Meet Ulf Mickael Wahlgren | Drummer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ulf Mickael Wahlgren and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ulf Mickael, what’s the most important lesson your business/career has taught you?
To have gained a huge respect for other occupations. I think when you dive into something as much as I have into drumming and music, you realize how much time it takes to master something, and that has been a big lesson for me. Another valuable lesson is that you have to be someone that people enjoy hanging out with in the studio and on the road. Playing a show is around 2 hours,
the other hours of the day you are all living together on a bus. Making it pleasant for everyone, including yourself, is crucial.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have always studied the instrument very seriously. I think I realized early on that it would be an important factor to my work life, thanks to teachers like Peter Wildoer. My Father also instilled a hard work ethic in me from a young age, so I’m thankful for that.

As a musician you interact with every type of person there is, and that is a unique lesson in life.
Drumming aside, I think you have to learn how to socialize with people on the road, studio or at rehearsals.

Letting go of your ego is a big thing in music and learning in general, don’t get upset, get eager!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Los Angeles is a massive place, so I would pick a few different pockets in and around the city.

Hiking up in Altadena in the National Forest is a day or two.
I would take them to some neighborhoods, Highland park, Echo park, Silverlake.
I think Downtown has some super good stuff to offer as well, and great restaurants.
Mayhaps end with some thrifting in Hollywood.

What is a book/person/movie that has had a big impact on you?
The new breed by Gary Chester. A drum instructional book. That one really opened up my playing in a profound way. Heavy reading, coordination and playing to a click. A lot of my close friends deserve credit for championing me when I didn’t have work, believing in me as a drummer. Adam Christgau, Alex Balderston, Anders Mouridsen to name but a few.
Of course my teachers growing up introduced me to so much music and exercises that helped me to, guys like Tim Mcintyre, Peter Wildoer, Morgan Ågren, Joel Taylor, Anders Meinhardt

Website: https://www.ulfwahlgren.com

Instagram: @ulf_mickael_wahlgren

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/ulf_mickael_wahlgren

Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2N98aiIAxB80conn6MTPQ0?si=gXqbic6NRqmU1J3y1Ny7uw

Image Credits
Aun Madison Chelsea Kornse