Amy Drums- An Interview With an Underrated Drummer
Amy Harrison (also known as Amy Drums) is a down-to-Earth, sixteen-year old drummer who resides in Manchester, UK. On November 23, 2020, I got the chance to ask her a few questions about her experience with drumming and music in general. Below, she’s answered eleven questions of mine, sharing advice of what works and what doesn’t when trying to become a musician. Keep reading if you’re looking to pick the brain of a young and talented drummer who in the future, you might just see in concert.
Q. “What is your first memory of music? What impact did this initial experience have on your life?”
A. “Wow, this is a tough one. A memory that comes to mind is listening to “Feed the Tree” by Belly with my mum when I was really young, and I loved it. I don’t know if this impacted me massively, but my parent’s music taste has definitely influenced my own.”
Q. “Who, or what, inspired you to learn the drums?”
A. “My first instrument was piano, so I already had a passion for music. One day, I went to my piano lesson and saw that they did drum lessons at the same place, so I gave it a go and fell in love with drumming. I never really started because of a specific drummer, but I like to say that EB from the movie Hop subtly inspired me. (He’s a drumming bunny if you didn’t know, haha).”
Q. “Do you know how to play multiple instruments? What would you like to learn?”
A. “As I just mentioned, I can play the piano, and I have been playing since I was around seven. I also taught myself guitar and ukulele a few years ago which I am loving as well! I would love to learn either bass guitar because it’s so groovy or violin.”
Q. “Do you play in a band? If not, are you looking for one?”
A. “I’m not currently in a band, but I am looking for one! To be honest, I just want to meet and jam with other passionate musicians!”
Q. “Who are your top three favorite drummers?”
A. “My top three drummers are Josh Dun, Ashton Irwin, and Kristina Schiano; (they all inspire me so much).”
Q. “What age did you start playing the drums? Do you think that your age when starting to learn an instrument affects the progress that you can make? What is the ideal age to start receiving musical lessons or experience?”
A. “I started when I was around ten or eleven but took a short break and started playing again when I was thirteen. The break made me realize how much I miss drumming, and now I have more passion and drive than before. I’m not sure if that’s the ideal age, but I guess it would be easier to learn when you’re younger or if you have had experience with music before. Knowing how to play the piano definitely made it easier for me to pick up drums and the rhythms.”
Q. “Is improv a good exercise to use if you’re trying to get your (for lack of better words) creative juices flowing?”
A. “Improv is, in my opinion, essential in all aspects of music since it is an expression of emotion. Creativity is the key to being a unique drummer, and it’s also really fun, haha.”
Q. “What state of mind do you need to be in to play the drums well?”
A. “That’s a tricky one because I play the drums all the time and feel different emotions. It is so therapeutic, so it’s a good stress reliever, and if you’re feeling inspired, your creativity will flow. Although, I do have to say that you have to be resilient as it can be frustrating when you make mistakes or are struggling with a complex rhythm.”
Q. “Do you have any advice for those just starting to learn the drums or any instrument for that matter?”
A. “The most important advice I can give is just to have fun! Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to be the best and try not to compare yourself to other people’s progression. (I should probably listen to my own advice, haha). Also, I know this is said so much, but practice really does make a difference, and you will see improvements a lot faster.”
Q. “Is playing the drums a hobby or hopefully a future career for you?”
A. “I would love to make a career out of drumming or just music in general. I’m studying it at college, and I’m really enjoying it, but I am also quite interested in music therapy which could be another great option. I’ll just see what happens!”
Q. “Is there anything that you want to say to your followers? Any parting words?”
A. “Thank you to my followers for the support and kind words on my covers. It means so much and it’s really inspiring to talk to so many other incredible musicians.”
Thanks again, Amy Drums, for taking the time to talk about your current journey on your rise to fame. For anyone looking to listen to Amy’s work, click here to listen to her on YouTube and here to follow her on Instagram, where you’ll receive updates on her progress and latest covers. Scroll down to see my top five favorite covers by her, and come back next time to explore the life of musicians from underrated to overrated from obscure to famous.
Best Covers
- First Date by Blink-182
- Song 2 by Blur
- Are You Gonna Be My Girl by Jet
- Mr. Brightside by The Killers
- Teenagers by My Chemical Romance
- Favorite Collab: Good Girls by 5 Seconds of Summer
