Brandon Commodore

Brandon Commodore

Stokley, New Power Generation

I cut my teeth in the versatile music scene of the Twin Cities. Subbing on gigs for the likes of Michael Bland, Stokley Williams and Brian Kendrick. I began touring with grammy award winning Sounds of Blackness in 2005. Next i joined Mint Condition in 2008, which took me all over the globe. In 2017, Mint's lead singer Stokley tapped in to his solo artistry, and asked me to lead his band. After a few dates with St. Paul and the MPLS Funk All-Stars in 2018, i got the call to join Prince's former band, NPG.

Brandon
Commodore's
IN 3

Brandon Commodore's
IN 3

  • WHAT INSPIRES YOU?

    I draw from the energy of the whole band. My friends and I jokingly recall a moment when our keyboard player got so lost in the music and the moment, he closed his eyes and leaned back into the curtains on the back of the stage, I knew then as a band we had reached the level of ultimate musicality and performance. I realized for myself that I'd done all the preparation, rehearsing, programming and was at the point where I could just focus on playing. I love that, when I don't have to worry about my ears, or all the electronics, and just PLAY to my best ability.

  • WORDS OF WISDOM FOR THE NEXT GENERATION OF DRUMMERS

    As a creator, I'm inspired by other artists. Especially other instrumentalists, other genres or styles. I watch a ton of documentaries on artists, bands, writers and producers and a draw a great deal of inspiration from seeing scenes in the studio, or hearing stories of when a certain song was created and how they recall what inspired them in that moment. As a drummer, my inspiration comes from live performance. I'm always studying other acts, and other MD's that I look up to, always wanting to elevate the show.

  • FAVORITE ZILDJIAN CYMBAL/COMBO

    The "why" is simple. It feels the best. It obviously goes without saying how important the right stick is for a drummer. And for me, Vic firth has always felt the best, feels the best with my grip and technique.

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