Guitar Center Drum-Off 2012 Finalist - Aric Improta

Aric Improta from Fullterton, CA -- check out his drum solo performance at our 2012 Drum-Off Grand Finals that took place on January 19th, 2013 at Club Nokia in Los Angeles. For more info on Guitar Center Drum-Off visit www.guitarcenter.com/drum-off

[@championsofcardboard7377]

10 years later and I still watch this video, Aric is a BEAST!!!

[@loumason6120]

I think he's in the top field of drummers EVER ..Aric can play any style with amazing feel and chops..i love it!

[@VoidKnightAce]

also here 10 years later

[@GoldsGarage]

Still watch this often after 10 years as well 🫡

[@gasi9613]

Et moi tjr aussi mauvais …❤

[@jeremystrauss2516]

Me watching this 4 years ago: HOW??? Me watching this 4 years later: HOW???

[@KK-----]

hes gotten even better

[@KK-----]

hes gotten even better

[@TheDonkDonk420]

Same but I saw it when it first came out.... probably my 30th time watching it 😂😂😂

[@jeremystrauss2516]

@@TheDonkDonk420 same

[@planetofdrumsproductions2786]

i agree

[@cosaosa2855]

"Sir, can you please perform your drum solo again? All the microphones were turned off"

[@rizkifaskia6108]

Hhhhhh

[@ivansenjaya3306]

1:54 And suddenly your Mom's calling...

[@bonk3773]

Haha

[@balang27]

Hahahaha

[@CalebMonterroso]

Lmfao😂💀

[@jeremiahdimitri444]

LOL

[@Dave-yq9fh]

Holy crap. That call and response at 1:15 on the snare and bass was amazing.

[@mrbeast5754]

U ain't lieing!!

[@gabeaze]

Such a Terry Bozzio power move

[@ForeverRepublic]

I can't believe people are insulting his energy. You call that insanity? I call it passion. Absolutely amazing. Pedal work, fills, etc. There is learned skill and then there is god given talent, this guy has the latter. That groove at 2:02

[@wdrumz]

It's fake for the show to rile up the audience. Which is why I can't stand this dude.

[@ForeverRepublic]

***** What's wrong with that? He's a performer. When you're performing you should do everything you can to engage the audience. That's easy to do as a vocalist or guitarist, not so much as a drummer, this guy pulls it off. His playing is great to say the least, so I don't see what the issue is.

[@jimbalaya007]

***** Dude why do you have to say something negative for every positive thing someone says about this guy? This world needs less negative and more positive. We get it, you don't like his style. So don't watch. Why do you care so much? Go spread you're negative thoughts elsewhere.

[@wdrumz]

Jim Hinrich I love to debate. It's fun. And I was trying to give this guy another shot watching it again and no luck. I think it's fun to pick at people's minds to figure out why they think the way they do about things. It's fascinating. I care because it's opinions like that are putting overrated guys like this into categories they don't deserve yet. Not gonna even bother listing youtube cover artists at the moment that fit the bill haha.

[@wdrumz]

***** The level he is at is not GC finalist category. If it weren't for his over eccentric behavior and tricks he would sound like most in this competition. I don't take this thing seriously anymore because of what people actually made it this far. It's sad. It's not about groove and talent anymore it's about smokes and mirrors bs. Needs to go back to the heart and core of what makes drumming awesome.

[@uditarya1921]

me first time watching: this is legendary me watching it again : this is still legendary

[@bishop1228]

Same. I've seen it a few times but when it pops up, I just can Not scroll past it

[@iagomerli9535]

2022 and still legendary

[@anothersidestore3282]

almost 2023, still legendary

[@FLmetalhead]

His band Night Verses is sick. Aric is the most artistic and expressive/experimental drummer I’ve ever heard.

[@arthursaey]

nevermind the gym, I'll just get a drum set

[@MysticTheStrider]

+Howard Beale nicememe!

[@darthchop697]

That's what I keep telling people... turned my 6 pack into an 8 pack, and my legs have never looked like this before, even when I did loads of cycling.

