Michael Galante

I have been drumming for over twenty years. I spent the early years studying and playing in local bands in the Baltimore/DC area. After high school I attended the Berklee College of Music greatly expanding my musical diversity. A few semesters later I went back to Maryland and began playing the club scene with a handful of bands.

Riding on the heels of an opening slot for Paula Cole playing for a crowd of 17,000 I relocated to Dallas Tx where I recorded with several bands and played all over the state as well as trekking to L.A. for a showcase. I began doing some session work and had the chance to open for the Burden Brothers (featuring former members of the Toadies, Rev Horton Heat, and GWAR) and play Bayfest in Corpus Christi which also featured the Violent Femmes, LL Cool J, Vince Neil, and more.

Relocating back to the east coast I played with Barakus, a D.C. area band who played NYC often including the world renowned CBGB's, The Continental, and Kenny's Castaway's. Currently living in NYC I am performing with a few artists including Demetra (a pop/punk band who has played venues such as the Knitting Factory, Sin-e, and the Luna Lounge), Sorensen & Mechlowicz (a nine piece band including several old Berklee friends), Monica Allison (a local singer-songwriter who has been playing at places like the Bitter End), Pictures of Home, and others.

I continue to work with friends of mine in Dallas and am frequently there doing session work and recording a new album from my old band. You can check on www.myspace.com/radiophonicmusic for updates and sample. Also, feel free to check out my personal myspace page as well, there are a couple of videos of my former bands posted there as well as other general/goofy information. www.myspace.com/thedrumwhore
 

Q:Tell us about your act, music style, and brief history, including band members and what instruments they play.
A: As a drummer rock is my specialty; Alternative, pop, hard rock. But I am varied in other styles and influences including folk, jazz, funk, etc. One of the folk albums to my credit also features Harry Daily, former Jimmy Buffett bass player (co-wrote Volcano).

Q:What are you working on now?
A: I am performing frequently with NYC based Demetra. A great group of musicians with very energetic melodic songs. I have also played out and/or recorded with other local bands and artists such as Sorensen & Mechlowicz, Monica Allison, Anthony Mulcahey, Pictures of Home, and more. Still working out in Dallas some with the new Radiophonic album currently in the works as well as some session work there.

Q:What are the names and release dates of your previous recordings?
A: See Discography attached in the files section of this page.

Q:What have been some important gigs or venues you've played?
A: With Barakus I had the chance to play CBGB's. It was an honor to play such a prestigious and historical club. Just standing on the same stage as the likes of the Ramones and the Talking Heads is an experience. Opened up for Paula Cole in Norfolk Va, at the height of her popularity. Played Bayfest in Corpus Christi which included the Violent Femmes, LL Cool J, Vince Neil, and more. Also opened for the Burden Brothers featuring former members of the Toadies, Rev Horton Heat, and GWAR.

Q:What kind of people or opportunities are you hoping to find on Berkleemusic?
A: Looking for studio work, fill-in gigs, possibly some cover band activity, etc.