Photo above: thomasondrums
Thank you very much for checking out thomasondrums.net! I apologize for such a long delay since my last drummer’s update. This web site was originally designed and maintained by Greg Dyer Web Works. Unfortunately, in the summer of 2019, Greg Dyer became gravely ill and went into a coma. He awakened months later, only to learn that he had a very short time left. He called us to say goodbye, which was so sad. Greg had designed and run this web site since it’s inception. In doing so over the years, Greg and my family became friends. We were very saddened to learn that Greg Dyer passed away. May he rest in peace.
Since my last Drummer’s Update in May of 2019, so much has happened in the world, and on my journey with the drums. I have played the drums all around Southern California. I’ve performed live, been hired to play drums on original music recorded by friends from OCSA and Berklee College of Music, been in music videos, and moved on from a three year “Dance Party.” The journey with the drums continues…
thomasondrums: Thank You Dominic!
I want to send out a thank you/shout out to web designer, Dominic Zelek of Orange County Web Design & Development for giving this website a fresh, new look! If you are looking to, or, need assistance developing your own web site – Please contact my friend, Dominic at [email protected], or, call 714-280-7719.
thomasondrums: Crisis Couture Music Videos
In the summer of 2019, I drummed and performed in two music videos with a metal band out of Los Angeles called, Crisis Couture. Crisis Couture was formed by artist/vocalist, Brendan McKian. I had worked with Brendan for three years as part of Johnny Vatos’ Oingo Boingo Former Members and Oingo Boingo Dance Party. Brendan is a very talented song writer and lead vocalist, and a great live performer. It was fun working with Brendan, as well as Pete Griffin on bass, and Danny Avila on lead guitar on this project. Check out the videos: ‘Waiting on the World to Burn‘ and ‘Take Back the Power.‘
Photos: In Hubble Studios in Los Angeles – on the set of Crisis Couture music video shoots – “Waiting on the World to Burn” and “Take Back the Power”
thomasondrums: Beatlesfest drumming
In the summer of 2019, Fred Zermeno, the manager/event organizer of Beatles Fest Los Angeles, called me and asked me to form a tribute band to open the 10th Annual Beatles Fest at Santa Anita Park. I had known Fred Zermeno as one of the managers for Oingo Boingo Dance Party/Oingo Boingo Former Members. Fred was excited to see what I could put together on my own, and I was excited to become involved with this awesome event! I gathered talented musicians and friends from Orange County School of the Arts to form a Beatles tribute band – which became known as “The Taxman.” We had: Sawyer Kooyman on bass guitar, Christian Somoya on keys, Julia Lane on Lead Guitar, Nathan Bowden on Rhythm Guitar, James Bergren on Lead Vocal, and thomasondrums!
Photo above: “The Taxman” opened the 2019 Beatlesfest!
We opened the Beatles Fest with a ten-song journey through the Beatles catalog. It was a very hot summer day at Santa Anita Park, and we all “gave back” by playing live music at this charity fund raiser for the Whittier Regional Symphony. Thank you again, Fred Zermeno!
Photo above & below: Playing with “The Taxman” at Beatles Fest 2019
Featured in June 2019 Advertising for Drum Channel:
Photo above: I am honored to have my image shown in this advertising for Drum Channel’s “DC Academy” – Thanks to Host of Drum Channel and Founder of dw drums, Don Lombardi, and all the staff at Drum Channel! I proudly have this poster displayed in my home drum studio!
thomasondrums: “Goodbye-Goodbye” to Oingo Boingo Former Members
After three years (2016-2019) playing 2nd drums and percussion with Oingo Boingo Dance Party – later renamed – Oingo Boingo Former Members, I decided to quit the band in the fall of 2019. I will always be thankful to John Hernandez, a.k.a. “Johnny Vatos” for inviting me to join him and his band. I will never forget those three years of playing live music, and the experiences that came with it. When I played my first professional show with the band, I was just 13-years old, and in the 8th grade. I literally grew up on stage playing 2nd drums and percussion next to “Vatos” and all of the mega-talented musicians in the band. And for that, I am forever grateful.
Photo above: thomasondrums at age 13 when I started playing live shows with Johnny Vatos’ Oingo Boingo Dance Party!
Photos: Three years performing live with Johnny Vatos and Oingo Boingo Former Members!
Photos above: Thanks Oingo Boingo Former Members. After 3 years it was time to say, “Goodbye-Goodbye.”
thomasondrums: 3 Years – Endorsed Artist with Collision Drum Sticks!
