Dimitri Fantini

Gretsch Artist Since: 2022

Country: US

Band or Affiliations: Independent, Educator

Current Kit Setup:
USA Custom in Gold Sparkle
7x10" TT, 8x12" TT
14x14" FT, 16x16" FT
14x18" BD, 14x20" BD
5x14" USA Chrome Over Brass Snare
5x14" USA Custom Ridgeland Snare

Influences:
Keith Carlock, Brian Blade, Nathaniel Townsley, Gene Krupa, Vinnie Colaiuta, Steve Gadd

We asked...Why Gretsch?:
"As soon as I played Gretsch for the first time I knew I had found my sound … Not only do they feel amazing to play, but they record so perfectly that I can’t imagine making music without them! "

Advice to aspiring musicians?:
"Learn as much as you can about the musicians that came before you … Most of them put in decades of hard work before you ever heard of them - be patient and persistent and you will find your path!"

Bio:
In recent years, Dimitri Fantini has become known on the world stage for his unique voice as a musician and educator. Originally from Philadelphia, Dimitri received a drumset for his very first birthday and never stopped from there. He cut his teeth in recording studios throughout his childhood and high school years, studying at Cab Calloway School of the Arts. Today, Dimitri can be found producing and recording out of Red Bridge Studios in Savage, Maryland, where he creates music for a wide range of artists and projects.

In the education sphere, Dimitri has pushed the boundaries of how the drums are traditionally taught, finding new and innovative ways to help the next generation of musicians. His book “The Total Drummer: a guide to developing your style, feel, touch, groove and more” was published by Hal Leonard in 2022 and continues to receive high accolades.

“To me, music and rhythm are a language full of possibilities not yet explored,” says Dimitri. “I want to help other musicians find ways to explore those possibilities, because they will imagine ways to express themselves that you or I would never think to.” Dimitri’s unique take on rhythm and education now finds him building an extensive curriculum for drum students, held both on his website and across social media.