An Inspired Chat with Greg Collister of Los Angeles

Greg Collister shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Greg, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
This question comes in perfect timing as I have currently been called to work on and do some really awesome things! This step comes with a major leap of faith which I’ve found to be a crucial part of working past any fear! It’s taken a lot of time and courage, but it’s my belief we all have the power to add to the world in our own unique way no matter what’s gone on or is going on in our lives!! I will continue to keep everyone posted on all new things as they roll in!! I encourage you all to keep pace by visiting my site gregcollister.com and please follow me on all platforms @gregcollisterofficial like-share-comment-subscribe!!

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am Greg Collister an LA based pro drummer. It’s my versatility and ability to play all styles and genres of music, my endurance, and just how much I love playing the drums that really cuts through for most people that view me. I LOVE what I do. I do what I LOVE!! I specialize in performing live/touring, recording sessions, and teaching drums. I also have my own clothing line Collister Clothing which you can check out by visiting the shop on my site gregcollister.com/shop. Lately I’ve taken the time to really step back and reflect on just how much I’ve been blessed to do here and how far I’ve come! Thank you all for staying tuned as my journey continues to unfold in new and exciting ways!

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
Who doesn’t want to feel powerful right?!?! I have 2 answers to this question. 1. When I was child out on the farm with my dad. This preceded 2. The 1st time I sat behind a full drum set. Both of these times were very powerful moments in the history of my life, that heavily guided my path! When I was little they asked us in school what do you want to be when you grow up? My 1st answer was a farmer like my dad! I also told my parents I wanted to be a rockstar when I grew up in the form of either a guitarist or a drummer. Despite having a bright blue and green toy electric guitar, which I absolutely loved as a kid, the drums chose me! This is probably due to my rhythm making capabilities and listening to heavily drum influenced music growing up. As I’ve grown I’ve come to realize that as a farmer, feeding the world holds great importance and power! I’ve also realized in my countless hours spent behind the drums in practice, performing live, recording, and teaching that not only is there an abundance of power in this instrument but there is a sense of peace and calm that comes over me while spending time here, something that can only be felt and connected to on a soul level… a spiritual level!! It’s where I belong!!

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
The struggle is real.. isn’t that how the saying goes?!

Suffering is something that most of us want nothing to do with. It’s uncomfortable. It’s not fun is it?! What I’ve finally come to realize though is that it is a very necessary part of winning. It really pushes us to get out of our comfort zones and grow..expand into the person we are supposed to become. Being successful is only possible when we hit the lowest lows and find a better way. For the longest time I really tried to get it in my head that I am being guided. So when something doesn’t work out it’s for good reason because there is indeed something better coming. What’s meant for us will always be. As for the rest of what falls through? We must do our part, then release it to the powers that be. I truly wish I could’ve personally realized and been able to accept and apply this sooner in my life. All in perfect timing I suppose as we each walk our very own unique path.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
The mastery of me. This has to be the single most challenging thing I’ve done but committed to for the long haul….no matter how much time it takes! The longer I strive to be a better version of me the more I accept and have come to understand it takes persistence and patience on a journey that never ends. Some of my latest tattoo work on my stomach includes this phrase in Spanish “Ni en la muerte estaremos separados” which means “Not even in death will we be separated.” This also reflects my belief that we will all always be connected and that our work is never really finished but lives on forever only to be left behind and expanded upon when we leave this realm to stand the test of time for eternity. It is to be passed down from generation to generation.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
“LEGACY” is a word that holds such massive power! It’s how people remember you. What did you spend your time doing on earth? What are you known for? This first really came to my attention when a good friend and bandmate of mine shared a phrase with me about legacy. Over the last year or two though it has hit me harder than ever and left me with a series of questions. What am I doing here? What is my contribution? What will I leave behind?

This has moved me into the actions I need to fulfill my purpose here before I go. Although people seem to know me as this “amazing drummer,” most who either grew up with me or have become closer to me also know I am an extremely hard working “ride or die type” who is passionate about many things in life including my love of all things outdoors especially hiking, the ocean, camping, fishing, animals/pets, hunting/gathering & living off the land. I love gardening, raising plants, producing food. I can cook very well and make most of my own meals. I look forward to raising a family. I am a good person, kind but also stern. Although I love to have fun I always mean business and I don’t mess around. I don’t like wasting time, we only get so much of it. I love to love, am calm & zen like but won’t hesitate to fight & win especially for the people and things I love including myself.

The story that I will leave behind is one of the utmost perseverance. A man who is not only obsessed with drums but a better life, who always knew despite all the obstacles life has thrown at him (and believe me there’s been A LOT of obstacles) he NEVER GAVE UP. I’ve pushed through every situation life could ever throw at me, never to be stopped but to find each encounter made me more & more fearless. I am someone who has nearly lost my life multiple times but ALWAYS found my way back to be a “light” in this dark world, overcoming every addiction & distraction I’ve ever had.

I think we always hope people see us for who we really are at our core, our morals, principles, values & work we do. However, most fear people will see us for our mistakes & failures. EVERYONE has a primal need to be recognized, heard, valued, & loved!

Something that has been on my mind a lot and for quite some time now is we do not know how much time we have here. Out of everyone I speak with about this topic the conclusion is the same..NONE of us knows…With that said I imagine my being remembered to go something like this…..

“He was a really good man, who’s love for drumming always stayed unconditional. He loved his family and tried his hardest to love all people, always going above and beyond, always there to help, always there when someone needed him.” A man who met God every morning upon waking and every night before falling asleep. Who had many beliefs, from many cultures, and visited the most beautiful places in the world to share peace, knowledge, & music. Someone who gave as much as he could to everyone who knew him and to the entire universe. A man made in the fire and by the transformation of his own life, showing all lives anything truly is possible no matter what has happened to you or what circumstances you’re faced with. A person who produced the highest quality of work possible while still maintaining sanity in this life. Who truly gave his ALL to everything & everyone!

The last thing I will leave you all with for now, the key to being yourself & to keep going is: “You are who YOU say you are, NOT who other people say you are.” 💯

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.gregcollister.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gregcollisterofficial/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-collister-45a516213/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090623333882&mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@GregCollisterOfficial
• Other: Collister Clothing

  https://www.facebook.com/collisterclothingoffical/

  https://www.instagram.com/collisterclothingofficial/

Image Credits
Brooks Robinson
Patty Magos @fotorock 21
Joe Schaeffer