October 15, 2020 marked three years as an Endorsed Artist with Collision Drumsticks! I want to thank Carlton Banks – Collision Drumsticks, United Kingdom, and the entire Collision Drumsticks family for their continued support! “Impact Your Sound“ with Collision Drumsticks!
thomasondrums: 11 Years at Rob Ferrell Drum Studio
I am also very proud to share that in September of 2020, we celebrated 11-years at Rob Ferrell Drum Studio! I started lessons with Rob Ferrell on my first day of First Grade, and I’ve never stopped attending my weekly drum lessons with Rob. Rob was the perfect teacher for me, and I cannot thank him enough for all he has done to assist me on my journey with music and the drums! As I have said before, Rob laid down the foundation of my education with learning music and the drums. Whenever I was rehearsing and preparing for a live show, I would run through my set list on the drums for Rob. Rob would give his feedback, and frequently gave me that little tip to make my drumming on a specific part of a song sound better! So, drummers out there -If you are looking for a drum teacher, I highly recommend Rob Ferrell Drum Studio, in Mission Viejo, CA!
Photo above: my very first drum lesson with Rob Ferrell
A note from my drum teacher, Rob Ferrell:
“As hard as it is for me to believe, Thomas has just celebrated his 11th year of taking lessons with me! I remember how disciplined and focused he was as a 6-year old drummer. That discipline and focus is even stronger now! Thomas is a professional. Most associate the label of professional with the ability to make money at one’s chosen craft. Thomas has done that. He even subbed for me on a live gig that I couldn’t make, and my band mates told me that he nailed it! But, being a true professional is more than earning money. It’s about being prepared. It’s about showing up on time. It’s about being easy to work with. It’s about having a good attitude. It’s about delivering what is expected. Thomas does all that – and more! Thomas is a true professional drummer in every sense of the word, yet he never stops learning. He is at a level now where it would greatly benefit him to study with some of the Masters of our craft. I am so grateful to be a part of his journey, and look forward to following him as he achieves all of his goals!”
– Rob Ferrell
Photo above: Drum Teacher Rob Ferrell with Thomas Lowrey
Photo above: September 2020, the Covid-19-masked drummers, Thomas Lowrey and Rob Ferrell holding up the sticks to celebrate 11-years together as drum teacher and student!
thomasondrums: Iterum guests on Stillwell Music Video
On November 14, 2020 Julia Lane and I were featured in a music video/comedy sketch with the band, Stillwell! Check out the video which is posted on Instagram @stillwell_rock/Stillwell Official. After the video shoot, we had a fun hang with the artists in the drum studio! Thank you guys for a great day!
Photo Above: Stillwell and Iterum (Left to Right): “Fieldy,” Julia Lane, Thomas Lowrey, “Wuv,” and “Q-Unique”.
thomasondrums: Interviewed by Orange County School of the Arts
Photo above: Live drumming for Orange County School of the Arts, Popular Music Conservatory
In December of 2020, I was interviewed by Orange County School of the Arts – Popular Music Conservatory for their Instagram/social media @ocsapopularmusic:
OCSA: How long have you been playing your instrument for?
Thomas: “Since before I could reach the pedals, but, I started formal drum lessons at 6 years old.”
OCSA: What’s your most memorable performance and why?
Thomas: “Probably when I performed in a charity show for ‘Sweet Relief Musicians’ Fund’, sharing the stage with Jack Black, Corey Taylor, Jane Wiedlin and other unstoppable acts! It was truly a night to remember.”
OCSA: Do you hope to become a professional drummer?
Thomas: “I do! I’d love to soak up all I can from this conservatory and become a touring/performing drummer.”
OCSA: How do you spend your free time?
Thomas: “If I’m not drumming, I’m listening. Whether that’s to more drumming, or, studying those that have come before me. Music is always in the background, but definitely not the background noise.”
OCSA: Where can we find you?
Thomas: @thomasondrums / www.thomasondrums.net
OCSA: Who inspires you?
Thomas: “I look up to my parents 100%. But, I’m inspired by my father above all.”
OCSA: Favorite holiday tradition?
Thomas: “My favorite holiday tradition is not for a national holiday, rather, “Polish Day” – which my family celebrates on April 10th, which is my Babci Machos’ birthday. All Polish food, and lovely memories.”
OCSA: If you could meet one celebrity, who would it be?
Thomas: “Morrissey. Hands down. No debate.”
OCSA: What song is constantly on repeat for you?
Thomas: “‘That Joke Isn’t Funny Anymore’ by none other than The Smiths.”
Parting words on this post:
“It’s about the journey to today. It’s your life. Your curriculum vitae is yours alone, because you earned it. Don’t let anyone try to erase your accomplishments, or, your resume’. Your history is your reminder of the years of hard work it took to get to today. Don’t let anyone steal YOUR memories.”
– Thomas Lowrey
Thank you very much for checking out thomasondrums.net! Please Follow me on Instagram, @thomasondrums – Thomas
