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The way we do music in Brazil is very different because we are so moved by music; we grow up with that.

Brazilian music has many of the ingredients that I strive for in my own music: Strong melodies and a disciplined but intense rhythmic concept, and interesting harmonies.

For me Brazilian music is the perfect mix of melody and rhythm. It just bubbles rhythmically. If I had to pick just one music style to play if would be Brazilian.

The thing about playing percussion is that you can create all these emotions that can be sometimes beautiful, sometimes really ugly, or sometimes sweet, sometimes as big as King Kong and so on. And so there can be a real riot out there, or it can be so refined.

I just assumed the world was full of solo percussionists. I couldn't find sticks or music or anything where I was, but that was expected because there was nothing there anyway. And I think that was possibly the greatest asset for me, just not knowing.

I loved the Brazilian music I played. But this is finally me. For the first time I think it's really me.

I played in the percussion section 4th grade through high school - snare and timpani mostly.

Because of my Portuguese heritage, I have an interest in all of the instrumentation that comes from Portugal and Brazil as well.

What's really good is African drum music.