I am a professional drummer based in the DC area and I am available for performances and sessions. I am extremely versatile and professional, with experience in many genres!
Andrew did an incredible job! Very happy I asked him to help out with my project!
Andrew is very professional and not hard to deal with. He follows simple instruction and accommodated all my requests. I will definitely use his service again and will refer to my friends. He has an amazing talent, very nice and on time! Thank you so much for being part of performance!
I asked for Andrew's expertise to drum for my pageant. He is very professional and easy to deal with. He did not give me a hard time at all and even reached out to me when I got so busy. Book him!
Response from Andrew Toy:
Thanks so much Ed! You're a fantastic performer and it was an honor to support you. I hope to work with you again!
Price Range: Contact for rates
Languages: English
The audience can expect a friendly, professional, and intuitive drummer that can not just learn the music but come into a setting and provide the perfect part.
I began playing the drums at age 9 and since then I have been honing and applying those skills to musical groups of all types, from rock and pop to big band to world music to orchestral to small combos and everything in between.
Some career highlights so far:
In 2007, I embarked on a two and a half year gig with Princess Cruises as a show band drummer, and travelled the world on some of the world’s most modern ships while performing on stage over 1000 times.
In 2011, I joined renowned Celtic/Gypsy/Americana band Scythian, a band which tours extensively and is known for their energetic live show.
In 2013, I joined The Royal Noise, an exciting band that “forges an ebullient fusion of sinewy funk, gritty jazz, psychedelic rock and live hip-hop elements”.
In 2014, I toured the USA from coast to coast (Maryland to California and back) with Virginia-based rock ‘n’ roller Zach Bellas.
In 2016, I began writing and performing my own music for solo drumset/percussion/electronic.
I am grateful that I have had the opportunity to share the stage with many great musicians, such as: Chris Amott of Arch Enemy, Grammy Award winner Jim Lauderdale, Johnny Thunder of The Drifters, Jim Yester of The Association, Jeff Coffin of Bela Fleck & the Flecktones, Liberace protege Linda Gentille, Billy Richards of The Coasters, Jamila Ajibade of The Fifth Dimension, Australian rocker Roland Storm, Bob Denver protege Trevor Knight, Bob Allen of Sister Sledge, and many others. Other musicians have consistently commented on my solid feel, adaptability, and professionalism.
Musically and personally, I strongly feel that diversity and openness are key in a person’s development. As a performer, I feel that performing with musicians of different backgrounds is a constant source of inspiration and engaging music. As an educator, I emphasize the role of music as a form of expression and its parallel to verbal language. I encourage students to enjoy the music-making (and learning) process and to view mechanics as a means to their own creativity and expression.
In terms of drumming, I love anything that grooves, regardless of genre. Drummers that make odd rhythms sound comfortable and who are creative while serving the song are the types of drummers that excite me.
Besides drumming, I am an avid traveller and have visited over 70 countries (on all 7 continents!). I also enjoy photography, hiking, fishing, and reading.
Every gig is different so I can provide the right equipment for the occasion. I have an arsenal of drums, percussion, electronics, and a PA system.
| April 30, 2022 • 12:00pm - 2:00pm | Studio Session |
| December 19, 2016 • 10:00pm - 10:15pm | Talent Competition |
My set list depends entirely on the event at hand. Some performances are 100% improvised, others include standards, and others (most) feature songs that are sent to me beforehand to learn. I'm very quick and efficient when it comes to learning and internalizing new music.
As a musician, I am inspired by everything in one way or another and am constantly looking for new sounds. As a drummer, I am moved by anything that grooves, especially when there are some unusual (or unusual to me) elements to it. I love minimalist, experimental, and electronic music for these reasons. I am also a huge fan of world music and world percussion. These influences, though not a part of many gigs, have changed the way I approach the drums for the better.
Nothing required! I am able to provide all manner of drums, percussion, electronics, and sound reinforcement.
Philadelphia, PA 
Steel Drum Player
39 Verified Bookings Alethia H. said “We had the pleasure of hosting a pool party with Kristian Paradis and it was nothing short of excellent. Kristian arrived right on time, setting the stage…”
New York City, NY
Jazz Band
49 Verified Bookings Sarah F. said “Matthew helped me curate the perfect entertainment addition to the company holiday party I was planning. Matthew and his band were on time, professional…”
Bowie, MD
Singing Guitarist
Leo P. J. said “The professionalism was A+ with a crisp and clean vibe. I booked the right musician for my Sickle Cell Awareness & Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Day…”
New York City, NY
Drummer
Granite G. said “jojoSOUL knows how to instantly engage with an audience and instantly transform it into a community. He is a storyteller and an educator who invites the…”
List your services
Log In
