Behind the DRUMS

I’m Eric Lovley, the Lovley’est drummer in Alaska.

Known for my tight pocket drumming style, I’ve focused on personal style while experimenting with different techniques and genres, to become a well-rounded drummer. Right now, I’m focusing on speed, double-bass techniques, and limb independence to level-up my musicianship.

My early influences come from drummers like Dave Grohl of Nirvana, Ray Luzier of Korn, John Otto of Limp Bizkit, and Jonathan “Sugarfoot” Moffett.

Current influences include Gabe Helguera of I Prevail, Danny Carey of Tool, Mike Palmer of Garth Brooks, and Travis Barker of Blink 182.

At 18, I enlisted into the U.S. Air Force. My first enlistment was spent as a Tactical Aircraft Maintainer, or an F-15 Crew Chief. I then cross-trained into the Air Defense community as a Weapons Director. About 6 years before I retired from the military, I started playing drums again and found a cover band in need of a pocket-drummer. I learned more in six months with a cover band than I did in six years playing unguided.

At 10 years old, my father bought me a Ludwig snare drum and I started playing it at a local church, tucked ever so statically behind the pianist and a large fake plant. At 12, the church got an old Slingerland drum set, and I started taking lessons. I went on to play at multiple youth retreats, church events,. and even an annual women’s convention or two. Once I was able to drive, I started a Hardcore band with four of my friends, and even though our lead singer (my cousin) was grounded ALL THE TIME, we managed to squeeze all our gear in my rusted out Ford Tempo and “toured” New England.