Marching to his own drummer pays off

WHO: Austin W. Curcuruto, a 2002 Gouverneur Central School graduate living in Nashville, Tenn., who is the touring drummer for "American Idol" season four runner-up Bo Bice.

WHAT :Mr. Curcuruto will perform four shows in the north country Thursday through Sunday with singer-songwriter Tyler Summers. The pop rock group will perform from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the Top of the Bay, Alexandria Bay, from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday and from 10 p.m. to midnight Saturday at Mullin's Restaurant, Gouverneur, and from 10 p.m. to midnight Sunday at La Casbah, Potsdam.

Mr. Curcuruto says he hopes appearing on his native turf will show north country musicians looking to break into the business that music careers are within reach.

Why did you pursue a career in music?

"It's all I knew. I had a natural passion and drive for it starting at a very young age. I knew I would do whatever it took in order to get where I wanted to be with it. Contrary to guidance counselors' suggestions to have a backup plan, I knew it was the only option. I was going to be a professional musician or die trying."

What do you like best about it?

"Other than the magic of making the music itself with great players, I'd have to say my favorite part is the travel aspect, getting to see new places and people all around the world. Thanks to my drums, I can say I've played golf at the Great Pyramids and Saddam Hussein's palace. I probably wouldn't be fortunate enough to experience things like that if it weren't for my music."

Who has inspired you the most?

"First is my grandfather, who also played drums, but being he passed while I was still pretty young, I didn't get to pick up a whole lot from him, musically speaking. What I did pick up from him is how important it is to be a good person. Good relationships are what really get you to where you want to be.

My second biggest influence is David Northrup. David was the touring drummer with the Travis Tritt Band for 10 years. He was the first to show me you really could make a business out of your playing. He is from Chittenango, and could completely relate to me being from upstate and wanting to hit it big as a drummer. I not only obtained a lot of his drumming style, but more importantly the skills to stay afloat in the crazy world that is the music biz."

What has been your biggest challenge?

"Packing up and leaving Gouverneur. I loved and was very close to a lot of people up there. As much as I knew it was a part of life and a crucial step into furthering my career, it was hard to simply pack up and say good-bye to everyone I was close to."

Are there ever times you think about doing something else with your life?

"Honestly, I don't. It was evident at a very young age I was designed to play music, like it was part of my DNA. I'm so blessed to be able to do what I love and call it a career."

What advice do you have for young people thinking about becoming professional musicians?

"Don't be jaded. Listen and learn all styles to the best of your abilities. Play with as many other players as possible, old and young. Do it all. Some people refrain from high school band under the silly notion that it's for geeks, when in reality it's a great free tool in furthering your music career. Be sure you know how to read music. It's not the only thing in being a professional musician, but it truly is extremely important."

You've performed a lot of different types of music, from country to rock. What's your favorite?

"I really do enjoy playing all types of music. It's about the band sharing a chemistry with the crowd. With different kinds of music you get different kinds of people. Each has a special kind of vibe it creates, which I've learned to appreciate."

What is your favorite band, and why?

"This is a tough one. I love so many different bands for so many different reasons. If I had to name just one, I guess I would have to name the band that includes my favorite drummer, TOTO and the late Jeff Porcaro, who played drums for them up until his death in 1992. His groove on the famous song "Rosanna" stands out beautifully. It's one of the only songs even a non-musician can name only hearing the drum beat. You gotta love that."

If you know of anyone with an interesting pursuit who may be interested in a Times Q&A feature, contact Times staff writer Elizabeth Graham at egraham@wdt.net or write to her at Watertown Daily Times, 75 Main St., Canton, N.Y., 13617.