Although Chris Weller, 21 year old music performance major, enjoys spending countless hours working on his solo-project and more than $10,000 on equipment, he can’t forget that he is part of a band because being able to play music with others is so fulfilling.

“I’ve been in 10 bands over the course of 7 years,” Weller says modestly. “When working as a drummer for a band, you pretty much have to do what they say, although they do like the ideas I bring to the table.”

Weller has been playing the drums since he was in the 4th grade giving him a little more than 10 years of experience under his belt. His passion for music has grown over the years, leading him to not only listen to various styles of music, but also to learn different styles of music, which helps the process of creating new music of his own.

“There are just so many different genres that I’m into and appreciate so I thought it would be interesting to mix what I like together,” Weller said.

Weller is currently in a band called, “An Abomination”, which has a rock, experimental, and ska sound to it similar to other bands Weller has played in, including punk rock hardcore music. Weller has been in “An Abomination” for about 2 months and likes it so far however; he feels his solo project is more important.

“I’ve had four different studios in the past five years; three of which I built using used carpet and insulation. I don’t only record music; I record other things as well to serve as the background for my music such as my kitchen. Kitchen noises consisting of things like pots, pans, and things of that sort,” Weller said.

Weller comes from a family of musicians who support and praise him for everything that he does. Having a father who plays the drums himself and a mother who sings for the church, it’s no wonder his passion seems to be immeasurable.

“My dad is a jazz drummer and he taught me how to play. I haven’t taken any drum lessons anywhere else, from anyone else; I’m pretty much self taught other than what I know because of my dad,” Weller said.

Weller’s main inspirations are classical music and jazz, two musical genres that, to some, may seem like polar opposites.

Weller can agree that there are many bands that he listens to and discovers them to be inspirational to his own music as well.

“I like Animal Collective, Neo Sycadeli, and the Locust they’re awesome so I listen to them often,” Weller said.

Weller is serious about his solo project and has spent more than $10,000 on his drums, studio, and other equipment for recording.

“This is just so much fun to me, buying something new for my drum set or for my recording studio is as exciting to me as it would be to a child getting a new toy,” Weller said, “I’m just crazy about this. I like to be behind the whole scientific processes of making music.”

Weller’s passion for music is what drives him to create new recordings, he is constantly finding inspiration for new music projects.

“In 5 years I see myself with 2 albums with my own music and more knowledgeable of international music, another one of my inspirations,” Weller said.