Meet Johnny Bottone

We recently connected with Johnny Bottone and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Johnny, you’ve got such an interesting story, but before we jump into that, let’s first talk about a topic near and dear to us – generosity. We think success, happiness and wellbeing depends on authentic generosity and empathy and so we’d love to hear about how you become such a generous person – where do you think your generosity comes from?

The short answer is my father. The long answer is, he taught me that being there for others isn’t about making grand gestures; it’s about being present. He gave without needing recognition, and that’s how I learned to pour myself into things that might not ever pour back. Whether it’s drumming, relationships, or connecting with people, I embrace life.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

Hi! I’m Johnny Bottone, the pulse behind JohnnyBdrumming – a drum-driven brand that lives somewhere between chaos and therapy. At face value, I’m a solo drummer creating high-energy, soul-fueled videos – but under the surface, it’s a full-on spiritual movement for me. What started as me hitting record in my home studio became a platform for storytelling, rhythm, healing, and connection.

For me, the magic is not just about the playing—it’s the presence. I don’t just drum to be heard. I drum to remind people they’re alive. Every beat carries part of my story – rebirth after grief, resilience after loss, and the courage to say “this is me” even when the world says “don’t.”

What sets JohnnyBdrumming apart is that it’s not about perfection—it’s about permission. Permission to be raw, loud, messy, spiritual, human. It’s more than just drumming… It’s a soul expression and turning that expression into a legacy of sound, soul, and sacred rebellion. Living like every beat mattered—because it already does. Creating without apology, not for fame, not for followers—leaving behind vibrations that outlive me. Turning my stories into soundtracks for anyone still learning how to feel their way through the dark.

Some recent updates:
• Still creating videos. I recently launched a video featuring me singing some lead vocals – a singing drummer, go figure! I’m featuring more of that in my newer videos – both originals and covers.
• I submitted a track for submission to SION – a project with Jared Dines and Howard Jones (of Killswitch Engage) – you can check that out on my YouTube channel – https://www.youtube.com/@johnnybdrumming
• I’m developing a new series called “Age of Awakening,” where I’ll introduce some cosmic rhythms with underlying soul codes embedded in the rhythms.
• I’m also currently jamming with my soul brothers – Cisco Ocampo (bass, guitars, vocals), Imkong Yaden (guitars, bass, keys, vox), Ryan Martin (guitars and bass), and Travis Funk (sax, keys, and everything else) – No name for the project just yet. But we’re cranking out some really cool, funky, hard-hitting, catchy rock tunes that we’ll publish videos of… Stay tuned!
• A good friend of mine, Monster Artist aka FWACKOS9 on all the socials – https://www.instagram.com/fwackos9/ – just created a t-shirt for me in his style of horror art – you can get one here – https://www.teepublic.com/t-shirt/79496357-johnnyb-drumming?store_id=3090176

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. Emotional Resilience – Hands down, this has been the backbone of everything. You can have all the talent in the world, but if you crumble every time life throws a wrench at you, you’re gonna stall out. For me, it was learning how to feel everything without becoming it. Heartbreak, setbacks, doubt—they still visit, but they don’t live rent-free with me anymore. Sit with your pain, don’t rush to fix it. There’s wisdom in the wreckage. Let it shape you, not shrink you.

2. Relentless Curiosity – I never stopped asking, “What if?” What if I mic’d the kit this way? What if I allowed my energy to be expressed in this way? What if drumming could serve as a spiritual transmission? So, try the weird idea. Break your own rules. Curiosity is the compass of the bold.

3. Authenticity Over Approval – This one has been the biggest teacher for me. I used to chase ideas until I realized it was suffocating. The moment I stopped chasing and started showing up as my true self, flaws and all, things started to fall into place. So don’t wait until you’re “ready.” Ready is a lie. Show up real, and what’s meant for you will meet you there.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

Absolutely! I’m always down for connecting with other artists. I’m always looking for collaborators who aren’t afraid to color outside the lines – who move with purpose and vision.

I’m looking to collaborate with:
• Musicians who play with heart and aren’t afraid to color outside the lines.
• Visual artists and video editors who see rhythm as a visual language.
• Spiritual creators, storytellers, healers, and misfits who know sound can awaken something within our souls, who believe in the power of sound as medicine.
• And anyone who hears a beat and says, “Let’s make that something bigger.”

Whether it’s content collabs, live/studio sessions, drum tracks, experimental projects, or just sharing ideas—I’m open to the weird, the wild, and the real.

If something in you said “yes” while reading this, then let’s build something that shakes the ground and heals the soul. You can email me at [email protected] or visit – https://linktr.ee/johnnybdrumming – for all the socials and shoot me a DM.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Cisco Ocampo, Johnny Bottone

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