NASHVILLE BASED DRUMMER
Welcome. If I haven’t the privilege to meet you yet, I’m Josiah Thompson - a 20-year-old drummer from Huntsville, Alabama, now based in Nashville, Tennessee. I’m currently studying Commercial Percussion at Belmont University, where I’m continuing to refine my craft, deepen my musical foundation, and meet the right people.
I first taught myself to play drums in church, where I developed my ear, musical instincts, and love for music. By 15, I was spending me summers playing at church camps, and have since gone on to serve at Church of the Highlands and now Cross Point Nashville—places that have shaped so much of my musical maturity.
In 2023, I was graciously named the Alabama All-State Jazz Drummer, working alongside artists from Jazz at Lincoln Center and auditioning for Berklee College of Music that same year, and shortly after, accepted in. Despite my age, I’ve been blessed to performed at venues like the Mark C. Smith Concert Hall, the BJCC, the Fisher Center, the Opry Plaza, 40 Watt, and the Masquerade.
Over the past few years, I have built a growing career as both a live and studio drummer—expanding into remote drum tracking and running playback for touring artists. Just in the past two years in town, I have played for artists such as Conall Cafferty, Molly Lovette, The Worship Initiative, Ethan Garner, Meredith Aguirre, Anslee Davidson, Ella Gibson, Brian Wight, Josie Edwards, and Jonas Connor, touring across the U.S. while somehow balancing being a full-time student.
I’m very grateful I get to play on the caliber that I do, but even if I didn’t, I’d be hunting down any bar that would let me play. I don’t have a plan B. This is it.
Lets work together.
Live Drummer | Playback & Tracks | Remote Drum Tracking
REFERENCES
Nate Felty | Drummer for Zach Top
“The School of Music here at Belmont is known for its passionate educators, students, and successful graduates, many of whom have gone on to make positive impacts in the music industry; both nationally and internationally. As Josiah’s drum set instructor, he has shown an outstanding drive to hone in and develop his skills, and has set a wonderful example for his peers. Even as a nineteen-year-old sophomore, he has shown exquisite focus as a Commercial Music major, not only with assignments and performances in my drum studio, but also in Belmont’s collegiate ensembles and Commercial Music Showcases. Additionally, he is just as active in his craft outside of the college as well, touring the continental United States with an up and coming country music artist, and taking on extracurricular gigs and recording sessions. Throughout his short time here thus far, he has shown utmost professionalism and character on the stage, and in my classroom. Josiah has already added a positively indelible mark to Belmont’s music program, and as someone who sets demanding expectations, he has met and exceeded them. ”
Joshua Price | Sarasota Baptist Worship Pastor
“I can’t speak highly enough about Josiah. Yes, he’s an incredibly gifted musician, but more importantly, he has a love for Jesus that is palpable. You get a lot more than a killer drummer with Josiah. You get someone who puts in the work and loves people well. I’ve used Josiah for large camps like FUGE as well as smaller services and events. He’s given the same amount of preparation and passion for each one. I’m thankful for Josiah and I know you will be too!”
"It has been my pleasure instructing a young man who continues to listen and improve daily. Josiah is very driven and motivated to improve his musical skills. After every lesson, his words are, “I will continue to work on it Mr. Watson!” In a time where young people want instant results, hard work sometimes lacks. Watching Josiah grow as a young man while working hard to maintain an increasingly busy schedule with his studies has been a joy. He is not motivated by money and continues to grow his career by surrounding himself with people with the same mindset. I have taught lots of students through the years! Josiah has what it takes to have a long-lasting music career. Young men like this just need people to believe and invest in them."
Derico Waston | Drummer for Victor Wooten
"Josiah’s work ethic has shown every day in class. He works hard at any piece of music I throw at him and does not accept anything less than perfection. Even when exhausted from the long rehearsals he pushes through. An example of this is how he stays after school hours to practice different instruments than his primary instrument simply because he wants to better his musical knowledge and music education. Not only does he show a strong work ethic, but he also is extremely reliable. I often ask Josiah to come in for extra things such as helping me teach, cleaning instruments, etc. He never fails to show even when it very early in the morning. If I ask Josiah to do something he will do it with no question. Along with this he is also extremely flexible and can adapt to any task. When asked to cover different percussion parts he can adapt right away. This also shows because he can play very well, and can teach the material just as well. He takes the burden and stress of assigning parts and handling anything percussion that I need. Josiah is an outstanding leader and shows exceptional work in his academics. He has received some of the most prestigious awards given to high school musicians in the state of Alabama. He auditioned for and received first chair set player for Alabama All-State Jazz meaning he is currently the top jazz drum set player in the state on the high school level. He was also accepted into one of the most prestigious music schools in the country, Berklee, North Texas, and Belmont University. Josiah is only at the beginning of his musical career and will definitely be playing on the big stage one day. "
Colten Strait | M.A. Music Education
"Playing with Josiah is always a treat. Not only is he a great musician, he is also a wonderful guy to be around. He is truly dedicated to his craft as a drummer/percussionist and always gives 110% to every set. He does a great job of listening and blending with other musicians on stage, always finding a way to sit well in the mix. Continually, he strikes the perfect balance of staying true to a recording while still finding ways to add his own flare. Josiah is capable of playing a variety of music styles and genres, and he continues to be my first choice for any musical performance setting. Would recommend his talents to anyone in need of a drummer."
Peyton Fite | Independent Musician
“Josiah is an incredible young man. He serves on our worship team with such a humble heart. He always comes prepared with ideas to make everything better, and he is a hard worker that is willing to do whatever it takes to be successful. His presence is such a joy to be around and I am so proud of the man he is becoming. I love anytime I get to play music with Josiah as he always goes above and beyond to create moments in songs that add so much value. He knows dynamics really well and can translate what you want added to a song and even more!”
Colt Buttram | Church of the Highlands
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