An Interview with Caden Allitt
We recently interviewed a teen drummer for the Cliché Teen Journal Interview Blog page.
Read about the interview below!
*A conversation with Caden Allitt a 13 year old drummer.*
Question 1: When did you first start singing or playing your musical instrument?
My parents told me that I have been banging on pots and pans since I was toddler. I officially started taking lessons at age 6 and got my first full set when I was 8. I started to learn guitar and bass on my own when I was about 10.
Question 2: What drew you towards your love for music?
I was born with it. I don’t ever remember not having a song in my head, or banging on a desk, or learning new music. I like to experiment with new instruments and also play all mallet instruments, timpani and percussion instruments.
Question 3: What musicians/bands/singers are you inspired by?
I really like Rock Music. My favorite bands include Dio, Rainbow, Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, and Iron Maiden. Band’s I like that are a more recently popular would be Green Day, Foo Fighters, Artic Monkey, and Opeth. My most recent favorite band is the band I play drum for called Soundproof.
Question 4: What do you enjoy the most about being a singer/musician?
I like to pay different types of drums. I am in the High School marching band. Playing in organized group of 150 people is a challenge. I play in a Rock band with 5 members. I also spend time each week with a one on one instructor . All three of these are fun and different. It keeps things interesting.
Question 5: How would you describe your “sound”/genre of music you like to play or sing?
My Band, Soundproof, plays a mix of Grunge/Rock/Indie music. We play covers and originals. Our sound is full of Rock with soulful lyrics. When I play with Marching Band it is more orchestrated and precision oriented.
Question 6: What is your goal in the musical career pathway?
Personally I would like to be known as a musician that plays multiple instruments very well. (I also play guitar and bass). It would be cool to make a living playing music. I really think our band is on our way to bigger gig’s. I also would like to play in a Marching Band During College. I play with the High School band Indoor Percussion Ensemble (as a middle school student) and I can see me continuing that through my higher education.
Question 7: What qualities do you believe a good musician/singer should possess?
I think stage presence is really important. You can be the best musician but when you are on stage it you don’t have stage presence you will loose you audience. You have to bring them on the ride and make them feel like they are watching a show. Not just a couple of people on stage playing a song.
Question 8: How do you feel when you sing/play music?
I feel lucky to have a the ability to make music. I know a lot of people (like my mom) can’t play any instruments or sing. It is such a huge part of my life, I am not sure what I would do if I didn’t play every day. I am either at practice for school, practice for Soundproof, or at a lesson. Of course, playing live to a packed house is the best.
Question 9: What is the best advice you were ever given (Doesn’t have to relate to singing)?
“Be loose”. My first drum instructor Mr. Reid told me this when I was 6 and every instructor since has said the same thing. If you are tense it is not possible to play with feel or speed.
Last Question: Anything else to add?
Caden is a 13 year old Drummer who also plays Guitar, Bass, and all instruments included in Percussion for concert band as well at Marching Band. He is also one of the founding members and Drummer for the band called Soundproof out of Knoxville, Tn.
View Caden's Instagram: @Cadenrocks
Click the link below to view one of his video's