Blaise Lanzetta

I was born and raised in Malverne, a small town in Long Island, New York. As the story goes, I didn’t talk till I was about 3, so to communicate, I used to grunt and bang on things like a primitive man. That was my form of communication. So my Mom’s name for me at this time was “Primitive Man”. She saw something deeper in that behavior and as long as I can remember I’ve had drumsticks in my hands.

My parents were very creative and artistic people. I think that’s what inspired me to play drums. I really don’t know why I felt so compelled to play music, but that’s all I’ve ever wanted to do. My parents fully supported my passion and that helped me to take what I love, and turn it into a professional career.

As I went through middle school and high school I played in various school bands while taking drum, piano, marimba and timpani lessons. I always tested the highest you could in all my NYSSMA tests (that’s New York Sate School Music Association). Also, I went to a high school that specialized in music where I learned music theory, harmony, and performance. In other words; I did everything I could to be involved in music.

The summer before Senior year of High School I went to a 5 week summer program at Berklee College of Music. That was the first real smack to my face. When I saw how these kids played and what they’ve been doing at their schools I was blown away. This just lit more of a fire in me to be better at my craft. I ended up graduating High School and then going to Berklee College of Music from 2001-2005. Berklee is where I feel my real musical journey began. It was such an eye opening experience as to what’s actually out there.

After 4 years in Boston, I’m back in NYC doing what I love; playing, recording, and writing music. Songwriting is a huge outlet for me. I’ve played piano and guitar from a very young age and was always interested in telling stories with music. Lyrics are very important to me. I think it comes from my parents playing various artists like the Beatles, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and Cat Stevens in the house a lot growing up.

Music to me is something used to help others. Whether just banging on a drum, strumming a guitar, or striking the keys of a piano, I really hope to inspire others to keep creativity alive inside of everyone.