Hello, my fellow drummers!

My name is Brandt Frenchman, and I’ve been a drummer for most of my life. My parents started me with lessons at the age of five, after I showed an aptitude for beating on pots and pans. I love all types and styles of music, although I’ve always gravitated toward the heavier rock side of things. I grew up in a family surrounded by music. My brother Shep is a great self-taught drummer. My father can just about play everything and played in a few bands, and my mother played piano and flute. I was born and raised in Gainesville, Florida, home of the Fighting Gators, and yes, I bleed orange and blue. In high school I discovered some of the rewards of playing in a rock ’n’ roll band–good times and bad girls!

After graduating high school I moved to L.A. and attended the Percussion Institute Of Technology. I lived in California and worked as a musician for eight years, touring, teaching, and picking up studio work when I could. Eventually, longing to be back on the East Coast, I packed my bags and headed to the Big Apple to attend Drummers Collective. Most young musicians moving to New York have to scrape by, live in lofts with seven other people, and eat ramen noodles for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I was lucky–I lived with my cousin Steve, who was established and livin’ large. It was a blast! It was my uncle Mike (Steve’s dad) who gave me the opportunity to follow my dreams in Manhattan. Without my uncle, things would have worked out much differently for me, and I’ll always love him dearly for the inspiration he continues to provide.

I’ve been fortunate to study with some of the world’s finest teaching professionals, including Dave Weckl, Vinnie Colaiuta, Terry Bozzio, Kenny Aronoff, Steve Gadd, Rob Morgenstein, Peter Erskine, Joe Porcaro, and Jeff Porcaro–to name a few. Wow, what a great experience! I’m lucky enough to currently endorse Paiste cymbals and Shine Custom Drums. Advertisement

I’ve recorded and toured with platinum recording artists such as Sister Hazel and many other high-profile projects, including Liquid Vinyl, Wildsun, King Payne, and many more. I’ve also worked as a music educator, which was a very fulfilling experience. I try to drum with a unique method that blends independent coordination and the use of syncopated rhythms in a heavy groove style.

My current projects include drumming with Fall Of Envy, an Orlando-based rock band. Fall Of Envy has recently released its first album, Poetic Rage, and has supported national recording artists such as 3 Doors Down, Sevendust, Chevelle, Buckcherry, Daughtry, Disturbed, Nonpoint, Papa Roach, and Saliva.

We were just featured on the CW Network in a promo for the 2009 fall and mid-season lineup, including the hit TV shows Smallville, Beverly Hills 90210, Gossip Girl, and Supernatural. We are also featured on Channel One, the premier broadcast network for teens, reaching more than 6 million viewers across the country. Most notably, we have been named the official band of the XFC–the Xtreme Fighting Championship League. You can check out our track “For You,” which was chosen to be the theme song for the XFC’s nationally televised MMA series scheduled to premiere to 80 million viewers this summer. The one-hour episodes will open with a video/sizzle reel of our band. It’s really cool! Advertisement

I’m currently in the studio with the band writing our next record. Be sure to check out our music and sign up for our newsletter to get updates on our album. We have plans to tour in the fall/winter, so please check in for dates as well. I’ve been so blessed to have music in my life, and I appreciate everything and anything drums. Believe in your dreams and never give up!

Check out Fall Of Envy at www.myspace.com/fallofenvy.