New York native, Veronica Bellino, became the drummer for ‘Life of Agony’ in January 2018, replacing Sal Abruscato. She has also played with Jeff Beck, Richie Sambora, LL Cool J, and DMC from RunDMC in a hip-hop/rock band since 2011, soon to be relaunched as DMC And The Hellraisers.
Veronica has also played with Orianthi, Mindi Abair, Carmine Appice’s SLAMM, and Street Drum Corp. Veronica proudly endorses Yamaha drums, Soultone Cymbals, Evans drumheads, Vic Firth sticks, Cympad, and KickPort.
SDM’s Jeanne Thomas caught up with Veronica last month and was fortunate enough to conduct this short interview. We hope you enjoy!
Thank you, Veronica, and JET!
Veronica’s Links:
https://www.facebook.com/Veromusica
Veronica’s Instagram – @Spiralz88
DMC Instagram – @DMCandtheHELLRAISERS
Here’s an interview from January 2019 where Darryl ‘DMC’ McDaniels talks about the new Hellraisers project, among other things.
Link: https://soundvapors.com/interview-darryl-dmc-mcdaniels/
Veronica’s Biography from her artist page on Yamaha Drums website: http://www.yamaha.com/artists/artistdetailb.html?CNTID=5812842&CTID=5070020
Veronica Bellino is a New York native who has been on the rise as one of the industry’s hottest young drummer/songwriters. Veronica has co-written with the legendary DMC, found a national spotlight in The Game’s “Red Nation” video, worked with LL Cool J as a member of his signed band 13, conquered dozens of stages with drum-icon Carmine Appice’s SLAMM group, and is currently working with Living Legend Award recipient, Jeff Beck.
Veronica found herself on the major circuit after joining Favored Nations Recording Artist, Rob Balducci’s full time band. Veronica performed with Balducci from 2004 to 2007, participating in a UK tour and US shows with Michael Schenker, Uli John Roth, Nuno Bettencourt, UFO, James Labrie, and Vernon Reid.
With receiving recognition from the legendary rock drummer Carmine Appice, Veronica was accepted as a member of his dynamic, explosive, physical drum show called SLAMM!! Described as “Stomp on steroids,” Veronica joined Appice along with 3 other eclectic drummers and a guitar player to make rock music out of everyday items, as well as drums. SLAMM was seen on ESPN by millions, in a music video that was shot for NASCAR.
In 2007, SLAMM performed 7 sold out shows at the Cutting Room in New York City, and in 2008 SLAMM performed along with Twisted Sister, Tesla, Winger, and many others for the Providence Station Family Fund. SLAMM member, Zoilo Ruiz, also recruited Veronica to perform with his dance and percussion troupe called Industrial Rhythm.
In February 2009, Veronica began drumming for LL Cool J’s Platinum Harvest recording artist 13, illuminating the band’s hip hop-rock sound with her sense of groove and musicianship. The group hit Platinum Sound Studios in New York City to record their debut album and filmed a national commercial for LL Cool J’s Sears clothing line.
Upon moving to Los Angeles early in March 2011, Veronica began recording drum tracks for Stop Making Friends (NCIS actress/musician Pauley Perrette’s band). She also collaborated on songs such as “Attention Please,” which she co-wrote with producer MIKE 13 and DMC (RunDMC). She took part as the drummer in the music video for the song as well, which was featured on the CBS show The Insider in November 2011. Following the release of “Attention Please”, Veronica caught the attention of one of the greatest hip-hop producers of all time, DJ Premier. Veronica began working directly with Premier, writing lyrics and melody on his up-coming projects.
Veronica is currently working with legendary guitar player Jeff Beck as a drummer, collaborator, and vocalist. Beck discovered Veronica’s drumming and bucket percussion talents on YouTube, searching for “something different,” and contacted her right away. Veronica’s first show was the Classic Rock Awards at The Roundhouse in London. Beck received the Living Legend Award, which was followed by a performance with Chrissie Hynde and Joss Stone playing hits from his latest album, “Emotion and Commotion”. In February 2012, Veronica accompanied Jeff on stage performing at the White House for the “Red, White and Blues” event in front of the President and guests.
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