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

Hi Bernard, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I grew up in a suburb town named Tulln close to Vienna in Austria. My parents sent me and my brother to music school at the young age of 4. I started out on Piano and recorder flute and later switched to the drums which became an obsession and my true calling. My brother and me ended up in a successful band called “New Kids On The Drums and the Session Brothers” which also landed a hitting in the European charts. I also had the opportunity to tour Europe, appear on Hit Parade TV shows and play big stadium gigs as opening acts for major artists like Brian Adams, Chesney Hawks and Extreme when I was only 12 years old. So naturally music became my life. During my teens I got accepted at the University for Music in Vienna and started practicing up to 12 hours per day. I have an extremely strong work ethic, which also comes from my father, who was very strict and in some ways very distant. I wanted to proof myself, and show that I eventually could go to America and stay there. When I first came to LA I needed letters of recommendation for immigration and such amazing people like Phil Collins and Peter Wolf helped me out Looking back I’m extremely grateful for having had a strict dad. It prepared me for the world, gave me perseverance and always having a clear vision in my head. Later on I started to apply the same discipline and principles I developed for my musical drum set to other fields such as the stock market and fine oil painting. It’s just so important to follow a hero figure, know what is possible, and follow that mentor. My first mentor in drumming was Buddy Rich, my mentor in finance became Warren Buffett, in fine art Leonardo DaVinci and in overall life principles Arnold Schwarzenegger. I met Arnold when I first came to Los Angeles. He is also Austrian and also had a very strict father who he rebelled against, just like myself. I have so many similarities with Arnold regarding our upbringing and work ethic. I’ve been in LA for 23 years now, worked with many of the greatest musicians in the world, acted in many indie films, exhibited my art at international shows, did modeling jobs for major international fashion brand, run my own drum company and teach drums as a professor at the famous Musicians Institute in Hollywood, which I love. I want to bring joy in people’s lives, inspire young musicians and artists all over the world and simply try to be a positive force in this crazy world. Please visit my personal website www.Galane.net and check out my music, fine art and instruments.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m a world class Virtuoso Jazz/Fusion Drummer. and played and recorded with many of the best musicians in the world (detailed list on my website www.Galane.net) I also appreciate other styles of music from classical to Rock and progressive metal. In my youth I practiced up to 12 hours per day to master my craft. The instrument always holds a mirror in front of you. It teaches you the value of perseverance and dedication at a very young age. There is no instant gratification and there are no shortcuts. You learn to follow through and constantly work on self improvement. I became addicted to or practicing really hard when I was a kid, because I know the price was getting better day after day. And that’s what I wanted! It’s a beautiful process. I apply these principles to life in general. I have my own instrument brand, wrote 8 books about drums and have educational 10 DVDs out.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh there are many great spots in LA. I love to take my friends to local Jazzclubs, such as the legendary Baked Potato in Studio City where I performed hundreds of times in my early LA years, or Catalina Jazz Club and the Black Rabbit Lounge in Hollywood. I also love visiting Hollywood roof top clubbing and pool parties on the weekend. Then of course the Westside and Venice Beach. A motorcycle ride along Mulholland drive. Oh so much cool stuff to do in LA!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would love to give a shoutout to Buddy Rich, the greatest drummer of all time, for having been such an inspiration all my life and who mesmerized me as a young kid, teaching me self discipline on the instrument and using these principles in all other areas of life. Also to my beautiful mother Brigitte for all her life and support throughout the years. The amazing Phil Collins for his help and support and writing the kindest letter of recommendation for me. Arnold Sdhwarzenegger for teaching me willpower and positive visualization. There are many others, the list is too long.. Thank you!

Website: www.Galane.net

Instagram: Galane_Official

Facebook: GalaneOfficial

Youtube: GalaneTV

Image Credits
Bernard Galane

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