[@AMRADIO_]

Darth Chop How does drumming help core?

[@jakerieger5207]

Drumset doesn't help that much with building muscle, but you'll certainly have stronger legs/wrists

[@Mr.Xarxes]

Jake Rieger You build a little muscle. But its for speed.

[@oriell003]

He has a AWESOME pedal control, he can do everything he want's with the pedals.

[@KnobCRICK]

Oriell003 and probably your mom

[@aliffasyraff6591]

Sugarfoot can play that shit with single bass.

[@tiyenin]

3:45 Mmmnope.

[@kiwiingenuity6666]

@@jujubones hes extremly innovative

[@shhs1227]

@@aliffasyraff6591 You can see multiple times throughout the video Aric is using single bass for this lol If you're gonna shit talk and bring up another artist on a dudes solo. At least make it reasonable lol

[@James-lq8ir]

You can just tell he put literally everything he had into that. Much respect!!

[@imbetter8800]

2:03 when you're a metalhead but you have to play for kindergarten

[@claytonpetersimes5838]

dude this comment brought me to tears with laughter, i may be drunk though. doubt it though

[@imbetter8800]

Clayton Petersimes 🤪

[@will66kg91]

when you’re playing 7/8 on your left hand and a displaced half note 7/8 or 7/4 on your right hand

[@EV1NRUDE]

Loll

[@iamfber4c]

@@will66kg91 pplllll

[@GavinOswald]

I don't wanna live in a world where this doesn't win a drum-off

[@UrbanNinja1497]

To be fair, Juan Carlos Mendoza's solo deserved to win. It was definitely one hell of a close final 3, though. This guy has crazy control but the other guy had much more balance, this was kind of insane. Good, but all over the place.

[@GavinOswald]

Andre Ribeiro I personally didn't find anything about Juan Carlos Mendoza's to be superior in any way, except for the upside down snare.

[@GavinOswald]

***** I can respect differing opinions, but I'm not here to argue.

[@WeRSometimeYesterday]

***** This guy was way too sporadic imo, Juan's was interesting and complex but sounded way more organized and melodic for sure

[@GavinOswald]

I feel like the sporadic elements made it sooo exciting and entertaining!

[@spenceranderson4563]

"I like to play"

[@clarkkent3730]

Garth?

[@jacobponce4406]

Waynes world 😁😁😁

[@greedyrooster3337]

Party On Spencer.

[@kennywillgirot7155]

"I like to sing"

[@cj_ssfsm]

Ding😃

[@lukesoderberg3920]

I must of watched this drum solo about 20 times lol this is by far my favorite

[@lloydfountain8365]

Caleb and Luke Soderberg same here bro!! After watching his vid I just stare at my drum set like....😣

[@Hurricane0721]

I really love the xylophone mix here! To me that shows real talent across the board with all the percussion instruments. To me this is an absolutely amazing display of genuine talent and skill.

[@sandmanlopez9920]

Ikr 😼 totally amazed at how articulate he his on the drums also I love his sound dynamics

[@emmittsmith482]

I never get tired of watching this.

[@joshfrench5275]

Ill never understand how he didn't win

[@superresistant8041]

Fuck... that's the most impressive drum solo I ever seen. Even thought I spotted some mistakes, he's actually pushing the limits of drumming and he deserve to win IMO.

[@or7674]

it would be inhuman to not make mistakes with such hard beats to do, especially in a contest !

[@chadchaddingtonflexington8415]

10 years later, still one of the best solos I have EVER heard. This always gets my adrenaline pumping lol

[@brendan9868]

I come back to this video every few months because to this day I’m just blown away by this dudes energy and intensity, it’s amazing. Plus that 360 stool shuv-it was smooth 👌

[@MyMusicalSyn]

Juan Carlos Mendoza won the 2012 Drum-Off. Carlos focused more on technique and dynamics and throwing the beat, while Aric focused more on speed playing, one-handed rock beats, and of course aerobic playing. Both of these drummers are amazing in their own styles, but Carlos had more of what the Drum-Off judges were looking for. Hats off to Aric though, I've never seen anyone perform a skateboard trick on a throne.

