About me: Scott Kusmirek (Kooze) 02.12.08
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Scott Kusmirek has been driven by his passion for music throughout his entire life. Scott’s musical interests were sparked early on largely due to the influence of his musically inclined family members; namely, his grandfather, Jack Gordon, and uncle, Bobby Gordon. Jack, once President of the legendary Seeburg Corporation and President of Cameron Musical Industries, Ltd., was a music visionary responsible for the creation of the mini-LP and his own series of jukeboxes – one of which he named for his only grandson – the Cameron (Scott’s middle name). Jack played an essential role in Scott’s life by both cultivating his love for varying types of music and by also educating him about the business of music.
While it was Jack who was responsible for teaching Scott about the music industry, it was Bobby Gordon who inspired Scott to actually play the music he loved. Bobby, a celebrated jazz clarinetist who studied under Joe Marsala, played and recorded with many of music’s greatest – Louis Armstrong, Bobby Hackett, Jim Cullum, Hal Smith, Marty Grosz and Leon Redbone, to name a few. In addition, Bobby’s recent release, “Clarinet Blue”, a collaboration with pianist Dave McKenna, was one of the most critically acclaimed jazz albums of 2000. Growing up, Scott witnessed his uncle’s love for playing along with his inner drive for excellence, which ignited Scott’s desire to pursue his own passion for playing the drums.
As a teenager in the small town of Munising Michigan, Scott began his music career with a group of friends performing in the band room for high school classmates during lunch. It wasn’t long before the teaching staff discovered the completely empty cafeteria and that the entire student body was eating their lunches while enjoying one of Scott’s concerts. This overwhelming response prompted the music teacher’s recognition of Scott’s talent, causing him to approach Scott about taking his music appreciation class, and offering him free private drum lessons. These school lessons are the entirety of Scott’s formal training – an attribute to his natural ability to play music.
Shortly after, Scott went into full pursuit of his dream going from the band room to garage bands to local bands with regional drawing power and major label interest. Drawing from his knowledge acquired from his grandfather, Scott actively engaged in the business side of each band often taking the lead in marketing and promotional efforts. With Scott at the helm, everything was handled in such a way one would only expect from a major label artist – from professional designed, high-gloss promo posters to well-executed press relations to high-end production both in studio and live performances. This professional approach helped his three most successful bands being Matthew Moon, Kicking Mr. Rogers, bit o’ jane, and the Reign Kings come to fruition.
With his eye on the musical accomplishments of the Gin Blossoms, Scott decided to move to the musical haven of Tempe, Arizona and it wasn’t long before his hard work began to pay off. Within a year, bit o’ jane received tremendous local radio support causing it to be voted Best Pop/Rock Band (unsigned) by Phoenix New Times. Bit o’ jane often packed houses including the release of their second album drawing a standing-room only crowd at the popular music venue, Cajun House, which primarily booked national acts. Also, the band sold more than 10,000 CDs, a rare feat by independent artists. Long before it was commonplace to do so, bit o’ jane was even one of the first artists to feature MP3s of their music on their website. Under Scott’s guidance, bit o’ jane and then the Reign Kings performed with a variety of music giants – Dave Matthews Band, Alanis Morissette, Barenaked Ladies, Michelle Branch, the Steve Miller Band and Counting Crows.
It is also Scott’s strong stage presence, skill, and passionate drumming style felt at each and every show that catapulted his career to its present heights. His unmistakable talent never goes unnoticed and is often praised by not only his fellow musicians but also within the media. One example of Scott’s talent receiving recognition took place when he happened to be at the same video production facility as Sister Sledge when their drummer failed to show for rehearsals, which allowed Scott to step in and rehearse with the group that day. Impressed by his quick abilities and professionalism, Joanie Sledge asked Scott to join them for their upcoming tour with the Commodores.
However, Joanie Sledge wasn’t the first and wouldn’t be the last to approach Scott to join their act. November of 2002, Scott received a phone call from Jesse Valenzella asking him to audition for the Gin Blossoms and it was obvious early on that Scott was the right fit for the group. In fact, after his first session with the band, the rest of the group knew without doubt that this was going to be a long lasting relationship. Scott brings unparalleled vigor and spirit to the Gin Blossoms – and a style of playing that lead singer Robin Wilson describes as “almost criminal.” Says Robin, “Scott’s a rock and roller, plain and simple. You can see it in his face when he plays – he goes off somewhere and he always takes the crowd right with him. He’s amazing to watch, but you could close your eyes and you would still feel this guy filling up the room with his energy.” So it is no surprise that it’s here with the Multi Platinum, Grammy Nominated Gin Blossoms that Scott has now chosen to make his musical home for the past six years.
