Today we’d like to introduce you to Fabian Egger.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Fabian. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I started playing drums when I was 2 years old. I grew up in a tiny village overseas in Switzerland that goes by the name of Rüthi. Passionate about and intrigued by music I always dreamed of travelling the world and playing in arenas. After winning multiple international drum awards I was asked if I’d be interested in coming to LA and study at Musicians Institute. I figured out my visa situation at the same time as I was doing the finals at an economy and law school in Switzerland and moved to LA right after my graduation.
I went to MI in Hollywood and made some amazing contacts that lead me to work with Adam Lambert pretty much fresh out of school. At the age of 23 I was given the opportunity to play with Big Sean which eventually led to me becoming his Musical Director. I toured with Sean for 2.5 years pretty much nonstop. After those 2.5 years I got asked to produce and write Luca Hänni’s (a German idol winner) new album. So I did that. Around the same time I also got the opportunity to be a part of Zedd’s first live recording that featured new interpretations of his biggest hits at the time.
That was in 2014. Ever since then, everything has been a blur. Sometimes I’m scared to close my eyes at night because I feel like I might wake up finding myself being 40 years old… Got to tour with Grace, performing at festivals all around the globe including the Glastonbury Festival. Played with Zara Larsson, Gallant, many TV shows such as Jimmy Fallon, Stephen Colbert, Today Show, Dancing with the Stars, Arsenio Hall, Kelly & Michael to name a few.
Most recently I started taking on clients from Europe which has led me to bounce back and forth roughly every 2-3 months. It’s great as I get to see my family and friends more often and it’s always been a dream of mine to help talented European artists break internationally.
I’ve also got a book coming out. A piano / synth quick guide for hands on learners. I’m super happy how it turned out. I’m currently figuring out the publishing route I want to take, but it shouldn’t be long now. So stay tuned!
Great, 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?
There is this funny meme going around on IG showing the stages of an entrepreneur. Hey! I’m doing pretty good. Oh no, I think I have to move back in with my parents. Wait, I just got the call I been waiting on- I think I’m about to be rich! Oh the gig didn’t happen and I declined all the other work. I think I need a roommate. Hold on, there’s a 12’000$ check in the mail!
The meme couldn’t be any more true. It’s a consistent up and down and most definitely not the way that most people want to live. It was very challenging the first couple of years but going from being on top of the world to the lowest of my lows and back up again multiple times eventually made me understand that everything goes in cycles and as certain as the sun sets at night, it will rise again in the morning.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Fabian Egger – what should we know?
I’m a multi-instrumentalist (I play drums and Keys), I produce and execute live shows for artists customized to their vision. This is what’s called Musical Directing. I create the show, prepare the playback tracks, if applicable hire a band and run the rehearsals until the show is where the Artist wants it to be at. I’m currently doing this for multiple artists. I also produce and write.
It’s always exciting seeing your own vision come to life, but if I had to name an occasion that still makes me smile looking back it’s probably putting together Big Sean’s homecoming show in Detroit where we had Drake and Nicki Minaj come out. Some way somehow we figured out a 32 song set in 2 days of rehearsal. Now I’m proud of having become a well-balanced, musician, writer and producer having both platforms the US as well as Europe. I’ve always dreamed about this.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I’m well known to speak what’s on my mind at all times. That’s just how I am. I’ve never been a yes man. Since honesty is an attribute that is not very welcomed in our industry, I know that I have closed many doors and lost many gigs that I could have been a part of. But I guess because I’m different that way from the rest of the industry, I have created a niche where those few artists, label execs and managers that do in fact appreciate an honest opinion know they can call me and they know what they’ll get.
I also take credit in Swiss discipline and quality. I’m never late to a session or a flight and I never miss a deadline to turn in a project. I also refuse to rest until my client is 100% satisfied with my work.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.fabianegger.com
- Phone: 323-482-8482
- Email: [email protected]
Image Credit:
Studio Image Thai Long Ly
Black and white image of me on keys copyright @richenvisions
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
