At the age of 5, David J. Contreras had began asking for a drum set. As usual, he started out with the standard toy drum set but with mesh drumheads, they didn’t last very long. Little did he know that by the age of 10, he had received his first acoustic drum set. Past elementary school and entering middle school, David had discovered the instant drive to join concert band and continued to do so, where he was introduced to the realm of multiple percussion instruments other than the drum set. Beginning high school, he continued music by joining the marching band and concert band. Throughout the four years, David had joined the school's drumline, jazz band, wind ensemble, percussion ensemble and all-city honor band. Just before graduating, he had discovered a deeper meaning and love of music and playing drums. From then on, David understood that playing the drums was not a hobby but his lifeline.
After graduation, David had discovered the Los Angeles College of Music based in Pasadena, CA. Where he was mentored under Russ Miller, Ralph Humphrey, Joe Porcaro, and Timothy Curle. While attending LACM, he had learned a wide variety of genres from Jazz, Latin, Rock, Fusion, ECM, and Pop just to name a few. A couple of years later, David had received his Associate’s Degree in Drum Performance. Now at the age of 21, he can be found working in LA, playing in various bars, nightclubs and venues. David currently plays with up and coming band Justin Amen and The Hybrids. He also plays with his uncle Paul Lerma, who is the current bass player for the infamous punk band FEAR for the past few years.
I owe a tremendous gratitude to all of my teachers that have guided me in my journey as a musician. A special thanks to my band director Jeffery S. Lakatos, my uncle Paul Lerma, and my parents for always believing in me, keeping me in line and for never giving up on me. Huge thanks to Soultone Cymbals, love you guys!