We recently connected with Tom Cabrera and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Tom thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

My life as a musician started formally, when I began drum lessons in 1964, at age 9. I had always been drawn to the drums from as early as I can remember. I studied with various private instructors on and off, through high school. I played my first payed gig at 15 and played with anyone who would let me, as often as possible. I’ve always loved to practice (and still do after 60 years behind the instrument). But when it came time to consider college/music school, I wanted no part of it. I hated school and the thought of further education, even in music, wasn’t for me. Instead, I accepted an offer from my uncle, to work for him in his photo retouching studio in New York City. He would teach me the trade and I could make a decent living. I began working for him right out of high school. I continued to play a few gigs here and there but by age 21, I was married, working full time and stopped playing the drums altogether. I managed to ignore music for a while but by my late 20s, I was really missing it. In 1984, my uncle died unexpectedly and I left the company to form my own retouching business. I was 29 and it seemed to be a defining moment…not just starting my own business but it was the moment I decided to return to the drums. I immediately began studying at The Drummer’s Collective in NYC, began daily practice again and immersed myself in music again and JAZZ in particular. By 30, I was gigging regularly, running a business and helping to raise my 3 daughters. By age 35, photo retouching had become obsolete because of digital imaging and I was a full time drummer.

Tom, 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?

My career as a full time drummer began at age 30, 39 years ago. Although jazz was my main focus, I’ve played every kind of gig imaginable and loved every minute. I’ve played weddings, Bar Mitsvahs, private and corporate functions of every descriptions clubs, restaurants, honky tonks, community theatre, theme parks, concert stages, etc. I spent seven years teaching drum lessons in a drum shop in Central Florida. I had moved to Orlando Florida in 1995 and was able to work constantly as a freelancer, with the exception of a brief stint at Disney, playing in a show band. I had a reputation as a sensitive accompanist, especially with jazz vocalists…which led me to my wife, Julie Lyon, a phenominal jazz and blues vocalist and lyricist. We co-led a quartet and and I was also leading my own trio. I was a very busy musician. In late 2009, we moved back to NY, to my hometown of Westbury on Long Island, to care for my elderly parents in their final years. Back in NY, I reunited with many old friends, notably the brilliant guitarist and composer, Jack DeSalvo. Jack had started a record label called Unseen Rain Records and Julie and I immediately started recording for the label. I have subsequently become the’ house drummer and a partner in Unseen Rain and have recorded over 70 albums. Our music is distributed globally. Shortly after my mother’s death in 2018, having completed the care giver phase of my life, I discovered the other side of my creative self. I suppose I always had a desire to paint but simply hadn’t had the time until I took the plunge at age 63. Since then, I’ve created more than 500 paintings and mixed media works, may of which have appeared on the covers of Unseen Rain recordings. It’s been wonderful to have a platform for both my musical and visual work.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

Those who aren’t living a creative life, may have a difficult time understanding why we do what we do. For most of us, there’s no fame or fortune. In fact, there’s often very little economic reward. As a freelancer for decades, it’s a hand to mouth existence. You hustle for gigs, practice incessantly, probably don’t have health insurance (I didn’t for years) and the average gig pays the same now as it did in 1975. If you have a family, you don’t see them much. But you do it anyway because you MUST. I practice everyday, through a multiplicity of playing related injuries and physical wear
and tear. I’m approaching 70 now but I still can’t wait to hit the practice room. I’m still discovering, learning and growing as an artist and a human being. I cherish every opportunity to make music with my friends and making time for visual art balances me and recharges my batteries. The two disciplines feed and energize each other. It’s certainly not about money anymore, in this age of miniscule streaming revenues for recording artists and composers. Gigs are harder to find. But there is no retirement in my future. I’ll do it as long as I physically can, weather anyone is listening or not. It’s what I do.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding experience I can think of is the feeling I get when I am onstage with the wonderful creative spirits I am privileged to work with and we are creating something that is far greater than the sum of it’s parts…each one dedicated to the music…and connecting with the audience. When the listener gives that palpable energy back to the musicians, it inspires us even more. It’s truly a communion. Magical

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.tomcabrera.com
• Instagram: cabrera.tom
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@tomcabrera8010