Joseph Arrington

Gretsch Artist Since: 2014

Country: US

Band or Affiliations: A Lot Like Birds, Gold Necklace, Kurt Travis, Independent, Educator

Current Kit Setup:
Renown / New Classic
18x22 BD, 8x10 TT, 9x12 TT, 16x16 FT, 16x18 FT
6.5x14 Hammered Brass, 6.5x14 Chrome over Brass

Influences:
"I grew up on Vinnie Colaiuta, Weckl, Gadd, Tony Williams, and many of the jazz fusion greats. Brian Blade was a huge influence. I try to take inspiration from the likes of Virgil Donati to Jojo Mayer to Antonio Sanchez. I try really hard to channel the things I practice and listen into an emotional and artistic response when I'm writing music and playing live."

We asked...Why Gretsch?:
"For years I worked in a backline shop when I was younger, and i was able to tune up and spend time with the best kits from all the top companies. Gretsch just always stood out to me. The drums had a certain authenticity and essence that I couldn't explain in words. I could get all the other drums to sound good, but eh Gretsch drums just always SANG."

Advice to aspiring musicians?:
"There's no "one-size fits all" mentality to becoming a successful artist. And success is clearly subjective. Take lessons from an instructor, practice hard, and when opportunity inevitable shows up you will be as ready as ever."

Bio:
Joseph Arrington began playing on a drum pad at age 11 and picked up an old used drum kit at age 13. Through drumline, jazz band, punk rock gigs, and Warped tour he was shedding all ideas and styles by the age 21. Since then he has been on more than 20 studio albums and 30 full US and international tours. He is ramping up 2025 with his band A Lot Like Birds and artist Kurt Travis for new music and an entire summer and fall of touring. Joseph is also a dedicated educator and clinician.