sonorusa

While some drummers obsess over technicalities, Robb Rivera concentrates on translating his emotion through his drum kit. “I don’t play pretty or with technique. I put in every ounce of emotion into my playing. Whatever I am feeling that day, I put into my kit,” he said.

Rivera began playing the drums at age 9 but only started to take it seriously at the age of 16. He’s never taken a drumming lesson and also plays guitar and bass. Some of his influences included Neil Peart of Rush, John Bonham of Led Zeppelin, Bill Ward of Black Sabbath and Danny Schuler of Biohazard. He has played in various cover and original bands and is currently the drummer in popular heavy rock band Nonpoint.

Rivera believes in playing for the song, not over playing. His trademark beat is the Robb Beat: just kick, snare and a 20 inch crash. “Something about that beat always makes everything so much more powerful,” he explained. He is most passionate about live drumming. “I feel free when I am on stage. I play sideways and that enables me to get out of the kit whenever I feel like it and interact with the crowd.”

Sonor drums make it possible for Rivera to unleash his raw emotion. “Sonor drums compliment Nonpoint’s music. The tone out of my Designer kit is unbeatable… no other kit has me satisfied where I can feel comfortable every night when I play live. When I play Sonor, I know what I’m getting: quality,” he said.