Image Credit: Felix Malms
Today we’d like to introduce you to Seamus Neal.
Seamus, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was always a huge fan of music, but it wasn’t until I was about 10-11 when I realized I wanted to be apart of it. In fifth grade, I saw a kid playing drums for a talent show and I decided that I wanted to do that too. My dad got me lessons with a man named Neil Sebba, who was really good for giving me the fundamentals of drumming. From there, I joined the School of Rock Fairfax, where I learned how to play with a band. I got the most show experience playing with the House Band, which was the best of that SoR location. We played a bunch from the Progressive Motorcycle Show to Derby Dolls to LA Live. I even got the opportunity to fly to Wisconsin and play the main stage at one of the biggest music festivals in the world: Summerfest.
After being at the School of Rock for 4-5 years, I decided it was time to get into my own bands. I was in a couple of bands before being approached by the band I’m currently in called HVNTED. We play shows all around LA and have even driven to Arizona for shows. Our biggest show we played was when we opened for Angels and Airwaves at the Ventura Majestic Theater; it was truly an unforgettable experience. Recently, we film a music video for one of our songs that we will release with our first EP. Even after all that I have done, I am still trying to learn anything and everything I can about drums. I take private lessons with Fred Dinkins, who is the head drum instructor at Musicians Institute. Fred is the man who has truly opened up my mind to different styles and expanded every part of my playing. I did not go to college so that I could pursue my passion and make it my career.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
With anything, it has its ups and downs. The main struggle is trying to get your name out there. Covid has definitely not helped because I cannot play shows, which is the main way people get to see what I can do.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
When it all comes down to it, I am just a drummer. With that, I want to be as versatile as I can be so that I can be used for any gig. I can play jazz, Latin, crazy odd time signatures. You name it. I can do whatever is asked of me. At heart, though, I would definitely say I am a rock drummer. With influences like John Bonham and Dave Grohl, I like to play hard and fast. That is where I have the most fun and feel the most comfortable.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
My band and I are planning on releasing a music video hopefully before this year ends. Soon after that, we are going to release a five song EP that we have been waiting to release for a long time. We are also constantly recording new music either on our own or at the famous Cherokee Studios.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seamus.neal/
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/hvntedband/
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