About
Hello, I'm Mike Zeoli (aka "Mikke" - pronounced: MY-key) and thanks for checking out my website. I love playing drums and I love to make music! I’ve always been drawn to the power of music and especially to the hypnotic rhythms of drums and percussion. As a young child I loved playing along to the radio with kitchen utensils and whatever was in reach. My very first concert was seeing KISS and CHEAP TRICK when I was 5 years old, then the JACKSON FIVE on their final “Victory” reunion show. Experiencing live music made such a huge impression upon me and fueled my obsession for all kinds of music and to learn how to play the drums.
I was eleven when I got my first real Ludwig drum set and Zildjian cymbals. I immediately started private lessons and joined middle school band playing percussion. After school I'd usually be jamming with my neighborhood friends unless we were busy riding bikes, skateboarding, listening to music or playing video games (pre-internet days). My high school years were filled with a lot more drum lessons, playing music in marching band, jazz big band, jazz combo, stage band, percussion ensemble, and pit orchestra with the local theater and state honors band. My college years as a music major continued with even more intensive music study, until I decided to completely change my major and focused on Anthropology, Archaeology and Spanish language studies. Although I always continued playing drums in bands at small clubs, friends parties, and also teaching private drum lessons as well.
After years of making my way around the Austin music scene with a wide variety of different bands, I noticed one of my bands began playing for bigger crowds and started playing better shows on bigger stages. The Del Castillo band gained more notoriety at the Austin Music Awards (voted best drums 2003) and more recognition working with award winning film maker Robert Rodriguez when he filmed the band’s first live DVD and featured their music in his film, “Once Upon A Time In Mexico”. Which then led to playing on the soundtrack for Quentin Tarantino’s film, “Kill Bill Vol. II” and others. The band began regional and national tour dates sharing big stages with other artists like Willie Nelson, The Gipsy Kings, Los Lonely Boys, Los Lobos, STYX, Foreigner, Don Henley, Ryan Bingham and recorded with Santana. Del Castillo has released six LP albums, two live DVD’s and has played extended tours overseas. Since 2000 the Del Castillo band is still playing live shows and currently working on new album. A few new songs and videos have recently been released (listed on the video page) mixed by the amazing, award winning Tim Palmer.
Another passion for me is teaching the art of drumming. Scientific studies show that drumming reduces anxiety and stress, which is an added benefit that we all need. I enjoy being a part of my students’ musical journey and growth. It's a great privilege and an enriching experience that allows me to improve and refine myself in the process. My music company is called "Better Beats Music" - with over 25 years experience working with students of all skill levels and ages, including students with learning challenges. I offer private in person lessons at Blue Frog School of Music in Austin, Texas (since 2016) or online lessons via the world-wide web. Se habla Español.
I also really enjoy recording drums and percussion with all kinds of bands and music projects, many of which are listed on the music and video pages of this website. A couple of newer projects to note is playing with the talented, multi-instrumentalist and guitarist, Nathan Hinojosa of Spicy Loops (originally from California and currently based in Austin, Tx). Additionaly I'm also drumming for the hard-driving, up and coming rock band, MATNEY. Produced by the legendary Stevie Salas.
While you're looking around, be sure to check out the music player on the footer of the website that features a few samples of my own (unreleased) tracks. I'm well versed with all genres and dynamic music styles. I draw from a rich, rhythmic vocabulary and volumes of variations of unique beats and time signatures played on a wide selection of drums and percussion instruments (acoustic and electric). My email is: betterbeatsmusic@gmail.com - reach out if you're interested in private drum lessons, need music written for your media project or need drums and percussion for a recording project and potential creative collaborations. Thanks for checking out my website and if you want to support my work please visit the online merch shop (customize most items).
"May your inspiration find you, whatever it might be and open new worlds of joy and wonder. " ~ Mikke Z.