Have kit will travel!
I started drumming in marching bands when I was a kid, initially bugle and drum and then pipe and drum. I saved up for a kit and annoyed my family. At school and college I also drummed in orchestras and a big band jazz group. Most significantly when I changed secondary schools I got approached to join a band. This band went on to be the Pumpkin Fairies and then Slowdive. I left to head of to university but carried on playing in bands for quite a while before work and kids took priority for a few years.
About five years ago I returned to drumming and got lessons from the wonderful Emma to help me get back up to speed. She was my route into the Balkan Wanderers as she was their drummer but wanted to step back from drumming live. While I have sat on numerous boards and committees in a voluntary capacity I don't think any of them have brought as much joy to the world as being part of the BWs.
From there I also joined Secret Rivals, another great Oxford band. The song-writing talent in Oxford is off the charts and I'm lucky to have worked with two of the best (tip of the hat to Stu and Jay). I've also been playing in a friends' covers band, the Low Expectations, and guested on Octavia Freud's most recent album.
What's next? Definitely more BWs but if what you've seen and heard here appeals then I'd love to have a chat with you about your project.