[@aaronrus]

juan was great, but Aric's solo was way more impressive

[@ragrapios]

Aric didn't focus on 'speed'. If you are not the Practicing 8beat guy, should know that.

[@PaCKuSH42O]

Have you listened/seen Aric's newest solo performance "Blur-lights in the videodrome"? Absolutely incredible from start to end

[@JuanCarlitoMendoza]

Alainvmusic just because I don’t tour doesn’t mean I am not successful ;) I CHOOSE not to tour. If anything I make a very nice living (all music business related by the way), have medical benefits, own my home, make my own schedule and am not in debt (that’s MY definition of success) My boy Aric is doing his thing and has done amazing for himself. He’s one of the nicest and hard working people I know. I really hope he wins the Grammy and even if he doesn’t I still ride with him because he’s a good dude. Also before you make assumptions about people’s lives you might want to do some research ;) have a nice day and maybe one day I’ll congratulate you on your Grammy.

[@alainvmusic]

You're right Juan C, everyone's path to success is different, I'm sorry, what can I say? I shouldn't write that... BUT, I learned that if you write a cool comment or compliment about someone it completely dissapear, on the other hand you write some stupid thing on someone else comment from 4 YEARS ago, and somehow you get some attention and even a call out from someone that is really busy doing great things related to music (like you)... So in resume we both are victims of today's internet... I shouldn't wrote a lame comment, and you shouldn't take the time to respond every lame comment on the internet... You're a great drummer and I'm not... And I don't think I'll ever win a Grammy or something like that, anyway, if you're happy who am I ? Peace ✌️

[@andrewfolts250]

3:05 ...plunkk.............WEHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!

[@jovanblacevic6470]

he is plunking, wehhing, then raging

[@goulian0197]

@@jovanblacevic6470 xa

[@rafaelvelazquez5669]

Watafac

[@KingHasIt_TW]

one of THE BEST rock solos i’ve ever heard.

[@Sqaceship]

ashton kutcher goes hard

[@spicyylemonss4335]

Gold underrated comment

[@resellworld]

3:49 Proves he's Human. Drummers and Musicians can hear it. Regular people probably won't notice what I'm talking about. EITHER WAY THIS DUDE IS A FUCKING BEAST!!!!!! I put him in my top 5 of people with insane drumming skills.

[@PolysPolyviou]

+resellworld yea he messed up a bit ... it's ok tho

[@resellworld]

***** ...Yep, I just needed to at least confirm that he is a real Human being and not a Robot/Alien. Thats how good he is lol

[@mememusic6610]

Oh yeah. He messed up the order. Quickly fixed though.

[@kikihohohaha]

lol i thought i was the only one. heard a couple of time where he clashed his sticks too. but nonetheless insanely talented, loads and loads and LOADS better than me

[@amirfadhly6608]

+resellworld I hear it, son.

[@jsv.2932]

At 4:18, for a moment, I literally thought that someone came to calm the dude down and not have some attack.

[@aaronmartinez6621]

Hey man even an engine needs antifreeze

[@makuum6776]

There is actually someone giving him a clap or whatever on the shoulder from behind

[@michaelwalker1013]

It’s to inform him there is around 1 minute left in his solo

[@freakbag556]

@@michaelwalker1013 i think this is the wave

[@piyahgaming3506]

He went fucking ham

[@inutero]

High school music teacher be like: "Ok but can you do a rock beat?"

[@freakout7677]

how did this man not win? this guy has it all, energy, looks, athleticism, and god damn talent, incredible talent

[@CrazyDaily123]

Yea have you seen Juan Carlos mendoza?!

[@samriddell3104]

+Demokrin Yeah have you seen Juan Carlos Mendoza?!!?!?!?! ...I just want to fit in.

[@mtealey34]

+Demokrin Where's Juan Carlos Mendoza? We've been looking for him everywhere. His mother wants him home for dinner, she's worried sick!

[@samriddell3104]

+Peter Popoff Haha

[@CheckDare]

+Freakout767 I'm thinking the man-bun cost him a few points.

