We Are Rhythm

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Gloves-off, hands-on conversations with some of the world’s best musicians. The podcast captures the essence of Latin music culture and the stories behind the music. Hosted by Joey De Leon and Jhair Sala, with guests such as Peter Michael Escovedo, Damon Grant, Ron Powell, and more.

Latin Percussion

  • Feb 22, 2021 LATEST EPISODE
  • every other week NEW EPISODES
  • 1h 9m AVG DURATION
  • 54 EPISODES


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Latest episodes from We Are Rhythm

054 - Percussionist Giovanni Hidalgo

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 22, 2021 76:31


053 - Percussionist Kahlil Cummings

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 8, 2021 74:10


Los Angeles born percussionist Kahlil Cummings joins Jhair Sala in this episode of We Are Rhythm. Cummings was raised with several musical influences in his family, stirring a lifelong passion for the history and cultural impact of music. He talks about the spiritual qualities of drumming, projects he is working on now, and his introduction to the LP brand.

Percussionist Neal Daniels

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 25, 2021 51:02


Queens-born percussionist Neal Daniels is Joey’s guest in this week’s We Are Rhythm. Daniels talks about moving to LA, where he has lived for 11 years, attending the LA College of Music, the musicians he’s worked with, and the gear he uses. Daniels’ resume includes a lot of big names in music, such as Dua Lipa and Post Malone, and he is currently playing with artists Liz Phair, LP, and Booker T.

051 - Drummer & Percussionist, Scott Pellegrom

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 11, 2021 64:56


Percussionist and clinician Scott Pellegrom had his first set of drumsticks in hand before he could even walk. Growing up on a farm in Michigan, Pellegrom spent much of his childhood practicing the drums. In this conversation with We Are Rhythm host Jhair Sala, Pellegrom talks about the teacher that opened his mind to the possibilities of a musical career, how his life and working process has changed due to the pandemic, and the thrill that comes with doing clinics all around the world.

050 - Percussionist João Caetano

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 28, 2020 75:50


João Caetano was born and raised in Macao, a Portuguese colony in China, in a musical household. In this episode of We Are Rhythm, Caetano talks to host Jhair Sala about the cultural influences of his upbringing, the value of musical and artistic careers, and what inspired him to love percussion.

049 - Percussionist Fausto Cuevas III

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 14, 2020 105:00


Percussionist Fausto Cuevas III joins host Jhair Sala in this episode of We Are Rhythm. Cuevas talks about leaving his hometown in Texas to attend Berklee in Boston, how to keep positive during the uncertainness of the pandemic, and how he got gigs working with artists ranging from Britney Spears to Stevie Wonder.

048 - Drummer Tony Escapa

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 30, 2020 89:58


Drums have always came naturally to Tony Escapa, who was born and raised in a musical family in Puerto Rico. In this interview with We Are Rhythm host Jhair Sala, Escapa talks about taking gigs in Orlando from a young age, how he developed a passion for his heritage and Latin music, and his experience at Berklee. Escapa has been the drummer for Ricky Martin for over 15 years.

047 - Percussionists Richie and Roland Garcia

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 16, 2020 38:30


This episode of We Are Rhythm features father and son percussionists, Richie and Roland Garcia. Richie, who was born in New York City and moved to Puerto Rico as a child, talks about how he developed new methods of playing, bringing that information across the world through clinics and videos, and what projects he is working on now. Roland, who plays percussion on Dancing with the Stars, shares some of the lessons he’s learned from his father, the challenges of being TV performances, and some of the influences on his playing.

046 - Percussionist Iúri Oliveira

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 2, 2020 73:26


Iúri Oliveira never intended to become a percussionist. Though he was drawn to the drums from a young age, Oliveira describes his entry into the profession as an “accident.” In this interview with Jhair Sala, the Portugal-born percussionist talks about his great teachers, the opportunities that led him to become a full-time musician, and he how ended up becoming a representative for LP.

045 - Drummer and Producer Victor Indrizzo

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 19, 2020 57:28


In this episode of We Are Rhythm, Joey sits down with drummer and producer Victor Indrizzo. Indrizzo, who moved from New York to Los Angeles at the age of 10, got his love of music from his mother. He talks to Joey about what drew him to the drums, the success that came from never giving up on his dream, and the projects he is working on now.

044 - Percussionist Adam Manning

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 5, 2020 58:53


Adam Manning was born in Newcastle, Australia, a town he says is “known for music-making,” so it’s no surprise he found an early love for drums and congas. Manning talks to We Are Rhythm host Jhair Sala about broadening his musical opportunities in high school, discovering his passions in percussion, and musicians he’s worked with. Currently Manning is focusing on his teaching career and writing compositions.

