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

Hi Robzie, why did you pursue a creative career?
I pursued a career as a professional musician due to several key factors in my life. Firstly, as a first-generation Caribbean-American with Jamaican and Panamanian roots, music has always been an integral part of our traditions and culture. Growing up, I was naturally drawn to it and going the musically creative route was no surprise to my family.

My mother played a significant role in nurturing my musical talents. She had me taking piano lessons at the age of 4 or 5, followed by guitar lessons at 8 and drums at 10. She invested a lot of time and money into my passions and I am grateful to her. Moreover, she accidentally provided me with access to mentorship through her connection with Rudy Byrd, who was Lauryn Hill’s drummer and percussionist during the peak of her album “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.” Despite his busy schedule and few fleeting visits, Rudy made a significant impact on me. He not only taught me various drumming skills and techniques but also showed me that pursuing a career in music was a viable option. As a girl drummer his gift of validation gave me even more encouragement.

The power of self-expression through music is profound. It transcends cultural and ideological boundaries, uniting people from all walks of life. While the sheer joy of performing played a significant role in my decision to pursue a career as a drummer, my foundational reason stems from a desire to contribute to fixing a broken world. Music has the potential to heal, inspire, and bring about positive change, and I am driven by this purpose in my musical journey.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I feel incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to play drums in a wide range of bands and projects. From recording with renowned producers like Niko Bolas and Ghian Wright to making an impact in the DIY scene with groups like RadaR Rockband and The OSYX, my musical journey has been diverse and fulfilling. One of the highlights for me is being involved with the non-profit organization This Could Go Boom, where I can advocate for others. I am particularly excited about the work we have planned for this year. Additionally, as a new mother, I am motivated to create programs that support pregnant musicians and those balancing a career in music with family responsibilities.

What sets me apart is my eagerness to collaborate with artists from different genres and diverse backgrounds. I find great joy in bridging gaps between people and communities through music. Although my journey has had its challenges, including being tokenized and facing the pressure to cater to the male gaze while proving myself quickly in the studio, I never gave up. Those obstacles have shaped me into a stronger individual and have equipped me with the knowledge to support others in their musical endeavors. Ultimately, I aspire for the legacy of my brand to be rooted in “faith in humanity.” I believe that with each new generation, we can and will improve – creating a better world.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
In the Los Angeles area, we would certainly need to satisfy our vinyl cravings by hitting up PooBah records. We would skim some of the local acts’ work and buy a couple records with cool samples to mess with on my mpc one or sp 404! The food options are plentiful but I think taking them to eat lunch at The Old Place is a must – it’s historic and quaint and the food is amazing. Dinner would have to be at Ruen Pair simply because I have been craving it since the last time I ate there. Hopefully I’d be able take them to an art show at iam8bit on Sunset blvd. The area is sort of touristy but super fun and I am not apologetic about it. A warehouse party hosted by some local DIY folk would be on the list. Grabbing a drink at Slipper Clutch and catching a show at the Mint would be on my list of activities as well. Some fun at A Club Called Rhonda would also have to be arranged.

If a friend came to visit while I am in DC, first and foremost, brunch at Nellies – if they’ll be in town on a Sunday. A good friend of mine hosts a fantastic drag brunch there and this is an absolute must. We would go hang out at Smash Records – this would be essential if they have never been to DC before just because it is a punk and indie staple. They sell some cool novelty items there in addition to records. Som records is a few blocks away so we could hit that too. While in the Adams Morgan area, we would get lunch at Hilo Sushi before going to see some familiar faces from the local scene at 7drums if there is a jam happening. We’ll get some local brews from DC Brau and hopefully see a local band play there too. We can then venture down to Songbyrd for an awesome show surrounded by awesome people and staff. Or maybe we’d go to the Black Cat. We’d have to do both while they are in town. A late night visit to Old Ebbitt for some oysters and drinks would have to follow Black Cat. Maybe we’ll run into a couple drunk senators.

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 was truly gifted with a few encouraging souls throughout my life and journey. I must mention that during my time in private school, I had a remarkable experience learning guitar from Sister Jenkins, an African-American Catholic nun who ran an after-school guitar club. I vividly remember my first performance at eight years old. I forgot some lines in the song and froze on stage, but Sister Jenkins started clapping and dancing, encouraging the audience to join in. This allowed me to regain my confidence and finish the song. The experience instilled in me a love for being on stage. Most important, Sister Jenkins also imparted a crucial mindset to me: that on stage, I am the thermostat, not the thermometer. This mindset is vital for drummers, and I credit her for embedding it in my core. Next I absolutely need to shout-out all the musicians in my life who have been allies to me or who have given me the priviledge of being their ally. I was inspired to advocate for the LGBTQ+ community after witnessing numerous unfortunate occurances where bandmates were threatened, or made to feel extremely uncomfortable being themselves. My co-founders and I launched a 501(c)(3) non-profit called, This Could Go Boom to uplift marginalized musical voices because we were moved to help make the music industry more equal and equitable.

Website: www.robzietrulove.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/robzie_trulove_drums

Other: LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/robzietrulove

Image Credits
Dionne McDonald Oakwa Andrew Solutions Mattie Myrtle Photos

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