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VIRGIL DONATI on Planet Drum

VIRGIL DONATI
The fastest feet in the world!
by Alessandra Giovagnoli

In Australia Virgil is considered one of the best drummers live and studio. He started his career with a band called "Loose Change" and went on with the "On the Virg", the "Southern Sons" (a pop rock band) and many others such as Tina Arena, Tribal Tech, Scott Handerson, Brandford Marsalis.
He started to study the drums at a very young age and, at the age of three he already owned a drum set. This, together with his extreme discipline and will to reach his goal, brought him to the US where he met Derek Sherinian.
His feet have gained him the most attention all over the world. The amazing fastness together with an incredible technique makes him the best drummer with double pedal, letting him play very complicated and fast bass drum ostinatos while soloing with his hands.

Planet Drum - You are known amongst drummers as a technical virtuoso, but it is no secret that your feet have gained you the most attention. How did you developed this incredible speed and technique?

VIRGIL DONATI - It's very simple. I started to study drums at a very early age as many other drummers, but the difference stands in how hard you work. How much time you spend in exercising and what you put in. You have to have a creative mind. It's very important to have different ideas compared to normal way of thinking. I think that this makes the real difference: new ideas to make and use with your music. I know many drummers who have an incredible technique but don't have original ideas to put on their drums. So as you see it's not only a matter of technique. Musical Ideas!

Planet Drum - It's a sort of legend that you've had your first drum set one month before your third birthday and that you are a super disciplined player who sets Herculean standards for himself. But how does Virgil Donati see him self and how does he define himself as a drummer and as a man?

VIRGIL DONATI - I usually dedicate most of my time to my profession and I seriously work for it as for my personal life. If I have to do something, I want to do it the best way I can. Rhythm and music interested me since my young age and I want to give them my best. There are many people that work hard, give everything they have in their job and spend the rest of the day with their families, but they are not famous and don't get interviewed. I'm a normal person as they are; I dedicate part of my day to my private life. I do the same things normal people do: I like to run on the beach, I like the mountain, and I like to watch TV...normal things. But I keep on working very hard so that I can maintain high standard level with my profession. I do this with love and passion, this doesn't bother me and I think that I am lucky about it.

VIRGIL DONATI on Planet Drum

Planet Drum - Since you moved to The States, you have joined Planet X, the Derek Sherinian's L.A. prog-metal group, and have had a lot of solo work across the country, setting new performance standards for the L.A. studio scene. What took you to the States and how are the States compared to Australia?

VIRGIL DONATI - As you know I spent most of my professional life in Australia. Unfortunately it's a very isolated place and I needed more space to spread my music. Doing this without moving from my original country was impossible, so I decided to move, and the best place to work and play music was the US, a very dynamic place where you can grow if you're good. This is the reason why I moved and I'm glad I've done that other wise we wouldn't be here talking tonight....

Planet Drum - Beside music, what is Virgil Donati doing now and does he miss Australia?

VIRGIL DONATI - I've many friends in Australia, but I have new friends in USA, this is the way I see life. I love to travel and I love to make music. You know one day you are sitting down at your place writing a piece and two months later all the world is listening to it. It's incredible! And this wouldn't be possible if I remained in Australia. This is the most important and beautiful thing, you have a piece in mind and people will listen to it sooner or later.

Planet Drum - ...and that's a good chance!

VIRGIL DONATI - Obviously and it is very difficult to say it in words. You make something that didn't exist and you'll share it with the rest of the world. If you live with these incitements no one will ever stop your dreams! After the interview Virgil took a clinic showing some alternative grooves taking examples from "Moonbabies" and "Ground Zero". Later he played with Tony Macalpine and Philip Bynoe.

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