Today we’d like to introduce you to Marcelo Bucater.
Hi Marcelo, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am a drummer/percussionist from São Paulo – Brazil based in Los Angeles since 2013.
At eight years of age, I began singing and playing the keyboard at the church in the countryside of São Paulo, a city called São José do Rio Preto where I grew up. I only started to play the drums at ten years old but it took a moment until my parents enrolled me for drum lessons. They finally agreed to let me learn to drum after I broke and “crashed” all the pots and buckets my mom had at home while trying to make my own kit. From then on, I took it very seriously and I’ve always known that it was what I wanted to do professionally. After my parents realized how important that was for me, I was very fortunate to have their enduring support and encouragement to pursue my dream.
After finishing my bachelor degree in music performance in Sao Paulo and working with several Brazilian artists, I decided to move to LA in 2013 to continue my studies in order to pursue an Associate of Arts degree in drum set performance at Los Angeles College of Music (LACM) and a Master’s degree in Jazz Studies at the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts).
I am currently a member of the Drum Faculty at LACM in Pasadena, CA, teaching private and group lessons. I am also one of the members of the Little Brazil Trio, Colibri Quartet and the Natalia Spadini group. As a sideman, I had the chance to produce, record and perform with independent artists and renowned musicians such as Carrie Underwood for the 51st ACM Award, Adam Levy (Norah Jones), Darek Oles (Pat Metheny), Scott Henderson (Chick Corea), Philip Bynoe (Steve Vai), John Avila (Oingo Boingo), Gemini (Justin Bieber), Natalia Spadini, Andrew Murdock (Linking Park), Viver Brasil, Duques, and Phat Cat Swinger just to name a few.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Being a musician is like being constantly in a roller coaster full of ups and downs. The difficulties came from different fronts: the move to California with the challenge of the language and a tight budget. Then there’s adapting to a completely different culture, work environment, habits and being far from my family and friends. We always have at least two ways of seeing the same thing, I believe the struggles are there to make you stronger and reassure that you are on the right path, always growing from those moments. Not saying that it’s easy but there is always a lesson to be learned.
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 am a drummer and percussionist that loves playing and sharing the stage with good artists and creative minds.
Being versatile at playing a drum set, percussion, or a hybrid set and learning to quickly adapt to diverse situations and musical styles have opened many doors over the last few years. These skills lead to performances with artists of different genres all over the world.
Having the opportunity to perform in venues like Disney California Adventure, Rose Bowl, Levi’s Stadium, MGM Arena in Las Vegas, Hollywood Pantages Theater, Pershing Square LA, El Rey Theater, NAMM Show, Queen Mary, for example with different artists is something that I am proud of.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
The extra free time during the pandemic was the right kick to finally start a few projects. Writing a book was something I always wanted to do but felt distant.
A great friend of mine, Letícia Dias, and I are almost done with the writing, and I can’t wait to share it.
The book is meant to every instrument with concepts that we both developed over the years of teaching and performing.
Besides the book, I am also working on my first album as a solo artist along with the guitarist Pedro Ramos, another great friend and talented musician. We recorded a few original tunes that we both wrote and, the project is already being mixed and mastered. It should be available soon on all streaming platforms.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.marcelobucater.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcelobucater/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marcelobucater
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/90mbucater
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6Ya5uKsb5u8uDDSMgSN5r5?si=AkVbgQ79TySlxRcDssrJ9Q&dl_branch=1
