Richards’s passion for percussion started at the age of thirteen. During a school function he witnessed a professional drummer perform. The experience changed him.
“A guy by the name of Leon came to my school and performed in the cafeteria. It was something I had never seen before. He performed alone, just him and his drums. He was a solo artist. I’ll never forget that experience, I was in awe.”
Richard went on to say that the experience was the beginning of his desire to learn to play the drums.
Later, Richard worked under Steve Varela, his mentor, who was a well established, traditional jazz musician out of Chicago.
“Steve gave me a great foundation in rudimental skills and general music knowledge. I believe this was key and the beginning of my career as a professional percussionist.”
In his teens, Richard expanded his studies with the Seguin High School Matador Concert Band, Jazz Band, Symphonic Band and Marching Band. After attaining a modest skill level, he then moved towards expressing his passion for percussion through playing in a variety of bands in the local rock scene.
For the past 2 years Richard has played for Fellowship Bible Church (FBC) out of Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Influences: Dream Theater, Sevendust, Metallica, Testement, Train, Dave Mathews, Steive Windwood, Rascal Flats
Past Bands: System In Chaos, Engrave, Kama-Sutra, Armageddon |
