Today we’d like to introduce you to Christopher (ChrisPat) Bounds II.
Hi Christopher (ChrisPat), so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started playing the drums at the age of 3 years old at my father’s church Greater Gethsemane Baptist Church in Castalia. It was there where I learned how to use my gifts through music. I was exposed to some amazing musical programs at Norris Elementary School with Ms. Gladney. Then I grew a little more at Corry Middle School with Mr Martin & Mr Broadway, this was where I learned my basic rudiments and fundamentals of drumming. When I got to Hamilton High School, I was finally ready to test my skills against some of the most talented musicians in the area. During my high school years I was exposed to some community choirs like Billy River’s & Angelic Voices of Faith, Kevin Davidson & The Voices of Binghamton and Darrell Petties & Strength in Praise. During this amazing time in my life Memphis had a very vibrant musical scene that was tangible. I would closely watch the musicians and artists use their skillsets and then I would go to my practice room and try to recreate those amazing moments. My God sister Kristie Robinson was very instrumental in introducing me and exposing me to the musicians that would have a major impact the next phase of my career. One day while I was rehearsing with the Hamilton High School gospel choir a local band, named New Genesis came through the rehearsal and heard me play for the first time. This was when everything changed. Kyle Bolden, William Wesson, Kenneth, Townsend, Brandon Brown and Stanley Randolph took me under their wing and gave me opportunities a young 17-year-old man would dream of. Because of my relationship with the band new Genesis, they also exposed me to awesome producer Lance Lucas, who gave me my first opportunity to record a live album. During my late teens in early 20s I would go on to link up with producer and musical director Jason Clark, who would later give me opportunities to play with R&B legends like Howard Hewitt, Glenn Jones and Tony Terry. This is when I would learn how to operate on and off the stage. I never forgot my gospel roots, of course. A man by the name of Rod Vester asked me to be the drummer for one of the most prominent churches in the region. I was hired by the Mississippi Blvd., Christian Church and served there for many years under the direction of Dr. Leo H Davis Junior. During my tenure at Mississippi Boulevard is where I learned excellence and sophistication in music and in ministry. These were the years where I grew from a boy to a man. Although my musical career was flourishing I still had the responsibility as a father to my two beautiful daughters Demya Marie & Peydan Jeanise. My mother Beverly and my sister Lynne would be the amazing village and help me with my daughters when I would either be out playing the drums or working at Fedex. I would also have an extensive career in the corporate band market. Every weekend I would play weddings or private parties with the Memphis Soul Revue. During this time, I would learn how to develop shows and manage bands musically and logistically. Although my drumming career had had seen many highlights in Memphis. I was looking for a higher exposure on the world stage so I took my talents to Los Angeles and started touring. ZZ Ward gave me my first opportunity to tour the United States. ZZ Ward gave me the perfect platform to put my talents on display. We played day time and night time talk shows from The View, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Carson Daily, David Letterman to name a few. We played all of the major festivals like Coachella, Bonnaroo, SXSW, Lollapalooza and many more. During this time I got exposed to a lot of industry Giants that will take notice to my skill set. Although my musical career in LA was flourishing life back home in Memphis got a little rocky for my mother. In 2015 my mother’s health started to decline rapidly, and I made the difficult decision to move back home.
I never lost sight of my personal dreams or goals but mission was different at this time. My personal goal was to give my mother the best quality of life for the rest of her life. See it was my mother’s words that gave me the inspiration that carried me through life. My mother called me the World’s Greatest Drummer every time someone met me for the first time. She said it so much that I actually believed her. Even though there were lots of doctors visits and hospital stays, my mother would always tell me to live and enjoy your work. My sister Lynne and myself would take turns helping our mother maintain a comfortable living. While back in Memphis, I needed to get busy working so I was hired at The Stax Music Academy where I could use my skills to give back to the community. I also developed ChrisPat’s Drum Corner private lessons that started in my mother’s home and now we are housed at The Memphis Drum Shop where I’ve been for the past 13 years. I found a good and solid financial foundation while I was still able to serve my mother in her illness and then God had a few more major moves because of my obedience. While I was working at Stax Music Academy in the summer I got a phone call from Nate Watts who’s the musical director for Stevie Wonder. Nate asked me to finish The Songs in the Key of Life Tour. That was a dream of a lifetime opportunity. Not only was the opportunity amazing because I got the chance to play with Stevie Wonder, but I also got the chance to play alongside my good friends, Kyle Bolden, and my master teacher, Stanley Randolph of New Genesis. During this time, my talents and skills were noticed by Rob Lewis, the musical director for Christina Aguilera. I would fill in as a substitute for Stanley Randolph on many shows until Christina asked me to join the team permanently. With Stanley’s blessing I took the opportunity and I still remain as Christina’s primary drummer. Today I I keep myself busy doing many things. I am the drummer for Brown Missionary Baptist Church. And the drummer for Christina Aguilera. I am the consultant and coordinator for Beale Street Blues Company Entertainment Services. I am the musical organizer for many lounges and nightclubs in the Memphis Area. I own and operate ChrisPat’s drum corner private lessons. I am the artist and residence at the Memphis Drum Shop. I’m the father to the two coolest daughters in the world Peydan and Demya. Life is pretty good.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Losing my parents within a year of one another was very tough.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a professional drummer, who can also teach who can also design and develop shows. I’m personally most proud of my children both of whom are excellent with the cosmetology arts. Professionally, I’m most proud of my relationships and my resources. I believe will assess me apart from others is that I am excellent at what I do, but I am also easy to get along with and I’m very helpful even with situations don’t have my name attached to it.. I love to see others be great
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Not being afraid to take risks. Not being afraid to learn from the best. Not being afraid to ask for the best advice, and not even being afraid of the magnitude of success.
Pricing:
- $50.00 – 30 min lessons
- $75.00 – 45 min lessons
- $100.00 – 60 min lessons
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @chrispat1986
- Facebook: Christopher Patrick Bounds II
- Youtube: ChrisPat
