Tommy Aldridge, Fish, Buddy Rich, Alex Van Halen, Neil Peart, Dave Grohl, Tommy Lee, Dennis Chambers, Simon Phillips, Steve Gadd and a ton of other musicians.
I've been a professional drummer/percussionist for over 30 years (formerly of the national act 24-7 SPYZ on Atlantic Records). I have toured extensively throughout the US, Canada and Europe. As a graduate of the Yamaha School of Music at age 6, I now have over 20 album credits on many major and independent record label releases as well as television and radio commercials. I'm also a record producer, songwriter and arranger who has a knack for writing memorable songs and melodic hooks on guitar, bass and keyboards. I have the adaptability to play many styles of music, specializing in hard rock, metal, pop punk, R&B, funk, ska, smooth jazz, reggae, acoustic/grass roots, easy listening, mainstream commercial rock and even country. ********************************************************************************************************************************
RECORDED WORKS/ALBUMS********************
James Lloyd "Self Titled: (Currently recording in the studio)2007/2008. Recorded at Golden Track Studios, San Diego, CA************************
24-7 Spyz "This is...Strength In Numbers" (Wounded Bird Records) 2006 (Reissue of both This is 24-7 Spyz EP/Strength In Numbers CDs)**************
· Headtrip Superstar “Beautiful” (RadioStar Records) 2004 Produced by Rich Varvil, Recorded at The Playground, DML and Phase Four Studios, Tempe, AZ. Mastered at Capitol Records.*****************
· Seventrain “Moments of Clarity” (Currently being solicited) 2003 Produced by Joel Maitoza, Engineer: Joel Maitoza, Eric Horton, Recorded at DML Studios – Escondido, CA*********************
· Crown 10 “Crown 10” (SoCal Records/IDN/Crash Music) 2003 Produced by Joel Maitoza, Engineer: James Brady/Don Lithgow, Recorded at: DML Studios – Escondido, CA.********************
· Kerry Conley “Spill” (Independent Release) 1999 Produced/Arranged by Joel Maitoza, Engineer: Don Lithgow/Joel Maitoza, Recorded at: DML Studios-Escondido, CA*****************
· Machine “Machine” (Independent release in Australia) 1999 Produced/Recorded by Roger Summers, Recorded at: Royal Tone Studios-Burbank, CA.**************
· Don Lithgow “Big Daddy” (Independent Release) 1998 Produced by Joel Maitoza, Engineer: Roger Summers, Recorded at: Royal Tone Studios/DML Studios.
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· 24-7 Spyz “If I Could” (W.A.R. Records) 1997 Recorded Live in St. Louis, Engineer: Mike Weimer, Produced by: Jimi Hazel ***********************
· 24-7 Spyz “Heavy Metal Soul By The Pound” (W.A.R. Records) 1996 (Featuring Doug Pinnick from Kings X on 2 songs) Produced by Jimi Hazel, Engineer: Jim Wirt, Recorded at: 4th Street Studios-Santa Monica, CA.**************************
· 24-7 Spyz “Six” (Enemy Records) 1996 Produced by Jimi Hazel & 24-7 Spyz, Recorded at: 4th Street Studios-Santa Monica, CA / The Magic Shop-New York City.
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· Shockhead “Television” (Indivision Records) 1995 Produced by Shockhead/Jimi Hazel, Engineer: Jim Wirt/Shay Baby, Recorded at: Goodnight LA-Van Nuys, Ca. / 4th Street Studios-Santa Monica, Ca. and DML Studios-Escondido, CA.
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· 24-7 Spyz “Strength in Numbers”(East West/Atlantic Records) 1992 Produced/ Engineer: Terry Date and 24-7 Spyz Recorded at: Little Mountain Studios-Vancouver BC*********************
· MPG “Shark Crossing” (Independent release) 1992 Produced by Joel Maitoza, Engineer: Tim Poremba, Recorded at: Full Circle Studios, San Marcos, CA****************************
· 24-7 Spyz “This is...24-7 Spyz” (East West/Atlantic Records) 1991 Produced by: 24-7 Spyz Engineer: Bruce Calder Recorded at: Electric Ladyland-New York City.***************************
· Gangland “Gangland” (Independent release) 1989 (Featuring members of Fishbone and Sound Barrier) Produced by: Gangland Engineer: Bill Metoyer for Metal Blade Records, Recorded at: Track Records-L.A., CA************************
· Elysian “Blinded by Sound” (L.C.M. Records) 1985 Produced by: Elysian, Engineer: Peter Kordell, Recorded at: Circle Sound Studios-San Diego, CA./ EMI America Records-Hollywood, CA.******************
* Plus numerous studio demos, session work and recorded live performances.
