THOMAS PRIDGEN
Thomas Pridgen is an American drummer celebrated for his dynamic and powerful drumming style. Best known for his tenure with The Mars Volta from 2006 to 2009, Pridgen has built an impressive career across various genres, including hardcore punk, jazz, and rap. He currently tours with rapper Residente, plays for the hardcore punk band Trash Talk, leads his own project The Memorials, and in 2023, joined the rock band Fever 333.
Early Life and Beginnings
Pridgen's prodigious talent was evident early on. At age nine, he won the Guitar Center Drum-Off, and by age ten, he became the youngest drummer ever endorsed by Zildjian, a company with nearly 400 years of history. Naturally left-handed, Pridgen plays a right-handed drum kit.He honed his skills under the tutelage of renowned drummers such as David Garibaldi, Walfredo Reyes Sr., Troy Lucketta, and Curtis Nutall.
At 15, Pridgen received a four-year scholarship to Berklee College of Music, the youngest musician to achieve this. During his teenage years, he participated in numerous studio sessions with Bay Area Gospel artists, showcasing his versatility and technical prowess.
Career with The Mars Volta
In 2006, Pridgen joined The Mars Volta after a pivotal audition with Omar Rodríguez-López. His debut with the band was at a high-stakes concert in Cleveland while they were touring with the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Pridgen's drumming style on their album "The Bedlam in Goliath" was marked by intricate 32nd-note combinations, rapid single-stroke rolls, and complex paradiddle techniques.
Pridgen's work with The Mars Volta earned him the title of 'Best Up and Coming Drummer' by Modern Drummer magazine. Despite his success, he left the band in October 2009 under unclear circumstances.
Post-Mars Volta Ventures
After his departure from The Mars Volta, Pridgen formed The Memorials in December 2009 with Berklee College of Music alumni Viveca Hawkins and Nick Brewer. The band released their self-titled debut album on January 18, 2011, followed by their second album "Delirium" on June 5, 2012.
Pridgen also collaborated with various artists and bands, including Christian Scott, Wicked Wisdom, and Elixir on Mute. In 2013, he was part of the supergroup Pinnick Gales Pridgen, releasing a self-titled album produced by Mike Varney.
Further Collaborations and Projects
In 2014, Pridgen joined Suicidal Tendencies and later played with Chiodos. That same year, he contributed to Trash Talk's album "No Peace". Pridgen was involved with Giraffe Tongue Orchestra, a supergroup featuring members from Mastodon and Dillinger Escape Plan, whose debut album "Broken Lines" was released in 2016.
Recent Work and Current Endeavors
In 2017, Pridgen began touring with rapper Residente, contributing to a blend of genres that highlighted his versatility. By 2020, he rejoined Trash Talk to record their EP "Squalor".
In 2023, Pridgen became the drummer for Fever 333, joining new members April Kae and Brandon Davis. The band's first single as a new lineup, "$wing," was released on May 31, 2023.
Early Life and Beginnings
Pridgen's prodigious talent was evident early on. At age nine, he won the Guitar Center Drum-Off, and by age ten, he became the youngest drummer ever endorsed by Zildjian, a company with nearly 400 years of history. Naturally left-handed, Pridgen plays a right-handed drum kit.He honed his skills under the tutelage of renowned drummers such as David Garibaldi, Walfredo Reyes Sr., Troy Lucketta, and Curtis Nutall.
At 15, Pridgen received a four-year scholarship to Berklee College of Music, the youngest musician to achieve this. During his teenage years, he participated in numerous studio sessions with Bay Area Gospel artists, showcasing his versatility and technical prowess.
Career with The Mars Volta
In 2006, Pridgen joined The Mars Volta after a pivotal audition with Omar Rodríguez-López. His debut with the band was at a high-stakes concert in Cleveland while they were touring with the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Pridgen's drumming style on their album "The Bedlam in Goliath" was marked by intricate 32nd-note combinations, rapid single-stroke rolls, and complex paradiddle techniques.
Pridgen's work with The Mars Volta earned him the title of 'Best Up and Coming Drummer' by Modern Drummer magazine. Despite his success, he left the band in October 2009 under unclear circumstances.
Post-Mars Volta Ventures
After his departure from The Mars Volta, Pridgen formed The Memorials in December 2009 with Berklee College of Music alumni Viveca Hawkins and Nick Brewer. The band released their self-titled debut album on January 18, 2011, followed by their second album "Delirium" on June 5, 2012.
Pridgen also collaborated with various artists and bands, including Christian Scott, Wicked Wisdom, and Elixir on Mute. In 2013, he was part of the supergroup Pinnick Gales Pridgen, releasing a self-titled album produced by Mike Varney.
Further Collaborations and Projects
In 2014, Pridgen joined Suicidal Tendencies and later played with Chiodos. That same year, he contributed to Trash Talk's album "No Peace". Pridgen was involved with Giraffe Tongue Orchestra, a supergroup featuring members from Mastodon and Dillinger Escape Plan, whose debut album "Broken Lines" was released in 2016.
Recent Work and Current Endeavors
In 2017, Pridgen began touring with rapper Residente, contributing to a blend of genres that highlighted his versatility. By 2020, he rejoined Trash Talk to record their EP "Squalor".
In 2023, Pridgen became the drummer for Fever 333, joining new members April Kae and Brandon Davis. The band's first single as a new lineup, "$wing," was released on May 31, 2023.
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