We were lucky to catch up with Joseph Quintana recently and have shared our conversation below.
Joseph, appreciate you joining us today. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?
As most freelance workers go through in the beginning phases of developing a steady workflow of income due to mostly from my experience was not enough people within my circle who are in need of my services, After so many performances, recording sessions, nights out at the local venue/bar where fellow musicians hang and meeting as many friends as I can socialize with who helped me connect with new artist and producers is where I started to see my network grow. I had to really put myself out there and do the ground work with finding different artist to rehearse/perform/record with for free while most of the income I was making at the time was from Sunday morning church gigs and teaching music lessons Monday-Friday. While searching for the right people to work with I had some really great mentors that I met through my College years and befriended after connecting through the hardships of becoming a full time musician and the benefits that hold true to this day as an artist who creates while pursuing the integrity of providing a professional service to the artist. If I could tell my younger self anything it would be to go out of my comfort zone of meeting more people and utilizing my platform to reach out shamelessly to other artist. Going out to local shows and talking to people, knowing someone who knows the bands is very helpful for connecting because the relationship can be almost immediately expedited because of mutual friends who they trust.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Music was in my household at a young age because of my grandmother who played piano and would practice in front of me and my brother; we would sit there in silence, watching her with interest as she played. Eventually she taught us the fundamentals of technique, music theory and how to practice. The first song she taught us was a portion of Beethovens Moonlight Sonata, she would also introduced me to artists that she listened to: Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Nat King Cole, & Ray Charles.
My Mom & Dad were musically involved in the church through singing and where I would eventually audition to play the drums for Sunday Services. I immediately connected with the instrument and was inspired from the sounds of the current music I was listening to at the time which was a mixture of Nu-Metal, Classic Rock, Gospel, Jazz and Pop. I learned from the Pastor’s wife who would teach me the fundamentals of the drum set and how to hold a groove. I would soon take my first theory & technique lessons from a professional at the local music shop at Gard’s Music in Glendora, CA; this would really set me up for success throughout middle school and high school jazz band/ marching band where I would learn to perform challenging styles, grooves, songs and develop a strong sense of integrity to become a better musician through rigorous practice.
College is where I met some of the colleagues I work with today and it has been such a supportive community to lean on while working full time as a musician. My career kicked off during those early years where I was mentored under some of Los Angeles most sought out musicians such as Ricky Lawson, Greg Bissonette, Mark Converse, and Bryan Taylor to name a few. Pursuing studies in orchestral percussion, Latin percussion ensembles, symphonic music ensembles, pop/rock cover bands, jazz small groups as well as big band jazz ensembles and musical theater productions. The opportunity to perform in a variety of musical settings helped me grow into the musician I am today which I would describe as well versed and capable of adapting to almost any setting required. Around this time, I had been performing every weekend with cover bands ranging from Top 40’s pop rock, r&b, hip-hop, latin, jazz, and electronic dance music for country clubs hosting a variety of events. After so many years of performing in cover bands, I wanted to pursue original music with genuine artists who conveyed a meaningful message that was fun and exciting to put on the stage. My network began to grow outside of my circle of college musicians when I volunteered in local projects that helped me build my network through performing more shows within Los Angeles. Going out to local events with relevant people in the scene and building genuine relationships with artists I wanted to work with is what I eventually came into fruition after focusing on those goals. With relentless drive to network and in between recording sessions & live performances, I was beginning to see consistency throughout my weeks of work while being considerate of the gigs I receive in order to hold myself off from spreading myself thin.
When performing with current artists and musicians, I aim to grasp the foundation of the songs by listening to the tracks, breaking them down, focusing on the intricate parts, and writing out the music to help with retention as well as providing my own creativity which helps the music come alive. I always come prepared knowing the artists material while connecting with them on a personal level if the mood is right. Sometimes artists want to keep it simple and just be focused on the music and nothing more; other times it is important to go out for a coffee or a drink and connect on a personal level. After 12 years of consistent traveling, recording, teaching and with multiple artists, I look forward to supporting artists with my creativity, diversity, and hard work ethic while having a good attitude during the process.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
When I took the leap to break away from cover bands and freelance work for weddings/events etc. to focus on original artist who write original music, when I hear that record in its full completion that was worked so hard on for days of tracking drums, traveling/sightseeing different states/countries you wouldn’t regularly see working other jobs, when you are on that stage and see the excitement from the audience, when the feedback from an audience member, fellow friend or musician express how the music made them feel, seeing your community grow into self driven artist and share the same passion we all share as creatives is the most rewarding aspect of being an artist and what truly keeps me going. Not to mention all the performances I attend to watch some of my favorite artists inspire me to continue the creative path.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
Being patient and taking every opportunity to grow with grace and a humbled heart is the biggest lesson Ive learned as an artist. When I first started out as a freelance musician, the circle of people I got referred to work with was small but as time passed, I reminded myself to keep my efforts ambitious and maintain good work ethic, a good attitude and invest in good gear to work with when I began to see my network grow. Regardless of the outcome, I needed to remember to not be shy, and take risks. My advice to folks now is to reach out for peoples information whether its their Instagram or email, ask them out for coffee or lunch so that you can build a relationship with your clients. It will ultimately help you connect with them and you can build a relationship from that–it’s what helped me. Don’t be afraid to provide free services when building your network, go to those events and show face. Build relationships organically and show that you want to be in that scene and that you have a lot to offer. Sacrificing comfortability is a factor especially if you have a hard time putting yourself out there, playing with bands that don’t pay, doing work for free just to be out and grow!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://JosephQuintana.com
- Instagram: jbqdrum
- Facebook: Joseph Quintana
- Twitter: jbqdrum
- Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@joekr3w139
