Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeff Friedl.
Hi Jeff, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in Tucson, Arizona – a wonderful melting pot of music and art. I started playing drums when I was 11 years old and immediately knew that’s what I wanted to do the rest of my life. By the time I was 15, I was playing professionally & making a living playing in Rock, Punk, Metal, Jazz Combos & Big Bands, Latin, and Funk bands. I eventually received a Scholarship to attend the University of Arizona as a Percussion Performance Major. After college, I moved to Los Angeles in 2004 to continue my music career.
Alright, 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?
The music business is anything but a smooth road. I certainly wouldn’t change my path and experiences for the world, but it’s not for the faint of heart. The uncertainty of not knowing where your next paycheck is going to come from is not for everybody, but I’ve always loved the challenge & thrill of making shit happen. Over the years, I’ve learned to diversify as much as possible by recording, touring, teaching, and starting my own studio business. You have to work hard on a daily basis, but yet be patient, enjoy the creative process, and be present in order to let your life and career develop one day and project at a time. Things ultimately work out for those who work hard, do a great job, and treat others with respect.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Since moving to LA in 2004, I’ve had the great pleasure of recording and/or touring the world with so many great artists, such as…. DEVO, A Perfect Circle, Eagles of Death Metal, Celebrating David Bowie, Filter, Puscifer, The Beta Machine, The Weirdos, and many more.
I’ve played drums on multiple TV/Film recordings, such as: That 90’s Show on Netflix, Right to Offend – The black comedy revolution on A&E, Insurrection, Cannon Busters on Netflix, and Hotel Transylvania 4, Disney Cars, and Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs, with composer Mark Mothersbaugh.
I’ve had the pleasure of performing on multiple talk shows, such as:
The Letterman Show, The Seth Myers Show (guest drummer for the 8g house band), George Lopez Show, and Jimmy Kimmel Live (with four different bands over the years).
I’ve also been teaching drums & doing career counseling for many years now, dating back to 1995. Teaching in-person lessons in LA and also online allows me to teach students from all over the world. Helping others is something I’ve always been very passionate about.
I also built a high-quality recording studio in the Sherman Oaks area called Secret Hand Studios. The build was completed in 2019, and since then I’ve had the great pleasure of working on a lot of awesome records with people. It’s a live-in studio with multiple recording and living rooms, full kitchen, and bathrooms. We host a lot of bands, artists, industry people who stay with us for short & long periods of time to work on their records or just simply stay because they’d prefer the studio’s warm environment over a hotel. We also host a lot of film & photo shoots as well.
This year I’ll be touring with DEVO and Celebrating David Bowie (Featuring Peter Murphy of Bauhaus), as well as recording various records and teaching.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I always love recording drums for bands/artists, either in-person or remotely at Secret Hand Studios. Always happy to just host artists at Secret Hand Studios as well. I’m available for drum lessons in-person and online.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.secrethandstudios.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/JeffFriedl
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/OfficialJeffFriedl
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-friedl-63045982/
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/JeffFriedl
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@JeffFriedl-tg7xc
- Other: www.jefffriedl.com
Image Credits
Personal Photo: www.digitaldiversion.net Pic #1: www.digitaldiversion.net Pic #2: NTBCreative Pic #3: NTBCreative Pic #4: N/A Pic #5: N/A Pic #6: N/A Pic #7: www.michelleshiersphotography.com Pic #8: www.michelleshiersphotography.com
