Today we’d like to introduce you to Tosha Jones.
Hi Tosha, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I grew up in Indiana and I started playing drums on a “Fraggle Rock” kit at age three but started taking drums and music seriously at age eleven when I began playing snare drum in the middle school band in 6th grade.
I played throughout Jr. High and High School and then was finally able to join a true “garage band” my first year of college.
I played in many bands throughout southern Indiana and finally decided to move to Los Angeles in June of 2008.
Since then, I have had great opportunities and achievements playing and touring for rock bands such as Saliva, Brett Scallions (Fuel), Carolina Liar, Josey Scott (Saliva), etc. Last year I was invited to work as a camp counselor at world-famous Rock N Roll Fantasy Camp which featured Melissa Etheridge, Nancy Wilson of Heart, and Kathy Valentine of The Go-Go’s. And just this past January, I was chosen as part of the house band at the pre-Grammy party in 2023. I have recently joined Babes Against The Machine which is an all-female tribute band to Rage Against The Machine which I am super excited about!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has definitely not been smooth. A lot of those years, I was my own worst enemy. While battling severe drug and alcohol addiction for fifteen years, I eventually relapsed after getting sober for five years after rehab. I also dealt with mental illness and depression during those times and after. Luckily I found my way out of all of that, got the professional help I needed and now lead a much happier and healthier life!
It has also been a rough road being a woman in this business. It’s definitely a lot easier now but growing up and being a chick drummer, I was not taken seriously. Although I was always able to prove myself and respected by male peers and colleagues AFTER I played, it has only been the last handful of years that it has gotten just a little easier being a “female” musician.
It was also tough growing up in a small town where there were no music shops or even music venues well over an hour away from my parent’s house. I had no idea what road to take and oath to travel in order to become the musician that I wanted because the tools weren’t readily at hand for me.
When my folks moved to the south side of Indianapolis, I eventually began working at Guitar Center in 2005 which opened a lot of doors for me, thankfully.
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. I am known for rock drumming but I can also (and love to) play other genres such pop, reggae, blues, punk rock, etc. I’m probably most proud of staying true to myself and not allowing others’ opinions stray me from my path and my goals.
One thing that sets me apart from others is my resilience and never giving up. There have been many times where I have wanted to throw in the towel, as this business is unlike any other occupation, in my opinion. But this is my life. The only thing I know and truly love. I could never turn my back on it.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Hard on the outside, soft on the inside 🙂
Contact Info:
- Website: www.toshajones.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/toshajonesdrums
- Facebook: facebook.com/toshajonesdrums777
- Youtube: youtube.com/toshajonesdrums1
Image Credits
-Ricardo Herrera (smile pic) -Hapless Guitar Photography (scream pic in the church) -Jules Tolentino (designer and photographer of shirt designs)
