What does an up and coming musician listen to and how does she beat the drum for a vision? Here you are going to see what a mixture of genres and favourites shape the views on what’s music for.

drummer

Nanu Villalba 🇦🇷

What does it take to be a successful musician? And what’s  considered success in music?

The meaning of success in music varies depending on each person. In  my opinion, success is about making a living from music, which means  working as a session drummer, touring with bands, teaching and doing  drum clinics. To make this happen, it takes a lot of discipline,  perseverance and sacrifice.

Do you have a daily regimen in music learning?

What works best for me is scheduling my routine and drum practice. I try  to dedicate as much time to music notation and theory as I do to my  practice. I break it down in four categories: double bass, hand speed,  fills and musical composition.

What’s your typical professional day like?

My daily routine has changed throughout the years: In the morning, I write down a list to do for the day, which includes working out, answering  emails, recording and filming videos for social media and then editing  them. In the afternoon, I study, practice and work as a session drummer  since I have recently started composing and recording drums for different  bands.

How has your music taste changed over the years?

I’ve been a rock and metal fan since ever, but throughout the years I have got more in touch with different genres such as pop, middle eastern music, swing, reggae, classical music, trap, brazilian music, etc. Growing as a musician has made me realize that listening to all kinds of music is very important to improve as a drummer.

“Sexism is still a topic that hasn’t been completely eradicated in the music industry.„

How long have you been involved with music?

The first instrument I ever learned to play was piano at the age of 9, but  it wasn’t until I was 16 that I started playing drums.

Do you play for any bands? Who? Did you join/form them?

I formed my band called “Arthemisia” in 2019, but I had joined a couple of bands in the past.

Have you composed any songs/albums?

I’ve composed an EP for my band (Playing God), an EP for a punk  band and many tracks for bands and solo artists.

Tell us about your favorite musicians/bands.

I have many favorite bands and musicians depending on the genre, but  I’ll name a couple of my most relevant metal influences: Lamb Of God,  Pantera, System Of A Down, Daron Malakian, Chris Adler, Vinnie Paul,  Mario Duplantier, Tomas Haake.

Other artists/bands: Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus, Michael Jackson, Amr  Diab, Tarkan, Cherry Poppin’ Daddies, Tchaikovsky, Chopin, Peter  Gundry.

How do you get inspired to make music?

I get most of my inspiration by listening to a lot of different music and  watching videos of my favorite drummers and musicians.

“It isn’t all about sex, drugs & rock n’ roll; musicians have evolved and are becoming better performers and composers.„

How do you see your audience? What do you want to tell them  and what do you expect from them?

Fortunately, I have a very supportive audience that gives constructive  criticism with respect. I’ll always be eternally grateful for their kindness, and I hope it stays that way throughout my life path.

Where do you think rock n’ roll is today and where is it going?

Nowadays, it isn’t all about sex, drugs & rock n’ roll; musicians have  evolved and are becoming better performers and composers. Even  though the genre is not on the rise, thanks to social media, a lot of  emerging bands have more exposure and more opportunities of getting  known.

What are some of the challenges as a musician, especially a  female musician?

The most challenging issue about being a female musician is to be  respected. Sexism is still a topic that hasn’t been completely eradicated  in the music industry.

When and where were you born and raised?

I was born on August 13th, 1999 in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

“Growing as a musician has made me realize that listening to all kinds of music is very important to improve as a drummer.„

Aside from music, what studies and jobs do you have or have had  in the past?

I have worked as a bartender and a building administrator, and I studied to be an English teacher for a year.

What are some of your hobbies?

Basketball and martial arts.

How did you discover your musical talent and passion?

I have always been in love with music, but it wasn’t until I was 9 that I  learned to play my first instrument.

How can music change the world?

Music can be used in so many ways: to express yourself, to protest, to  spread awareness, to unite people, etc.

Does it sound scary to choose music as a career?

At first it might sound scary since it breaks the “normal life” stereotype. As everyone knows, being a freelancer musician takes a lot of time,  money and sacrifice, but I would rather take the risk than spend the  rest of my life doing something I don’t enjoy.

Is there a favorite music documentary that you would like to  recommend?

“Mystify: Michael Hutchence” and “Rompan Todo”.

What bands or solo musicians have you been listening to this year?

Saint Asonia, Scott Stapp, Royal Crown Revue, Royal Blood, Halsey,  The Weeknd, Arctic Monkeys.