Daniel Berg – Drums
This is me
I’m a real nerd who loves to study and learn. I grew up in a tiny village of about 500 people in the countryside in northern Sweden. I started taking drum lessons at the age of 13 and later went to Piteå Music College at Luleå University of Technology where I received a Bachelor’s degree in music. I’ve also studied at Musicians Institute in Los Angeles and later received a Master’s degree in Musicology from Gothenburg University.
I’ve worked as a professional drummer for many years as well as being a teacher of drums at a university in Sweden. I’ve played everything from jazz trio, big bands and cruise ships to top40/dance band, symphony orchestras and backing up major artists.
I’m not brought up in a religious home but for some reason a belief in God has always been obvious for me. However, the road to my Christian faith has been a long and shaky one for a very good reason: I’m not interested in church traditions – I’m interested in the real deal that the first apostles had!
My influences
I grew up with radio of the 80’s which could be anything from ABBA and Donna Summer to KISS and Alice Cooper. I love groovy music that makes you want to tap your foot and I’m a huge fan of funky music and melodic rock of the 80’s!
And then one day when I was 13 I heard the band that was going to change my musical view forever – Toto. The instrumental virtuosity and the intricate arrangements completely blew my mind!
When it comes to drummers that have influenced me over the years there are so many I can’t even remember everyone. But it all started with one drummer – Jeff Porcaro, the original drummer of Toto.
One drummer that keeps being a huge influence to me is Simon Phillips (Toto etc). Not only because of his groove, amazing technique and independence but also the way he’s approaching drums musically, melodically and dynamically.