EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH VERONICA BELLINO

Q. It was awesome spotting you as a drummer in The Game and Lil’ Wayne’s music video for their new song, “Red Nation.” What was that experience like? Describe your favorite moment.

A. That was so much fun! The best part was watching Game work.  When the camera hit him and he started rapping his verse I was like, “WOW.”  He totally killed it and is great at what he does. I also loved meeting all others who were part of the video.  We spent a long night together so we had some good laughs on the set. The whole experience was great and I loved that they had a custom 55gal drum-bucket set up for me! It was 2, 55 gallon metal drums with a bucket attached to the side of each one.

Q. You recently made the decision to relocate to LA from the Big Apple. Why did you decide to relocate? What was the driving motive behind this move and what has it been like so far?

A. The driving motive was more opportunity, great weather, and change. I’ve lived in New York all my life and loved it but there was something inside me that said there was something more out there. New York got me to meet amazing musicians and play with awesome groups such as Carmine Appice’s SLAMM, LL Cool J’s signed group 13, and the Street Beats Group- a corporate drum and dance troupe. Although The Street Beats Group is NY based, we still do shows all over the US and overseas.  So, it’s actually better in a way that I am in LA because when we have west coast gigs it makes things much easier. Moving to LA was like starting fresh in the same industry. New faces, new environment, new networks; LA is where it’s at as far as entertainment. I have only been here a short while and feel that I have already accomplished alot and have much to look forward to!

Q. What was it like working with Carmine Appice and being part of SLAMM?

A. Being part of SLAMM was a big turning point for me. Working with a drum legend such as Carmine, at first I was nervous! But when I got to know him and saw how cool he was it made the whole experience alot of fun. We have a running joke that I am his daugher and I call him dad because we are both Italian drummers and, well, he is old enough to be my dad! Haha…  People ask me all the time if we were related so we just ran with it!  It’s also great playing with a bunch of talented drummers as a group and putting on an actual stage show with lighting, costumes, and theatrics rather than just sitting behind the kit.

Q. You’ve landed a spot in a major music video, had your percussion covers recognized by big acts such as Far East Movement, have performed major venues, and are working with some heavy-hitters in the industry. How has all this influenced your career as a musician?

A. Well, I have gained much more recognition and am living proof that females CAN keep up with the boys!

Q. What can we expect from Veronica in the next few months? Can you tell us a little bit about what you are working on with Pauley Perrette and DMC?

A. Yes, there is much cool music to come! Pauley Perrette is known for her acting on NCIS, but she happens to be a very talented songwriter and is in the process of finishing her album. I have been in the studio with her and producer, Mike 13,  tracking drums on a few of her songs. Its a very fun album and I can’t wait until it is finished! Also, Pauley, Mike 13, and myself teamed up with hip hop legend DMC, and created an amazing hip hop/rock song called “Attention Please.” The track was produced by Mike 13.  The hook was written by me and sung by Pauley. With DMC on the verses and Pauley on the hooks, the song is a killer! It sounds unbelievable and the video, where you will see me on the drums,  will be released this summer.