043 - Percussionist Brian Kilgore

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 21, 2020 55:18


One of the earliest lessons Brian Kilgore learned as a percussionist was the value of a diverse skillset - and his resume shows it. In this episode of We Are Rhythm, Kilgore sits down with Joey to talk about his entry into drumming, the bands and musicians that helped ignite his musical passion, the path he took to achieve his dream of working in movies, and the legends he has worked with, like John Williams.

042 - Drummer and Percussionist Demian Arriaga

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 7, 2020 90:08


Demian Arriaga grew up in a family “obsessed” with music. In this episode of We Are Rhythm, the Venezuela-born percussionist talks about how he got into drums, making the move from Venezuela to Massachusetts, refusing to give up after rejection, and getting the gig with the Jonas Brothers. In his time off touring, Arriaga is staying present by teaching, writing, and streaming his music.

041 - Percussionist and Composer Marcelo Woloski

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 24, 2020 74:12


Argentinian percussionist and composer Marcelo Woloski grew up in a family of musical hobbyists. Despite caution from others, he decided to be the first in his family to pursue music professionally. Woloski studied at a satellite school for Berklee in Argentina before moving to New York. He talks about the struggles and successes of moving, the groups he has worked and toured with, and his most recent plans and projects in this episode of We Are Rhythm.

040 - Percussionist, Efrain Toro

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 10, 2020 76:38


Self-described as “not a musician,” percussionist Efrain Toro has a unique mind for music. Born in Puerto Rico to a family of engineers, Toro talks to LP We Are Rhythm host Jhair Sala about his scientific mind and the perspective that gives him on playing and manufacturing instruments. Toro also talks about his passion for the cajon, a lifelong love for surfing, and the books he has written to share his knowledge with others.

039 - Percussionist Ray Yslas

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 27, 2020 81:14


The youngest of seven kids, Ray Yslas grew up with music always playing in the house. In this episode, he talks about the progression of his career starting from taking drum lessons as a teenager to scoring his dream gig as percussionist for rock band Chicago. Along the way, he has toured and performed with a long list of major artists such as Christin Aguilera, The Backstreet Boys, Stevie Wonder, and more.

038 - Percussionist Henry Cole

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 13, 2020 90:18


Born in Puerto Rico, percussionist Henry Cole was the only musician in his high school, but he never had a “plan B.” He later moved to Boston and started making the connections that led to touring and gigs with artists who expanded his musical interests. Cole talks about the skills that helped him grow as a drummer, the life circumstances that took him back to Puerto Rico, and the future of his music in this episode of We Are Rhythm.

037 - Grammy Award Winning Percussionist, Producer, and Composer Tony Succar

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 29, 2020 76:40


Even though Tony Succar’s love for music was sparked at a young age due to his musical parents, he didn’t decide to pursue it professionally until college. Born in Peru, Succar’s family migrated to Miami when he was young, where he decided to become a band leader and learn about content creation and producing. Succar talks about the state of Latin music today, what it was like to win two Latin Grammys, and his touring life in this episode of We Are Rhythm. Succar is currently working on producing several projects for other artists, as well as his next salsa album.

036 - Percussionist Paulo Stagnaro

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 15, 2020 92:29


Two-time Grammy-Award winning percussionist Paulo Stagnaro grew up around Boston in a home that was always full of music. In this episode of We Are Rhythm, Stagnaro talks about how the industry has changed from his parent's generation to his own, the values he’s learned through his experiences touring, and the biggest musical influences on his style. He also shares the story behind his online percussion lessons website, CongaChops.com, and what he hopes to accomplish with it.

035 - Antonio Sanchez: Drummer and Composer

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2020 45:32


Born in Mexico City, Antonio Sanchez grew up surrounded by theater and film, but it was drums that “floored him” at the young age of 5. In this interview, Sanchez talks about how his education brought him to the United States and Berkley. There, he made the connections that led to his partnership with jazz guitarist Pat Metheny, touring opportunities, and composing the soundtrack of the film Birdman.

034 - Famed Percussionist and Recording Artist, Pete Lockett

Play Episode Listen Later May 18, 2020 57:05


Pete Lockett got a late start in music, not picking up the drums until age 19, but that hasn’t stopped him from becoming one of percussion’s greats. From his upbringing in Portsmouth, England to his many tours in India, Lockett has taken has craft all over the world. He talks about this versatility and open mind being one of his greatest strengths as a drummer, his recent projects and collaborations, and much more in the latest episode of We Are Rhythm.

