Today we’d like to introduce you to PJ Sweeney.
Hi PJ, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Growing up in Syracuse, NY, I had a long road of learning to play music myself, with not too much support at first, here’s a little background of how I got here today. In about 2003, I played bass guitar in a garage band. It was a great time, and I still love the bass. But one day, I sat behind the drum kit, and that was a wrap. It felt so normal and comfortable to me. I had one of my band members tell me, you should be playing the drums. With the support of my father and 2 uncle’s, at the age of 16 I got my 1st drum set. A Tama superstar. Once I had my own kit, it was off to the races. Playing in a couple garage bands here and there, I had an audition around 2007 for the band Lee Terrace.
A progressive jam band whose members are still my best friends today. We had some success in the upstate New York area. In 2008, 2009 I auditioned and joined a second band Phantom Chemistry. An indy, electronic band with members I still call my friends. We had a great combination of music styles and also had success in the upstate NY area as well as nominated for several SAMMY music awards. After playing in both bands for nearly a decade, I knew I needed a change. So I visited San Diego several times before making the move, and I’m glad I did. Starting out playing with Gino and the Lone Gunman, a rockabilly band, Gino and the guys really accepted me and helped me learn the scene.
After a couple months of that, I joined The Vibe. A trio a great musicians who got to the point of playing several times a week, making a name for ourselves, covid put that all to a hault and we are no longer a band. After the pandemic, I was lucky enough to join Verado. A hard hitting indy rock group who got me back on my feet, we’ve had several shows including the music box with recorded music on the way. The latest project I joined, Doahs Daydream features a beautiful, vivacious female lead singer and great players. I joined about a month ago and things are starting to take off!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I don’t think anyone has a smooth road in the music industry lol. We’ve all had to overcome hardships. When I first played I did not have a lot of support because many people didn’t think I could do it. Which only made me work harder. Im self taught on all instruments. The 10 years of playing in a cold, snowy state definitely humbled me and helped me with my decision to move west. Once I got here, a d got myself in these scenes, I now have full support and love of everyone back home.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m very fortunate that over covid I was able to build a studio and provide drum tracks for recording artists. I used to work in automotive paint sales and knew that wasn’t the life for me. Having a 8-5 absolutely helped with band practice and shows, but wasn’t feeling fulfilled during the day. So once I moved, played with bands and got some recording session work, I knew that was the path I wanted to be on.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Having a positive, hard-working attitude. I show up early to gigs, have open communication and willing to work. Hard work is everything in this business. Knocking on doors and booking shows. Networking at my daytime job (guitar center) to land more session work. There’s only one way and that’s forward and without good work ethic, you’ll get nowhere.
Pricing:
- $50-$100 drum session work
- $100-$300 recording sessions
- Minimum of $100 per live gig
Contact Info:
- Email: Pjplaysthedrums@gmail.com
- Website: Pjplaysthedrums.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/pj_plays_thedrums/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pj.sweeney.12
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCl0WxLT5ixuOGXPFP0Rh5gA
Image Credits
Iziah Valle Photography
Brady Cooling Photography
