Today we’d like to introduce you to Cornelius Washington.
Hi Cornelius, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I started playing drums when I was six. My aunt Nyisha Miller taught me. I come from a family of musicians. Some are internationally known, so music always came naturally to me. When I was 14, my church hired me as the new drummer. I’m 28 now, and I still work as the drummer there and have been doing gigs since I was twenty years old. However, about 3 years ago, I co-founded a band. The band was doing a lot of gigs but small-time stuff, which was where I needed to be at the time, making connections and building experience. But then I had my big break when Stephen Stringz, the CEO of the Columbus Cultural Orchestra, hired me to drum for them in a sold-out concert in 2022. I must have done great cause, to this day, I am their go-to drummer for all their big concerts. I’ve also been getting big gigs with some amazing artists like Maine Mood and B. Suave, to name a few. I’m helping promote a big event with B. Suave and a live band for which I will be the drummer on July 12th at Classics Victory’s. The ticket link is in my bio on IG and below. I’m also putting together some other events, so stay tuned.
Would it have been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t been a challenging road. This is the music industry. There are always some bumps in the road, whether someone cheating me out of what I’m worth, not paying me what they owe me, or trying to walk all over you after you helped get them to where they are right now. I have to worry about shady business people all the time. Plus, people are pretending to be my friend to get a hand out from me and put them on. But it comes with the territory. If you can’t take the heat, stay out of the kitchen.
I appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a professional drummer for hire. I specialize in RnB, Gospel, Hip-hop, Jazz, funk, and pop. I’m most known for drumming with the Columbus Cultural Orchestra, which focuses on mixing classical with RnB and Hip-hop. I’m most proud of my success and connections in the music industry. I’m connected to people who have opened up for Boy to Men, Pressure P., and Vedo, to name a few. My extensive knowledge of music and the music industry sets me apart from other drummers, and my drum style was influenced by Larnel Lewis, Anderson Paak, and Aaron Spears, Rest in peace.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I was a very creative and energetic kid growing up. I was diagnosed with ADHD. Therefore, I constantly tapped on something, whether my lap, the desk, a table, or the car’s back seat. I am also an artist. I had this natural self-taught talent to draw and paint as a kid.
Pricing:
- My average gig prices very from $50- $500
- My special gig prices depends on the details of the event we can talk about that.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/theofficial_kingneil
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/corneliuswashington
- Other: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/b-suave-friends-tickets-909357461647?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl
Image Credits
B. Suave, Lol Nobi, My family, Ciren, Brianna Smith, Maine Mood, Stephen Stringz, Columbus Cultural Orchestra, Ilovewayne, Film World Motions, Lyons Vision.
