When did you start drumming and why?

I started playing congas at the age of 3 and moved on to steel pan and drums at the age of 4.

My father was a drummer in the Caribbean community of Toronto, Ontario, and I grew up in the “Pan Yard”, where steel pan bands rehearsed.

I was always trying to play every percussion instrument I could grab or reach!

At the age of 5, I was enrolled in the Humber College Community Music Program, where I was introduced to jazz and classical piano, and it was there that I began my musical education.

What’s your favorite style of drumming?

I like to play all kinds of music.

I believe that the more you play and learn, the better and more versatile you become, not only as a drummer/percussionist, but as a musician in general.

Who is your favorite band/artist and why?

I don’t think I can honestly answer this question, but by genre, it goes like this:

• Reggae: Bob Marley
• Jazz: Miles Davis, 1st and 2nd quintets, and his quartet
• Pop: Michael Jackson
• Soca: Machel Montano
• Blues: B.B. King
• Rock : Led Zepplin
• Rap: Biggie and Tupac
• R&B: The Fugees
• Latin: Marc Anthony … and all of Motown and soul!

Why did you choose Vikory?

I was immediately attracted to Vikory. Their drumsticks are unique, durable and offer a pleasant touch, with little or no reverberation.

You can hit your drums hard or play lightly: they respond to your movements.

The aesthetics of the sticks also add character and style to the drummer/percussionist.

I use different types of drumsticks for different types of gigs, whether for drums or percussion.

Any special stories about you as a drummer?

At the age of 7, while playing at MusicFest Canada in Vancouver in 1997 with an ensemble from the Humber College Community Music Program, I received the very first Zildjian Award for Best Young Drummer at Humber College, and was the youngest ever to win it (and still hold the title).

When I arrived at the Zildjian factory in Boston, Massachusetts, I was allowed to tour the entire factory, sit behind the drum sets of Buddy Rich and Gene Krupas and, to conclude the tour, enter the famous Cymbal Room and test and select a few cymbals free of charge.

It was one of the most memorable moments of my drumming career.

What’s your favourite Vikory model and why?

link I love them all. To be honest, each has its own character and can create a different mood in a drummer/percussionist, and can be used in a variety of situations and contexts.

We see artistic designs on drums, guitars and the like, but very few on drumsticks. I can see this company going far and growing faster than they first thought!

Thank you Aaron and welcome to the Vikory family!