Bruno Dorella (OvO - drums,)
SPB: Walk our readers through your self-described “minimal drum kit.” How did you arrive at your sizes of what to include (or not include)?
Dorella: There are different reasons why I choose to play without kick drum. First, when I started playing drums in a band I didn't really know how to play. I was a guitar player with a good groove, but that was it. I didn't own a drum kit, nor did I have money or space in my flat to get one. But people kept saying I was talented, so I took a couple of lessons and I started to take it seriously. But I felt I was a quite standard drummer. Not the best, not very original, just a normal drummer. I wanted my own sound. Plus, I'm right-handed and left-footed. I was influenced by the most tribalistic parts of Neurosis, and a big fan of the Babes In Toyland drummer; I was looking for that wild approach. And finally I stepped into Teenage Jesus and the Jerks. Boom. Stand-up drums. All the wild, tribal sound you need. In fact, there are just three sounds you really need. Boom (kick or floor tom). Cha (snare). Tsss (cymbals). So I started with snare/floor tom/ride cymbal, only. Then I integrated a hi hat (which forced me to sit down, and this is good for my back) and Roland SPDSX pads. A drum set should just be what you need it to be. Looking for your own set is a lot of fun, a sort of signature."