033 - Drummer and Producer Daru Jones

Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2020 79:27


032 - Percussionist and Composer Darryl Munyungo Jackson

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 20, 2020 90:07


A Los Angeles native, Darryl Munyungo Jackson was surrounded by music from a young age. Influenced by his musically diverse family, in high school he began to discover a love for swing and Latin jazz. Saving up money from his newspaper delivery job, Munyungo Jackson bought his first pair of timbales. In this interview, he talks about how this early purchase led to his first paid gig, travel all around the world, and working with legends such as Miles Davis and Stevie Wonder.

031 - Percussionist and Cajon Expert Diego Alvarez

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 6, 2020 36:23


Born into a singing family in Venezuela, over the years percussionist Diego Alvarez has developed a mastery of the cajon. In this episode of We Are Rhythm, he talks about getting the gift of music from his mother, deciding to move to Spain at age 18 to develop his craft, and his new life in Los Angeles.

030 - Percussionist Kevin Ricard

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2020 74:14


A fan of music from a very young age, percussionist Kevin Ricard has taken his versatile style everywhere from touring to TV. Beginning with his early life in Santa Monica, CA., Kevin talks about how he found his passion for percussion, the multicultural influences of modern musical genres, and his decision to plant himself after years of touring. He has performed on American Idol, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and many more. Kevin also recently collaborated with Latin Percussion to design a signature cajon. You can find it online at LPmusic.com.

029 - Drummer, Clinician and Author Shirazette Tinnin

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2020 67:08


North Carolina native and NYC resident Shirazette Tinnin sits down with Joey DeLeon to chat about her journey as an active clinician, educator, mentor, composer, a certified personal trainer and published author. They explore the origins of her name, her early influences, developing a deep love for African music, and how she ended up in Santa Monica, CA on a scholarship.

028 - Percussionist & Drummer Ivan Llanes.

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2020 70:08


027 - Multi-percussionist Camilo Molina-Gaetan

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 10, 2020 103:33


Camilo Molina-Gaetán is a multi-percussionist from New York City and is considered to be one of the most promising and versatile percussionists of his generation. He sits down with Jhair to talk about starting to play percussion at the age of 4, the importance of discipline and understanding the history behind the styles of music they play, and Camilo tells Jhair how playing with Eddie Palmieri changed his life. And of course, Camilo tells Jhair who is in his fantasy quintet.

026 - Drummer, Composer, & Producer Terry Silverlight

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 27, 2020 79:26


Jhair is joined in the studio by multi-talented drummer and percussionist Terry Silverlight. Terry talks about touring with his older brother's band at the age of 14, learning about latin music by listening to the radio, and why being in the room with other musicians is the best way to develop your own style. And of course, who would be in his fantasy band. Terry is a jazz, pop, rock and R&B drummer, composer, and producer who has recorded on hundreds of albums. And with three drum books under his name, he's also an author and instructor. Silverlight has also written, produced and arranged pieces for television.

025 - Santana's Karl Perazzo

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2020 79:34


In this episode, Joey sits down with musician Karl Perazzo. Born and raised in San Francisco, Perazzo has long toured with Santana and has appeared on several of Carlos’ albums. He has also recorded and played with Malo, Dizzy Gillespie, Pete and Coke Escovedo, Prince, Mariah Carey and John Lee Hooker, as well as Latino greats Tito Puente and Ruben Blades. With LP, he created the LP Karl Perazzo Signature Series Timbales.

024 - Best of 2019

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 30, 2019 19:43


In this final show of 2019, we’ve pulled the top 10 episodes together to showcase some of the artists we’ve featured this year.

023 - Mana's Hector Quintana

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2019 40:58


Joey meets up with Hector in LA, on day four of a sold out 7-night run of shows at the Forum. Hector is a percussionist and multi-instrumentalist from Sonora who has been playing with Mexican pop rock group Mana for 13 years.

022 - Johnny "Dandy" Rodriguez Jr.

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 2, 2019 90:00


021 - Josh Trask

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 18, 2019 36:48


Joey's guest this episode is LP's own Josh Trask, the production manager at the LP Woodshop. Josh tells Joey about the process of crafting the cajon, the different voices that wood can have, and what it takes to get the right tone. He also previews what products are coming next.Josh Track

020 - Akbar Moghaddam: The art of drum making

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 4, 2019 59:44


In this episode, Joey talks with Drum Workshop's Akbar Moghaddam about making, fixing, and creating drums. The two discuss the importance of well-made instruments, the importance of knowing and respecting music from all over the world, and why portable instruments (like drums) are better than non-portable instruments (like pianos).

019 - Rich Redmond: Jason Aldean Band, Author, Speaker

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 18, 2019 44:00


Joey de Leon sits down with Jason Aldean drummer Rich Redmond to talk about his versatile career, what keeps him going through the ups and downs of the industry, and what he does to grow creatively (like take a comedy class).

