JOE BABIAK - Fusion Song (with Drum Solo)
JOE BABIAK - Rock Song
Joe Babiak began his musical career at the early age of five. He first started with the piano and soon after began the trumpet. Joe played in concert and jazz bands all throughout his schooling and was the recipient of numerous awards. He was also part of a national youth wind ensemble that performed at Carnegie Hall. Joe attended Elmhurst College in Chicago where he earned his B.A. in Music.
Drumming is an ongoing art form about which Joe is very passionate and constantly strives to improve. Joe has been playing drums since 1994, and because of his previous musical training, drumming came to him very naturally. His strong understanding of theory, keen melodic and harmonic sense, and excellent pitch makes him unique on the instrument. He has played in numerous groups including styles such as ska, punk, pop, alternative, folk, jazz, Latin, funk, R&B, fusion, electronica, dance, progressive rock, metal, musical theater, and church music. With years of live and studio experience, Joe takes great pride in being well versed in many genres. He takes a very melodic approach towards the drum set and continually works to expand his technique.
Joe's progressive-rock group, Parallel Mind, was signed to Unicorn Records of Canada for the release of their album, Colossus ADEA. This album beautifully displays Joe's proficient abilities on the drums. In December 2002, Joe joined guitarist extraordinaire, Michael Angelo Batio, for a very successful tour in Asia. Since then he has recorded, performed live, and appeared in music videos with Michael.
In the spring of 2006, Joe joined the Chicago based band, Kill Hannah, for a 5 month national tour in support of the group's second album with Atlantic Records. During that time Joe also performed in the band’s Lips Like Morphine music video, the WGN morning news, and the Lollapalooza music festival. He also played in a project called South Of Earth with Geno Lenardo (FILTER, Chevelle), Joe Grah (Loser, Jibe), and Bill Gower (Boy Hits Car).
Joe has also had the honor of appearing in Modern Drummer magazine four times:
1) August 2001 - his custom designed GMS drum set was featured as "Drum Kit of the Month."
2) August 2005 - given honorable mention in the "Over 18" category for the 2005 Modern Drummer Undiscovered Drummer Contest.
3) February 2006 - Featured in the "On the Move" article.
4) May 2006 - mentioned in the News section for his tour with Kill Hannah and as a new Vater stick artist.
He is also featured in the November 2006 issue of DRUM! magazine. The article is a multi-page interview discussing his touring role with Kill Hannah.
Currently, Joe resides in Los Angeles and performs regularly with a few local groups. He is an active studio musician and also teaches private lessons. In addition to performing, he is an avid songwriter and composer. Joe endorses Sonor Drums, Vater Sticks, XL Specialty Percussion Cases, and Westone in-ear monitors.
JOE BABIAK - Drum Solo 1
JOE BABIAK - Drum Solo 2
SOUTH OF EARTH - "God 2 Get Down" Music Video
Playing Drums & Trumpet at the Same Time!!!
kill hannah - believer
