Gonzalo is best known in Latin America for his drumming with the popular 80’s band “Radio Clip” but his ascent to that status was achieved through a lot of talent and hard work. By age 15, he had won “Best Individual Performance” in the “First Festival”, a national competition. He was commended by Art-of-Venezuela, the national arts agency and the mayor of Caracas honored him in a special ceremony as a favorite son.

Moving to New York City in 1997, he worked with Sheila Brody (P-Funk All Stars), with producer Louie “Balo” Guzman (Madonna, Jamiroquai), with Raquel Rivera’s The Stamps and with producer Rob Grenoble (CEO Infidel Records. President Water Music Studios).

Gonzalo also played in the band for MTV’s “Tom Green Show”. He toured the U.S. extensively with “Proton Accelerator”, opening for the Foo Fighters, Lit, the Toadies, Corey Glover and Diffuser. Between recording commitments, he found time to do drum clinics for industry leaders like Remo, SABIAN and Vic Firth.

Gonzalo has been playing and/or recording with popular Venezuelan bands such as “Gaelica” (session drummer for their newest album I/O, and for the first one Iberica & Latina) and pop band “Telegrama” (touring/session drummer for their new album “Country Club” holding 3 top ten radio singles in Venezuela) . Teaching privately. As well as commuting to NYC to do session work with recording artist Raquel Riviera. Working with producer/mixer Michael Barbiero.

Q & A

BORN IN: Caracas, Venezuela

LIVES IN: Caracas, Venezuela

DRUMMING SINCE: 1988

CURRENT BAND/PROJECT(S): Telegrama (pop band), Gaelica (world music band), Diverse session/jingle/movie and TV brand work, steady teaching and montly drumset column writer for Musico Pro Magazine (since 1999)

BIGGEST INFLUENCE(S): Robby Ameen, Enzo Bacino, Vinnie Colaiuta, Steve Gadd, Thomas Lang, Larry Mullen Jr., Ronnie Vannucci, Brian Frasier Moore

FAVORITE ALBUM YOU PLAYED ON: “Cambia Tus Amigos” (2014), Telegrama

FAVORITE ALBUM YOU DIDN’T PLAY ON: “Live From The Royal Albert Hall”, The Killers

CAREER HIGHLIGHT: Being Nominated for a Latin Grammy in 2013 with Gaelica’s “LUZ – Una Navidad Celta en Venezuela”

FAVORITE SABIAN CYMBAL: My old 12″ AA Mini Hats