018 - Michael Napolitano

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 6, 2019 63:01


Drummer, composer, and educator Michael Napolitano joins Jhair to talk about the importance of teaching music to children, their shared love of Italy, and Michael's new record "Seeing Life in 20/20".

017 - Joe Bergamini

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 20, 2019 83:25


Jhair sits down with Joe Bergamini, drummer, educator, author, and publisher. Born and bred in NJ, Joe tells Jhair about his early days playing along to Rush and Van Halen, his successful career as a progressive rock drummer, and more.

016 - Frank Zummo

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2019 52:15


Joey welcomes Frank Zummo, drummer for pop punk band Sum 41 and founder of the drum ensemble Street Drum Corps. Frank tells Joey about seeing his first concert at age 5, why learning to play music outside of his comfort zone is job security and more.

015 - Yayo Serka

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2019 127:59


Jhair sits down with renowned drummer and percussionist Yayo Serka, fresh off a tour throughout Spain with Lila Downs. Yayo shares his experiences as a musician, from learning how to play at a young age in Chile, to the years he spent in Cuba and more.

014 - Bashiri Johnson

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2019 75:52


In this episode, Jhair Sala sits down with Brookyln-born world percussionist Bashiri Johnson about imposter syndrome, recording the music if Ray Charles, and what instrument speaks to him the most.

013 - Kiran Gandhi

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2019 50:49


This week, a special episode was recorded at the LP HQ in Oxnard, CA. Joey's guest is Kiran Gandhi, an electronic music artist, drummer, producer, and activist. Kiran Gandhi is known by her stage name Madame Gandhi and is one of the most important and impressive up-and-coming young artists. Having gained recognition as the former drummer for M.I.A. and Kehlani, Madame Gandhi now writes music that elevates and celebrates the female voice.

012 - Paoli Mejias

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2019 94:07


This week, We Are Rhythm features percussionist Paoli Mejias in conversatoin with host Joey De Leon. Paoli is a distinguished master percussionist and Latin Grammy award nominee, who is ranked among the best in Latin jazz and salsa.

011 - Doug Hinrichs

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2019 91:01


Renowned percussionist and composer Doug Hinrichs visits Jhair’s studio to talk about his diverse musical career, from his early days learning music in Nebraska to playing on Broadway, to traveling to Brazil to learn different styles of Brazilia.

010 - Kassandra Kocoshis

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2019 58:15


This week on We Are Rhythm, Joey sits down with world percussionist Kassandra Kocoshis. They talk about her musical family and early beginnings as a musician, discovering flamenco, and how her impresssive career has evolved with each city and musical act.

009 - Aaron Serfaty

Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2019 67:02


Aaron Serfaty is a renowned drummer, percussionist, and educator at USC. He sits down with host Joey DeLeon to chat about his career that started at an early age, coming to the United States to learn swing, taking a teaching gig to provide for his family and why you should train your students to be better than you.

008 - Sheila E

Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2019 70:55


Sheila Escovedo, better known as Sheila E., is percussionist, drummer, multi-instrumentalist, composer, producer and singer. She sits down with Joey De Leon to talk about growing up in her famously talented family, being self-taught, and that time she met Prince, who’d already had an eye on her skills. (and the rest is history)

007 - Ron Powell

Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2019 59:43


Ron Powell is a percussionist, musician, author, and instructor. Ron sits down with Joey De Leon to discuss his career with Kenny G., Diana Ross, Sergio Mendes, and that one week he was offered 5 gigs at once.

006 - Damon Grant

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2019 101:10


Percussionist & musician Damon Grant joins host Jhair Sala in his Rahway, NJ studio, to talk about learning how to play drums in middle school, the rigor required to be in drum corps, and the choice he had to make between baseball and music.

005 - Peter Michael Escovedo

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2019 60:08


Host Joey De Leon is joined by Emmy- nominated musical director, producer, singer, and multi-instrumentalist Peter Michael Escovedo. Joey and Peter Michael talk about his famous family, his early days growing up in the Bay Area and why that part of the country was the perfect place to get a well rounded musical education. He talks about the latin jazz rock band that used to play in the family living room with his dad (Terry Bozio on drums, Neal Schon on guitar, and an occasional appearance by Carlos Santana), watching Marvin Gaye improv in front of a live audience while they were on tour, and why he’s always studying the position ahead of him.

004 - Michael & Remi Spiro

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 22, 2018 42:14


The latest episode a family affair as host Joey DeLeon is joined by Father and son percussionists, Michael and Remi Spiro who discuss their unique perspective on exploring their passion for percussion from the outside in.      

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