Meet Neal Daniels

Today we’d like to introduce you to Neal Daniels.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Neal. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Born in New York and raised in Chicago, I got a glimpse of the big city hustle since the get-go. My dad was a drummer, so I grew up looking at drums in the house since as early as I can remember. I was in the 5th grade when I started playing drums in the school band. One early memory I have is asking my band teacher, Mr. Harshey if I could switch to the french horn for some reason, and he allowed me to, which then meant I had to go home and tell my dad that his son was switching from drums to the french horn. Long story short, I switched back to drums the next day.

I played both drums and guitar all throughout high school as well, but never in school, I always had my own bands. My first gig was actually freshman year in high school, playing guitar and singing in my metal band called ANNEX at a local roller rink in the Chicago suburbs. We mostly covered Metallica, Slayer, and Pantera. Some members of that band, who are still some of my best friends today, went on to start a band called “Chicago Green”, which I played drums in and lasted throughout high school. We recorded a full-length record which was my first studio experience.

After graduating, most of my friends went to music school either downtown in Chicago or left out of state to various colleges. Around that time, I went on my first European tour for seven weeks, I think I was 19. It was with a guitar player named Chicago Mike Beck, and a bass player named Max Benson, who is still one of my best friends and was in both my High school bands.

After that tour, I stayed in the suburbs and went to a community college for a year where I met my most influential drum teacher, David Jennings. He was really the first one to call me out on all my BS and forced me to really practice. If it weren’t for him, I probably would have never moved to LA in the first place. I remember him being overly motivating and encouraging, and I also remember him making me read through the entire “New Breed” book by Gary Chester, and me throwing sticks across the room.

In the Fall of 2009, I made the move to Los Angeles to study at LAMA, now known as LACM (Los Angeles College Of Music). I was gigging and hustling throughout the entire two-year program. I remember searching craigslist for gigs, mostly with no pay, while borrowing my friend’s drums and renting a car for the gig. By the time I finished the gig and returned the car, I owed money, but somehow never thought of it as a loss. I was having a blast.

I did this so much I was on a first-name basis with the car rental place.

During my 2nd year of school, I got the gig with Darren Criss, which was my first major label gig.

Since then, I’ve toured all over the world and played with world-renowned artists including, LP,

Booker T, Liz Phair, Rachel Platten, Post Malone, Daya, Bea Miller, Camila Cabello, Léon, Christina Grimmie, and many, many more.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Like anyone, there have been many struggles along the way.

The main one being my dad passing away when I was in high school. I think I was 17. It was a random disease and everything happened super fast, it was a crazy time.

My dad introduced me to drums and was my best friend, I miss him every day but I wouldn’t change a thing. I still have his old Ludwigs and I’ll cherish them forever… They live at my mom’s house in Chicago.

Of course, moving to LA brings its own set of challenges, but I feel like most every musician here goes through these same struggles and if you’re lucky and persistent enough, you’ll break out of it. There’s a quote going around the web that always makes me laugh when I see it, it’s so true.

A musician… “Someone who puts $5000 worth of gear into a $500 car, to drive 100 miles to a $50 gig.”

I absolutely lived that life for many, many years, and I was having the best time doing it.

What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?
If I’m known for anything at this early stage of my career, I guess it would be “playing the part.”

I know my role, and I stick to it.

That goes for on and off the stage. I don’t need to be best friends with the artist, and I don’t need to be the flashiest player on stage. I’m there to work and to stay in my lane. Sounds easy enough, but I see a lot of people struggle with the “playing the role” mentality.

I’ve become obsessed with being the most prepared person in the room, and I think that obsession has gotten me more work than anything.

People who hire me know that I’m not going to waste time. I’m prepared and ready to go, on-time, as soon as I walk in the door.

The proudest moment in my career so far has to be buying a house in LA. I never thought in a million years that I’d be able to do that by playing drums. It’s one of the few things that I’m sincerely proud of myself for.

What sets me apart from others has to be knowing where the best pastrami is in Los Angeles.

Most people might say Canter’s, some crazy people might even say Brent’s deli, some people will argue Katz’s in NYC… but the truth is… it’s LANGERS.

The #19 is the greatest sandwich in the world. Canter’s does have a much better bakery, though.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Of course, my mom and dad, being the best most supportive parents I could ever ask for.

From hemp necklaces to Metallica shirts, they encouraged me all the way.

Like I mentioned earlier, my early drum teacher David Jennings deserves a lot of credit. Without him, I probably wouldn’t have moved to LA.

My college teachers, Ralph Humphrey, Joe Porcaro, Dave Beyer, and Gary Ferguson. These guys absolutely kicked my ass and set me on the right path. I look up to them more than they’ll ever know.

Some of the artists I’ve toured with are also huge influences. Booker T, for example, is a massive inspiration and hero of mine. To play with someone like that for as long as I did was a life-altering. He has impeccable timekeeping and taught me a lot about what it really means to play in the pocket. He is the groove master! His stories are also beyond incredible and hilarious. I’ll always cherish those times.

And of course, ALL of my music friends here in LA. I feel honored to have toured with such talented and successful musicians. I always feel the need to get better, and it’s because of all the talent that surrounds me in this crazy town. I also can’t forget my lovely girlfriend, who has dealt with me being on the road for YEARS and has supported me every step of the way. She’s a keeper!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @nealdaniels_

Suggest a story: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.