We’re looking forward to introducing you to Francis Peña. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Francis, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
I usually start my day by making coffee and having breakfast. Then, I check my emails and social media to catch up on anything important. After that, I focus on planning and tackling my to-do list so I can start the day organized and productive.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Francis Peña, and I’m a drummer and percussionist from the Dominican Republic. I fell in love with drumming at the age of two, and that passion has guided me ever since. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of performing with incredible artists like Johnny Ventura, Jesse & Joy, Pedro Capó, and Ivy Queen, and appearing on The Voice (Dominican Republic) and NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert with Yasser Tejeda.
Through my brand, Francis P Drums, I share my journey as a musician and strive to inspire others to chase their dreams and explore their own creativity. Right now, I’m focused on performing live, creating meaningful content, and using music to connect with people all over the world.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My parents saw the gift in me long before I could see it myself. They believed in me, nurtured my passion, and encouraged me to never give up on what I love. Their support, guidance, and the values they instilled in me have shaped not only my career but also the person I am today.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
First of all, I’d say ‘Intenta de Nuevo,’ which means ‘Try Again’, it’s become my personal life motto.
I’d remind my younger self to trust the process, stay patient, and keep believing. Everything you dream about is possible if you keep working hard and stay true to who you are. My life today is proof of that, I’m achieving things I dreamed of 10, 8, even 5 years ago, and I’m also accomplishing goals I never even imagined back then.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Whose ideas do you rely on most that aren’t your own?
‘Luck is for losers.’ I heard that once, and it really resonated with me. People often see someone’s achievements and immediately think, ‘Wow, they’re so lucky,’ without realizing all the hard work, sacrifices, and discipline it took to get there. That idea reminds me to focus on effort and consistency rather than waiting for luck to show up.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I truly believe I’m doing what I was born to do. I’ve been drumming since I was two years old, and no one in my family was a musician before me, not my mom or my dad. Without sounding arrogant, it feels like this path chose me as much as I chose it, and I can’t imagine doing anything else.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.francispdrums.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/francispdrums
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/francispdrums/
- Twitter: https://www.x.com/francispdrums
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/francispdrums
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/francispdrums
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/francispdrums
Image Credits
1. Borii Shoots
2. Ismael Rodriguez
3. Christian Desangles.
4. Denisse Leyba
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
