Aries Drummers Playlist

While I loved putting together my solo artist zodiac playlists, I was missing a major piece of my music journey… I was missing out on the drummers! As a percussionist and lover of Rock n Roll, this was just unacceptable. So I put my research cap on, searched the web for famous Aries drummers, and complied this amazing Aries Drummers Playlist.

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Vector Drawing of a red drum set with the Aries symbol on the bass drum head. Background is a tan/light brown brick wall with the text "ARIES DRUMMERS" overtop in a black and red colored font. — Drawn by me in Adobe Fresco

What to Expect

Throughout this playlist you will hear the aggression, feel the determination, and will see the passion that all of these amazing Aries drummers posses. If you’re someone who typically looks for a melody first, I encourage you to look beyond that as you listen to this playlist. Don’t think too hard about the music, just feel it. See how your body sways. Find the rhythm and bask in it. Drums are a powerful tool for helping us move our bodies and release the emotions we no longer need to carry.

These Aries drummers ignited a fire in me and through their music, gave me the power to activate a piece of myself I was otherwise missing. When listening to John Otto jam out with Limp Bizkit, I was able to feel the anger well up inside of me; but just as quickly, I was able to release it. While I listened to Arejay Hale, it’s like a flare was lit and I was able to let loose and show off. And don’t get me started on Tim Alexander! If you ever feel like you need to move your body in a wild, noodle-like motion – turn on some Primus! I’m telling you, those drum beats will get you moving in the weirdest, most freeing ways.

Still not convinced? Let’s hear from these Aries drummers themselves for some inspiration.

Aries Drummers

Instead of talking about every single drummer, I picked a few of my favorites to dive deeper into. If you know of any Aries drummers I’m missing, please let me know so I can add them to the list and playlist!

John Otto – March 22nd 1977

(Limp Bizkit 1994-2006, 2009-present)

I’m gonna be honest, I didn’t know I was a Limp Bizkit fan until I started researching their drummer. I came across this John Otto interview during my research and was really impressed. As a former drummer, I loved the advice he gave and of course as an astrology student, I LOVED how 30 seconds into the video he talked about his aggressive (Aries) drum style. Thanks John for confirming my number one overused Aries stereotype!

I also appreciate how John talked about “developing your independence” as a drummer. While a band is a team effort, the drummers really are the back bone of the operation. Independence and confidence are the keys to carrying a great beat and as you’ll see throughout this playlist, Aries knows all about independence and confidence!

Side note: please enjoy this chaotic Woodstock 99′ video. Did Limp Bizkit cause the crowd to actually break stuff? That’s gonna have to be a question for another blog post…

Arejay Hale – April 1st 1986

(Halestorm 1997-present)

Speaking of independence and confidence, Arejay Hale fully embodies this energy. What Arejay said, in this Music Factory Academy video, about “working on your internal clock”, was really interesting. Whether you’re a drummer or not, there is something to be said about getting familiar with your internal clock. Most humans tend to flow with the group and match other people’s energies. Aries on the other hand, are individualistic. In a low form, some may say selfish. In a high form though, you can say they are the most connected to the “self”. Confidence comes from a connection to your inner world and a trusting and knowing of yourself. And man is Arejay confident and connected on that drum kit!

As you can see from this “I Am The Fire” video, Arejay’s drumming style is energetic, vibrant, flashy, and all around good fun! It takes extreme confidence to add that kind of flare. He could throw a stick and accidentally drop it! He could kick his leg up around the high hat and knock the whole kit over, but Arejay doesn’t let that stop him. Instead, he listens to his inner clock and kicks some ass on the drums.

How to Channel Aries Energy through Music

Tim Alexander – April 10th 1965

(Primus 1989–1996, 2003–2010, 2013–present)

Tim Alexander is an all around flawless drummer; you can just tell it comes so naturally to him. He finds ways to powerfully accent the songs without overpowering the rest of the band. In this Vater Percussion video, when talking about the song Jerry Was a Race Car Driver, he mentions the “sporadic double bass part” underneath the song. This is super impressive because the bass part is often what locks in the song and keeps things steady. To be sporadic, yet dominant is a beautifully weird thing.

Primus is truly a band of several personalities all shining through brightly in their own ways. Les Claypool (the singer and bass player) is a Libra (Aries opposite sign). Tim as an Aries drummer, brings the perfect balance through his unique sound while lighting up Les’s crazy weird beautiful Libra self.

Patrick Carney April 15th 1980

(The Black Keys 2001-present)

I love that, in this Rolling Stone video, they say Patrick was “sent over to the drum set”. Something I’m learning about the Aries drummers in this playlist, is that although they are typically know as aggressive fire signs, Aries can be pretty humble as well. Maybe it’s an honesty thing? Being honest with others can get you in trouble sometimes; but, being honest with yourself is a humbling experience.

As the first sign of the zodiac, Aries are instinctual. When an Aries knows, they just know. No need to question it. I’m paraphrasing, but the woman in the Rolling Stone video above, mentioned something about Patrick’s flailing noodly drumming, paired with Dan’s (Taurus) bluesy soulful voice. She talked about how those two things don’t seem to go together, yet in this scenario they do. While on the surface it didn’t seem like it would work, Patrick goes for it anyway.

Additional Aries Drummers

Frank Ferrer 3-25-1966 (Guns N Roses)
Homer Steinweiss 3-25-1982 (w/ Amy Winehouse, Silk Sonic, and more)
Jeff Porcaro 4-1-1954 (Toto)
Pick Withers 4-4-1948 (Dire Straits)
Roy Mayorga 4-6-1970 (Stone Sour; Hellyeah)
Arnar Rósenkranz Hilmarsson 4-6-1987 (Of Monsters and Men)
Chris Gaylor 4-11-1979 (All American Rejects)
Brenden Urie 4-12-1987 (Panic at the Disco)
Mike Mangini 4-18-1963 (Dream Theater)

Summary

Well there you have it; these Aries drummers are fired up, flashy, fierce, and fun. If you’re looking for an outlet for you’re anger, or just want to listen to music that makes you flail your noodley arms; this playlist is the one for you! So go on, get to listening and let me know in the comments what comes up for you when you listen to these Aries drummers. How do these artists connect you to the Aries archetype on a deeper level? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Missing your favorite Aries drummer in this list and playlist? Let me know in the comments so I can add them!