Robo Chops

I believe in pursuing my interest that people recognize, the drums. Hi, my nickname is Robo Chops. My friend came up with the name because he was thinking about Robo Cop and transferred it to Robo Chops. Robo would be related to my first name, Robert. Chops would represent my good handling with the drumsticks. A question that seems to come out of everyone’s mouth is, “Who’s your inspiration?” My response is Travis Barker. I know lots about the drums, including my idol. After playing for nearly ten years, the drums have been my best friend.

My love affair with the drums started when I was about eight years old. It grew from a spark to an explosion! At first it went from tapping on my thighs to banging on a drum set. I got my first drum set in the year of 2000. I have a four piece set with a standard cymbal set. At first I started out with the basics and slowly worked my way up as the years went by. In the year of 2006, I upgraded from a single pedal to a double bass pedal. As I upgraded on my double bass pedal, my speed was out of control! As I matured on the drum set, my dream of going big increased by a silver of a drumstick. Doing something that you like takes time and practice.

Most people learn how to play the drums by getting drum lessons from a skilled drummer. In my case, listening to music and watching videos on You Tube basically taught me. I mostly watched drum solo videos of Travis Barker. I studied every movement and repeated the sticking process. Listening to music was a little more challenging because there was nothing to watch to see what was being done. I guess you can say that I play by ear. Almost everything I hear, I can play back on the drums. In a way, this is a gift to me from the unknown. When I’m behind the kit, this is when the magic happens. I’m comfortable and relax while playing. Where my skills are today forces me to learn more and perform even better.

Playing the drums also builds character depending on what style a person likes. Since I consider myself as a rock drummer, it brings the huge amount of energy out of me. As a “rocker”, my style completely shows itself. It made me as a person. It tells you who you really are.

I will continue to follow a path that satisfies me even if my dream doesn’t come true. I will never back down from doing something I love most and am good at.

In my mind, I accomplished my dream just by being really good at it.

That’s what I believe.