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TOURS:
(Clubs, Halls, Theaters, Arenas and Festivals)
· CROWN 10: “Crown 10” West Coast Tour 2002.
· 24-7 SPYZ: “If I Could” National tour 1997.
· 24-7 SPYZ: “Heavy Metal Soul By The Pound” National/International tour 1996.
· 24-7 SPYZ: “Six” European tour 1996.
· SHOCKHEAD: “Television” National tour 1995.
· 24-7 SPYZ: “Strength In Numbers: National/International tour 1992/1993.
· 24-7 SPYZ: “This is...24-7 Spyz” National/International tour 1991.
· 24-7 SPYZ: “Gumbo Millenium”(Second Leg) National tour 1990-1991.
· GANGLAND: “Gangland” West Coast tours 1988/1989.
· ELYSIAN: “Blinded by Sound” West Coast tours 1985/1986.
· The Fantastics Summer stock – Playhouse Theater – San Diego, CA 1983.
· PALOMAR COLLEGE (Percussion Group): West Coast tour 1980.
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VIDEOS/TELEVISION COMMERCIALS
· 24-7 SPYZ...LIVE 24-7 Spyz (Independent) Recorded Live at the China Club in Chicago, Ill.1996
· Break the Chains: 24-7 Spyz (Atlantic/Eastwest Records) Featured in regular rotation on MTV (Headbangers Ball/MTV Sports), Much Music, The Box. Producer: H-Gun (Barbara Schwarz) Location: The Limelight, NYC 08/18/1992.
· Stuntman: 24-7 Spyz (Atlantic/Eastwest Records) Featured in regular rotation on MTV (Headbangers Ball/MTV Sports), Beavis & Butthead (Car Wash episode), Much Music, The Box. Producer: Ben Whittaker, Location: Los Angeles, CA 10/24/1991.
· Equality In Motion: Shockhead (Indivision Records) Live performance for television show, ”This Is L.A.” Producer: Rock Files, Location: Troubadour, Los Angeles, CA. 8/12/1994
· Double Bass Technique: (Video Drums Inc.) 1993
· Music Underground: Interviews on 3 episodes. Producer & Host: Dale Lawrence. Location: San Diego, CA 1992/1994
· Budweiser Television Commercial w/ 24-7 Spyz: (Polar Bear Club) Propaganda Films. Nationally aired on all major networks: Jan. through May 1992 .
· Numerous interviews and appearances on Much Music, MTV and many European and Cable TV shows.
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PRESS & MAJOR PUBLICATIONS
(Articles, Interviews, Pictures, CD and Concert Reviews)
Billboard, Rolling Stone, Spin, BAM, Metal Edge, Cream, Screamer, Pollstar (Cover feature), RIP, Modern Drummer, Blender, Guitar Player, Guitar For The Practicing Musician, Guitar and Bass, Bass Player, Circus, Marshall Law, Thrasher, Kerrang! Village Voice, Album Network, Musician, XL, Tower Pulse, Slamm, Reflex, Entertainment Weekly plus many newspapers, websites and fanzines.
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AWARD NOMINATIONS
· Shockhead - LA Music Awards, Categories: Best Hard Rock Band/Best Bass Player, 1995
· 24-7 Spyz - New York Music Awards, Category: Best Hard Rock Band, 1991
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TRAINING
· Orange Glen High School Graduate, 1985
· Orange Glen High School Marching and Concert Band, 1982-1984
· Hidden Valley Middle School Marching/Concert and Jazz Band, 1979-1981
· Eight years of private lessons with Professor Ron George, SDSU (Drums/Percussion)
· Graduate of the Yamaha School of Music, Major: Music Theory, 1973 (Age 6)
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ENDORSEMENTS
· TAMA Drums (1991-1996), Paiste Cymbals (1986-current), Vater “Signature” Drumsticks (1993-current), Joe Montinari Custom Snare Drums (1991-1997)
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EQUIPMENT LIST
· Kit 1: TAMA Rockstar DX with Power Tower rack system including (4) Octobons, (2) 22x16 Bass Drums, 13”, 14”, 15” Rack Power Toms, 16” Floor Tom w/ Iron Cobra Pedals.
