We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Derek Abrams a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Derek, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
I became obsessed with drums at the age of five. Since then, I have been laser focused on everything to do with them. I play drums, repair , restore, build and collect drums. My parents have been extremely supportive since the beginning. I firmly believe I would not be where I am without all of the support and personal obsession.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m a professional drummer who is obsessed with the instrument. The drum is one of the first instruments to be found in recorded history, but the modern drum set in actuality is only a little over a hundred years old. It is fascinating to me to explore the history of the modern drum set. I’m an artist and incredibly passionate about this art form. My goal is to be an innovator with this art. I want to be able to play what’s in my head effortlessly so I can express my art and music flawlessly like a biomechanical monster. I also want to preserve the history of this instrument so future generations know how this all came to be. This is through restoring vintage drums. This is another area I’m extremely passionate about. Preserving the history of this instrument is paramount to music education. Another area I am as involved as possible with. Passing on my knowledge is the only way it will live on.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
1. Focus. You have to be laser focused on your goals. You have to be willing to do whatever it takes to attain them. There are sacrifices that need to happen in order to meet these goals, and that is the hardest part. Having to be on tour and miss birthdays, anniversaries, reunions and even funerals are just a small part of what sacrifices you have to endure.
2. Knowing when to walk away. It is very easy to get wrapped up in a project that does not suit you. It’s very important to stop and ask yourself if this is serving you for the present and future of your career? Are your needs being met? Can this sustain the lifestyle you want to live in? These are things that can be overlooked when you’re getting off artistically. Sometimes passion projects can land you in the poor house.
3. Do not be afraid to be ambitious. Being in the music industry is a perilous journey. A lot of people get into it for the wrong reasons (sex, drugs, vanity, etc.) and you don’t want to fall prey to that. Don’t be afraid to do things that scare people a little bit, it’s ok to make people upset with your ideas. In fact, I’ve found when you have an idea that gets push back and criticism from your peers, then you’re on the right path. It can be very difficult to create something meaningful to you and then have someone shit all over it. Having thick skin is essential.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
Let’s face it. The music industry is dying a very slow embarrassing death. Music education has been everything short of banned in public schools. The arts are not regarded as important anymore. I’m doing everything I can to pass my passion and knowledge to everyone who will listen. I believe it starts with knowing the history. Understanding what happened in the past allows you to not make the mistakes that have already happened again. This also applies to people needing to understand that artists can’t keep producing music without compensation. There is a form of discrimination against musicians and artists from the mainstream. We have been portrayed as drooling drug addicts, psychopaths, less deserving of basic human dignity and greedy just to name a few of the stereotypes awarded to artists. Listen to the collective attitudes towards artists and musicians when they’re being portrayed in the movies and media. The bias is very real. The more you pay attention the more important music and art becomes.
Contact Info:
- Website: Dereksabrams.com
- Instagram: @dereksabrams
- Facebook: Dereksabrams
Image Credits
Derek smith photography