[@katez1365]

I love Aric Improta.

[@pablosimeonbeats7051]

gorgeous

[@bigd3721]

+Gummy Worms him or her? Lol

[@jasonherrera8720]

+Big D him

[@farisoner8459]

Yes yes 😙

[@JohnieCanine]

QUICK SOMEONE MAKE A ROCK BAND DRUM CUSTOM CHART OUT OF THIS!!

[@realsausageroll]

But you have to add the handstand

[@dheemantsurendra3026]

It’s been 8 years, and I still come back to this wonderful masterpiece every single time. I wish I could feel 1/10th of the the energy out man’s putting out there. What a fkn legend !

[@EthanTheGoalie]

I'm not much for gimmicky drumming, but this was done in a very impressive and dynamic fashion, not to mention the power and passion in his playing. This is an admirable musician.

[@HrC183]

That drum beat is just out of this world. Aric should have won!

[@manuelexposito7294]

no the winner is from argentina, but he's worst drumer than aric

[@asierodriozola759]

Yes he should

[@ryancox5097]

This guy's perfect for all of those gymnastics-drumming gigs out there.

[@Carlo24515]

way to low key advertise your band on the snare head XD

[@the_vespertine7195]

He usually draws really cool patterns on all his heads. Makes sense, at the time, NOBODY knew who Night Verses was.

[@shubhendukatiyar1683]

A grand shout out to the sticks that survived the insanity!

[@99dfresh]

how many redbulls must one chug?

[@emarskineel]

Adderall my dude

[@normanwilmoth7404]

All of them, All😁

[@carolynguntalilib3767]

How much meth must one smoke

[@mannynavarrette5715]

@@carolynguntalilib3767 i dont think it was meth must be a speedball. Notice how he slows down and speeds up

[@Mr6stringchaos]

Had the pleasure of playing a show with Aric. He was incredible and blew my mind. Definitely a memorable drummer!!

[@J0nnyTheM]

My favorite drum solo of all time ❤. Surely watched it a duzend times by now - it never gets old!!

[@TheVik97]

4:28 a fucking shove it with a drum throne that noone saw. this is amazing

[@bombsoverdaycares]

I would of kick flipped it....not impressed.

[@MysticTheStrider]

+Richard Mcpherson Yeah I agree, would've better if he actually flipped the chair in the air like a skateboard and landed... that would be a lot impressive but a little impossible/improbable.

should've shoved the snare then...

[@bboyisaac07]

GREYSTONE it was over their heads if you know what I mean

[@waynep1178]

One of the best Solos I've Seen

[@benmay1932]

Favorite drum solo ever. It's bonkers, but in a good way. Amazing grooves, great dynamics, sick fills, and just incredible performance energy. There's a reason I come back to this video time and time again.

[@Danongorf]

This is hands down the best drum solo I’ve ever seen. Aric put his absolute heart and soul into this. The 2012 drum off was RIGGED I TELL YOU

[@americanjack]

Check out the winner, it wasn't rigged, Juan is just a God

[@banburydrumtuition8651]

@@americanjack But so predictable, unoriginal and boring.

[@Settiis]

@@americanjack a god? How could you possibly say he is better than this man lol?

[@normanwilmoth7404]

The winner is simply boring compared to Aric. Yes he was technical and on time but no heart, No feeling. The real winner got second but was first in the hearts of everyone who watched this performance. He's the winner in my eyes✌

[@jj0dyw0ah..21]

it wasnt rigged. it was won fair and square lol

[@HydraSperati]

By far the most entertaining performance of this year. In my personal opinion he should have won, but I know the judges have their specific criteria

[@andymather4894]

Dudes energy and playing is amazing

[@samgodzwa7927]

4:40 how talented people take out their anger.

[@kotchstevens2321]

What an athlete? Must b one of the most entertaining solo's ii ever seen

[@robertklugel3878]

I'm a Drummer and have been all my life and this guy makes me want to just give up. He's GREAT! Hard work and Practice get's you there, nothing else. This guy ROCKS! Keep on keep'in on my Brother!

