Meet Albert Kurniawan | Drummer

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

Hi Albert, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
I think persistence is the most important factor behind my success. I put “success” in quotation marks because the meaning is subjective. Many people associate success with fame, wealth, or status. To me, success means being able to make a living doing what I love and I feel that this only comes through persistence and consistency. The journey may have a rough start, but in the end, it’s totally worth it.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Aside from being a professional drummer, I also run a small online store called Signal To Thread (Instagram: @signaltothread), which specializes in musical instruments and apparel.

The idea started about two years ago, but I only recently turned it into a reality. It hasn’t been easy, but I definitely enjoy investing my time and effort into building this small business. Since I’m handling almost everything on my own, there are definitely challenges. It’s not a corporation, and I don’t have any employees yet, but it’s growing. I just need to stay consistent with this side hustle.
Also, every challenge has taught me something valuable. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that creating content takes a lot of patience and time. From editing videos to writing engaging captions for product listings, every detail requires effort. It has given me a whole new appreciation for content creators and influencers because it truly isn’t as easy as it looks!

That being said tho, here’s a little backstory about Signal To Thread.
Signal To Thread (STT) is a musician driven shop focused on instruments, gear, and apparel inspired by music, style, and craftsmanship.
Established in 2024, Signal To Thread began as a small effort helping musician friends find great instruments and pieces that fit their style. What started among friends grew into a shop that blends the culture of guitars, gear, drums, motorcycles, and independent music offering carefully selected instruments alongside original clothing designs, both vintage and new.
From stage ready instruments to music inspired apparel, everything is carefully selected with working musicians, creators, and style minded individuals in mind.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Dang, this is always a tough one but from top of my head I would say for a vibe you should check out The Black Cat in Silverlake. If you want some great bagels try Courage in Silverlake (the bagels are fire). Thai food and vibe check out Sticky Rice in Highland Park. Taco Ave 26 for late night tacos. Bike Shed if you’re into motorcycles and brunch. And for cheap All You Can Eat Korean BBQ go to Castle Bbq in Koreatown.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First, thank you so much for inviting me back for another interview! I really appreciate the opportunity, and I think it’s amazing what you all are doing for the community.
I have a few people I’d like to give a shoutout to:
shoutout to SIN DIRECCION from Long Beach, California (what’s up Gustavo, Richard, and Chris!)
I’d also like to give a shoutout to my church family at Victory Outreach Downey, the worship team, and a special shoutout to Pastor Freddy Gurrola and Mary Gurrola.

Website: https://www.signaltothread.com

Instagram: @signaltothread and @albertjamesmusic

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@albertjamesmusic

Image Credits
photo credits:

Richard Mendez Photography