It all started in 1995 when my mom said to my twin sister and me, "you are going to learn to play music." As most kids do, I started as a piano player, learning the basics until I was no longer interested. The next choice instrument was the viola. Circa 2004 I stepped into Battlefield High School and auditioned for the drumline, and the rest is history.
2005 – I received my first drum set as a Christmas present (I still have it and use it for practice). I learned to play full kit from a family friend, El Torro Gamble, aka ‘Face’ (Sabian Artist- El Torrow Gamble). He played for “The Deceivers, which were HUGE in Maryland at the time. He is still active in playing in the DC/MD area (Subcontractor for Georgetown Events) and also gives lessons. So what did he teach me–James Brown! That’s right, my first of only 2 drum lessons was James Brown. It was about learning to be patient, feel the rhythm, and just let the music speak. I progressed from learning James Brown, Michael Jackson, and 311 to Pennywise, Black Sabbath, Ozzy Osbourne, Motley Crue, Dave Matthews Band, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Santana, and Fleetwood Mac. Learning to play drums was more than second nature to me; it was life. I dabbled with playing guitar for a little while in high school in a punk rock band–but it was short-lived.
2008–I went to WVU for my undergraduate degree, stopped playing drums, and focused on being the best athlete I could be. I was part of the Women’s Division I rowing team. This is where I got my nickname “Twitch.”
2012 – Now the fun really starts! I started line dancing before moving to Alabama to finish my Master’s Degree and crossed paths with Tanya Fowler French (lead singer for Livin the Dream (https://www.facebook.com/LivinTheDreamBand/ ) (LTD) until 2019- now lead singer for JaggedEdge Band). When I did, I wasn’t sure what would come of her invitation to “come to see my band on Saturday night here, at Fast Eddies.” So I went!
From 2012 through 2019 LTD went on to play 60+ shows a year, crossing all genres of music, from the smallest of venues to the largest. We played at weddings, private parties, charities, corporate events, backyard throwdowns, bars, wineries, breweries, and Jiffy Lube Live for the Prince William Half Marathon–you name it! But like all good things—the end was coming. You know–family changes and just life–things happen!
2018– I was sought out by Wicked Jezabel (WJ) (https://wickedjezabel.com/the-band) an ALL female cover band. I was playing with LTD & WJ simultaneously, crossing state lines and crossing music genres dating back to the 69 Woodstock era and so much more. It was the plan all along that as LTD was going to retire, we would all go our separate ways. And then COVID happened…
Near the end of 2020/beginning of 2021, I was seeking out bands looking for a drummer. I stumbled across Whisky Business Band. I played with them until September 2022.
You’re probably wondering how she went from playing top 40, classic rock, Motown covers to a country band?? Well…
Rowdy said to me as he handed me his card at Ned Devines one night, “ if you ever have some free time and want to fill in with a country band, give me a call.”
July 8th, 2022 I started my music career with RAB with the first show at the American Legion in Charles Town, WV and there’s no stopping now. These guys have been the light in my music career that I didn’t know I needed. I have met some amazing people over all these years of playing music and played in some incredible venues. I can only hope that we bring you as much joy as the music brings to us! I might have been a rock drummer, but country music is my home.
Influence drummers: Carter Beauford, Mick Fleetwood, Tommy Lee, Rich Redmond, Samantha Maloney, Stefanie Eulinberg…the list goes on.
Gear:
Kit: Tama Starclassic (10,12,14, 22) Drumheads: Evans and Aquarian
Snare: Tama SLP Vintage Hammered Steel
Pedal: Tama Iron Cobra
Cymbals: Sabian: 14” AAX Hi-Hats, 16” HHX Groove Crash, 18” HHX Evolution Crash, 20” XS Ride
Sticks: Zildjian Dennis Chambers signature series
Kick Drum Mic Mounting by The Kelly SHU Pro™ (https://www.kellyshu.com/product/kelly-shu-pro/)
Comments