Check Out Michael “Gio” Giordano’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael “Gio” Giordano.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I am a professional drummer and producer who began my full-time music career in 2017 after retiring as a Chief Deputy from a 20-year law enforcement career. I started drumming in the 4th grade while taking lesson during my lunch period. I continued to play and learn all the way through my senior year of high school. My senior year my drumline won best in state and I was also in a rock band called E.S.P. After high school I took a hiatus from drumming and started Criminal Law in college. I grew up in a large law enforcement family which had become a way of life for me. The only drumming I did while being a cop was for fun after a stressful day. After a fulfilling 20 years in law enforcement I decided to retire after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. My wife Michelle encouraged me to follow my first true passion, Drumming. I spent the next 12 months or so refining my drumming skills to get back to a professional level. My first big break was playing for Universal Party Bands out of Atlanta. It was exciting in 2018 to play a festival to a crowd of about 6000 people. Hearing the crowd at this event reminded me why I love this profession so much. In 2019 I was contacted by the band ESG. After auditioning with them I was hired and have continued to tour the world with them. ESG has become a second family to me. The legendary Renee Scroggins, the founder of ESG, has taught me so much about the music industry, and is the most lovable hard nosed negotiator I know. In 2023 I was able to play out one of my childhood dreams by being in the headlining band for Fright Fest. Dressing up for three scary seasons as a demented drummer was an absolute thrill. As of today, I continue to play with ESG with an upcoming tour in Australia. I also have recently started a YouTube channel called Gio’s Drum Experience.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has been somewhat smooth since returning to drumming full time. I started a production company with a friend called Nightshades Live. After doing a full production for Fright Fest Six Flags Over Georgia I decided that part of the industry was not for me. Since that time I have been concentrating on being just a contract drummer. Drumming with multiple sclerosis has been a struggle at times but I continue to push through it.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a full time professional drummer. I have been told from others that they can feel my drumming and it makes them move. John-Paul Shiver from 48Hills out of San Francisco called me a human Akai MPC 2000 machine. I was also mentioned in Rolling Stone magazine by Lisa Tozzi in which she stated I provided fiery solos and back beats for ESG at Lincoln Center. This I would say is my proudest moment in my drumming career. I feel my integrity, character and professionalism sets me apart from others.

We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Even though I was diagnosed over 10 years ago most people do not know I have multiple sclerosis.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.giosdrumexperience.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/giosdrumexperience
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GiosDrumExperience
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-giordano-039014217/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@giosdrumexperience