Scott’s passion for music has driven him to achieve many of his musical goals, which now include playing with the Grammy nominated and top ten artist the Gin Blossoms, who Scott has recorded and toured with extensively throughout the entire U.S. and Canada However, when Scott isn’t playing drums to packed concert audiences, he’s busy producing and performing on albums for other artists, most recently Matthew Moon. Scott has also been branching out into other areas of entertainment and promotion. Recently Scott appeared in the December 2003 issue of The Official U.S. Play Station Magazine and has begun acting. He recently appeared in the Warner Bros. Hit TV shows The O.C. and CSI Miami. The Gin Blossoms, with Scott on drums, appeared in the 3rd season of Warner Bros. TV show “High School Reunion” on January 18th 2005, and Scott had a cameo appearance in the episode. Scott is far from just a drummer, his talents are broad, but banging on the drums will always be Scott’s central focus. With his passion and inner need to create driving him, Scott Kusmirek will surely continue to spark, ignite, and set into motion amazing music one beat at a time.
New Gin Blossoms CD ! Scott has recorded drum tracks at the world famous Ardent Studios in Memphis, TN for the new Gin Blossoms CD “ Major Lodge Victory” in stores and i-Tunes now.
Movie Début! Scott Is currently filming scenes for the upcoming movie “ Champagne Gang” staring Damon Whitaker (Forest Whitaker’s brother) and Bokeem Woodbine. Scott plays the role of “The Shady Surfer” in this upcoming film directed by Daniel Zirilli. Scott is also shooting scenes for a movie called “Aces” Champagne Gang is due in theaters and DVD fall 2006.
Endorsements / Sponsorships
Scott Kusmirek currently has Endorsements with Hyundai Motor America, D. W. Drum Workshop Drums, Sabian cymbals and Vater Drum sticks. Scott performs with D.W. Drums, hardware, pedals, Vater 3A Fatback wood tip sticks, Sabian Vault cymbals and Remo drum heads.
Scott also has apparel endorsements with Hurley and O.P. Ocean Pacific clothing
Line.
www.myspace.com/scottkusmirek
www.ginblossoms.net
Lance’s Super Duper Bowl Party Sunday February 1st, 2009 1pm til whenever (I’m taking Monday off!)
Live music pre party with:
Shawn Johnson and the Foundation And Corey Gloden of Strange Young Things
Music starts at 1:30pm and goes til game time (3:30pm)
We’ll be doing our own halftime show too. No disrespect to Bruce, but whatever…
Food, Booze, indoor and outdoor screens, good friends, circus freaks, and trained medical personnel will all be on hand to ensure your personal pleasure and safety throughout this prestigious invite only event.
Celebrity guests Snoop Dogg, The Jonas Brothers, and Jim Rome will give live commentary on the game.
Post game celebration with our famous late night “no lights” Flutag off my dock sponsored by Red Bull ®
Direct from the North Pole, Saturday Dec13th at The Last Exit in Tempe. Tenacity Management, Rhonda Zayas Inc, Stellar Booking Agency, Greeting Star Publishing, Vixen Promotions, F.A.M.E. Public Relations and Mickeys Big Mouth bring you…..
ROCK FOR TOTS 4!
A musical holiday celebration to benefit the Toys for Tots charity.
This is the fourth year in a row the local music scene has come together to celebrate the holidays and help out some deserving kids in the process.
There will both full band and special acoustic performances by the valleys best bands.
The music starts at 7pm and goes all night with over 10 bands performing on two stages.
$2 Mickeys all night long!
We are asking all to bring one unwrapped toy with a value of $10 or more or donate $10 in cash, but we prefer a toy.
Great raffle prizes!!!!!!!! Including a custom guitar strap by legendary rock and roll designer, Ray Brown! Ray’s clothes and straps are worn by Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, and Bon Jovi!
The Line Up is amazing with sets from:
Strange Young Things Let Go Thousand Yard Stare Sleepwalk a Robot Ashley Creighton 36 Cents and a Dream Sammus Theory Tramps and Thieves Los Guys The New Royals
And more to be added!!!!
So come out, even it it’s only for a little while, celebrate the holidays, hear some amazing music, and do something good for someone else in the process. Doesn’t get any better than that!
