We recently connected with Burleigh Drummond and have shared our conversation below.
Burleigh, 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?
The fact is my purpose changes daily, or I should say some of my purposes change daily, some are constant. I would say my purposes arose out of necessity, supporting a family, raising children, promoting your passion, etc. There are constants, such as the unending endeavor to pursue and develop my art as a musician and of course the caring of the wellbeing of my family. Then you deal with the work you do to be able to take care of the constants. By necessity I learned how to promote and act as a talent agency to be able not only to be financially rewarded for performance but also able to have a venue for my art to thrive. I learned how to be a recording producer/engineer not only for my own music but as one thing leads to another recording many other artists and projects. Because these are all elements of the “music industry” having these challenges has broadened my ability to act and survive within it. So at first I might have suffered some growing pains, still do, in time all these endeavors became my purpose and my passion.
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?
Since I was in the sixth grade I have been obsessed with the percussive arts. The art of cojoling sound/music out of an object buy the use of your hands with your hands alone or with drumsticks, brushes, mallets, etc. In other words I’m a drummer/ percussionist. The beauty of that is the world is your oyster since most objects in our daily life are capable of producing a soon of some kind. My childhood was spent as any Army Brat moving from one military base to another and eventually landing in Ankara, Turkey. That’s where it began, in the back of a tent watching 5-6 craftsmen sitting in a circle slowly spinning a large copper plate as the hammered it into submission. The synchronicity of their actions and the joy on their faces has been a vivid memory for me all me life. A few years later I got a drumset?
I cannot say that I was exceptionally gifted on the drums, in fact it has been a very long lesson, sometimes discouraging but most of the time rewarding. I do believe in the axiom that what you get is what you give. It is very rare to work very hard and not be rewarded. So fast forward to college and I’m in my first real band: Ambrosia. Four guys of like ilk, about crazy about the historical catalog of music but more excited about what we could create now. So, 10 years later we had accumulated 5 hit singles, 5 Grammy nominations. And now, 52 years after it’s inception Ambrosia is still touring.
Fortunately, in the early 80’s Ambrosia took a break and in that period I was very fortunate to meet the love of my life, Mary Harris, an amazing musician herself. One thing lead to another: marriage, children, and a musical endeavor titled Tin Drum! 2 children, 3 Albums. We gathered a lot of musical acclaim with Tin Drum and our children spent their years growing up with our music as part of their soundtrack, of course many of the songs were about them anyway.They grow up, go to college, start their careers but when Covid happened we all found ourselves back in our family house on Emerson St.
What to do? Our son and daughter had started musical careers of their own and the creativity was prolific. So the Tin Drum Family Band was born with all 4 contributing and the first offering of that is the LP/CD EMERSON STREET, where it all happened. This is what I care about the most, my career and my family in one package, I’ve never had more fun and realize what a luck man I am.
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, Develop an ability to work and communicate with others. It may be challenging but essential to working together.
2. I don’t believe you can know too much of the art or passion you are pursuing. Always be the student even when you’re asked to be the Professer.
3. Be humble and be honest.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
In my area of performing arts everyone I have performed with has had an effect on who I am as an artist. The good, the bad, and the ugly reviews/suggestion/comments have all helped to mold my artistry Into what it is today. From critics to teachers to bandmates, it’s all welcome all the time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tindrummusic.com, ambrosialive.net
- Linkedin: @burleighdrummondofficial
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