Today we’d like to introduce you to Timothy Phillips.
Timothy, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I have always been drawn to music however it was at Beulahland Bible Church in Macon, Ga that I first saw drums played in a way that made me want to learn. Over the years, I played on a neighborhood friends drum set until I was able to save up to buy this really old 1970’s Remo drum kit from an estate sale my grandmother was running. I think I practiced almost five hours a day, playing to everyone that I thought was the best version of what a drummer should be able to do. To this very day, I do not know how my grandmother and neighbors put up with that but if they are reading this, later on, THANK YOU!!!
From there, I took the normal traditional route of joining my high school band program. Where I believe I got the best of three worlds. I had three great teachers (Elgin Mayfield, Miguel Castro, and Jim Wiliams) and learned a lot about how to find my style and how to be a human metronome for lack of better words. I think it was here I learned the best lessons between learning and then, the normal “battles”, especially during the marching season between all of us, really did wonders for my confidence with the instrument.
After school, I joined the Navy and played for a lot of bands. During this time, I found my calling as a teacher myself. Working in Naples, Italy, I had a really great group of kids that wanted to learn. The line was small but I had three kids that just soaked up everything and practiced with the same intensity I had when I was their age. Granted, I also learned first-hand teacher politics so as much as I miss those kids and teaching music, I do not miss it.
Since 2012, I have played for a few bands. Stranger than Most (2012-current), Ye Flask (now CrabHammer 2013-2015) and Another Year Unknown (2018-2019). All bands were great experiences and very humbling. My best lessons in the industry came from playing with these groups.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
To be a drummer and make the jump to do this as a living has not been an easy road. Having a day job, family, responsibilities, and life, in general, have made me really look at my priorities.
The biggest thing that always stopped me from really going for it was wanting to make sure I could take care of the people who depend on me. I think this is one of those things that happen for everyone but once that switch goes off you jump and hang on for the ride.
I remember I woke up and just didn’t want to go to work. Since then, I have been focused primarily on just being the best version of what I think a true drummer/percussionist can be.
Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am now a Session Drummer. I play various styles of music whether it be jazz, funk, rock (metal, punk, classic) and hip hop. I think what sets me apart from most drummers is that I take what I do seriously. Recording cost a lot of money depending on the studio space so my job is to make the process go by as quickly as possible for any artist I am working with. I don’t like wasting anyone’s time.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
That list is just way too big to go off of but everyone has been a teacher/supporter/cheerleader/rival and it made me better as a drummer. I’ll never be able to thank them enough for all the lessons, battles, showing up to a venue being the 1-5 people that come out.
Elgin Mayfield
Miguel Castro
Jim Williams
Dominick McKenzie
Ryan Pugh
Josh Maddox
Evan Jones
Ilyse Lopez
Raffi Phillips
Devin Week
Deborah Blackmon
Megan Wilson
Zach Potts
Aaron Pridemore
Chris Fail
Ashton Hammill
Pricing:
- Studio Sessions for two hours is a flat $300. $50 an hour
- Events and Venues – $150 + $20 an hour after 3 hours
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.gigsalad.com/in_pocket_drummerpercussionist_marietta
- Phone: 4049093070
- Email: timjajphillips@gmail.com
- Instagram: @that.blerd
Image Credit:
John Schultz
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