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Black Orchid Empire
Billy has toured alongside heavyweight bands such as Foo Fighters, Deftones, Incubus, Skunk Anansie and Marilyn Manson.
As a producer and session player with longtime collaborator Narada Michael Walden (Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Sting, Jeff Beck), Billy knows exactly what it takes to nail a fantastic performance in the studio.
Whether recording or on the road with his current band Black Orchid Empire, Billy Freedom is a drumming powerhouse.
* May be prototype
WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
My drum teacher Chuck Brown and my father, Joseph Barboza II, who was a fabulous drummer and my first teacher. Airto Moreira is godfather to my son and a great friend. My biggest inspiration is the legendary Tony Williams.
WORDS OF WISDOM FOR THE NEXT GENERATION OF DRUMMERS
My advice to all musicians new and old is to not compete with other players. Instead, compete against your own laziness, arrogance, ignorance and inner insecurities, with long arduous dedicated hours of daily practise. "Water seeks its own level."
FAVORITE ZILDJIAN CYMBAL/COMBO
My favourite invention is converting the A0421 20" Classic Orchestral Selection Suspended into a pair of X-hats. They offer a mind-blowing array of white, brown and pink noises. I’m the first to do it even!!! All the drummers on the road love it.
University of North Texas
Bluecoats/Music City Mystique/Jacksonville State University
Latitude 49, Calgary Philharmonic, S[K]IES
PET NEEDS
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