YOYOKA has one of three channels that I watch the most on YouTube. Anytime I need a boost of energetic drums (Rage Against the Machine – Testify) or hear some drums that sit perfectly in the pocket (Daft Punk – Get Lucky), I seek out one of YOYOKA’s videos.
Then there’s the video that went viral and established YOYOKA as one of the rising drummers to watch. Oh and she was 8 years old when she recorded this video! Side note: You wanna see what pure joy looks like? Watch when she jumps into the chorus. That’s what it’s all about.
YOYOKA is now 11 years old and continues to expand her already superior drumming skills. She has developed loose wrists, dual roll hands, fluid motion and excellent timing. Go watch her cover of Dua Lipa’s, ‘Levitating’. One of the best parts is that it seems to be coming so natural for her and she makes most of these songs look like “easy work”. Clearly, she has put in the time and effort to achieve such praise.
YOYOKA’s videos have garnered more than 30 million views and she has been on The Ellen Show. She’s even playing other instruments and doing it well. I enjoyed watching her put together her cover of The Beatles – ‘Here, There and Everywhere’.
I asked YOYOKA about some of her favorite things when it comes to the drums:
You are one of the best up and coming drummers in the world and also one of my favorite drummers to watch on YouTube. When did you first start playing drums?
YOYOKA: I started playing when I was one and half years old.
Was there a particular song that you thought to yourself – “I am getting pretty good at this!”?
YOYOKA: I think it was Beck Bogert & Appice “Superstition”.
Your growth on the drums has been quick and expansive, how many hours a day do you play?
YOYOKA: Besides times when I have a show or recording, I usually play for 30 minutes on a daily basis.
You seem to implement a few different styles when you are playing. I noticed a nice shuffle on Roseanna by Toto and your Purdie Shuffle. The precise and crispness of Neil Peart on YYZ and the raw energy of John Bonham. Do you have one style that you prefer over another?
YOYOKA: I love Rock!!
Can you choose a couple of your personal favorite drum performances that you have put on YouTube?
YOYOKA: I think the list would be – Jamiroquai “virtual insanity”, Rage Against the Machine “Killing In The Name”, and Daft Punk “Get Lucky”.
Can you list your 5 favorite drummers?
YOYOKA: Chris Coleman, Nate Smith, Benny Greb, Chad Smith and Me!
You are inspiring many young people to pick up the drumsticks and play. What would you say to someone that is just starting out on the drums?
YOYOKA: Have fun, be free and play your favorite song!
What is your current drum set up? Drums, Cymbals, sticks, etc.
[a] Kit (or kits) with tom and snare sizes:
Pearl YOYOKA Custom
22”×20” Masters Maple
16”×16” Reference
12”×8” Reference Pure
10″×8” Reference Pure
14”×6.5” Pearl Free Floating Brass
[b] Cymbals:
Zildjian
K ZILDJIAN RIDE 20″
18″ K Dark Crash Thin
16″ K Dark Crash Thin
14″ A Zildjian New Beat HiHats – Pair
17″ K ZILDJIAN THIN CHINA 17″
[c] Sticks:
VIC FIRTH VIC-8D
[d] Foot pedal:
DW 5002 (TD4)
shaft
Pearl Z LINK
[e] Drumheads:
REMO
[f] Percussion:
GON BOPS GON-TMROCK
What’s next for Yoyoka? More videos? More band-based collaborations?
YOYOKA: I want to be able to play many different instruments and I also want to write more music on my own. I want to play all over the world and learn many new things!
One song I’ve always wanted to see you play is Peg by Steely Dan. That song just sits in the pocket and I’d love to see your take on it. Rick Marotta laid down a great drum track on that song.
YOYOKA: Thank you! I will try to cover it someday!
What would you like to say to your fans that watch you play the drums with so much joy?
YOYOKA: It makes me so happy when people enjoy watching me play. I really appreciate all the wonderful support I always get! When the COVID situation is over, I’d love to play shows all around the world, so I hope to see you all then!
I’m looking forward to witnessing her evolution as a drummer and recording artist. The future is bright for YOYOKA!
My dear Yoyoka, you are walking in the footsteps of legends and doing it with honor and respect, to witness a talent as magnificent as yours paying homage to the music of my generation is truly gratifying.
You will become as legendary as the many many icons of rock that you emulate. There are no limits to the boundless talent you bring to your audiences around the world. At such a tender age you inspire, you motivate, you restore the love of classic Rock to generations young and old.
I am honored to be part of a global audience who truly love and respect your talent. Much love to you and your incredible family, from British Columbia Canada.
One thought on “Interview: YOYOKA”
My dear Yoyoka, you are walking in the footsteps of legends and doing it with honor and respect, to witness a talent as magnificent as yours paying homage to the music of my generation is truly gratifying.
You will become as legendary as the many many icons of rock that you emulate. There are no limits to the boundless talent you bring to your audiences around the world. At such a tender age you inspire, you motivate, you restore the love of classic Rock to generations young and old.
I am honored to be part of a global audience who truly love and respect your talent. Much love to you and your incredible family, from British Columbia Canada.
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