Paul Alexander Gonzales

Gretsch Artist Since: 2004

Country: US

Band or Affiliations: Dig Infinity, All 4 One, Independent

Current Kit Setup:
Gretsch USA Custom in Satin Dark Walnut
18x22 BD, 9x10 TT, 10x12 TT, 12x14 FT, 14x16 FT
5x14 Full Range Hammered Brass Snare

Influences:
"Some of the many artists whose music has influenced my drumming are: Steve Gadd, Jeff Porcaro, Buddy Rich, Gene Krupa, John Bonham, Neil Peart, Tony Williams, Horacio Hernandez, and Giovanni Hidalgo."

We asked...Why Gretsch?:
"Gretsch is to drums what Stradivarius is to violins… excellence, superiority, and the highest quality in its field. Whether it’s in the studio or live, I use Gretsch because I want to perform on the very best and finest drums."

Advice to aspiring musicians?:
"Be prepared, be professional, and always have respect for the music you are performing and the people you are performing it with."

Bio:
Born and raised in Brownsville, Texas, Paul Alexander Gonzalez began playing drums and percussion when he joined his elementary school band at the age of 11. He received many awards and accolades early on in grade school, and they would continue throughout his high school and college years. Some of these awards include: Texas All State Band/Orchestra (3 years in HS), Most Outstanding Freshman, Junior, and Senior Awards at Sam Houston State University, C.R. Hackney Award for Music Education, the Berklee College of Music Percussion Department Achievement Award, and Regional and State winner of the first Percussive Arts Society International Drum Set Competition.

Paul currently resides in the Los Angeles area, where he is active as a performer, studio musician, and composer. He has had the honor of performing, touring, and or recording with many artists including: The Rembrandts, Chaka Khan, Nelly Furtado, Sheila E, Richie Kotzen, Wynonna Judd, Gloria Estefan, Thalia, Jose Feliciano, Jon Secada, Cristian Castro, Louie Shelton, Carlos Vives, Jorge Calandrelli, Brian McKnight, Lonnie Jordan, DJ Kane, Nicho Hinojosa, Cherie, Jessica Mauboy, Taylor Hicks, Ziggy Marley, Shaila Durcal, Paulina Rubio, and currently with All 4 One / Independent.

Some of Paul’s performances on TV shows, commercials, films, and live television include: The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, "In Performance" at the White House, The Latin Grammys, CD USA, MTV, The US Open, MUN2, Vina Del Mar, Nobel Peace Prize Concert, Hoy, Ritmo Internacional, and Conciertos Clandestinos.

Paul has composed many TV commercial and show cues including work for Univision, UPN show – 7 Days, CSI, CSI Miami, and the FOX show – Johnny Zero. Paul has three published works with Row-Loff Productions: Bump Thump, Blast Off, and Flying Start.

Paul has a B.M. in Music Education from Sam Houston State University, a B.M. in Film Scoring from Berklee College of Music (Summa Cum Laude), and is an Honors Graduate from Hanna High School in Brownsville, Texas.