Meet Johnny Bottone | Drummer | Creator | Rhythm Explorer – Bringing beats to life with JohnnyBdrumming.

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

Hi Johnny, what do you attribute your success to?
Dedication—showing up when you’re tired or don’t feel like it. Consistency and engagement – never take your audience for granted. If they reach out to you, respond. And most importantly, don’t be afraid to be yourself! You’re an original. That’s what will attract people to you.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m excited to share more about my art and what makes it unique. Throughout my life, I’ve endeavored to create a sound that’s both genuinely unique and accessible. Imagine Danny Carey, Stewart Copeland, Carter Beauford, Dave Lombardo, Joey Jordison, Vinnie Colaiuta, Terry Bozzio, and Neil Peart all partying with John Bonham—that’s the kind of explosive, full-throttle, rhythmically driven drumming that I strive for. By blending these diverse influences under one roof, I’ve developed a style that sets me apart.

I’m most proud of how this fusion of styles has allowed me to connect with audiences more deeply. Winning accolades like the Best Unsigned Band of the Year – Musician Magazine 1994 with The Living Daylights and Band of the Year at the Asbury Park Music Awards in 2000 with Jonah Jesus & the Braid are testaments to that connection.

My professional journey has been anything but easy. It required relentless practice, unwavering dedication, and a commitment to constantly evolve as an artist. Overcoming challenges like staying motivated during tough times and carving out a niche in a competitive industry taught me invaluable lessons about perseverance and authenticity. I learned that staying true to my artistic vision is crucial, even when the path isn’t straightforward.

I’ve also been fortunate to share the stage with incredible artists such as Joey Ramone, TM Stevens, Will Calhoun of Living Colour, Bernie Worrell of P-Funk, Buckethead, David Bryan (Bon Jovi), Alan Chez, and Bruce Kapler (CBS Orchestra). These experiences honed my skills and reinforced the importance of collaboration and community in music.

I want the world to know that my brand and story are rooted in optimism, freedom, and a love for intellectual and philosophical exploration through music. I’m promoting my drumming online and doing recordings from my home studio. My journey reflects joy, humor, honesty, and a philosophical approach to life and art.

I’m excited about the future and eager to continue sharing my passion with the world. Through live performances, recordings, or online drumming channels, I aim to inspire others and contribute meaningfully to the musical landscape.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If someone were visiting from out of town, I’d want to give them a good overview showcasing what this beautiful state offers. For starters, I would drive through Guanella Pass, checking out all the breathtaking mountain views and stopping for a delicious lunch at Alpine Restaurant and Bar in Georgetown afterward.

A visit to Strawberry Park Hot Springs in Steamboat would be a must for some natural relaxation. Then, take a walk around the downtown areas of Evergreen and Golden, exploring local shops and enjoying the small-town atmosphere with dinner at Abejas. With road trips to the Garden of the Gods and Glenwood Springs – Jucy Lucy’s is a must for some grub. After some outdoor adventure, you can always hit the hot springs. Visiting South Park would be a fun, quirky touch to the trip.

Brunch at Dazzle in Denver, accompanied by some great live jazz, would be on the itinerary. Of course, no trip is complete without grabbing a burger and a beer at the iconic Cherry Cricket.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d love to shout out to some incredible people and influences who have been instrumental in my journey. First and foremost, my parents. They have been a constant source of support throughout my entire life. They’ve encouraged me every step of the way, nurturing my passion for music and drumming from the very beginning.

I also want to recognize Cisco Ocampo, whom I’ve had the pleasure of being friends with and consider my musical soulmate. His talent and dedication have not only inspired me but also pushed me to grow as a musician and as a human being. Our collaborations have been some of the most fulfilling experiences in my life.

A huge thank you goes to Jody Boehmer, who has been a rock in my life and a significant force behind my online presence and personal growth. Jody’s support has helped me reach a wider audience and connect with fans worldwide through my drumming channels.

I’d also like to give a heartfelt shoutout to Matthew Flannery. He’s an inventor, a first-call cameraman, and one of my best friends for over 40 years. Matthew’s creativity and unwavering support have been invaluable personally and professionally. His ability to capture the essence of my performances has added a whole new dimension to my work.

In addition, Rick Rubin’s “The Creative Act: A Way of Being” has been a profound influence on my artistic journey. The insights in this book have deepened my understanding of creativity and inspired me to push the boundaries of my drumming.

Lastly, I want to acknowledge the countless musicians I’ve grown up listening to or have met along the way. Their talent and passion have inspired me and shaped who I am as an artist today.

These amazing people and influences deserve all the credit and recognition for their roles in my story. Without their love, support, and encouragement, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Website: http://www.johnnybdrumming.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnnybdrumming/

Twitter: https://x.com/johnnybdrumming

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@johnnybdrumming

Image Credits
Cisco Ocampo; Johnny Bottone