Kaz Rodriguez grew into one of the modern drum world’s most original voices by blending groove, chops, and composition into one identity. Known for his drum-less play-along tracks and odd-time fluency, Kaz has built a career that connects performance, writing, teaching, and touring — with a style that feels both technical and musical at the same time.
From childhood, rhythm was his natural language. He has described tapping along to music at home and being drawn to sound and timing before he even considered the drumset. Coming from an Indian background, he learned tabla early on, but once he discovered drumsticks he felt like he found his real instrument. His early influences were Michael Jackson and Prince (played constantly by his father), and at age 8 he saw Stewart Copeland playing a Tama Superstar kit — a moment that became a long-term goal for him and helped shape his direction. In a very real early hustle, Kaz built a makeshift drum setup using school instruments and busked in London markets, saving money until he could finally buy his own Tama Superstar kit. That determination later led him to approach Tama directly as a teenager, eventually becoming a Tama artist. (Interview: February 2015)
His playing also comes from serious study. Kaz received a scholarship to attend Saturday school at the Centre for Young Musicians (Southbank, London), where he studied orchestral percussion—especially rudimental snare—helping explain the control and stickings that show up in his current playing. He’s also spoken about how backing tracks shaped his practice approach early on, because playing along felt like being in a band.
A major chapter of his identity is composing music specifically for drummers. After touring with Cirque du Soleil in Germany, Kaz became inspired to write his own tracks, teaching himself keyboard and composition as he went. His first major composition, “Seven to the Power of Six,” gained strong attention, and he developed his signature approach: tracks built with “hidden exercises” inside them—hits and accents designed to strengthen rudiments and control (often without the listener realizing it’s training). He’s even said he doesn’t count time signatures while writing — he feels them — which lines up with how natural his odd-time grooves sound.
What he’s doing now: Kaz continues balancing touring/performance work with ongoing drum education and track releases, staying active through content, clinics, and collaborations. His drumming and compositions have been used by high-level players, including Tony Royster Jr. and Aaron Spears (who Kaz credits as both an inspiration and close friend). He also discussed long-term plans to support his music with books and expanded educational content.
Recordings / credits: Alongside his touring and session world, Kaz’s signature “Fusion Shed Tracks” concept has become a major part of his musical footprint — tracks written to inspire creativity and bring out a drummer’s own voice, rather than forcing one “correct” part.
Gear: TAMA Drums; Roland.
Sources: Mike Dolbear (Interview by Vicky O’Neon, February 2015); TAMA; Roland; MusicRadar.
Update: 1/22/26
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