Artist Interview: Casey Cooper
Casey is the first artist signed to Pearl’s artist roster based on his internet success along with his playing ability. Casey has over 674,000 followers to his Youtube channel and averages over 2.5 million views each month. Casey attends Georgia State University where he plays drum set with the marching band.
Question: What was your first drum set?
My first drum kit was a Pearl Forum kit in Wine Red, (which is basically the equivalent to Pearl’s Roadshow kit, now). I had a picture of it up on my wall as a kid and it was my dream starter kit, but I didn’t expect to actually get it! My parents surprised me and as I watched Eric Singer show me how to put the kit together in the instructional VHS, I knew I wanted to play drums for the rest of my life!
Question: Did you ever take private lessons?
I took a few private lessons to start off, and also gained invaluable information through being in the music programs in middle school, high school, and in college at Georgia State.
Question: Who is your favorite drummer and why?
My favorite drummer is Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers His feel, passion and energy behind the kit is fantastic, and he’s the kind of drummer that shows you how much fun it is to play drums and rock out behind a set of drums!
Question: What makes the Pearl brand special?
Pearl is special because Pearl is quality and excellence for everyone. Pearl makes some of the most incredible top of the line gear on the planet, and yet they also put the same love and care into creating some of the most awesome entry level products for newer drummers as well. Their Export EXX series kit uses the same shell technology as their top of the line Reference Pure, and yet it’s so accessible.
Question: What are your thoughts on the electronic elements so common in percussion these days?
Adding electronics and hybrid acoustic electric kits into the percussion world opens the door for creativity and more options as a player. I always enjoying combining my ePro-Live kit with one of my acoustic kits because all of the sudden I can have thousands of new sounds in a package that looks awesome and feels natural within my kit.
Question: How did you make the transition from recreational drummer to professional drummer?
I made the transition from recreational drummer to professional drummer through versatility and a passion for all things drums. There is no one correct way into a full time music gig, and if you understand that and approach the industry with a passion and willingness to do all sorts of fun drumming gigs/events and styles, you’ll be way more successful than trying to make it with a single band, or only being open to one type of gig. I get to do all sorts of fun drumming events and opportunities because I’m very versatile and open in my playing. One day I may be playing with an orchestra and the next a rock band, and I wouldn’t have it any other way!
Question: What inspires you to continue drumming?
I’m inspired to continue drumming through the joy playing brings me and the joy and entertainment it brings others. I always say I love what I do and I do what I love, and I entertain and inspire others through doing what I love. It puts a huge smile on my face to put a smile on someone else’s while doing what I love, and that’s drumming and performing, teaching and speaking, entertaining and exciting!
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