Tahlequah drummer James Webb has always been drawn to the drum set and plans to never let the beat of the music leave his system.
Webb said she became interested in music because her brother always played vinyl records. His love of music continued after he started learning instruments in the sixth grade, but he didn't start with percussion. The clarinet was his instrument of choice until his seventh grade year.
“When I was in seventh grade, I decided I couldn't do that anymore,” Webb said. “I was a clarinet player. [and a] As a young guy, I thought, “There's no way I'm ever going to meet a girl who plays the clarinet.'' So I decided to start playing percussion. ”
Webb continued to pursue drumming throughout high school and college, and also participated in Drum Corps International. One of the reasons Webb started playing percussion was to meet girls, he said, but he also simply felt naturally drawn to the instrument.
“Early on in the band, we were always with the drummer when it came to percussion,” Webb said. “I hung out with them more than my own group and was always watching them. I tend to move my body a lot when I play music, and the drums just called to me.”
Since finding his passion for the drums, Webb said he has never looked back because drums are what fulfills him. Webb has performed with several musical groups over the years, most recently The HYPE and Radio Nation. Radio Nation plays a lot of dance rock music, while The HYPE plays a little bit of everything.
Webb had the opportunity to tour the United States with the group Stonelily in the '90s, but now plays mostly local shows around Tulsa and Tahlequah. Bands such as Junk Box, Stomphonic, and Stone Lily helped him learn how to play different musical genres. Although Webb is no longer a member of Junk Box and Stone Lily, he still continues to perform almost every weekend.
Webb described how everyone feels when they find their safe place or where they're meant to be, and Webb said he experiences that every time he sits down at his drum set.
“I still think about it every day. I listen to new music, new drummers, and I like going out into the city and the musician community and seeing new artists. I like those types of people,” Webb said. said. “I'm still banging on the steering wheel. I woke up and thought, “What's the next unwanted item from Guitar Center? I don't know. I've always been drawn to it, and I'm so excited for it to disappear from my system.'' Never.”
check it out
James Webb will perform with The HYPE at Kroner & Bear on Saturday, June 22nd at 7pm.