Brian Griffin

Gretsch Artist Since: 2013

Country: US

Band or Affiliations: Independent

Current Kit Setup:
USA Custom in Twilight Glass
8x13 RT, 16x16 FT, 14x22 BD
6.5x14 USA Bell Brass SD
5x14 Gretsch USA Phosphor Bronze SD
5.5x14 USA Custom Natural Gloss finish SD

Influences:
"New York City, New Orleans, Memphis, Detroit, Rio de Janeiro, Zigaboo Modeliste, Art Blakey, Elvin Jones, Al Jackson Jr., Shawn Pelton - the list goes on..."

We asked...Why Gretsch?:
"I got to sit in on someone's Gretsch USA Custom kit at a big gig once, and I was amazed at how the drums sang right back to me. I was hooked!"

Advice to aspiring musicians?:
"Be an attentive student of all the things that make you unique, no matter how small- the music you like, the art, the movies, the food - all of it."

Bio:
A first-call sideman and in-demand session musician, Los Angeles-based drummer and recording artist Brian Griffin has forged a singular path as a versatile and dynamic performer, known for balancing sparkling technique with a warm vintage sound and deep musicality in his work with some of the most respected roots, rock and Americana artists today. He has worked extensively with The Black Crowes, Lana Del Rey, Brandi Carlile, Patti Smith, and Richard Marx, and performed or recorded with Rodney Crowell, Alessia Cara, Dionne Warwick, the Wallflowers, Brett Dennen, Nikki Lane, Greg Holden, Sharon Jones, Iggy Pop, Rumer, David Gray, Butch Walker, Fee Waybill, Lera Lynn, The Lone Bellow, and John Popper, among many others.

Brian’s many recording credits include the Black Crowes Grammy-nominated record “Happiness Bastards”, Brandi Carlile’s Grammy-nominated record The Firewatcher’s Daughter; Lana Del Rey’s Certified Gold albums Ultraviolence and Honeymoon; and Alessia Cara’s Top 40 hit single Out of Love.

Most recently, Brian produced and recorded his debut album "BG & Coyote Radio - Drive West" which features NYC luminaries Adam Levy, Jamie McLean, Andy Hess and Jon Solo.

Brian plays Gretsch drums, Istanbul AGOP Cymbals, Evans drum heads and Vater drumsticks.