Meet Andrea Dionisi | |Drummer, Composer

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

Hi Andrea, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Risks play a big role every time I take decisions in my life or in music. I see risks as something new that I wanna explore, but at the same time worry me. I always consider negative and positive aspects, but if the risk is connected with something depends of my effort and my goals I always consider it in a positive way. As a musician, every time I play with new people, in different environments and situations could be a risk because these are new situations where I don’t know exactly how it should be. In my opinion, to evolve as a person and as a musician it is important to take risks and learn from mistakes while keeping an open mind and ready for any situation that can happen in life.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Music has always been an important part of my life. I started playing the drums at 8 years old. Since there I have always felt a great passion for playing with other people and sharing time and ideas with them. I had a long path, but I feel I am still at the beginning. After years of practicing and playing I understood how you will never stopped to learn and you will never feel ready enough. I like to look at music as a process in which every different situation you live becomes part of your art and style. Since I was young I had many different musical experiences such as different wind bands, pop rock, funk/fusion and jazz bands. A hard challenge for me is the practice routine. Sometimes can be difficult practicing drums every day alone in a small room for many hours. I like spending time with people, and not alone. Every time I practice my strategy is to think about improving to play with more and better people and I try to set myself big monthly goals and small daily goals, optimizing the process.
One of the features of my playing that I am most proud of is the ability to adapt my style and sound depending on the situation while maintaining my personality on the instrument. I love serving the music and making everyone comfortable to play with me.
Today I feel very lucky to work with my art in front of audiences at festivals and jazz clubs with wonderful people who share my same passion and desire to grow.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting Boston, I would start from the Common Park, which is my favorite place in the summer because I can feel connected with the nature. From there also starts the Freedom Trail which is an amazing path through significant and historical Boston locations such as the Old North Church in the North End and the Bunker Hill Monument in Charlestown, the Old South Meeting House, the Old State House, and the Paul Revere House. Since I am originally from Italy I would suggest the Neapolitan pizzeria called MAST near the Common Park too. The Pizza is delicious. After a great dinner I would go to some jazz clubs such as Wally’s, The Beehive, The Lilypad, and Scullers, or I would go to some pubs in downtown or close to the Fenway Park.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate my Shoutout to my mentors Neal Smith, Billy Kilson and Tiger Okoshi. They changed my prospective of music and life. They are the best musicians and teachers I have ever met. I was part of their ensembles during my studies at Berklee College of Music, and their human and musical sensitivity as well as their great professionalism had a huge impact on my journey.

Instagram: @andrea_dionisi