An Interview with Joseph Arrington by Paul Kim

Movement Drum Company is committed to both helping percussionists hone their craft and creating a community to learn from one another. Today, we are launching our Journal, where we get to learn about incredibly talented musicians and hear their stories.



Joseph Arrington is the drummer for Royal Coda, Sianvar, and A Lot Like Birds, amongst others, and is preparing for an adventurous summer ahead, filled with tours and recording sessions. We took a moment to ask him some questions about his life to get to know him a little better.



Bands past and present: Royal Coda, A Lot Like Birds, Sianvar, Amity Affliction, We Came As Romans, Chiodos, Love Mischief, Alone, So Much Light, etc.



Hi Joseph, please share your story with us and how you got started as a drummer. How did you get to where you are today?

I started with a practice pad and two sticks at 11 years old. I was subjugated into orchestral playing in Junior High, even though I already had eyes and ears for the drum kit after 3 years of piano. After many John Williams medleys and some basic rudimental lessons, I acquired my first drum set at 14 years old.



In High School, I played for a jazz band, took orchestra classes, played tenor and snare for a drumline, and was also playing for a pop punk band on the weekends. I didn't see a need to separate any of the styles out.



I saw all of these experiences like they were cut off of the same block. I began studying with jazz greats and master instructors as often as I could, mowing lawns and working retail to support it all. At 21 years old I was hired for Warped Tour in 2005. In 2010 I moved to California and immersed myself in the Northern California music communities. From there, I never said "no" to a gig. I saw all of these experiences like they were cut off of the same block. I began studying with jazz greats and master instructors as often as I could, mowing lawns and working retail to support it all. At 21 years old I was hired for Warped Tour in 2005. In 2010 I moved to California and immersed myself in the Northern California music communities. From there, I never said "no" to a gig.

The world became a landscape for my playing.

From international gigs in front of thousands, to dimly lit jazz clubs in a trio around Sacramento. I have yet to slow down. I am eternally grateful for every musician I cross paths with and the companies that have facilitated my sounds for years. I breathe, bleed, and dream drums.





Overall, how has the journey been? Has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?

The journey was INCREDIBLY difficult. But worth every minute of it, of course. Some people get lucky. Some people practice. Some people experience both. I'm not a believer in actual "luck" because I believe in our current culture the opportunities will absolutely manifest themselves.