Keep up with Alex here:
Alex Bent was born January 31, 1993 in Oakland, California. His father a singer and musician along with most of his family surrounded him with music from the time he was born. It seemed only natural for him to choose an instrument to play. At the age of 11 Alex asked his dad to put together his old drum set. From that moment on Alex knew that playing drums was not just a hobby, but a passion.
After 13 months of being self taught Alex competed in the Guitar Center Drum off in Modesto Ca. He won the first round. Alex has done some recordings and played with different bands in all genres. Alex is currently in the 10th grade and hopes to go to Berklee School of Music in Boston when he graduates. Alexʼs influences are: Papa Jo Jones, Grant Collins, Dave Weckl, Buddy Rich, Horacio El Negro Hernandez, and Derek Roddy
Alex Bent Interveiw:
SD.com: How old were you when you started playing?
Alex:11 years old, and I’m 15 now
SD.com: Did you play in a school band or any drum corps?
Alex: I played in the Marching Band, Concert Band and Jazz Band freshman year. This year I played with the Modesto Junior College Jazz Band.
SD.com: Who are your top 5 metal influences?
Alex: Tim Yeung, George Kollias, Derek Roddy, Nick Barker, Mike Smith.
SD.com: Who are some other of your favorites?
Alex: Rodney Holmes, Pappa Jones, Dave Weckl, Horacia El Negro Hernandez, William Kennedy and many more.
SD.com: Let us know 5 CD’s that are in your current rotation
Alex: The Chick Corea, Electric Band, The Count Basie Story, Miles Davis Kind of Blues, Decrepit Birth and Times Begin, Hate Eternal I Monarch.
SD.com: What do you do to warm up before a show?
Alex: I get my metronome and warm up my hands and feet together using single strokes. Starting very slow around 180 BPMs and build my way up as much as I could before I’m about to hit the stage.
SD.com: Do you read music? Regardless of answering yes or no, please tell us how it might have effected your playing?
Alex: Right now I’m in the process of learning to read and know a little bit, but of what I do know it has helped me a lot playing other genres. Reading is a must if you want to play music as a career like I do.
SD.com: Can you tell us about the gear you use?
Alex: I use Ddrums, Zildjian cymbals, Iron Cobra pedals, DW hardware, Aquarian Heads, and Pro Mark 5b nylon tips.
SD.com: If you could give one piece of advice to young drummers, it would be…
Alex: Be open and learn all styles of drumming that you can. Learn how to read music, Never give up and make practice a priority. Stay in school so you always have a back up plan.
SD.com: Who gave the best live performance you’ve ever seen?
Alex: Wow that is a hard question. I’ve seen so many amazing drummers play live like: Terry Bozzio, Dave Weckl, and more in that style, but for metal I would have to say it is a cross between Tim Yeung or George Kollias with Nile.
SD.com: If you had to stop drumming, what would you want to do with your life?
Alex: Haven’t thought about that to much, but I think I would take an interest in law enforcement. I have always been interested in SWAT.
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