Chris Brien

International Drumset Artist, Author, Composer, Percussionist, Educator and Clinician.

Multi Nominated ARIA Award, MO Award and Oz Music Award performer Chris Brien has performed and recorded with many of the biggest names in Australian music, performed with internationally acclaimed artists, performed in theatre productions, performed in clinic alongside many of the best drummers in the world, has trained some of Australia's best drummers and is recognized in many parts of the world as a master of "4-Way Independence".

As a performing artist Chris Brien rose to prominence in Australia in the mid 1990s as resident drummer/percussionist with the highly successful band Swoop, a Sydney based band with several number one and top ten hits both in Australia and Japan.

Chris Brien utilizes 10 pedals as well as a range of percussion and sound effect elements to demonstrate a variety of playing styles. His creative approach encourages many drummers to experiment with sounds and textures.

By 2002 Chris Brien's extensive studio and "live" experience as well as his innovative approach to playing the drumset had established him as one of Australia's foremost clinicians and drum/percussion educators. During this period Chris Brien was also writing a monthly drum column for the Sydney music magazine, "The Rock-itt"

In March 2002 Chris Brien released his first solo Drumming CD. All of the tracks were first takes and no drum or percussion overdubs were used in the recording process.

In May 2002 Chris Brien released his first instructional DVD entitled “Independence” featuring five original drumset compositions and songs all at the cutting edge of 4-way independence. All of the tracks were first takes and no drum or percussion overdubs were used in the recording process.

In June 2002 Chris Brien was invited to play at "The Ultimate Drummers' Weekend" festival in Melbourne, Australia. Due to public demand Chris Brien was invited back to perform at "The Ultimate Drummers' Weekend" Festival in Melbourne, Australia, again in June 2003, this time sharing the stage with Thomas Lang and John Blackwell.

In May 2004 Chris Brien was invited to open "The Australian Drummers' Festival" at Telstra Stadium in Sydney, Australia, sharing the stage with Chad Wackermann, Thomas Lang and Steve Smith."

In February 2005 Chris Brien released his second instructional DVD "Independence Part II" (A Giant Step) featuring some of the most extreme 4-way independence drumming ever recorded. "Independence Part II" received a 4 star rating from "Modern Drummer Magazine USA" (February 2006). All of the tracks were first takes and no drum or percussion overdubs were used in the recording process.

In April 2005 Chris Brien was invited to perform at the prestigious "Night Of The Drums" in Meunster, Germany. An international Samba festival that features some of Europe’s best Samba groups.

In May of 2005, Chris Brien was the 'highest billed' Australian drummer to perform at "The Australian Drummers Festival" at the Sydney Superdome, playing alongside "The Drumbassadors" and "Omar Hakim".

In October of 2005, Chris Brien officially became an author by successfully publishing his first drumming instructional book "Progressive Rhythms".

In February 2006, Chris Brien successfully opened up his second percussion teaching studio. Located at Continuumusic rehearsal and recording studios in Dee Why, Sydney, Australia. Chris Brien's teaching systems have helped develop thousands of drummers nationally and internationally, including many of Australia's best drummers.

In November 2006, Sydney based world music band "Heval" featuring Chris Brien on drums won the award of being the best "World Music Band" of 2006 in Australia at "The Oz Music Awards".

In early 2007 while touring in South East Asia, Chris Brien was invited to relocate to Hong Kong to set up his drumming course "The Chris Brien Drumming System" in conjunction with "Tom Lee Music" and "The Tom Lee Music Foundation". In April 2007 "The Chris Brien Drumming Course" was successfully set up in Hong Kong.

There are currently two Chris Brien drumming schools operating in Sydney, Australia.

In the March 2007 issue of "Modern Drummer Magazine USA", Chris Brien's independently released book "Progressive Rhythms" is reviewed. Then in the June 2007 issue of "Modern Drummer Magazine USA" Chris Brien's book "Progressive Rhythms" was listed as one of the top 12 tutorial products released worldwide since 2005.

In 2007 Chris Brien wrote another five drumming instructional books for his course "The Chris Brien Drumming System". "The Chris Brien Drumming System" consists of 5 levels:

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced and 2 Highly Advanced Levels.

For More Information Click Here

In November 2007 Chris Brien was invited to perform at the Conservatorium of Shanghai, China.

In December 2007, Chris Brien launched his 2nd solo CD "World Rhythms" at The White Swan Hotel in GuangZhou China. "World Rhythms" is aimed at both the Western and Chinese markets and is packaged in a twenty page hard cover booklet written in English and Chinese explaining the stories behind Chris Brien’s drumset compositions which are featured in "World Rhythms".

"World Rhythms" received a 4 Star rating by Modern Drummer Magazine USA (November 2008).

In June 2008 Chris Brien set up his second course "The Chris Brien Rhythm Course" in conjunction with "Tom Lee Music" and "The Tom Lee Music Foundation" in Hong Kong.

After being approached by many of the world’s leading publishing companies, in December 2008 Chris Brien signed a worldwide licensing agreement with Mel Bay Publications Inc. USA.

Mel Bay Publications Inc. will be releasing Chris Brien’s latest instructional DVD “Total Independence” worldwide later in 2009.

Chris Brien is featured regularly in leading international music magazines and other music publications and leading music websites.

Besides recording on many top selling hits, performing with internationally acclaimed artists, releasing many solo CDs and DVDs, continuing to author many more drumming instructional books, DVD's and CD's and performing in stage productions, Chris Brien's drumming has been seen and heard on many Australian television commercials and TV shows including All Saints, Home & Away and Neighbours.

Amongst Chris Brien’s busy schedule, Chris Brien regularly gives solo performances and drumming seminars throughout Hong Kong and China and in many other parts of the world.

Chris Brien is proudly endorsed by:

• Gretsch Drums.
• Zildjian Cymbals.
• Gibraltar Hardware.
• Latin Percussion.
• Toca Djembes.
• Vic Firth Drumsticks.