Keep up with Mike here:
www.myspace.com/archaeon
www.myspace.com/rythmicfury
www.myspace.com/ascension
www.myspace.com/caligariscabinet
www.myspace.com/kauzetunes
I decided to play drums at the age of 12. I was lucky to have a father who played and helped me get started. Once I got the hang of it I started jamming cover songs with friends and began to take lessons from the local music store. I joined my first metal band at the age of 18. It was a great experience playing shows and recording demo’s. Since then I’ve played in numerous bands and jammed with a lot of good friends. Currently I’m attending the Musician’s Institute In Hollywood California.This is a great school. I feel like I’m becoming a musician not just a drummer.
Mike Gomez Interview:
SD.com: How old were you when you started playing?
MG: I was twelve years old when I started to play drums. I was lucky enough to have my father who also plays drums get me started. I just started playing the basic rock beats then started to learn songs. The first song I learned was Nirvana’s “Smells like teen spirit” then I eventually learned the rest of the album.
SD.com: Did you play in a school band or any drum corps?
MG: No I never did, but I think it would be a great experience for any aspiring musician to get into If I could go back in time I would for sure do it. My friends and I would jam a lot just learning cover songs and having fun. Its always good to jam with people its one way to get better.
SD.com: Who are your top 5 influences?
MG: It’s hard just to name 5 There’s so many Awesome drummers out there today but the drummers that I was into when I started to play were: Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater) Lars Ulrich (old Metallica) John Bohnam (Led Zeppelin) Terry Bozzio (Solo artist) Neil Peart (Rush).
SD.com: Assuming that influences doesn’t mean favorites, who are your favorites?
MG: Oh man there’s a lot. Well here goes, Vinnie Paul (Pantera) Virgil Donati (Planet X) Chris Adler (Lamb of God) Derek Roddy (Hate Eternal) Dave Lombardo (Slayer) Buddy Rich, Danny Carey (Tool) Gene Hoglan (S.Y.L) Joey Jordison (Slipknot) Marco Minneman, Thomas Lang, Dave Weckl, Jojo Mayer, There’s way more!
SD.com: Let us know 5 CD’s that are in your current rotation
MG: Necrophagist (Epitaph) Mastodon (Blood Mountain) Lamb of god (Sacrament) Tool (10,000 Days) Death (Symbolic).
SD.com: Can you remember a night you think was your best playing ever? If yes, when and where?
MG: I’m not sure, I mean there’s been a lot good night I can’t really pin down one night. But there’s was one show with my last band Archaeon. We played this small club in our home town. We tore that place a new asshole! That was a good night.
SD.com: Do you have a favorite brand of drums?
MG: I play DW drums, I enjoy the way they sound.
SD.com: If you could give one piece of advice to young drummers, it would be…
MG: The sky is the limit! There are a lot of drummers out there that prove that. First find out what type of drummer you want be, what are your goals? Then get lessons, make good use of your practice time, and Jam with people, and have fun!
SD.com: Who gave the best live performance you’ve ever seen?
MG: I’ve seen a lot of good performances, and there’s still a lot I have yet to see, But I would have to say I seen Tool perform about a month ago and that was one hell of a performance!
SD.com: If you had to stop drumming, what would you want to do with your life?
MG: Damn I don’t know. I would be lost ha! I would probably pick up another instrument. I live to play music its one of the greatest things in life.
Leave a Reply