!! Hey my daughter was at a stagette party this weekend, they stopped at Fat Boys, when I was looking at her pics your poster was in one of the pics...cool beans right?! There was a date of the 28th tho? Not sure if they made a mistake and posted the wrong date? Anyway...just thought I would let ya check into it maybe...have a rockin day!!
Dammmmmmm I was clickin all ova to make a comment, wth did ya do? lol I crack up everytime I see your saying , kickin ass, can I kick Colin's ass too? Pushin' em off our cloud! Happy humper day King Rocka! Man O Man this is old...from Scoops you know when whats his name was dancing to the FLOOR! literally! haha The mental memories!
You & All of Your Friends Are Invited to Come Out to "The Bar Fly" Nightclub in Downtown Minneapolis on 711 Hennipen Ave on Friday Oct. 30th, 2009 for the "Dj Dance Party ExtravaGanza" for "Dj Eric James" Birthday Party.
Lot's of Special Guest Djs & Entertainers Will Be Djing & Performing for this Special Event.
Dj Eric James, Dj Hurricane G aka Pappy GaNuga, Dj Eve, Dj Swee2th w/ Simply Us Crew, Dj Snuggles, Shawn Skie, Mr. Jenkins aka Masta I, Greedy Gonzo, Tyree aka Xavia, Slim Dugan, & Lot's of Other Special Guests T.B.A.
This is an 18+ Event / 21+ to Drink - Dress Code Enforced So Dress to Impress
Show some Love & Support for Your Local Dj's & Entertainers, Spread the Word & Come Check it Out, Ok.
The "Magic Phrase" to Get in is: "Everything's Happy, When ya Dealin with Pappy"
Or Just Copy & Bring this Invite to Get in As Well.
greetings there Eric. glad to have u on board. how long u been drumming & what's ur set-up like. have a look at some of my pix & visit http://kryptosindia.com ... tell me what u think. cheers & g'day to u :)
Hey Eric! Its been decent, this past weeknd was filled with catching up on broken ties..was most cool! Looks like you've had a coupleof busy weeks and more to come! Just another day in paradise See ya soon!!
I'm in Smithtown now! We're playing August 15th @ McKracken's Pub (formerly Black Dawg), August 29th @ the Whiskey, September 4th @Decoy's, etc. Go to Smithtown's MySpace page from my page and be our friend ;o)
Hey Eric, knew u were out of town...Just working and looking for a place to vacation, any ideas? Someone should take my phone away on the weekends...I tend to get in trouble when mixing Kessler and texting, but that keeps life interesting :o)
UPDATE 12/14/2009 - The new drum set is here, and it's a beauty! Some pictures are available in the photos section, and I'll post more in the coming weeks. Check them out!
Online Now!
