drum resume

 

 

 

 

Mike "Monkey" Soucy got his first drum set at the age of 6, amidst the time when his father was still playing in a metal band as a guitarist. For years after that, he would play along to CDs and cassettes or with his father. After some convincing, he joined the school band in 6th grade, and began reading charts and sight reading in middle school.

 

In early high school (1999), he joined the marching band as a freshman and began learning different jazz type styles and concert instruments. During this time, he also played with his first real band "Dying Slow" at clubs and bars around town. After getting additional attention due to his learning curve, Mike began requesting extraneous music charts on the side to just "look at", and also asking for additional recommendations for other music to listen to.

 

 

In later high school, he began achieving a kind of notoriety among other musicians for his strong sight reading and comprehension skills. After being pushed as far as they could go, Dying Slow broke up due to other interests in other band mates, and Soucy's side jamming with other local band "Farefis". At this time, he is awarded the Louis Armstrong Jazz Award for drumming.

 

Near the end of high school, Mike learns from a friend that his brother's band Ikonoklast is looking for a drummer to go on the road with, and immediately the position is filled. Over the course of the next few years, Soucy toured with Ikonoklast around the country as well as played locally in Phoenix AZ. He also spends a good amount of time during being in Ikonoklast to also dabble in other types of live music: London Metal Exchange (pop/punk), Reburn and the Skidmarks (experimental, punk, metal, jazz), Farefis (metal), Malnurture (Black Metal), Monsoon Alley (rock). 

 

Recently, Soucy's musical interests have strayed from conventional music and aimed more in the technical and avant-garde directions. Citing bands like Fantomas, Naked City, Hella, Dillinger Escape Plan, and Meshuggah for a kick-off point in a new direction of musical writing and performance. Soucy still gives lessons post high school that focus on both extreme rudimental marching technique and alternative theory for drum composition. April 30th 2006, he won the Sam Ash Drum Offs in Phoenix. He has also done guest judging for Guitar Center at different locations for their Guitar Center Drum Off in 2005, 2006, and 2007. In 2008, he began competition in the Guitar Center Drum Offs, but only made it to regionals due to previously planned engagements and shuffled dates. In 2009, he had also won and competed at Sam Ash.

 

Currently, Soucy is gearing up for going on tour with Labor Party (punk/rock) this summer, and is also in the process of recording for an album following some of his recent musical interests.

 

 

Current Setup:

Cymbals (Zildjian):

1. 16" A Custom Fast Crash

2. 16" A Custom Crash

3. 18" A Custom Fast Crash

4. 6" A Series Splash

5. 6" A Custom Splash

6. 20" A Custom Ride

7. 14" A Custom Hi-hats

 

Drums (Pacific FS):

8", 10", 12", 14" Toms

20" Kick

 

Hardware and Accessories:

Pearl Eliminator Double Bass Pedal

Rhythmtech Tamborine and Cowbell