Daily Inspiration: Meet Aisha Gaillard

Today we’d like to introduce you to Aisha Gaillard.

Hi Aisha, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
At the age of 3 my Aunt Adrienne took me to an african dance class that she was apart of. She asked if I wanted to dance with her and I said no because I was too shy. The first thing I noticed were the drummers who were playing for the dance class. I walked over and they let me play the drums with them. They said I had a nice feel and recommended to my Aunt that I should go to the drum workshop at The World Stage where they teach kids ages 3 and up. My Aunt took me and I had the opportunity learn from the late legendary jazz drummer Billy Higgins. I continued to attend the workshop throughout all my school years and I was able to join the advanced band the first year I started middle school and high school because of the skills I learned from The Worldstage drum class.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not always been a smooth road because there is so much that goes on in the music industry and even just changes in life. One of the obstacles I faced early on in my career was auditioning for the music program at Berklee College of Music/Cal State Long Beach and being denied into the program. I was still able to attend CSULB but I had to completely change my major and that made me doubt my skills as a musician. I had in my mind that I would take on another career if music didn’t work out. I eventually realized that I didn’t get into that program because of politics. Another struggle I face even until this day is not being hired for certain opportunities because I am a woman. It is a male dominated field so some people think that women aren’t capable of getting the job done.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a professional drummer. I play for artist and bands on and off tour. I also do studio session work and teach kids how to play drums. I’m known for being little but mighty behind the kit. I’m most proud of being able to perform on 8 tours and counting, The Hollywood bowl twice, Coachella, Tiny Desk, The Juno Awards show, Afro Punk, Gov Ball, and a jazz festival in West Africa. Another thing that I am proud of is being endorsed with 6 drum companies. I saw how difficult it was for a lot of musicians to be endorsed so when that opportunity came to me, I was shocked and overjoyed. The main attribute that set me apart from most if that I don’t just stick to one style of music, I play a variety of genres.

What does success mean to you?
I define success as the ability to overcome challenges and reach the goals I set for myself. For me, it’s not just about the end result, but about the growth, resilience, and determination it takes to get there.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.aishagdrums.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aishagdrums
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aishagdrums/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@aishagdrums

Image Credits
Mallory Turner
Domia Edwards