Photo Credit: Cedric Pilard
Beat Conductor. Funk Philosopher. Seneschal of Style. This is Nikki Glaspie. One of the premier drummers in music today, Nikki has played alongside musical geniuses and is the founding member of The Nth Power.
Drumming since she was two years old, Nikki delved deep into the realms of funk, fusion, and jazz throughout her career. Glaspie received a robust educational music foundation at Berklee, and her career has been one for the ages. From Saudi Arabia to the White House, Nikki has inspired a younger generation of drummers. Nikki joined SUGA MAMA, the collection of female musicians that toured the globe with Beyonce and played with the Marley brothers.
Yet, the moment that touched her most was with the Nth Power one night in Tennessee. A young man whose mom was in a coma, after a stroke, opened her eyes while the Nth Power lyrics, “celebrate what you have been given – this life is so worth living right now,” were playing. That woman is now making a full recovery. That is the power of music that Nikki carries in her heart and soul.
The M Network sat down with Nikki in anticipation of her performance in the Modern Drummer Festival premiering on December 25 via live stream. Here is our conversation with Nikki Glaspie.
Born into a family of Southern ministers, tell us about starting your music career as a child and the church’s influence on your playing?
“I grew up. That is how I learned. I was always in steps with the drums. I would just watch other drummers while I was in church and emulate them, and then one day I sat behind the kit.
I learned very early how to connect with people because that was the focus and emphasis of the music in the church to connect with the spirit and allow people to have a better experience and connect with God.”
How did a magazine like Modern Drummer inspire you as a child to make drumming your career?
“I worshiped Modern Drummer when I was a kid – it was like a comic book for me. Being able to see all of the drummers and all of the gear, was like one of my Bibles, and that is how I learned about other drummers…
Modern Drummer was cool because it exposed me to people I probably would have never heard of, like Horacio Hernandez, one of my biggest influences. I saw him in Modern Drummer, and I was like I gotta meet this guy.”
What about drums inspires you?
“Honestly, the drums chose me. I didn’t really have a choice (laughs) — I came out of the womb just like beating on things. I think it was just something God gave me – you know, you are going to be a drummer.
The drums are the earliest forms of communication. Rhythm is how messages were passed through villages – I take that to heart when I am playing drums. I am communicating messages and speaking through the oldest form of communication on the planet.”
In what ways has music been the door to opportunity for you?
“Music has given me everything. I have gone places that I didn’t even know existed. I have been all over the world playing music, and music gave me the opportunity of perspective.
Being able to play music is a privilege, and I am so happy and honored that I get to do it. There are people that die for it and a lot of people that are not in the position that I am in, that are afforded the opportunity to do it freely. I definitely don’t take that for granted.
I have played for presidents, presidents of different countries, and played for very important people and some very scary people. That is the other thing about music; everybody loves it- even evil people. But that is an opportunity to communicate, you know? And to change hearts and minds.”
The healing power of music is engraved in your music. Share with us how positivity is the language of your music.
“That comes from traveling all over the world and having perspective. I have seen some horrific things in my life, and it kind of like — doesn’t have to be that way. I like to communicate that to people; they can choose a better way.
There are enough songs out there about– making money, drinking alcohol, partying — there is enough. Especially now, this day in age, we need music to inspire people to do better…”
If you could pick one moment, as the keynote, the highlight of your career, what would that be and why?
“It is really hard to pinpoint one highlight moment because I have had so many.
I pretty much have that every time I play (laughs)- there is never a night that I play that I am not extremely grateful and thankful for, and this is why…
It is really powerful. I am so grateful to be able to understand how powerful music is and is a weapon that can be used for good.
A lot of music has been used and weaponized against us and the type of messaging happening today — in all different types of music. Since the beginning of time, music has been used to influence nations.
I will tell anyone – I believe in this – this is real. I am not out here to make money and have fun. It is a mission, and we are trying to heal and make people’s lives for the better.”
Being a female drummer in a male dominant industry, you made yourself stand out from the rest. Which female drummers do you admire?
“Sheila E. to me – the first female drummer I saw when I was young, and oh my god, seeing her changed my trajectory. Because I realized there is a woman that is doing that…
I am inspired by a lot of drummers and young drummers, and it is crazy to hear- I have had people come up to me and be like, “you are the reason why I started playing drums– that is just cray. Kids say I saw you when I was eight playing with Beyonce, and I decided I wanted to start playing, and I am like — how old are you?…
I am thankful for my musical journey.”
Do you have advice for young girls trying to get into the music industry?
“You have to work hard; there is nothing better than hard work. So stick to your guns and just do it.”
To learn more about Nikki, click here.
To see Nikki at the Modern Drummer Festival, click here for your Festival Pass.