Meet Chris Bellew | Session/Touring Drummer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chris Bellew and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chris, how do you think about risk?
I think that taking the right risk at the right time is a crucial part of being able to be successful in your chosen career or in your life. The biggest risk I took is also the one that has made me the most happy and been the most rewarding. I risked a lot giving up a future career in commerce to decide to focus on being a professional musician. It was a big risk as it is very hard to be successful in the music industry, but it is also the risk that has paid off as it has forced me to be accountable for myself and to keep pushing towards my dream.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a touring and session drummer from South Africa currently working and living in Los Angeles.

I think the lessons I’ve learnt in my career this far is that nothing is given for free and that pure talent won’t get you that far. You have to continuously put yourself out there and put yourself into uncomfortable situations to be able to really grasp onto your dreams or your career aspirations and to take the opportunities given to you. I’ve moved across multiple countries and cities to be able to start and grow my career and with that came a lot of lessons and growth from putting myself into situations where I could fail and needed to come out on top.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I absolutely love hiking and going to the beach in the Malibu area, maybe seeing the tuna canyon trail and park and then going to watch the sunset at Point Dume or the observatory. I would take them around some areas in the valley such as idle hour or some of the bars on magnolia street in the arts district of Noho. We would also go visit one of the wine farms close by and see the santa monica pier.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to thank my family, for always being supportive no matter how far the light at the end of the tunnel may seem at any given moment. I would also like to thank my friends for their continued support and faith in bringing their music to life and believing that I match their vision.

Instagram: @Chrisbellewdrums

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-bellew-083100199/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVJGH0t_KEdSkh8sRWQl0BA

Image Credits
Justine Rudy Whitney Otte