What's a BanJoey

Music has a magical way of bringing people together and inspiring innovation. Sometimes, the most creative ideas arise from a combination of diverse musical influences.

One such unique creation emerged from the heart of Tampa, where an encounter with a bluegrass artist set the stage for the birth of "BanJoey."

From the vibrant music scene of Tampa, an aspiring drummer named Joey Interrante had the opportunity to collaborate with a talented musical artist named Dre Anders. The collaboration proved to be a pivotal moment in Joey's musical journey. Invited to perform at the prestigious "Del Fest," a renowned bluegrass festival held in Cumberland, Maryland, Joey received a challenge from Stan Strickland (Band Manager) - to think outside the box and incorporate percussion elements that aren't commonly used in traditional bluegrass music.

Drawing on about 20 years of percussive experience and some quick thinking, Joey took the Cajon, a box-shaped percussion instrument that provides rich bass sounds, and combined it with a bass pedal. Using a smaller box drum and attaching a cymbal to it, Joey ingeniously crafted a new hybrid instrument. Little did they know that these humble beginnings would lead to the creation of "BanJoey."

After the initial experiment, Joey embarked on a journey of Research and Development (R&D) to enhance the instrument's resonance and explore other creative possibilities. Working with two box drums wasn't exactly giving the sound he wanted and remembering guitars sometimes sound like a drum when struck Joey began to test further. Initially considering an acoustic guitar for this purpose, he ultimately decided to utilize the banjo due to its unique structure, which essentially features a drum head.

The banjo's neck proved to be an ideal holder for a washboard, another unconventional percussive element that added even more character to the instrument. With the cymbal mounted on the banjo head, the BanJoey was now complete, offering a harmonious blend of cajon's bass-rich tones and the distinct twang of the banjo.

On May 11, 2017, the BanJoey was officially born, marking the start of an exciting musical journey. Since then, this one-of-a-kind instrument has become a sensation in the Tampa Bay Area music scene, captivating audiences at various venues and events, including Delfest, Janus Live, and Palladium ST. Pete.

The BanJoey's versatility is a testament to Joey's innovative spirit and dedication to pushing the boundaries of traditional music. Its rhythmic fusion of cajon and banjo elements provides a unique sonic experience that appeals to both bluegrass enthusiasts and those with a penchant for inventive musical arrangements.

Beyond the novelty factor, the BanJoey also represents a beautiful harmony between diverse musical influences. It is a symbol of how collaboration between artists from different backgrounds can give rise to something truly exceptional and inspiring.

As the BanJoey continues to make its presence felt in the Tampa Bay Area and beyond, one can only imagine the potential it holds for further experimentation and exploration in the world of music. Perhaps it will even spark the interest of other musicians, encouraging them to blend unconventional elements and create their own innovative instruments.

In conclusion, the BanJoey is more than just a unique musical instrument; it is a testament to the power of creativity and collaboration in the world of music. As Joey's brainchild, it stands as a remarkable example of how thinking outside the box can lead to groundbreaking discoveries and leave a lasting impact on the world of music.

So, if you ever find yourself in the Tampa Bay Area, keep an ear out for the captivating sounds of the BanJoey. You might just experience the beautiful harmonization of cajon and banjo, brought to life by the visionary mind of Joey Interrante, a drummer who dared to dream beyond the ordinary.