Today we’d like to introduce you to Whit Wilkins.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started as a drummer at age two. From then on, I progressed musically and picked up piano, voice, and other instruments. I marched snare drum at my alma mater, SWD, but when it was time for college I had not yet realized my full potential and listening to everybody else, I initially majored in Sport and Exercise Science. After two years of studying at Valdosta State, I joined the Army just to get out of the Valdosta area. Before I knew it, I’d completed six years in the Army. It was then that I realized I wanted to be my own boss and do something different. After a six-year hiatus, I came back to music. My transition out of the Army wasn’t the smoothest, but I pushed through and just as I was about to give up, I was inspired to audition for Berklee College of Music, a task that not very many people to date are successful at.
Finally, my audition date came. I showed up and tried my best not to look like what I was going through at the time. I had to wait a month after that to find out the results, which came back in my favor. I got accepted into the best music school in the WORLD, Berklee College of Music (Boston, MA), with a scholarship to play drum set (which I didn’t even know was possible). That’s when I knew I had something special because music was the furthest thing from my mind the whole six years I was in the military. My experience at Berklee allowed me to have more focused networking opportunities and exposed me to all the different career paths I could possibly take in the music business. I decided to major in Music Production and Engineering, one of the school’s hardest majors (so they say). I quickly took a liking to it and over the course of my tenure in the program, I began to fall in love with Production and really make a name for myself.
During my last semester, I got a chance to study abroad in Europe (Valencia, Spain). I used that opportunity to visit at least 10 other destinations as well…. Milan, Paris, Amsterdam, London, Germany, etc. That experience really shaped who I am as a person, which brings me to where I am today…. back where it all started in Atlanta, GA. After Spain, I relocated back “home” to start my career as a professional music producer and recording engineer, as I await my upcoming graduation ceremony from Berklee in May 2019, back in Boston.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No, it wasn’t always smooth. My transition out of the Army was rough initially. I was living on $800/month with a $500 car note, plus rent, etc. And it was very hard finding a job. At one point, I had to resort to sleeping in my car, that was until it got repossessed. All this happened as I was preparing for my Berklee audition, which cost at least $150 by itself. I didn’t own a drum set before my audition, so I found a guy on Craigslist who was renting his music studio space for $30/day. I must’ve practiced there every day until my audition date. Also, even after I was accepted, I would say I had challenges adjusting, being a non-traditional student. And then there were everyday challenges like haters, naysayers, racism, sexism, etc.
Please tell us about “Whit The Drummer”.
Above all, I’m known for being a drummer. That’s my first love. I’ve been blessed to use my talent on many different platforms. I’ve done the Rose Bowl Parade in Pasadena. I had some playing opportunities while touring Europe. I was a featured drummer in BET’s hit TV series “The Quad”. And I recently just did some work with J. Cole (that I can’t say too much about since it hasn’t been released yet). Lol. In addition to that, I’m also a music producer and recording engineer. Most of my latest works have been for Berklee purposes only, but now that I’m back in Atlanta, I’m currently working on getting major placements.
I would say I’m most known for my personality and positive energy. I think that’s what sets me apart from others. Once I commit to doing something, I give it 110% and I’m really good at not caring what other people have to say about it. People often tell me I’m very charismatic, which can be a gift and a curse. But for the most part, that energy has gotten me a seat at the table with so many incredible people from Erykah Badu and Lauryn Hill to executives in TV, Music, and Film that are willing to share their platforms with me. Personally, I’m most proud of my networking abilities. With my military experience and now a Berklee degree, I like to think I’m an asset anywhere I go. I have a strong network, but I get to really take advantage of opportunities I’m given because I’m able to offer a lot, and as a result, I get a lot back.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I wouldn’t do anything differently. I think everything worked out the way it was supposed to. Had I gone straight to Berklee out of high school like I wanted, I’d be $280k in debt from student loans. But because I did the military first, they covered my tuition AND put money in my pocket to attend school regularly. It was God’s plan I guess. Lol.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @whit_the_drummer
- Twitter: @WhitTheDrummer
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