· Kit 2: TAMA Rockstar DX, 22x16 Bass Drum, 13” Rack Tom, 16” Floor Tom
· Kit 3: TAMA Imperialstar, (2) 24x16 Bass Drums, 13”, 14”, 15” Rack Toms, 16” Floor Tom
· Snare Drums: Assortment of TAMA, Ludwig, Mapex and Joe Montinari Custom Snare Drums
· Cymbals: Paiste 8” 2002 Splash, 10” Splash, 6” Bell, 14” Sound Formula Hi-Hats (2 Sets), 22” Sound Formula Bell Ride, 18” 2000 China, 16” China, (3) 16” Crashes, (2) 17” Crashes, (2) 18” Sound Formula Crashes.
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Notable Quotes
· 24-7 SPYZ are one hot live band. - MTV******
· 24/7 SPYZ: “This album is like a good party: Anything can happen, and if you stick around long enough, it probably will. The combination of mayhem and messages make this a piece of killer work.”
– Spin Magazine*******
· “Sleek, metallic funk, strong and uncompromising- The Spyz easily withstand comparisons with their more celebrated contemporaries.” – Melody Maker*****
· Album: Strength in Numbers, Grade: A-
"As the Spyz songs keep sprouting unexpected new limbs, the band leaves you dazzled with their ambition."
- Entertainment Weekly*****
· “Scary!” – Paul Gilbert (Mr. Big/Racer X)*****
· "The Spyz have evolved into a terrifyingly tight unit" – Reflex*****
· “You’re a monster! Where did you learn how to play double bass like that?! – Gregg Bissonette (backstage after a Shockhead show in L.A.)*****
· “Maitoza proves his bandmates made the correct choice on his first full-length recording with them, Strength In Numbers, where he deftly kicks the band through a tight, gut-hitting, groove-laden mix of metal, funk, jazz stylings, and reggae.” – Modern Drummer*****
· “Strength In Numbers is challenging, exciting, and dizzying. This album showcases the band’s rich diversity. It moves along the spectrum of funk, rock, soul, rap and reggae, sounding different with each listen.” – Rolling Stone*****
· “The ravenous way the Spyz play combined with their mixture of metal, hardcore, rock, rap, funk, soul and reggae make things volatile to themselves and their fans.” – Pollstar
*****
· “A fresh idea bouncing in your head, dazzling and illuminating your intellect. Such is the definition for 24-7 Spyz music. It penetrates the senses and acknowledges uniqueness like never before!” –Screamer*****
· “On the CD, This Is...24-7 Spyz, drummer Joel Maitoza goes on to help develop the bands most compleate package to date.” – Guitar for the Practicing Musician*****
· 24-7 Spyz: Strength In Numbers **** (4 stars) “Call the paramedics!!! This album is fun, melodic, and enlightening. It’s what we might be hearing more of if more musicians were open to different styles-and the ability to play them. It also proves that music knows no color and no prejudice, judging more on creativity and (sometimes, as in the case of 24-7 Spyz) talent!” – Rip Magazine*****
· “If Joel records the drum tracks, they’re gonna be perfect!” – Roger Sommers (Engineer/Producer)*****
· “Joel is one of the sickest drummers I’ve ever played with in my life!” – Spacey T. (Fishbone)*****
· “Myself and BRICK BATH owe everything to Joel. We couldn’t have done it without him”. – Eric Meyer (Brick Bath)*****
· “A really, really talented drummer.” – Barry Squire (Columbia Records)*****
· “Major groove and a super nice guy” – Dug Pinnick (King’s X)*****
· “You play like you could be Deen Castronovo’s little brother.” – Marty Freidman (Megadeth)*****
· “ I’m your biggest fan and you are one of my biggest influences.” – Nate Morton (Former drummer for American Idol and Rockstar Supernova and Rock the Cradle TV series)
HEY! How are you doing? Its been awhile since I've spent much time on the site. Summer was pretty hectic. I'm in the middle of recording. Hopefully we get it mostly done by mid January. In the meantime I just put up a jam track called '2009'. Have a listen! Drop us a comment sometime. Take Care, Nikko
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i love you wants you to join their band in Rockstars, a game where you can form bands with your friends and play gigs, battle rival bands, and become famous on MySpace!
Hi how you doing? Thanks for the add. If you get a moment please check out Voodoo Vegas who I play guitar in. Hope all is well and have a rocking week xx
Hey Joel, Thanks for joining the site. How you doing? Getting geared-up for summer? Just thought to let you know theres new tracks on the site. Sounding much better than the last with Trent's help. These are the Originals I'm working on now. I'm in Calgary now re-recording drum tracks. Let me know what you think. Please feel free to leave a comment in the blog regarding feedback. I appreciate all comments. Recording is going we'll, should be done very soon. 'Timeless' (Box set) is already completed. Stay in touch... Nikko
