Keep up with Terry here:
I first became interested in the drums after watching a magical piece of american film. A truly inspirational movie about a band and their one hit wonder. That movie was “That Thing You Do”. Drumming looked challenging and fun. I practiced for a while using the pencil and foot tap techniqe and thought, what the hell, I’ll spend a few hundred bucks on an instument I knew nothing about! It was a wise decision.
I started my drum carreer playing mostly Misfits covers with my brother and some friends. We were the best! After a while, my taste in music became heavier and faster. I started to play double bass after hearing bands like PanterA, Slayer and Sepultura. Then I started listening to Death and Morbid Angel. Then Dying Fetus and Cannible Corpse. Then Angel Corpse and Decapitated. The music just became faster and heavier. I was contacted by Jamie and Charles one day and they asked me try out for their band. I was familiar with their previous band (Inhuman Visions) and was very excited to join them. We wrote and wrote and performed and recorded. We formed a band which is now know as Abysmal Dawn.
Terry Barajas Interview:
SD.com: How old were you when you started playing?
Terry: I had just turned 17 when I bought my first drum set. It was an awesome 5 peace Tama kit. Dark green in color with a basic Sabian cymbol starter kit. I made it look cool by slaping a bunch of misfits stickers on it!
SD.com: Did you play in a school band or any drum corps?
Terry: I really wish I had. It would have been nice to start off with a solid knowledge of the basics.
SD.com: Who are your top 5 influences?
Terry:
Witold “Vitek” Kiełtyka
Richard Christy
Gene Holglan
Neil Peart
Mike Caffell
SD.com: Assuming that influences doesn’t mean favorites, who are your favorites?
Terry: Vitek is/was a very genuine and humble person (RIP) Not to mention his astounding drum style and capability. Max from Krisiun. He was just plain sick at the drums and cool as hell. Mike Caffell from Exhausted Prayer/Dreaming Dead has commendable speed and style. Danny from Intronaut has beats that will make your head spin and drum fills for days. Greg from SFU is a solid, solid drummer. Lou Hernandez from Victimas and Sam from Fields of Elysium. All of these drummers that I have mentioned are my favorites not only because of their more than exceptional skill, but because of their more than exceptional personalities. Personalities which show in each of their unique drumming styles. Bravo.
SD.com: Let us know 5 CD’s that are in your current rotation
Terry: Only 5?.. 1) The Beatles – Sgt. Pepper’s lonely Hearts Club Band
2) Behemoth – Apostasy
3) Decapitated – Organic Hallucinosis
4) Matisyahu – Live at Stubb’s
5) The Smiths – Louder Than Bombs
I try and mix it up a bit these days.
SD.com: What do you do to warm up before a show?
Terry: First I warm up with a shot of Tequilla or Whiskey. I follow that up with some basic stretching of the arms and legs and maybe some push-ups or jumping jacks depending on how Im feeling. After that I grab a pair of sticks (5B) and practice singles, doubles, triples and so on. I tap my feet (R,R,R,R,R,L,L,L,L,L,R,L,R,L,R,L,R,L) to get them warmed up as well. Then maybe I take another shot or two… Maybe…Probably.
SD.com: Can you remember a night you think was your best playing ever? If yes, when and where?
Terry: Unfortunatly, I tend to remember the shows where I perform just horribly. I know we have our great shows and even our faultless shows, but those shows are pushed back in my mind under all the other shows with dropped sticks and “hands faster than feet” drum beats. I strive to become a more consistent drummer.
SD.com: Do you have a favorite brand of drums or cymbals?
Terry: Zildjian A custom cymbols! Yeah! And Paiste ride cymbols are crisp and clear. Oh and my saw blade! “Ting”
SD.com: If you could give one piece of advice to young drummers, it would be…
Terry: Learn the basics and start slow. Always use protection. Stay away from bad drugs.
SD.com: Who gave the best live performance you’ve ever seen?
Terry: Neal Peart gave an amazing performance with Rush! His drum set consisted of half accustic drums and half electric drums sitting on a rotating platform so that he can switch from one set to the next. The stage even rotated half way so that he was able to play half accustic and half electric at the same time! That man has some skill but can he do a blast beat!?
SD.com: If you had to stop drumming, what would you want to do with your life?
Terry: Join the PGA tour!
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