Kingsland drummer ready for music academy in Spain

Alistair Deverick’s music career has already seen him tour America twice, now the Auckland drummer is set for the Red Bull Music Academy in Spain.

Alistair, 25, of Kingsland is a drumming teacher by day and a session player by night. Mind you, last year he spent eight months drumming around the United States and Europe with indie/pop band, The Ruby Suns.

In October he will join international musicians in Madrid for The Red Bull Music Academy.

Every year, hopefuls apply for a once in a life time opportunity to attend workshops of lectures and recording sessions. This year musicians from 96 countries applied and 60 people were chosen – two being kiwis. In past years the academy has been held in cities such as London, Melbourne and Cape Town.

Grayson Gilmour, a talented instrumentalist from Wellington, also earned a place in the academy.

As a session player, Alistair is hired to play live for various bands but has also started to focus on his solo career. He applied for the academy with his new material, called Boy Crush.

“One thing I realised when I was away last year (with the Ruby Suns) is that when you play with other people, it is not artistically that satisfying. I really wanted to do something of my own,” he said.

In creating his own music, Deverick wants to do everything including writing his own songs.

“I am trying to write some songs which is a new experience for me. I have always been involved in song writing, but I wasn’t actually writing the song myself,” he said.

He also said that he doesn’t really know what to expect at the academy but is looking forward to the lectures and to learn how other people make their own music.

“Every day there are two hour lectures from people who they fly in from all around the world, it’s really exciting to be able to go and listen to some,” he said.

Prior to joining The Ruby Suns, Alistair was as a member of former hip hop band, The Shades. After graduating from Auckland University with a degree in jazz drumming, he started the band with friends from the course .

Alistair said the application process for the academy was really full on. He answered 50 or so questions and was asked to list his top 10 New Zealand tracks and describe his musical map of the universe.

He said Red Bull is a very big supporter of music and is really looking forward to the 1- day workshop.