My name is Joshua Westbrook. For as long as I can remember, music (in particular, drumming) has been a major part of my life. I guess it’s safe to say that ever since I was a kid, I’ve always known that being a musician is what I’ve wanted to do with my life. I realized right away, however, how certain people felt about that. Yes, even a child can understand what adults mean when he or she hears them talking about “musicians are losers who get strung out on drugs and hang out in the gutter” or the classic “its a pipe dream, its the hardest job in the world!”
Thank God, I was too young to know to get discouraged from all that I was hearing people say about musicians and the life of a musician. I loved it too much and was having WAY too much fun. I loved the place that music and arts took me. Simply put (without detail), music saved my life.
I started playing drums when I was 3 years old and haven’t stopped since. I just fell in love with something about it; I’m still not quite sure what it is, except for how it makes me feel. Writing music is also something that I fell in love with several years later. I do NOT consider myself to be any type of virtuoso, but I’ll tell anyone that it’s as honest as it gets and I love what I write, and feel truly blessed to do what I do. I do however, come from a long line of musicians. My father, Randy Westbrook has been a guitarist and bassist his entire life in successful bands such as Chain Reaction and Bad Credit, both in Newnan, GA. My grandfather, Clifford “Chunk” Dingler has been a western swing guitarist his entire life, and has performed with such people as Cal Collins, Chet Atkins, and Johnny Cash to more recent artists such as Alison Krauss and all of the Motel 6 commercials. He has won many awards (entire closet full) and remains humble to this day. My grandmother Louise is also a singer, and both her and my grandfather were on the radio during the 1940′s and 50′s singing songs, and jingles out of Atlanta when they fell in love and the rest is history.
I’ve been inspired by many different types of people, both musically and in life in general by their talents, gifts and purposes. It’s all one love as far as I’m concerned. But if I have to pick a favorite drummer that really influenced me it would be the amazing Stewart Copeland of the band The Police. His playing, style, and chops I grew up with are some of the most amazing and clean drums tracks I have ever heard in my life. Although he never claims to be a studio musician, his studio tracks remain timeless and incredible to this day. Another recent favorite (since the mid 90′s) is the incredible Carter Beauford (Dave Matthews Band). I think his playing is the best in the world, and I have the greatest time learning to play his music. Its a good work out!
I have toured and/or recorded with Lifehouse, Chunk Dingler, Melanie Susuras, Star 69, Bloated Dogs, Take This, Tequila Mokingbird, Evanston Street, Orion, Jonestown Punch, Ryan Tracy Band, Mike Motisko, Remington Way, Midnight Rose, Big Head Todd & The Monsters, Wendy Washburn, Gregg Allan, Hills Rolling, Primitive Radio Gods, and many others.
My drumming skills were refined by the talents of classic drummer Steve Smith from 1999-2000. This amazing ‘classical’ training, combined with my ‘street’ experience make for a great combination on studio and on stage. An intense knowledge of styles and knowing ‘what is right for the song’, as well as highly developed reading skills and extreme versatility on all of the percussion instruments make for a ‘one stop shopping’ experience for producers, artists, songwriters and bands. I am also a clinician/teacher. My teachings/clinics focus on the musical, mental and business skills necessary for success in the music business.
Personal Life
I was born in Newnan, GA to Randy Westbrook and Cathy Dingler on August 29th, 1978. I lived in Georgia until 1981 when my parents divorced. My mother relocated to Colorado, and it was there I grew up. I didnt have a model childhood and went through a tremendous amount of unfortunate life events in my younger years. I kinda had life figured out early at the age of 8. I graduated in 1996 from Smoky Hill High School at the age of 17. In 2004 I had enough of being away from my family, and moved back to Georgia. I currently reside in the beautiful city of Athens with my two daughters. It turned out to be a great career and personal move!
I started playing the drums when I was only three years old. Self-taught from this young age. I joined my first band in 1994, and had my first paying show in 2000 in Ft. Collins, CO at Brders Book Store with the Melanie Susuras Band (I still have the first dollar I made from that show). From then on, it has been one big musical ride!
I also teach drums to anyone interested in it. It is one of my other passions, besides photography, watching hockey and baseball, and enjoying aviation and my family.
Thank you for reading, and I hope to see you at a show soon!
