I am lucky enough to have been profiled in Geoff Nicholls book “Banging On: “Alan has developed the ability to play at wrist breaking speeds” (Geoff Nicholls, Rhythm Magazine/Making Music).
I’ve been playing the drums since I was 10. I did my first gigs in my fathers Irish Ceilidh band. Starting on Bodhran, I saved up for my first kit by playing at folk festivals & busking jigs & reels with my Dad. I come from a long line of much better musicians than me. My great Grandfather was a military drum maker and received silver drum sticks for winning the Irish championships. I have a good tradition to maintain and a lot to aspire to.
I’ve been a session drummer for many years. I’m a JHS, RhythmTech & Regal Tip “Keyplayer” and Dream Cymbals endorser. My Drumming highlights include: playing
tours and festival gigs including Glastonbury, playing Djembe with Gambian band Roots Manding in West Africa, making a dub album with legendary lyricist Benjamin Zephaniah, an acoustic album with award-winning artist Emma Rugg, a chart-topping country album with Glenn Williams and headlining dance festivals with Endoflevelbaddie.
I’ve also been in Gear Magazine, Music Week and many other publications. I’ve played countless radio sessions & had BBC Radio 1 airplay. I have also had the honour of being profiled by the late great John Peel on Channel 4 and have not only played on, but also directed videos on MTV.
I am currently gigging with legendary world dance fusion band Celtarabia & electro hip hop producer endoflevelbaddie. Hip Hop has been a big part of my career and I was honoured to receive the Zulu Nation Wisdom Award for Hip Hop in 2016.
I won Drum Teacher of the year 2013 and currently Chair the World Drumming Network.
My profile in Gear Magazine: http://www.jhs.co.uk/alanraw.html
Alan Raw 