The minute my dad dusted off his old Slingerland kit from the attic and set it up I was hooked! I was 7 years old and felt right at home behind the kit. I have always loved dancing and music so right away the drums felt like my outlet. I have struggled with anxiety since I was just a little girl but I always felt like drumming was a great release. Unfortunately, I just tinkered on the drums here and there and never could find my place or feel comfortable playing with other musicians or in front of a crowd. It’s funny that the thing that helped release my anxiety also created more when it came to my confidence level. The constant self talk that I wasn’t good enough or the anxiety I would get from performing in front of a crowd held me back. Finally, after having my second child (who is also sitting behind me in my video) I decided to join a band at a music school. I learned a ton musically from these other skilled musicians but most of all I relaxed and allowed myself to enjoy playing and have fun just like I did at home. That band dissolved over time and I started another band with all female musicians. I wanted to further pursue this and keep growing. I was then asked to play with another gigging band and after playing gigs at small venues I was hooked! I started to really want to dive into drumming, reading music, learning grooves and fills and that’s when I started my lessons with Rick Stojak. He has been an amazing instructor as far as learning grooves and applying them to various songs. He has also taught me an insane amount about my equipment and getting the best sound quality! I am still trying to find my niche for genres but I picked this song because it makes me want to dance and it energizes me on the kit. I find that songs I sing to in the car or dance to automatically are the ones that I really enjoy playing. I also felt like the lyrics describe the turning point I am coming to as a drummer… it’s about damn time! I’m playing several different genres in my current cover band but I do truly enjoy playing funk, pop, and rock grooves. As a mom of 2 young boys, I am trying to balance my time as best as I can but I have made a commitment to myself that I would like to put the work in to learn as much as I can. I was able to attend Sisters on the Drums camp in November and immerse myself in music for a weekend. I gained an incredible amount of knowledge that weekend but more importantly I met some great like minded women. Hearing the instructors stories and listening to them play at such a high level was inspiring. They said, “You can do this too. You just put the time in” and that lit a fire in me. I was on the verge on throwing in the towel recently because it seems the more you learn, the more you don’t know. I’ve decided to stop focusing on how far I have to go but to enjoy the journey and have fun!
Looooovin your groove and feel! So fun, awesome job!!
You are on fire!! Love your energy!!
Fantastic, Nikki! Love your energy.
(Kathy)
YES. Enjoy the journey! Nikki you are not only an incredibly talented drummer, you are also SO FUN TO WATCH!! What an inspiration!
Great cover, pocket, feel..serving the music. Love it!
Thanks so much!
That’s my sista!!! Amazing Nik! 👏
Thanks sis! You’ve had to put up with a lot of noise over the years:)
Awesome. Great job.
That’s my girl! Mutha Drumma. Proud.
Love you!!!!
I can see you are enjoying this entry with your continuous smile, which does add too your grooves and fills. Tempo is perfect.
Thank you! I am in my happy place when I play songs that I love!
You are so good!!! Can’t wait to see you in person 😃
Thanks mom! Love you!!!!
You rock, mama!!
You really light up a stage with your energy Nik! 🙌🏻
Keep rockin! You are rad cousin.
Awesome performance!! Good timing and energy!!
That was awesome sweet cuz Nik!! Next time I come out there I want to plan for when you will be doing a gig so we can watch😎
Love the song choice. Your energy makes me wanna groove!
What a wonderful inspirational journey! Keep it up and never stop learning!
So good Nik!!! You are 🔥🔥🔥
Nikki is badA$$!!!
Get it girl!!! You are amazing
Get it, Banana!!
Wow! What energy and style! You are so fun to watch and what a fun choice of music.
I love this!!!
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Nikki, I’m new to this, but I must say I really enjoyed your performance! So much energy and the look on your face says it all!
Thank you so much, I appreciate that!
WOW! Ok girl, Your energy is contagious!! and great song.
Ever since you came into this world you have made an impression. Your playing is inspirational!! I’m amazed at how far you have come; I can’t wait to see where this journey takes you sweetheart
Love you Dad! Thanks for getting me started on this:)
Nikki love your attitude just what a good Drummer needs. You are in the pocket – strong work.
Thanks Shaun!
I love your song choice – You make me wanna dance! tell me more about the drum camp – that sounds like fun! I’m trying to find a drum camp to go to :—)
You are amazing! The boys loved watching you!!
You never quit inspiring me Nik, or making me smile. Love your energy here.
Oh my goodness gracious golly gee willikerz WOW! The joy I felt watching how much fun you’re having made the smile in my heart bust out allaway to my face and now my face hurts from smiling for the entirety of the song! Mahalo for being an inspiration as I *finally* begin my drumming journey at, like the Beatles song, “When I’m Sixty-four”. Happy Hawaiian Hugz!