Erik Truelove has won the title of the “World’s Most Accurate Drummer,” many times over, but those are not his only accomplishments. He is also a skilled professional who believes that keeping solid time is the most important contribution a drummer can make to music.
A natural musician, Truelove was only 10 when he began performing in junior and senior high school bands. At 15, he bought his first drum set and taught himself, playing by ear. He’s been performing ever since and has seriously expanded his knowledge of drumming through countless drum clinics, videos and books.
Today, Truelove can be found touring with bands internationally, in a Nashville recording studio or on the eclectic Fourth Avenue in Tucson performing with local bands when not teaching at the Tucson Drum Studio he founded in 2001.
Also a drummer for hire, Truelove has performed throughout the U.S., and also in Germany, Austria and Mexico, touring Europe in 2007 with Rich Hopkins & the Luminarios. In January of 2008, 2007 and 2006 Truelove took home the “World’s Most Accurate Drummer" title at the NAMM Show in Anaheim, California and at the Drum Corp. International finals in August of 2007, competing against 500 other drummers . Those accolades lead to a national sponsorship with Onboard Research Corp., the company who developed The Beatnik, a “rhythmic analyzer” product that combines a traditional drum pad with a computerized metronome. Erik helped OnBoard Research to develop their instructional DVD for the Beatnik Analyzer as well.
If not on the road or performing in Tucson, he is holding drum clinics at the Guitar Centers and other locations or teaching privately. A consummate drummer and instructor, Truelove has given an average of more than 1,000 lessons and 100 performances per year for the past several years. He began teaching drums in 1999 while living in Seattle, both privately and at the Edmonds CyberSchool, a resource center for home-schooled children.
While teaching provides is a fulfilling addition to his musical repertoire, Truelove says that performing and recording are his primary focus. His goals for the future include an instructional DVD and book as well as a solo album and to perform with or join an emerging or nationally established band.
For additional information visit www.eriktruelove.com
Bands Erik Has performed and/or recorded with:
*= recorded **= recorded & performed
all bands/artists are Arizona based unless otherwise noted
Andy Hersey **
Bad News Blues Band
Bill Ganz
Bryan Dean Trio
Chuck Carfree *
Clam Tostada **
Coyote Creek Ramblers
Dave Cantrell Band (Seattle)
Dylan Charles & Evolution
Don Simpson
Donny Russell
Escape (Seattle) **
Future (Orgeon) **
Gem **
Geneveive & the LP's
George Howard & the Road House Hounds
Giant Blue
Heads of State *
Jadi Norris
Jeff Cole Trio
Jeff Shad
Jane Crowe Band
Janee *
Jokers Wild (Oregon) **
Kenneth Brian (Texas)
Larry Deihl Trio
Leanne Savage
Leila Lopez
Leona Mitchel
Les Baxter Factor
Loose Change
Mark Zubia
Markiss
Meltdown/Rapture (Oregon)
Mike Tatum
Mockingbirds **
Paul Plumeri (New Jersey)
Pilot (Oregon)
Pima Community College Jazz Combo **
Pima Community College Wind Ensemble
Railbirds
Rastus Kain (Florida)
Renee Powers & Fandango
Rich Hopkins & the Luminarios (Europe Tour '07)
Roger Clyne & the Peacemakers
Roulette (Seattle) **
Rowdies
Ryanhood **
Shurman
Spiral
Spirit Familia **
Split Decision
Sticky White Chocolate
Still Cruisin' **
Tickle
Tiffany Jo Allen *
Tony & the Torpedos
Tony Frank
Tryst **
Wade & the South Side Healers
Wendy Adams & the Drama Kings **
West Texas Millionaires **
Yardbirds (Seattle)
Young Whiskey (California)**
12th Street Laundry *
thanks for the props, erik! somehow, the hello/goodbye interaction slipped by at the M.A.S.T. opening, but it was good to see you amongst the glitteratti!
My album STRANGE TOWN is for sale on i tunes would love to get your support trying to get money together to start my 2nd album ...would aprecaiate you telling your friends too ,....im really happy you like it thanks so much for your comment
Hi thanks for the add on your page hope you get time to listen to my songs and maybe leave a comment .. I have STRANGE TOWN my debut album on itunes at last.. be great to get your support..Thanks AGAIN .. i hope your well and i wish you well ........................PATRICK K
Click on the itunes logo to connect
PATRICK K.."STRANGE TOWN "BUY IT FROM CDBABY CLICK BELOW
Erik, You are a TRUE PRO my friend...You did a great job last night. Koko and I do realize how hard you worked on our music for the gig. You nailed it all. Thank you SO MUCH for playing with us. I can't wait to do it again. :)
Thanks Erik! We are honored by your friendship. We are always looking for new members, volunteers and collaborations. Our concerts and events are a great place to make connections. Opportunities abound...give us a call at 520-903-1265! *Hint- If you want to go right to the top, stop by Cushing St. Restaurant and Bar on Saturday nights and introduce yourself to saxman Jeff Lewis. Just tell him we sent you! Thanks for supporting the Tucson Jazz Society.
We're back at The Hut this Saturday December 5th sharing the stage with another world music and roots-reggae influenced band -Planet Jam- who'll start the evening at 9 pm.
Hi Erik, I don't remember if I answered back but thanks for coming out and saying hello at Plush. You liked that ride sound huh? I use Peter Erskine sticks when playing jazz. The bead of the stick makes a great sounding ping with much more volume control than normal size sticks. I told the Railbirdz hello for you yesterday.
I'll tell the Birdz hi for you and thanks for your kind words. Kari is going to have next Fridays jazz gig recorded live. Now the pressure's on to keep from dropping sticks and fudging with the brushes. :) Have fun being part of the Brian Dean Trio and your Pasic trip!
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