Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Gerard Calderone. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Gerard, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?
Creativity can be found in many shapes and forms across the widest range of interests. In all aspects of my life, I have strived to be creative and to exercise the part of my brain that can develop a solution to a design problem at work or come up with a unique segment of a new song.
When I think of how I keep my creativity alive, I first think high-level — how I am setting myself up for success. This means deliberately scheduling time to sit down and explore the areas I feel I can be, and want to be, creative in. We’ll use the drums as an example. The holidays are always busy, but in general, I try to carve out at least two sessions a week that I can spend substantial time behind my drum kit, which range anywhere from an hour to the entire day. More importantly, I try to make that time meaningful. This may take on many forms as I teach drum lessons, play drums in my own band – as well as fill in for a variety of other groups, and am working on improving my technical ability behind the drums. Sometimes the hardest part is making sure I dedicate enough time to staying on top of each of these goals and commitments without spreading myself too thin. Also, a perspective that really changed how I view being a creative musician was thinking past only playing in the echo chamber that is my favorite music genres and the comfort zone that is the styles I am confident I can play well. Trying new genres and techniques is so much fun! I enjoy teaching lessons because when one students tells me they want to want to learn “Bleed” by Meshuggah and the next tells me they want to learn “Let’s Go Crazy” by Prince, I have the opportunity to expand my range as a drummer. So, I dive into these songs and try to learn them the best I possibly can. Applying techniques I have learned along the way gives me a leg up when tackling new music; however, I still find myself practicing rudiments I may not normally use or even switching to my non-dominant hand. On numerous occasions, this has helped me discover new methods and, at the very least, tested my skill on the drums with new challenges.
It is important to be prepared for new challenges when trying to be a versatile musician. Being a proactive musician became so much easier after acknowledging how much there is to learn. One of my favorite activities is putting on a radio station, maybe for a song or artist that has been recommended to me or sometimes just a random mix provided by my preferred streaming platform. I make an effort to play along to the songs that come on whether I know them or not. Nine times out of ten, I will encounter a beat, fill, something that throws me and I think, “Hey that was pretty interesting.” So, I rewind and patiently try it again. And again. And again. Sometimes I get it, sometimes I get close to it, and sometimes I try to lay down my own interpretation of what might work until I feel like I’ve learned something new or beat up the drums long enough.
Lastly, the outlet of playing with friends or other musicians provides an unparalleled experience in breaking down creative boundaries. A group setting can be humbling, to say the least, but what you come to realize is that compromise between artists leads to successful writing and a great music. Creativity ebbs and flows whether practicing on your own or jamming with a group. It’s important to remember that the ebbs are just as important as the flow. Not every day will be your best day, but each day you’re able to practice will push you closer to those best days.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
It’s kind of crazy when I remember that I’ve been playing the drums for the last twenty years. Time really does fly. Until music brings in enough dough, I am happily a full time Engineer, helping to develop needle-free injection technology. I studied Biomedical Engineering in college and was fortunate to receive a Bachelor of Engineering in Biomedical Engineering and a minor in Medical Humanities. From a young age, in between class and work, I made a habit of playing drums and music. Through word of mouth, Facebook groups, Craigslist, and other avenues I had the privilege of applying my hobby to music groups and projects. Slowly, but surely, drumming turned from hobby to passion.
I moved to Colorado from New Jersey in 2021 with a distinct goal of joining a metal band. I had never been in one. One day, I found a listing on a Facebook group – A metal band looking for a drummer – and there was a link to their demos. Within seconds of clicking the link, I was typing a message to ask for an audition. Even for a demo, the musicianship and writing was amazing! Later, I was the newest drummer for Losing Ground, a Denver-based metal band. Within a year, Losing Ground had released several singles, sold out our second show, been published twice in Westword Magazine, and best of all, I had a group of new friends that I still talk with daily and hang out with. We definitely had a great thing going, but ultimately dissolved the group as some members moved out of Colorado. I am grateful to still have those guys in my life. They really are great friends.
Where one door closes, others open and later I joined a Denver-based pop punk band (My bread and butter) called Overtime Winner. In the same vein, I began renting my own studio and officially launched as a drummer for hire. Both projects are very active and have exciting plans in the works! Overtime Winner is headlining for the first time at Lost Lake Lounge on January 11th with other great, local artists and we are pumped to be performing new music. We just released a music video for our single, “Selling Myself Lies” and are looking forward to making strides as a group in 2025. As for my drumming business, I have done work with several groups already and am open for business to do gigs or session work for bands, both local and away, in house or at a preferred studio.
Today, I focus mainly on my partner and friends, my job, my band, and my business, I try to excel in my workplace and band, be present in my relationship, and network with the local music scene to hopefully be a household name for drum work. Please follow Overtime on Instagram @overtime_winner and, I am officially up and running as a drummer for hire, so please follow what I am doing through my website, www.gcdrums.com.
Also, I love my dog.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Throughout my musical journey, I have always come back to three words that I feel have become staples: Practice, Patience, and Perspective.
Practice to improve as a musician and push the boundaries of what I can learn.
Patience with myself when what I want to achieve is difficult or requires time.
And Perspective to know how to approach those challenges and what to prioritize,
My advice to those starting their journey would be to not get distracted easily. I still go skiing, play video games, and have fun outside of my priorities. Always try to hold what’s most important to you above all else.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
Getting overwhelmed has been pretty easy lately, as I am sure is the same for others. Holidays, responsibilities, and political climate have all been turned up to eleven. As for my mental health, grappling with ADHD, anxiety, and depression (In no particular order) can be a chore. When I feel overwhelmed, it is easy to shut down. To think there is no way I can do what I have to to get ahead and stay there. Sometimes it feels so impossible to start my day that it makes more sense to let the rest of it pass until I can start over the next. When I feel this way, stepping away even for a moment does not always feel like a solution. I am trying some new things though.
Breathing exercises and meditation have been beneficial. It helps me disconnect a bit and feel grounded, especially in the middle of a busy day or week. Exercise is important to me and doing a baseline stretching routine and/or short run gives me a sense of accomplishment even if I do nothing else. Playing and listening to music with no particular intention or goal has been a form of therapy for me for at least the last twenty years. Lastly, and arguably most important, seeing a therapist helps to better understand and manage mental health and feelings of being overwhelmed. These strategies have helped me overcome and dive into each day, head first.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.gcdrums.com
- Instagram: overtime_winner
- Youtube: overtimewinnerband
- Other: TikTok: overtimewinner
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