Today we’d like to introduce you to David Bravo.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I first developed an interest in playing music at about eight years old when my older brother started guitar lessons in high school. My dad bought a guitar, so there was suddenly an instrument in the house within my reach. I was always drawn to playing it, so I began teaching myself little by little with the help of my brother. To my advantage, there was a library across the street from where we lived, so I began printing tons of guitar tabs to keep me busy learning them at home. In short, I spent my days doing just that and little by little, music became an important part of my life.
During all that, I was also growing up in church. Every Sunday, I observed the musicians as they played; I was especially fascinated by the drummer. The rhythm, emotion, and power that the drums conveyed grabbed my attention and kept me hooked. I listened, internalized the music, and air-drummed on my lap so much that I felt like I eventually developed a decent sense of time and rhythm. Days and years went by and I became a huge fan of the drums but had never played them; I was just waiting for my opportunity to come.
It was until middle school where I was finally able to get behind some drums regularly and let my passion flourish. I became very involved with the music program at Belvedere Middle School in East LA and things started to take off for me since then. I spent most of my days playing/practicing drums for hours at school and eventually played along with others for any occasion or event on campus. I cannot stress how much I enjoyed these days and how important they were to leading me to where I am today musically. Shoutout to the music teachers there, Sarah Fuller and Carlos Ayala, who gave me the space and time to express my passion as well as countless opportunities to perform. Because of this, I looked forward to going to school everyday and found my purpose at an early age.
Ever since, my primary focus has been learning everything I can on the drums to prepare for any opportunity that may come my way. I did pick up bass guitar early on and a bit of piano later as well, which I sort of neglected, but nowadays I’m giving those attention often, too. Today, I find myself playing live shows in and around Los Angeles with my band Ear Ringers, doing live sessions/studio work for anyone who reaches out, leading a church band on Sundays, and practicing to be readily available for any potential work. All in all, I love where I ended up and all the friends I made along the way and I look forward to what the future holds.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One of my struggles was not having a drumset until I was in my sophomore year of high school. I had to get all my hours in behind the drums at school for years and didn’t have much to practice with at home besides sticks and a practice pad or pillows. However, all my teachers who were supportive of music made my situation easier by giving me the time and place to practice at school. They are Melissa Rios, Chris Rios, Paul Perez, Carolyn Mcknight, Daniel Guzman, Edgardo Ramirez, and as I mentioned before, Sarah Fuller and Carlos Ayala.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I play/track drums for anyone whether it be live, session, or studio work, and will even teach you! I am extremely open to feedback from who I’m working with and I enjoy making sure the artist, composer, or band is satisfied with my work/performance. Also, I’m able to understand and lock in with guitar and bass players with ease and on a further level than someone who is only a drummer because I’ve spent most of my life playing those instruments as well. Lastly, I enjoy teaching people and watching their faces light up as they make progress and become eager to learn more. Proper guidance behind an instrument is crucial to good habits and development, so I like to be a part of that process and contribute everything I can!
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
The proudest moment of my career so far is playing the Wiltern Theater to a full, explosive crowd. The energy that night was like no other. This was with my band Ear Ringers and what was so special about it was seeing the hard work we put in over the years result in a community of our supporters showing up with the best energy we could’ve asked for, giving us the best show of our music career yet. It was easily one of the best days of my life and one of those days you’re reassured of what you want to do for the rest of your life.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 3236357761
- Email: davidfirechops@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidfirechops/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/david.bravo.14
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGfJKuvuGukqgqv1OE3PwRA
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