Following His Own Beat

Musician Spotlight – Michael Sandoval

By Katie Agner

Staff Writer

There is no question that music is a deeply personal and unique experience for everyone, and not to mention hard to define.

Student Michael Sandoval beats to his own drum on campus, and quite literally.

“In the matter of what or who influenced my style is always a tough question. It’s like asking what your favorite Skittles flavor is. Each flavor has its own uniqueness about it, but they taste way better when you just get a handful of all the flavors and eat them all at once,” Sandoval said. “That’s how I feel with musical influence. I don’t stick to one style or genre when choosing my style. I take the rainbow skittles approach so to speak.”

The percussionist and drummer got his start 10 years ago, playing bass drum early in school. Eventually, he moved on to the hand drums, which he can be seen playing on campus. While Sandoval does not play exclusively for one band, he enjoys freelancing and exploring his options. On campus particularly, however, Sandoval decided to get together with some friends to play drums Tuesdays and Thursdays during U-hour for people on their way to class, between the Arts Building and University Hall.

“It was just this idea we got to just start bringing our different percussion instruments and just have a jam over there. I’m surprised to see how quickly it picked up. Random students come in to join from time to time, too. The people going to class get a little entertainment during their walk and I notice that some really brighten up from it,” Sandoval said. “That was the reason for doing it in the first place: to bring some joy to the commuters.”

Even with interest and ability in varying music styles, Sandoval usually plays hip-hop, drum and bass breakbeats on his own. That won’t stop him from playing anything, though.

“My main inspiration is the feeling and expression that comes out of it,” Sandoval said.

To contact Michael Sandoval, email him at [email protected].