Life & Work with Justin “Twitch” Lottie of Pasadena

Today we’d like to introduce you to Justin “Twitch” Lottie.

Hi Justin, 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?
I started playin drums when I was 8. Started playing on my Moms pot & pans, she started gettin mad I was ruining her stuff, so her and my Dad came together and bought my first kit lol.

From then, it was on! I took all the music electives in school from then through college, my peers used to say i sucked, so I used that as fuel, locked myself in my room at 13 for like 2yrs and learned “Surfacing” by Slipknot and “I Disappear” by Metallica so I could crush them haters lol. I used to host a like “battle of the bands” in my Moms garage in Diamond Bar at that time, and I ATE all those hatin drummers up lol.

But, fast forward, basically started playing in bands any chance I got and I ended up playing some dope shows at like 16-17: The Roxy, The knitting Factory, The viper Room, Showcase Theatre. Chain Reaction was like my hub. Played and watched so many shows there I can’t count.

Got a scholarship to Xavier University, New Orleans, moved back to North Hollywood and from there I started SoulPunch Records with a business partner from College Joel Wittman.

Released a solo album called, “My Name’s Twitch” in 2022 under SoulPunch, Produced by Stone Wells.

Toured Alaska, parts of Mexico and Utah in my band Dankrupt. We released probably around 4 albums and like 20 singles (lost count lol).

But yea, I currently play full time in Pit Orchestras for Musicals mainly. Just did 5 this year already back to back so, it’s been a busy, but amazing time.

Currently getting ready for a summer tour with Ossie Dellimore & the High Tribe. We got a couple dates in San Diego and one at 4th & Mill in Rancho Cucamonga.

Just played at the WFNM (We found new Music) showcase with a good friend Andrew Benjamin. Show was poppin! A lot of great musicians, community. No egos.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Hasn’t been a smooth road AT ALL. I teach at School of Rock part-time and I always tell the kids, “Tuffin up now while I’m teaching you because, the music industry is a Loud, roaring beast looking for whom it may devour and steal from”.

I don’t think there’s one, (real), musician who can say they’ve had a smooth road. If so, PLEASE TEACH ME lol.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a Professional Drummer, Solo Artist, Entertainer, Business Owner, MD (Music Director).

I play almost every genre of music. Im in a reggae band, alt rock band, jazz/soul band, grass roots country group, and the list goes on. But at the same time, I’m simultaneously playing 4 musicals in Pit Orchestras at the same time that range from Freaky Friday to Guys and Dolls at the Cosmo in Hollywood. So, I’m literally a jack of all trades when it comes to this music.

So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters to me most is having a sound mind a peace. So that way I can spread that energy to the world. But, if I personally don’t have those, then I’m on a life long journey to achieve that. And I think it’s through these drums I can do both.

Pricing:

• DM ME or my Manager Nick White!
• [email protected]
• [email protected]

Contact Info:

• Website: https://open.spotify.com/album/6ror2bQ0108KeotfTgOKVf
• Instagram: @Soulpunchtwitch

Image Credits
Jay Carpio
Stone Wells
Nona the Second