ZakWJDrums
Drummer specializing in Metal and Reggae
My involvement in music ranges from being part of bands to recording sessions and assisting in collaborative processes. Recently, I've found myself working with a reggae group to form an EP, capturing a vintage sound while creating a modern feel. You can find clips of a studio session below. By finding my Instagram, you'll see that I'm also engaging with Online presences, uploading clips of me playing as often as I can, presenting who I am as a modern, versatile drummer.
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If you are looking to get in touch to hire either of the bands I work with, please contact me via Email or through my Social Media linked at the top of this site.
Who am I?
I am a drummer from Derbyshire who has been playing for around 14 years, starting at the age of 6. I was raised on Rock and Funk, heavily influencing my playstyle today. I have found myself passionate for Metal, specifically groove Metal and Thrash, influenced by my time studying music in college. As I went on to study Drum Performance at University, I found myself with a passion for Reggae Music, joining a band in the Birmingham area and performing all over the city. That passion continues today and carries into my band in Leicester, Outcry For Mercy, a Metal band starting to make waves in the local area.
I'm not someone who just wants to be the "sit at the back drummer." I bring creativity, personality, and an interesting, insightful approach to everything I play. If you want someone to lay a solid groove down, I can. If you want someone to be engaged with the creative process and provide ideas to contribute, I can.
Styles you can find me playing the most:
Metal (Ranging from Heavy to Groove to Thrash and many other kinds)
Reggae
Funk
Rock
If you are looking to get in touch, my email is linked along with my Social media to get some ideas across. I'm currently working for Session drumming, Live shows, Studio Recordings, and Content Collaboration.
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Experience (CV)
Versatile Drummer with several years of experience spanning different genres of Music, ranging from Metal, Funk to reggae and indie/alternative music. With strong experience in not only the studio, but on a live stage under many different contexts, with passive experience teaching other drummers and a driven outlook on the industry. Moved with passion for the instrument, collaboration with like-minded artists and a desire to bring authenticity and energy to each project.
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Biography:
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Based in the Derbyshire area, but having played over Leicestershire, West Midlands and now Durham, with experience spanning multiple different bands, with a range of styles, personalities and influences. Not only developing social skills but furthering the understanding of different genres, how they blend and how they're loved in a live setting. Influenced by a range of styles, all coming together to blend into an adaptable, well-rooted drummer. Passionate about the greats of the instrument and wanting to be another on that list. Aiming to influence entire genres of music from intense Metal to more laid-back reggae music.
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Work Experience:
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Reggae Band - (2024-Ongoing)
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7 instrumentalists, all with great experience in the genre, passionate about using our influences to power through Main Stages and Festivals, playing mostly original music whilst sprinkling in some famous covers of the genre.
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Outcry For Mercy - (2023-Ongoing)
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Drummer and co-writer within all the tracks to-date. Incredibly passionate project influenced by artists like Black Sabbath, Pantera, and other influences like Motörhead and Alice in Chains. Currently playing shows with 2 coming up soon, performing in various spots around the country.
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Session Drummer - Freelance
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Most recently a part of the Reggae EP that is set to be released over the coming months, but I have experience with all types of artists, from RnB to Rappers, as well as alternative bands and Metal artists. (Soon to be remote Sessions also, as I work on building my home studio.)
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Live Performance - Freelance/Long-term Band related
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Strong experience working in live settings over multiple genres. Appearances over Leicestershire and West Midlands predominately. Working in all areas of a show from headline positions, support acts to laid-back jam nights.
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​Qualifications:​
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Subsidiary Diploma in Music Performance and Entrepreneurship. (2022 - 2023)
Grade - Distinction
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Currently working towards a BSc (Hons) Creative Industries Futures (2023-2025)
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Testimonials:
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"Zak brought a feeling to the studio that we needed within our tracks, Personality, Liveliness and Presence on that kit is what we needed, and that's exactly what we got." - Artist from a Studio Session for a Metal record.
Upcoming Shows
Outcry For Mercy - August 22nd, Headline Show
Upcoming headline show in Vixen Bar in Hartlepool (Doors open at 8pm Entry fee at the door of the show
Outcry For Mercy - August 29th, Headline Show
Headline Show in The Big Difference, High Street Leicester (Details to be released soon)
Outcry For Mercy - September 5th, Headline Show
Long-awaited Headline Show in Firebug Leicester, our biggest venue yet! (details to be released soon)