Meet JP Faúndez | Professional Drummer / Musician

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

Hi JP, what is the most important factor behind your success?
Personally, the most important factor behind my success is my faith, I am a Christian. After that, what I consider important to be a successful musician is the perseverance, discipline and be resilient to be able to grow from zero. Also, for me is really important to be honest with my art and have a clear concept of what I want to express in my music.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is all about drums and cymbals. Express what I feel and think through these beautiful instruments and be able to connect with people through my drumming and music. I think what makes me a little bit different from others is the authenticity of myself and different challenges that I have overcome through my life. I am very honored and proud of have received more than 12 scholarships supporting my career and studies, honored to be able to have played and record with some of my favorite musicians in the world as Miguel Bosé, Roy Hargrove, Jesus Molina, Noel Schajris and Kevin Powell, and study in my dreams school Berklee College of Music. I got here as I said before because of my faith in God and my perseverance while experiencing different challenges, it was not easy, I had overcome economic and health problems since I am a kid. Also, I am from a very humble family and being able to study at Berklee was almost impossible, I tried very hard to get into Berklee practicing at least 8 hours every day since I was 12 years old (my neighbors can testify it) and I looked at every little door opened for me as an opportunity to make my dreams happen and I learned to be persistent, keep pursuing your dreams no matter what are the challenges you are living in your life and not hear what doesn’t enrich your journey.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would definitely take my friend to see beautiful places like Agoura Hills, Malibu, Santa Monica Pier, Napa Valley and go to some concerts at Baked Potato. Also I would take my friend to Las Vegas to have some cool time at there.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
WOW! There’s many people that have supported me in many different ways. My first thanks are going to God and my family. My father that gave me my first drum lessons and supporting me in all my dreams. My mom and grandparents that support me with love and encouragement. The church in Linares that gave me the opportunity to experiment and take my first steps in music. I also want to recognize friends that have changed my life and career as one of my first three mentors as Marcelo Orostica, Elias Ramos Jr and Ronald Baez for pushing me since I am 12 years old. Felipe Burgos and Gmusic Academia that supported me with my first scholarship.
I also would like to thanks to people that have inspired me as a musician and as a human being… Dave Dicenso, Neal Smith, Casey Scheuerell, Juan Carlos Faundez, Cristobal Orozco, Felipe Araya and his family, Israel Quelopana, Jesus Molina and Noel Schajris. Also I would like to thank organizations that have support my career, studies and dreams as Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation, The Percussive Arts Society, Berklee College of Music, Zildjian Company, Drumdealer and MaxPro Ears.

Website: www.jpfaundezmusic.com

Instagram: @jpfaundezmusic

Twitter: @jpfaundez

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jpfaundez1/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JuanPabloFa%C3%BAndezA/videos

Image Credits
@danielquinterofotografo @penelopemusic_