McCoy Gibbs

Country: US

Band or Affiliations: Lauren Alaina

Current Kit Setup:
USA Custom in White Glass
14x24 BD, 9x13 TT, 16x16 FT, 16x18 FT
6.5x14 Hammered Chrome over Brass snare
6x10 Ash side snare

Influences:
Dr. Gadd, Vinnie, Eddie Bayers, Eric Kretz, Carter Beauford, and a plethora of other musicians from a wide range of genres and time periods. The Eagles, Michael Jackson, Tonic, STP, Heart, Boyz II Men, The Temptations, Earth Wind & Fire.

We asked...Why Gretsch?:
"I found Gretsch kind of by accident many years ago as I was starting to take drums more seriously as a possible profession. I found a Catalina Club kit in the big rock sizes on eBay because I needed something affordable but solid. What started as a chance purchase for a bar gig tour, turned into a love affair with the best made drums around. I continue to choose Gretsch for their high standard of production and the extreme range of musicality I get from their instruments. "

Advice to aspiring musicians?:
"You have to love what you do. That will get you through those early struggles. Be prepared, on time and easy to work with and be around. Smile, listen, play clean and confidently, listen, say yes until you have to say no, and listen."

Bio:
Florida native, McCoy Gibbs, made the move to Nashville, TN at 18 years old to pursue a Music Business degree at Belmont University. He not only earned that degree, but also made lifelong connections and friendships, and fell in love with the city, energy and opportunity that is Nashville. The crazy part is that McCoy didn't really learn to play drums until his college years. For this natural musician, drums and rhythm came naturally and he finally found his groove.

After college, McCoy emerged as a drummer while playing with pop/rock band Hot Chelle Rae and went on to become an independent drummer to soak in all the music he could. All the while meeting tons of musicians, bands and artists, cutting his teeth on the grind of Nashville's Broadway music scene, jumping in a van for a random show in Montana, singing harmonies on a friend's demo, and loving every minute of it. In 2013 the hard work paid off when McCoy successfully auditioned for CMA nominated Duo of the year, Love and Theft, and hit the road for the busiest year of his life to that point. It hasn't slowed down since.
From touring to Broadway bars and live TV performances to music videos and award shows, McCoy has kept himself quite busy. McCoy is currently playing with country star Lauren Alaina, and continues to find other ways to fill in the occasional off day with sessions, shows, a round of golf or hanging with his dog.

Other credits include: CMT Award House Band (8 years), Cole Swindell, Phil Keaggy, Chase Bryant, Striking Matches, Will Hoge, Because Villains, Sheyna Gee.