Walter Scalzone is one of the most talented and in demand multi instrumental percussionists in Dubai, so when we managed to squeeze in a chat with him between his travels and gigs we just couldn’t wait to share it with you…
Tell us Walter, what made you want to be a percussionist in the first place?
I wanted to show that you can rise and shine even if you come from a small village in the south of Italy where things seem hopeless.
Was there one specific experience in your younger years that served as the catalyst for this journey?
After school, my mother used to take me to a community where African children were raised in my hometown, Castel Volturno. Affected by social issues and poverty, I remember the only things these kids had were small drums which they were banging…and I was doing it with them! I do believe my passion for rhythm and energy come from those days when I was 7 years old and shared these simple yet true moments with those kids. Now, having the chance to do it, I have decided to give something back to this community by financially sustain some of the African kids, while supporting the volunteers to engaging them in activities with the ultimate aim to keep these kids away from the streets characterized by drugs and violence, thus hoping they grow in a genuine and positive environment
Where and how did you learn your craft?
I started by myself then I went deep into studies with a couple of masters in Naples, a well-known city in Italy for music.
What attracted you to Dubai?
The weather, after living 2 years in the UK (lol).
What has been your biggest gig to date?
Pacha in Mauritius.
We have seen your latest work, the LED Handpan. We heard it and fell in love…what makes it so special for you?
I wanted to add melodies to my rhythms and nothing can do it better than the hand pan, creating a magic atmosphere with its sound. For me it’s something special firstly as it looks like an ufo (:D) and secondly because you mainly see this instrument associated with yoga, meditation, while I am taking it to complete different level with deep/progressive/classic house & even RnB.
Tell us more about your Wa(l)ter Drums? Has this been developed solely by yourself?
The Wa(l)ter Drums is my signature show and a unique show in the entire Middle East. It is a 100% customized percussion set, created along with an engineer, a plumber and a light technician. I felt the need of creating something that could strongly express energy, which is what drumming is all about for me. Today I consider this show as a metaphor for life. Whenever I perform it, my aim is to radiate that amazing power, positivity and gratitude I feel for being able to do what I do.
Tell us about your other performance platforms you use?
I currently work on 4 different percussion acts, each of them having a specific vibe.
If you could perform anywhere in the world where would it be and why?
Vegas. Before coming to Dubai, I heard Dubai was the Las Vegas of the Middle East. One day I would like to see what Vegas is like for real.
Where can we catch you in action this season?
Nikki Beach, Coya, Buddha Bar Beach and Ruya amongst others.
www.facebook.com/walterscalzone
www.instagram.com/walterscalzone
https://www.walterscalzone.com/
Tell us Walter, what made you want to be a percussionist in the first place?
I wanted to show that you can rise and shine even if you come from a small village in the south of Italy where things seem hopeless.
Was there one specific experience in your younger years that served as the catalyst for this journey?
After school, my mother used to take me to a community where African children were raised in my hometown, Castel Volturno. Affected by social issues and poverty, I remember the only things these kids had were small drums which they were banging…and I was doing it with them! I do believe my passion for rhythm and energy come from those days when I was 7 years old and shared these simple yet true moments with those kids. Now, having the chance to do it, I have decided to give something back to this community by financially sustain some of the African kids, while supporting the volunteers to engaging them in activities with the ultimate aim to keep these kids away from the streets characterized by drugs and violence, thus hoping they grow in a genuine and positive environment
Where and how did you learn your craft?
I started by myself then I went deep into studies with a couple of masters in Naples, a well-known city in Italy for music.
What attracted you to Dubai?
The weather, after living 2 years in the UK (lol).
What has been your biggest gig to date?
Pacha in Mauritius.
We have seen your latest work, the LED Handpan. We heard it and fell in love…what makes it so special for you?
I wanted to add melodies to my rhythms and nothing can do it better than the hand pan, creating a magic atmosphere with its sound. For me it’s something special firstly as it looks like an ufo (:D) and secondly because you mainly see this instrument associated with yoga, meditation, while I am taking it to complete different level with deep/progressive/classic house & even RnB.
Tell us more about your Wa(l)ter Drums? Has this been developed solely by yourself?
The Wa(l)ter Drums is my signature show and a unique show in the entire Middle East. It is a 100% customized percussion set, created along with an engineer, a plumber and a light technician. I felt the need of creating something that could strongly express energy, which is what drumming is all about for me. Today I consider this show as a metaphor for life. Whenever I perform it, my aim is to radiate that amazing power, positivity and gratitude I feel for being able to do what I do.
Tell us about your other performance platforms you use?
I currently work on 4 different percussion acts, each of them having a specific vibe.
If you could perform anywhere in the world where would it be and why?
Vegas. Before coming to Dubai, I heard Dubai was the Las Vegas of the Middle East. One day I would like to see what Vegas is like for real.
Where can we catch you in action this season?
Nikki Beach, Coya, Buddha Bar Beach and Ruya amongst others.
www.facebook.com/walterscalzone
www.instagram.com/walterscalzone
https://www.walterscalzone.com/