INTERVIEW with Brazilian drummer Caio Gaona

A drummer and drum teacher from Brazil, Caio Gaona records drum lines in movies, games and series soundtracks he is also the drummer for Stereo Scream (Hard N Heavy) In Vida (New Metal) and Triscore (Geek Music). Gaona is a creative drummer who uses geek themes in his compositions. His single “LifeLine” released on October 1st through the DyMM P&M label, is based on a theme from a comic book of the same name created in Brazil.

Can you tell us a bit about where you come from and how you got started?

Caio Gaona: I started because I watched an Angra concert and that inspired me to learn the drums.

What inspired you and made you want to learn drums in the first place?

Caio Gaona: An Angra Concert and Shaman DVD

Do you play any other instruments?

Caio Gaona: No, I only play the drums

Who is currently your favorite drummer, and why?

Caio Gaona: Pat Torpey (Mr Big) Eric Singer (Kiss)

For most artists, originality is first preceded by a phase of learning and, often, emulating others. What was this like for you? How would you describe your own development as an artist and music maker, and the transition towards your own style?

Caio Gaona: I played a lot with cover bands like Bon Jovi, Skid Row and Poison Cover then I pick some drum styles from this bands original bands. In 2011 I played with The L.A Glam Metal Band (Tuff) that was a great learning for me.

Tell us something about the idea behind your single release, “Lifeline”, out via the DyMM P&M label?

Caio Gaona: Lifeline is a start of a New Project composing Comics soundtracks to follow the reading I did, inspired by a friend’s comics.

What styles of music do you prefer to play?

Caio Gaona: Hard Rock, New Metal and Djent

Could you describe your creative processes? How do start, and go about shaping ideas into a completed song?

Caio Gaona: I always want to do music based on my experiences and inspired by comics, movies, series, animes and history, so I read a lot, then I start with the drums and guitar, writing it on Guitar Pro. Then I send it to my producer and we work together on the arrangement.

What has been the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure in your career or life so far, and how did you overcome the event?

Caio Gaona: I was a really bad drummer haha then I studied a lot and had to prove myself everyday and in every concert playing with people older and more experienced than me.

What would you consider a successful, proud or significant point in your career so far?

Caio Gaona: Since I started The Geek Drummer Project I received a lot of compliments from a lot of Hollywood composers like Brian Tyler, Danny Elfman and was also invited by Blake Neely to record an episode soundtrack. When I was 20 I played with Tuff from L.A and in 2019 I played with Angra and Shaman’s members.

If someone has never heard your music, which 5 keywords would you personally use to describe what you and your music is all about?

Caio Gaona: Geek, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Emotional, Movies.

How do you stay motivated and inspired?

Caio Gaona: By doing what I love and by people who love my work, and defying myself every day.

Have you picked up any tools or tips over the years that have really helped you perform better?

Caio Gaona: Sure, I’m always learning new skills by playing the drums or social media.

You’re already active in various projects, but if you had a choice to go on tour with any acclaimed international artist or band in the near future, who would you choose, and why?

Caio Gaona: I would love to play with Joey Tempest from Europe Band, play with Pain Of Salvation too, Gotthard.

You’re an incredible innovator, where do you get all your ideas? Do you have a process or is it intuitive?

Caio Gaona: I have a process that started with reading a lot and listening to a lot of music.

Apart from your single releases, what cool stuff have you been working on lately?

Caio Gaona: Im working with my band Toth and in my new songs.

Creative work in studio environment, or interaction with a live audience? Which of these two do you ultimately prefer and why?

Caio Gaona: I love both, the studio environment sometimes seems lonely, but when you see the work done everything becomes wonderful. The live audience is marvelous especially when you are playing original songs.

How much of your work is done at home and what kind of drum set-up do you have?

Caio Gaona: Well, every work I did in pandemic situation was did in home and I have 3 drum setups a digital drums “Roland TD11” and two acoustic drums Mapex Meridian Birch and Ludwig Traveller I have at least 6 cymbals (ride (Istanbul) hi hat (Avatar Bright) Crash (orion x10) Crash (Avatar Bright) splash (Avatar Bright).

What kind of practice routine have you followed to get to your level?

Caio Gaona: I study the drums 4 Hours a day and a lot of subjects like; hand skills, double bass patterns, fills and a lot of music styles besides rock n’ roll.