Roland E-drum Expo

Bruce Clarke

In 1996 Bruce graduated with honours from the Victorian College of The Arts improvisation course, and was dux of the college in 1993 and 1994. During this time he achieved the rare distinction of receiving nothing less than honours in all twenty subjects studied.

Bruce then received the Queens trust music scholarship entailing study with eminent percussionists in the USA, Europe as well as intensive study with the Indian Master Karikudi Mani in Madras. This was the first time this prestigious award was granted to a “non classical” musician. Whilst in NYC Bruce received an Arts Victorian grant to record and oversee a collaboration of Australia’s leading improvising and electronic musicians.
Bruce’s scope and knowledge of different mediums has seen him work with an incredibly diverse number of musicians, from electronic to rock to experimental.

Bruce is also an active writer/composer, having written four top ten Triple J hits, and having been involved in the recording of a huge number of successful releases, enjoying wide spread airplay and exposure. His recent record deal creates unlimited possibilities, his first album being released internationally in early 2001.

Bruce has also worked actively as an educator, currently presenting the ‘Mixmaster’ workshop in various schools, lecturing at the Sydney International Music School as well as teaching privately.

Bruce has created new mediums for percussion, combining extended techniques such as slaps and pops in Latin with the more subtle and faster styles associated with Indian drums. His speed and vast array of sounds often leave audiences awestruck.

Bruce’s use of percussion in electronic and popular music has greatly enhanced it’s popularity in Australia, opening new listeners ears to it’s vast potential and power.

Bruce has worked and recorded with a variety of artists including The Whitlams, Amiel, Endorphin etc but his main focus is currently electronic beats and dance styles. His own projects, Wicked Beat Sound System and On have supported the likes of Macy Gray and Ben Harper nationally.

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