Meet Enmanuel Roman | Session Drummer & Educator

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

Hi Enmanuel, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
This is one of those questions that I’ve certainly struggled with for quite some time, and as an artist I sometimes find myself still wondering if this is the right path, or if I should be looking for other avenues. With so much self-doubt born out of every social media post that we are all constantly bombarded with, it’s real easy to fall into the trap that is imposter syndrome. The truth is that I have indeed given up so many times before. I’ve put the sticks away for months at a time. Yet, nevertheless, I find myself behind the drum kit after giving myself some space. It keeps calling back and I can’t help but give into the urge to sit behind the kit once more. I then realize the joy that’s been waiting for me on that throne, having all the self doubt withered during my time away.

Playing drums is something that I’ve done all of my life, since I was months old and I guess there’s something in me that’s deeply tied to this instrument, something that is beyond my ego. I see that as a sign. Almost as if there is no giving up, at least the little kid in me refuses to do so. So I’ve come to terms that I’m just along for this ride, one with many ups and downs. My only job is to get up when I inevitably get down, as well as getting better and faster at doing so. And maybe I’ll be ready enough for when luck strikes at the right place and time to see the pot at the end of the rainbow.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Currently I have my feet in a couple of different places. As of last year I’ve stepped in as the drummer for Luiza Girardello’s band, which is something I’m really excited about since the music we get to play encompasses quite a lot of different styles–pop, alt-rock, r&b, various Brazilian styles, and more–and this keeps me on my toes. The repertoire varies a bit and so I get to tackle different challenges depending on the song at hand.

Secondly, I’m also working closely with a soon to be Berklee Alum–Sebastian Ocqueteau. He is a fantastic guitarist and composer and we are looking to release an EP sometime this year. I’m helping him produce and compose drums for this Progressive Metal project and this is something that I’m very passionate about. The material is extensive, and quite the challenge to perform, but it’s this challenge that keeps me going back to the studio to meticulously work through it. This kind of music, as chaotic and loud as it tends to be, really encompasses so much of what I love about music, and I’m really excited to have people listen to it once it’s ready.

When I’m not performing or working closely with other artists I run private lessons in Boston, MA, out of my own studio. There’s nothing that brings me more joy than having a student go through that “aha!” moment and I live for that. Well that and live performances! I teach young and old, beginner, or advance, and I arrange various lessons all derived from the many years I was a student myself. In fact, I pride myself in the meticulous handmade work that I hand out. This is one of the many benefits of working with me, I’m not just teaching out of a book–of which I got plenty of, trust me on that!–I custom make the lessons, note for note, all according to the needs of the student and work through various systems that adapt to their level of proficiency. I hope to one day gather all of this material and turn it into a method book of my own.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Oh man, I’m arguably the worst guide there is! Haha. Im constantly hopping back and forth from my studio and home. If I’m not busting my butt on the drums then resting for it, that’s my reality. So during my time off I’m looking for something nice and quiet, something along the lines of a bookstore, a park, or a coffee shop. And there are quite a few places I’m fond of. There’s a very nice brunch place in Allston, MA, called The Weekend. It’s a Korean coffee shop with incredible food. If you happen to be around Boston, I’d go out of my way for their croffles. There’s another spot I used to frequent quite a lot when I used to live in Back Bay, Trident Booksellers and Cafe. It’s both a coffee shop and bookstore, so I’m getting the best of both worlds here. But if you just want your straight to the point dinner, you want to go to Charlie’s Sandwich Shoppe. They are hands down the best, when you are looking for some scrambled eggs, pancakes and some good old dinner drip coffee, I really can’t recommend them enough after rowdy night, no other place comes close!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Oh man, there are so many people I’d love to shoutout–my parents for giving me the tools to pave my own path, my wife Luiza Girardello, for being incredibly supportive and for not only coming along this ride with me but for also trusting me to play along with her on her own projects, and so many of my professors and mentors at Berklee College of Music who took me in and showed me what it’s like to be a dedicated musician–Neal Smith, Alberto Netto, and Billy Kilson just to name a few. However one person that has had a huge impact on my career as of late is Blaize Collard. He has given me so much love and guidance over the past few years and has been there as a mentor ever since I graduated Berklee. He singlehandedly rekindled my passion for Metal and has helped me realize a lot of my potential!

Website: eromandrums.com

Instagram: @eroman.drums

Image Credits
Luiza Girardello