We were lucky to catch up with Ross Murakami recently and have shared our conversation below.
Ross, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?
I’m extremely happy as an artist. Right now, I’d even say I’m the happiest I’ve ever been. Prior to moving to LA in 2022, I was working as a concierge for five and a half years at a prestigious private country club in Indian Wells, CA.
The club provided a sense of financial security and a community of amazing people I could have imagined myself being part of for years to come. Despite this, I believe that if I had not made the move to LA in my 20’s, I would have always regretted it.
It was the right time to make a big change and I’ll never look back.
Ross, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Well, I’m Ross Murakami and I’m a professional touring and session drummer, music director, actor and model! I’ve worked with artists such as Tiffany Day, Lauren Ruth Ward, Trophy Wives, Kaycie Satterfield, Primer, MACKandgold, JDM Global, Host Family as well as my own band, YIP YOPS. I’ve appeared in commercials for 7-Eleven, YouTubeTV, Velveeta, HP, NBC’s American Song Contest, Vans and I’m a contestant on FOX’s The Floor hosted by Rob Lowe.
Within my own band, YIP YOPS, we try to make every show special, immersive and dynamic. With years of experience creating Ableton playback sessions and programming light shows for our project, I have been well-equipped to assist other artists achieve their live-show dreams as well.
I honestly don’t know where I first heard this, but someone once told me “most artists don’t fail, they quit.” I’m proud of myself and grateful to still be in the game and enjoying every aspect of it.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
I think my favorite thing in the world is playing to huge energetic crowds. The feeling I get when fans are singing and dancing throughout the entire set will never grow old. I’m living the dream.
In the world of freelance drumming, expectations aren’t typically high when it comes to having your own personal fans in the crowd. Despite this, on my last tour with Tiffany Day, two of her fans came to the show dressed up as ME, wearing sweater vests, fake mustaches and long black hair wigs! I couldn’t believe it and it made me feel very special. Thank you, Wynn and Jundy!
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
Listen, here’s how I look at it: I accept that I am not fully in control of my career or where it will take me, but I’m going to continue opening as many doors as possible. I’m immensely grateful that I am able to continue doing what I love to do and often have the privilege of working with my friends.
I believe in the philosophy of always improving and building upon the skills I have with new experiences. This extends to not only drumming and my creative endeavors, but also how I interact with the world around me, always striving to be better.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rossmurakami/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rossmurakamimusic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@rossmurakami
- Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ross.murakami I also run a Timothée Chalamet themed Kickball League with my friends. Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loversleaguekickball/?hl=en
Image Credits
Headshot – Alyssa Kearney / Rose Colored Photography Backstage – Ally Wei Velveeta – Harmony Korine Drums – Kat Bunting Chair – Henry Thong