Louis Santiago Jr. - Drums
lou@jeffdeyo.com

Twenty-eight year old drummer Louis Santiago Jr. has already had a remarkable musical career that is the stuff urban legends are made of. Born in New York City in 1976, Lou did not purchase his first drum set until he was eighteen. After more than a year of eight to twelve hours of daily practice, he quit playing and joined the Navy- intent on earning tuition money to attend the Drummer’s Collective in New York City. Five years later, during his last year of enlistment, Lou finally picked up his sticks again and , incredibly, after eight months of practicing, won the 2001 Guitar Center Regional Drum-Off. Two years later, in 2003, he won the over 18 division of Modern Drummer’s “Undiscovered Drummer” contest and then toured with legendary trumpeter Maynard Ferguson and his Big Bop Nouveau Band. “Louis is without a doubt one of the most exciting new young drummers on the scene. He is dedicated to his craft and I look forward to watching the progress of his career!” says the vulnerable Ferguson. Highlighted recently in the “On the Move” section of Modern Drummer Magazine, Lou says his goal is, “To become a better person and drummer than I was yesterday. I sincerely believe that music both inspires and speaks to people. I pray that my drumming does the same. This isn’t just a job or hobby for me. I understand fully that it is a ministry given to me from GOD the father, to further His kingdom.” Lou’s prodigious talents have earned him endorsements from Sonar Drums, Meinl Cymbals and Percussion, Evans Drumheads, and Vic Firth Drumsticks.

Hello everyone! What you have just read is what people would see on a handout or bulletin, at any drum clinic or festival that I am participating in. What I would like all of you out there to know is that this doesn’t in any way define who I am (except for my quote in Modern Drummer Magazine). I’ve been blessed to have accomplished all the above after only playing the drums for a little over four years.

I was born and raised in New York City. My parents Louis and Nelly Santiago still live there. They pastor a church (Alpha and Omega) in the east village area of Manhattan. I have a younger brother Michael who is in the US Navy, and a younger sister Jaqueline who is starting college. Both are married with beautiful children.

I first came to know Christ at the age of 16. I was at a youth service in New Jersey and I went up to the front to receive prayer. I experienced something that day I never felt before. It’s kind of funny actually, I felt as if I had “super powers”. Sadly to say a few short weeks after that I was wavering back and forth in my walk and Christ. I eventually ended up backsliding completely. Ten years later I found myself at Calvary Spanish Pentecostal church broken-hearted and bound up by negative thoughts. I reconciled with the LORD that night, September 10, 2002. I felt the same powers that were given to me when I was 16 being re-installed; however this time I knew what to do with them! Holla!

I’ve been playing drums for four years since then. And I believe that praying, fasting, reading the word of GOD, as well as practicing daily, has allowed me to be as blessed as I am today. There’s more to this ministry than just drums and cymbals. Yes, it is what I do for a living, but there’s more to it than just playing 2 and 4. There has to b a purpose behind every note and rhythm played. The more you spend time with GOD, i.e. praying, fasting and the reading of His word, the more you begin to see, hear, and play with your spiritual senses instead of simply practiced patterns. Whenever I crash my cymbals I pray that the walls standing between an individual and the presence of GOD crash down. When I kick my kick drum, I’m kicking Satan and any of his plans away from that person, and when I ride on my cymbal, I’m riding someone to victory…all in the name of Jesus Christ and Him alone!! In this way, I believe we are redeeming the art of being a musician, and reestablishing God’s deep purposes in worship!

Above you see a picture of me with a beautiful woman. That’s my gorgeous wife Melissa. Melissa is my best friend, mentor, worship leader, and more! She is the one who GOD put in my life to make sure that I persevere in doing all things I just finished telling you about. I’ve learned so much from her. She is yet another example of God’s great blessings in my life. I am honored to have such a beautiful, GOD fearing, worshiping woman of GOD, with a New York attitude, as my partner in life! I love you Mel!

Thanks so much for reading. Mel and I both hope to meet you at a festival or church service some day soon. TAKE CARE AND GOD BLESS YOU!!!