Craig Walkner is a six-time Wisconsin Area Music Industry (WAMI) award winner (the bands Exit and Bascom Hill) who has opened for some of today’s most in-demand acts and received international acclaim for his performances both in the studio and on stage. He averages 80 gigs a year while keeping a studio of percussion students and performing session work. Craig has toured the US, performed in front of thousands, appeared on ten albums, and had his work appear on national and international radio, TV, and film. He has opened for the Gin Blossoms, The Fray, Hanson, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Michael Glabicki (Rusted Root), Ozric Tentacles, Brian Auger, and The Gufs. Current Bands include Snarling Adjective Convention, Yeti Rain, Far Corner, and Bascom Hill.
Some of Craig's recording credits include Tim Penn: All This Dreaming That I Do (2000), Earthboys: Musical Catechism (2000), Scattershot: Extrasexual Behavior (2002), EXIT: Scenes From Next Week (2003), Far Corner: Far Corner (Cuneiform Records, 2004), Far Corner: Endangered (Cuneiform Records, 2007), and Snarling Adjective Convention: Bluewolf Bloodwalk (2007).
Mr. Walkner's Musical Education includes holding a Bachelor of Music (Music Performance–Percussion) from the University of Wisconsin Madison, where he performed in various chamber groups, bands, and orchestras.
Date of Birth:
10-10-1977
Place of Birth:
Milwaukee
Primary Instrument: Percussion
Secondary Instrument(s):
Piano
Instruments/Gear Used:
DW COLLECTOR'S SERIES EBONY SATIN OIL DRUMSET:
8X10, 10X12, 12X14, 14X16 Toms
8X14 "10 and 6" DW all-maple Snare
22" Bass Drum
DW Pedals and Hardware
Sabian Cymbals
Musical Training:
I started taking drum lessons with Mr. Jim Sewrey in the 6th grade and continued with him through high school. Played in various bands, orchestras, ensembles, drum set competitions, and camps (studied under Bob Chmel and Jeff Stitley at Birch Creek Music Camp) in high school, then went to UW-Stevens Point my freshman year for Music Performance Percussion and studied under Robert Rosen and Roger Braun. Transferred to UW-Madison my sophomore year and received a degree in Music Performance Percussion in 2000. While there I studied with Jim Latimer, Anthony DiSanza, Siggi Baldursson (Sugarcubes), and Vincent Davis. In college I played in everything from rock bands to musicals to avant-garde ensembles and have recorded, toured, and performed with such bands as Looking for Alice, The Lotus Band, Earthboys, Scattershot, Tim Penn, and EXIT.
Most Influential Musicians:
David Torn, Robert Fripp, Terry Bozzio, Kenny Aronoff, Steve Smith, Siggi Baldursson, DJ Shadow, Dirty Three, Tony Levin, Marco Minnemann, The Police, Peter Gabriel, Buddy Rich, Joe Morello, Neil Peart, Chester Thompson
Most Memorable Musical Experience:
Winning the Wisconsin Area Music Industry Award for "Artist of the Year" in 2004 with EXIT.
Current Career(s):
Working a 40-hour a week job while teaching lessons, performing, touring, and recording.
Hobbies:
Art, music, clubbing, dancing, movies, live shows, networking
Top Five Favorite Recordings:
Polytown; Dirty Three Ocean Songs; King Crimson Discipline; The Police Greatest Hits; TOOL Aenema
Top Five Favorite Movies:
Terminator 2 & 3, Saving Private Ryan, Shawshank Redemption, Caddyshack; Animal House
Top Five Favorite Books:
Tuesdays With Morrie, We Were Soldiers Once...And Young, Into Thin Air
Favorite Animal:
Dog
Favorite Meal:
Filet Mignon, mashed potatoes & gravy, green beans, and cheesecake for dessert.
Pet Peeves:
Guys who drive without their shirts on, static cling, people who are all about the money and/or who think they are better than you, getting crappy seats to a concert/sporting event
Additional Comments:
Five-time Wisconsin Area Music Industry Award (WAMI) winner including 2004's "Artist of the Year."
In a four year span, received 13 total WAMI nominations and received numerous awards and reviews from leading internet music web sites and industry representatives.
Independently sold more than 7000 copies of self-produced releases.
Songs have appeared in two feature-length movies, on the Discovery Channel, and on national and international radio stations.
While on tour, performed at such legendary clubs as Whisky-A-Go-Go, The Roxy, CBGB's, Shank Hall, and on the Mitch Albom Show.
Performed nearly 80 shows a year in addition to holding a full-time job and teaching lessons.
Sat down with representatives of major record labels, national booking agencies and highly sought after management companies.
Myspace site:
Myspace.com/craigloop2
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