In today's "In the Spotlight" I have the huge honor of introducing you to Jimmy Katone. Someone I have been a fan of since I heard "Simply Because" with Hit the Ground Runnin'!

Hi Jimmy and thank you for taking some time off your very busy schedule to spend some time with us.

To some you are the drummer for the band "Hit the Ground Runnin'" and to others you are a solo artist. How did it all begin?

After I left Hit The Ground Runnin' originally, way back in 1991, I took a brief hiatus from music to recollect my thoughts and gear towards the future. I always knew I wanted to pursue a solo career. I had several Ideas for songs and much of my writing style didn't necessarily fit with HGR's way of doing things. Stepping out from behind the drum kit was something I'd been wanting to do and I felt this was a great time to do it. I didn't start with the intention of playing all the instruments myself on my albums but the availability and schedules of my musician friends didn't really match up to my availability and so I began recording on my own and it's remained that way for over 25 years.

How many instruments do you play and is there one you would love to learn one day?

I'm a drummer first and foremost. I also play guitar, bass and keyboards. I've dabbled in other instruments on my albums such as the clarinet solo at the end of my song, "Love Me When I'm Dead" and other little things like that. I would love to learn violin some day. I feel that playing chordal instruments as a drummer is super important. It really helps to gain a more musical perspective about rhythm and arrangements. On the other hand I think being a drummer contributes to making my music overall more dynamic.

What was it that first got you started with music in the first place? and was it only just music that "rocked your world"?

I'm the youngest of 4 kids and I always had access to my older sibling's albums. I was taken with Alice Cooper, David Bowie, The Edgar Winter Group, Deep Purple and many others at a really young age. My very first album was Ziggy Stardust by Bowie. Through these influences I began singing and formed a deep affection for performance. I also started guitar and piano lessons around 7 years old. Later, I found KISS and was blown away with the drum solo in the song "100,000 Years". It was a strong contributing factor to me wanting to be a drummer.

How would you say your style differs from a solo artist and your role in a band?

My style as a solo artist is my full personality coming out to you 100%. When I'm out front I'm more of a story teller bringing the meanings behind my songs to you and also portraying roles and characters and sometimes antagonists in my songs. It's all about getting the point of the song across through performance. My role in a band, specifically as a drummer, is of course being the backbone of the music and being a band player. I do think performance as a drummer is important as with any instrument when you're putting the point of a song across to an audience.

What can someone that has never heard your solo work expect?

First and foremost, expect something completely different than the bands I play in. My stuff is heavier so don't expect HGR. I think the complete genre change is what catches people off guard the most. I do however think my songs can be pretty catchy. I tend to go deep with lyrics and use the music to drive the points home. My lyrics can be pretty bold so that's another thing that people notice when first listening to my songs.

What are you currently working on?

Currently, I'm doing alot of drumming. I'm already well into recording the second Mason album with Marcus Mason - the first album will be released this October 28th (2024) on Lions Pride Music. I've shot 2 videos with the band and I'm shooting two more this coming weekend, actually. I'm also playing drums on the forthcoming Ritchie Newton album titled "Higher Power" set for release this December 7th (2024) on NRT Records. I'm set to shoot two videos for the songs "Higher Power" and "Crying In The Summer Rain". I'm also making my way to the next Katone album which I'll resume recording sometime next year.

What can we expect from you in the future?

Expect a continuation of this past year with lots of drumming and guest drumming as well as new Katone music and videos

What is the one thing you would like your fans to know?

Some of you know me as a drummer and some of you know me as a solo artist. I know It can be confusing but I'm glad you're finding a way to coexist. No matter what I'm doing I do it 1000%. I hope to see you lots more in many more ways throughout the rest of the year and into the next.

What is the one thing you would like the music industry to know?

This is actually a really tough question. I've seen so many changes in the industry over the years. The music industry, per say, is very different than it was when I first started out. So I'll keep it simple by saying .. I'm still here.

And that was my HIGLY interesting chat with Drummer/Solo Artist Jimmy Katone.

All YOU have to do now is to Comment Like and Share with your friends..

and Don't forget to find out more from Jimmy Katone thru this link

linktr.ee/katone_official

Take care hope to cya soon!