Bruno Mars’ Drummer Eric Hernandez Interview

Here’s the short interview I did with Eric for pearldrum.com...

(click Read More below)

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Eric Hernandez: A Mission To Mars

Bruno Mars drummer Eric Hernandez sat down with Pearl to discuss his upcoming world tour, how he got into drumming, and joining the artist roster.

Some would consider Eric Hernandez an overnight success as he's seemingly appeared everywhere within the last few months. If that wasn't enough, he's currently on a European tour with Bruno Mars promoting Doo-Wops & Hooligans, which is dominating the Billboard charts.


Pearl Corporation: Tell us a little about your background and how you got started playing drums.

Eric Hernandez: When I was 4 years old, my father would let me tag along on his gigs and I'd sit behind him as he played percussion. Even though he kicked *** on the congas and other percussion, I was always fixated on the drums. My dad took note of my interest and bought me my first kit... it was over! I still couldn't quite reach the pedals so I would play the floor tom in place of the kick to get a little groove going. I kept my kit in the living room and began playing along to the music of my favorite shows like Scooby Doo and The Muppets Show. (laughs) Then it progressed to any music that came on the television in addition to playing along with the radio, cassettes, and albums. A few years later, my Dad thought was good enough and placed me in one of his gigs. 

He always told me to watch Buddy Rich and Gene Krupa for their showmanship and on stage presence which I try to bring to the table when I play live shows. I really get into it and I love performing! Whether it's a pub or an arena, you'll find that I'll be 'show mode' and giving it my all. My love for music and the drums becomes very apparent.


PC: You're now on the some roster with such legendary drummers as Dennis Chambers, Omar Hakim, and Horacio Hernandez... how does it feel?

EH: Being on a roster with such amazing drummers is very surreal to me. I am honored to be in any category with these cats even if it's just on a roster because these are real players that have been in the game for a while and are still at the top of every drummer's influence list. Maybe one day I can be like them. I also know that they have been playing Pearl forever which definitely says something about these drums.



PC: How has your experience with the Reference and MCX Masters Series been in all of the different gigs you play?

EH: I had been playing other custom drums for a long time and they sounded good but then my buddy, Omar Tavarez (drummer for Pitbull & Pearl Artist), told me I needed to check out Pearl. I did and it's been a rap ever since. I was fortunate to join the Pearl family and have since played the Reference and MCX Masters Series. Honestly, I feel like these drums have brought my playing to the next level. The response, tones, and attack makes me feel great and when I feel great... I play great. Even my band members have heard the difference in my playing and have become Pearl fans as a result. Every time I watch playbacks from television tapings with Bruno Mars or Taio Cruz, I get so excited when I hear the drums. I'm proud of how they sound and represent me as a player. It's great when people who see the shows say, "Man, your drums sounded great!"

Recently, I used Reference Series kits on Saturday Night Live, The View, and The Ellen Show. I played my MCX Masters Series kit (with Diamond Glass finish) on Bruno Mars' run with Maroon 5 and one of their sound techs ran up to me saying, "That kit is the s*#t!! I can't believe how good your drums sound! I haven't heard drums sound like that in a while." I'm currently playing a Refrerence Series kit (with Copperfire Sparkle finish) for the European tour.

Bottom line, Pearl is the natural, perfect fit for me.