Music As A Family Business
Daniel de los Reyes of the Zac Brown Band
Cris Cohen: As you've said in other interviews, drumming / percussion is in your blood. It's a family business with your father, Walfredo Reyes, and his incredible career. And then it's become something you and your brother, Walfredo Reyes Jr., have done. What I'm wondering, though, is how are you different as a percussionist than your father or your brother?
Daniel de los Reyes of the Zac Brown Band: Well, first of all, it's definitely a love first and then a business. I'm very, very fortunate to have both. But I definitely understand that it comes with a lot of passion. Anything that you love this much, always does. Sometimes it's a bit interesting, the relationship between something that you get compensated for – make money (doing) – but at the same time you love so much that you would do it regardless.
But how am I different than my father or brother? If anything, I'd like to think that I am an extension of them. I not only look up to them, but I use them as examples of how I might approach a musical situation or a business situation. Obviously there are differences because of the history, where we come from as far as the music that we grew up listening to and the influences throughout our lives and our careers.
Versatility. Diversity. These are words that always come to mind. Flexibility. These are part of the language that you have to have in doing what I do. Sensitivity. Not always the easiest of things, because sometimes we have a vision and we would like it to turn out a certain way. And it's really interesting how we have to drop that in order to let it breathe and let it grow into its own. Doesn't matter what it is. Especially in any sort of creative situation. But I feel that I've gotten better as I've gotten older at being flexible and accept things and people and ideas and just be a compliment to (them).
Read the full interview in the e-book.
