THE EXPERIENCE

Released on October 8, 2021.

This project has a special place in my heart. Dr. Watkins gave me my first opportunity to play at my church when I was 8 years old. After my first service, she advocated for me to play more often and guided me through what I knew were rough beginnings as a player lol. To receive a call from her to record drums on her album meant a lot. It felt like my experience as a musician had come full circle. Live drums were recorded at my studio, The Spot, in Orlando, FL

My approach to “The Gospel” was interesting. I did a take with sticks because…gospel lol. But I did another take with brushes that she was interested in hearing and that take is the one that ended up sticking. Mixing a technique I learned studying jazz and implementing it in the music I grew up playing helped me see the importance of expanding knowledge and skills associated with your craft.

You can listen to this song and all the records I’ve been a part of on the playlist below!

Album contact:
Mariea Watkins (producer, songwriter, artist) | Email