Born in 1979, Rom.D began with
music by studying the piano at the age of 6. Although this basis would
later prove to be crucial, Rom.D needs a more direct link with rhythm.
As a child, he used to play drums with a home-made drum-kit, built out
of kitchen tools.
At 12, he decides to have drums & Latin percussions lessons. A course,
which is to last for 7 years in Nice, his hometown. Each year of study
is rewarded with a music award & the vivid encouragements of his teachers.
At the age of 15, Rom.D launches his first band. He is especially attracted by Latin, Reggae, Afro-Cuban jazz rhythms & funk. This passion is brought about by attending the international Nice Jazz festival. There he discovers great names such as Herbie Hancock, Roy Hargrove, Joshua Redman, Afro Cuban all Stars.
After graduation from college at the age of 19, Romain has one sole ambition: to become a professional drummer. He chooses to study at the ;The Drumtech Power House School of Music; in London, one of the best Music School. He also attends in London, a more theoretical course in music, at the TVU (Thames Valley University). At the Drumtech, he has teachers such as Marc Roberts from Massive Attacks, Bosco d Oliveira (Sade Terry Calliers percussionist), drummers Pete Cater & Paul Elliot. He increases his musical knowledge as well as his technical abilities.
In 2003, he graduates from the Drumtech, in the top ten, and from the TVU with a Bachelor of Arts in music with distinction.
During these years, Rom.D composes drum n bass & jungle music tunes at his London home studio, influenced by DJs like Roni Size, Adam F. or Mampi Swift. He temporarily plays with many groups in jazz venues, nightclubs, sea-cruises, and theatre shows (Little Shop of Horrors).
And he becomes the permanent member
of 4 major bands for which he plays & writes for:
- The Rom.d Collective
a Funk/Latin/Jazz band which includes some international groups
of musicians (www.myspace.com/romdcollective)
- Flexie
a Soul and R'n'B band (www.myspace.com/flexiemuiso)
- Batusamba a 10 pieces percussionist band
- Rom.d and Keig a Drum & Bass composer duo
Rom.D enjoys attending jams
sessions, where he can meet with other musicians. He has thus played with
Kool n the Gang, Marcus Miller, Roy Ayers musicians, Keziah Jones,
Orishas, Hugh Masekela, Gary Crosby, Soweto Kinch, Deny Batiste,
Marc Peillon and more.....
Rom.D Collective first Album is available at [email protected].
Listen to sample of songs at www.myspace.com/romdcollective
or www.romd.net