Meet Fernando Medina | Drummer & Percussionist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Fernando Medina and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Fernando, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Really I had no choice when it came down to it. As my academic study (and then geologic career) progressed it became obvious, by my mid-20s, that the passion just wasn’t there. But there was no shortage of passion in the drumming activities (live performance, recording, etc) I was doing in my spare time. After all, I’d been playing ever since age 11 or 12. So anyway, after my first European tour, I decided that it was time to take the risk, make the move, and go all in.
Tell us more! What sets you apart? What are you most proud of or excited about? How did you get where you are today professionally? Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way?
As for what makes me stand out, I suggest reading some client testimonials at my website, FernandoDrums.com. But my take is that I’m essentially a musician or composer who happens to play drums and percussion. I really work the phrasing, dynamics, textures, and even tones and melodies in my playing. Means really getting into the guts of a song or composition, all the details, the energetic currents, and the topography so to speak. Having performed with many contrasting bands, ensembles, songwriters, producers and composers over the years in equally contrasting locales and situations, it’s become natural for me to do this. I’ve even recently begun to do my own songwriting and composition (Guess what? I never have to look for a drummer, haha). So those who come to me for a percussive performance get a musician, get music, get a real human being–not just rhythm and a time-keeper.

Ask Ariana Saraha, for instance, about what I bring to a project. She and I have collaborated in a band called Flight Behavior for some years now. Real synergy and chemistry. And I’m so very proud of the fruit of our work together! Just check out our recently-released first full-length album, From the Wild. It’s gotten some great props so far!

Also, I’m really proud of my Covid-pandemic project, namely putting together my own drum studio where I can practice, play, record and do online session work, etc. Have already remotely-recorded raw (ie. no production, just audio capture) drum and percussion tracks for some clients. But don’t know what to call it yet! Maybe “Studio BB” (there’s a story behind the “BB” part – for another time, haha). While I’m on the subject, anyone out there who’s interested in drum kit and percussion tracks should hit me up at my website: FernandoDrums.com. Same place also for those wanting to hire me for concerts, tours, sessions at their studios, or for whatever else that needs what I do.

Regarding how I’ve gotten to this point in my career… Well, here’s the thing: music-making, drumming, performing – these things simply haven’t let go of me, even when I’ve tried to let go of them! And believe me, I tried a couple times, no f*cking joke. But in those cases, didn’t take me long to recognize that music is what I’m made to do. There’s a precious and unique depth of feeling, thought, and living that it’s gifted me. So, I’ve accepted the hardships and persevered. I’m a lifer (prison jargon, haha!). Simply love music, musicians and music-making far too much to let them go. And no, definitely hasn’t been easy getting to this point. But it’s not like I’ve “made it” or “arrived” either. I mean, please!

Overcoming challenges is ongoing. But I’ve learned a couple things along the way, the hard way. First, I really have to enjoy the music and musicians I’m creating with. Second, my creativity suffers if my life loses overall balance. I’ve chased and done gigs purely for the buck, and also have sometimes pursued gigging and music-making at the expense of everything else. Too much of either can ultimately lead to creative bankruptcy and loss of motivation. Trust me: keep contact with your love and mission in music, and in life overall.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
May sound lame to some folks, but I’d just recommend the Botanic Gardens. And then get out of the city and go hiking, camping and wandering in the nearby mountains and plentiful nature spots. Too many to name! It’s really been life-saving to me to be able to balance exposure to the uber-human world (ie. the city) with exposure to the more-than-human world.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Randy Crouch, a great drummer and educator in Florida. He was my first formal drum kit instructor. Had the perfect blend of skill (in terms of playing and teaching), patience and enthusiasm.

Website: https://fernandodrums.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fernando-medina-074b0850/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fernandomedinadrummer/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/fernandomedinadrummer

Other: https://www.reverbnation.com/fernandodrums https://soundcloud.com/fernandodrums http://www.soultonecymbals.com/artist/fernando-medina

Image Credits
Artur Tarczewski, Ivy Lynn, Joe Perales, Ron Hector, Noel B McGeou