Tib Van Dyke, Jr – The Drummer from The Valley

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tib Van Dyke, Jr.

Tib, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My love for music started when I was a child. My father played music; guitar, vocals, and keyboards mainly. He had an in-home studio with keyboards, a computer, big speakers that were up on the walls, etc. I remember going to some of his gigs and rehearsals. I’d watch him, and his band members rock out. I was fascinated, to say the least. The drums always caught my attention. I would play on my mom’s wicker plant pots and other household items.

My dad taught me the first thing a drummer should know: the right hand over left-hand technique. It never really crossed my mind to become a drummer until sophomore year of high school (around 2003). My drummer friend, Sean, had a kit at his house. I came over one day after school because I was so intrigued, I never played on a drum kit before that day, but I always wanted to. I couldn’t stop playing since then. I’ve played in multiple bands, gigs, recorded many tracks and worked with a myriad of talented musicians.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has not been a smooth road, at all. But it has been very rewarding and fun. There have been so many struggles along the way. To name a couple; job(s) and school.

At one point, I was interning at an orthopedic clinic for school in the day, working and/or studying at night as well as rehearsing and playing gigs. Needless to say, I slept in my car and the office quite often. Shout out to my girlfriend, Jazmin, who supported me in so many ways through all of that and continues to do so.

I’ve always worked and played drums. I currently have two jobs to keep up with my bills and to support my drumming “habits.” I drum in 4 gigging bands that play all around Los Angeles, The Valley, Long Beach, Orange County, Santa Clarita, and Lancaster. I’m constantly rehearsing.

Sometimes I’ll have two rehearsals or two gigs in one night (one time I played three gigs), it’s non-stop hustling. It means rehearse after work, work after rehearsal, work early the next day, play a gig after work, go to work the next day, and so on. The passion for drumming makes it worth the struggle.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Tib story. Tell us more about the business.

With the experience that I have gained over the 10+ years of drumming, I have tuned my skills into the following:

-Live gigs
-Last minute fill-ins
-Recording sessions
-Producing
-Drum lessons

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
From playing shows in different cities, a different country once, having friends at the gigs supporting my talent. That makes me feel very lucky. When I network and meet people, it opens up new opportunities for me. I feel lucky for any opportunity to play the drums. I’m forever grateful and lucky for every person that has supported and continues to support my passion for playing drums.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://tibvandykejr.wixsite.com/tibsite
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tibstagram/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Notorious-TIB-1827302007398378/

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