Keep up with Nick here:
www.myspace.com/Greatawakeningfl
Nick, ( Nickolas Butera) was born in Orlando, Florida, and raised on a small 2 ½ acre horse farm, just outside the city. Raised in a home with loads of music always playing, Nick and his brother both couldn’t’t help but fall in love with music. At age 8, Nicks brother started playing the guitar. Nick immediately showed interest in getting an instrument too. After seeing his brother did not want Nick to play the same instrument, Nick decided he’d like to try the drums. He saved all of his birthday and allowance money and bought his own first set. Nothing fancy, a Groove percussion set with some really cheap cymbals. He started drum lessons at Dr. Winds Music Center in Longwood, where his brother took lessons. His teacher immediately took notice to Nick’s quick study and talent. His teacher told us Nick would go far in percussion. He just had an instilled natural feel for timing and the beat of the music. He stopped lessons after approximately a year, but continued to play. He learned so much watching DVD’s of his favorite drummers and being out with his brothers band, playing and performing at local Florida venues.
After 2 and half years into playing Nick moved on to a bigger and better quality set. A 7 piece Tama Swing star set, with double bass, and Zildian “A” custom cymbals. Nick jammed together as time went on , as well as today, with his brother or anybody, else that could play. Some pro musicians, some semi pro, regardless of their talent he always impressed everyone, he played with. Soon word started to spread about the drumming of this young musician.
In 2006 he was scouted by Interscope records to audition for a newly signed band. That same year, Nick also played briefly for a successful local Orlando based band, Motivated by Silence. Presently Nick is playing for the Metal band, Great Awakening. A band he and his talented guitarist brother put together. At age 14, Nick continues to perfect his skills everyday. He and his brother practice daily in their studio, their parents built for them, after realizing these two were very serious about their music. At this time Great Awakening, is in the studio recording their first demo. Scheduled, if all goes as planned to be out sometime in May 2007.
{youtube}kfH02Q4mme4{/youtube}
Nick Butera Interview:
SD.com: How old were you when you started playing?
Nick: 8 years old. We have video of some of those earlier days, I hate watching myself back then…
SD.com: Did you play in a school band or any drum corps?
Nick: Sadly yes, my band teacher hates percussion.
SD.com: Who are your top 5 influences?
Nick: Derek Roddy, Chris Adler, Dave lombardo, Nick Menza, Thomas Lang
SD.com: Assuming that influences doesn’t mean favorites, who are your favorites?
Nick: Same as above really, I was hooked on Larrs Ulrcih for several years, then moved on to other fellow Awesome drummers, like Chris Adler and the rest of the guys above!!
SD.com: Let us know 5 CD’s that are in your current rotation
Nick:
Lamb of God- Ashes of the wake
Metallica – Master of Puppets
Children of Bodom – Somthing Wild
Pantera – Vulgar display of power
Megadeath – Rust in Peace
SD.com: Do you practice any particular rudiments or combos on a regular basis?
Nick: My everyday practice warm ups consist of……..constant 16th notes on double bass, and loads of fills!!
SD.com: Do you have a favorite brand of drums / cymbals?
Nick: Tama and Mapex, with Zildjian cymbals
SD.com: If you could give one piece of advice to other drummers, it would be…
Nick: Always make time for Practice. I see and know so many drummers that think a couple of times a week is gonna be enough and it’s just not true!! every day man!!
SD.com: Who gave the best live performance you’ve ever seen?
Nick: Hands down, Chris Adler Lamb of God… Gigantour concert.
SD.com: If you ever stop drumming, what else do you want to do with your life?
Nick: I am never gonna stop drummin!!! but I could always do graphics work on the side, I’m a pretty good artist, both my parents are as well, so I guess I inheriented that.
I have a 7 piece Tama Rockstar drum set with Zildjian “A” custom cymbals, Axis longboard double pedals, Gibraltor drum rack, and sticks of choice are GRINDSTIX drum sticks, Hickory Blast Pro, w/ wooden tips for METAL drummers!!!
SET INCLUDES:
14″ snare
12″ and 13″ top toms
16″ and 18″- floor toms
22″ double bass
Crash cymbals 14″, 16″ and 18″
20″ ride
14″ highhat
6″ bell
8″ splash
16″ china
Axis longboard double bass pedals
Gilbraltor rack
Grindstix- sticks
Remo skins, and Aquarius bass skins
Leave a Reply