Michael brings stateside beat

The talented drummer from Nashville has settled in the area after falling for the charms of a local lady.

25-year-old Michael is hoping to pass on his expertise to would-be drummers and to achieve that goal he’s opened up a drum studio in High Street.

Michael, who is originally from Savannah in Georgia, USA, was working as a drum tutor in Thunder Bay, Ontario when he met Laura Kenwell, youth co-ordinator with Shankill Parish.

Michael, who can play any instrument in the percussion family as well as the guitar, said: “Laura was out visiting a guy who was there on an internship.

“We hit it off and for the next year and a half we were constantly on Skype.

“I moved over here in November and we got married in Shankill Parish in December.

“I’ve become involved with the church myself, doing a bit of drumming with Andi Oakes and the band he has put together.”

Michael and Laura live in Waringstown and having taken to life in the area, Michael decided to set up Stateside Drum Studio.

He explained where his love of drumming comes from. The talented percussionist said: “My father was a drummer. I started out on alto-sax before switching to drums when I moved to Nashville.

“The school system was really great there. They really encouraged musicians. I learnt every kind of drumming there was.”

Asides from his father Michael took inspiration from Neil Peart (Rush), Carter Beauford (Dave Matthews Band) and Travis Barker (Blink 182).

Michael played major venues the world over when he drummed with Christian rock band Revive.

He joked: “I had the same name as the previous drummer so they didn’t have to change the business cards.

“The biggest gig I played with Revive was at the Rock The Desert festival in Texas. We played to 27,000 people.”

Michael said he could teach anyone to drum regardless of whether they have a natural talent for drumming. He said: “If there’s a desire that’s all that’s really needed.”

Stateside Drum Studio will be holding an open night at its High Street premises on Monday (March 12) from 7pm to 9pm for people to come along and take a look around the studios and try their hand at the drums.

Michael has promised introductory offers and discounts for monthly packages.

For more information email [email protected] or call 0756 809 8344.