[@khuret90]

This drum solo motivated me to stop playing little drums I know

[@A.B.-zs8ir]

This dude is a straight up Beast in every sense of the word, how could anyone hit a thumbs down is just nuts!

[@roshanlaldas306]

The best drum solo i ever seen

[@jwark04]

In every single drum video on youtube there is some youtube warrior who thinks the drummer is over rated. It's some cancer with drummers, they all think everyone sucks except them.

[@shulasassi]

unfortunately, its like that with guitar players too :(

[@HolyAvgr]

Hahaha, I fucking loved this comment because it's so spot on. The guy made some mistakes, yeah, but so did every goddamn legendary drummer. The guy is a monster, even if you don't like his 'showy' side of drumming.

[@jwark04]

***** yeah, definitely do not agree with Dennis on that one. If it sounds good then it's music. Who is he to define what music should be to everyone? That's lame.

[@jwark04]

***** It's a drum solo competition, get over yourself already. It sounds like you're interested in a hipster competition instead where you can put down anything you don't like personally.

[@jwark04]

***** That is so subjective. For someone who thinks they are so smart, it's ridiculously stupid to state things like that as fact. Picking a guitar as fast as you can has its place too and is not as easy as you claim it is. What's really retarded is a world where variety in music does not exist and someone like you dictates what people should listen to. You have your opinion and that's fine but to make statements such as it being meaningless is really only that it's meaningless to you. Who are you to put someone down for listening to or playing what they enjoy? It's repulsive. Personally, I think Miles Davis is overrated and over engineered music completely devoid of any feeling or soul. I get more enjoyment reading a math problem than listening to him. But I respect his work and don't call people douchebags for listening to or liking him. Just because it's technically difficult doesn't make it good music to me.

[@daltonguest4445]

The way he mirrors his hands with the different rudiments and single strokes at 1:15 is gnarly. Hard to find such great foot technique. Most people focus on just playing sixteenths and so on with feet, but he can play different rudiments with his feet as well.

[@christopherslappey1681]

Aric Improta Converse Shoes.

[@matthewheben6161]

After 6 years...keep coming back...

[@vcolden5693]

The way it has been filmed is very creative and the energy of the drummer is incredible ! Very good vibes

[@GGBundy]

Dang. Hands down he should've won. His playing was pure art.

[@1waka2laka]

Damn, early 90's Antonio Banderas can really shred on the drums!

[@ECPEEY]

I've been watching this since 2014

[@michaelwinn8131]

literally the definition of roller coaster of emotions

[@YannSteiger]

4:08 oh you thought I didn't hear the drum sticks sound ?

[@joshCamG]

Yananas 2 times

[@Dannyhaleperc]

You try playing that without accidentally hitting Your sticks together

[@normanwilmoth7404]

The real champ of 2012! Even though he didn't technically win he won the hearts of this whole crowd. They all knew who the real winner was👍

[@oobernoober7617]

Greatest performance I've seen from all the drum off years!

[@SSPfirehawk]

Insane best I have seen for a long time

[@GodlyDrmmrProductions]

That was pretty awesome

[@phillipbetts9561]

I know right

[@vinstual9830]

1:53 my favourite part :D!

[@folabomi713]

I remember watching this six years ago,when I wanted to be a drummer but now a guitarist and I love it.

[@arturoreacts]

As soon as I saw that handstand I knew I had to buckle my seat belt

[@eslp7627]

The cadence at 4:32 always, ALWAYS makes me laugh so hard. Big up for Aric for just squeezing every last note out of the Drum set. It´s just bloody epic and hilarious

[@gregrocks66]

Whats with the haters? This guy rocked, very creative, alot of energy, much skill. I loved it !!!!!

[@MikeTrainormusic]

This is legendary! What an amazing performance!!!

[@dhanjeetbaishya3943]

Hard work, perfection and passion... GREAT!

[@SebColina]

were you rushing or were you dragging?!

[@angel-rc5vv]

+JuliandresVlogs a hipster doesn't say he's a hipster so...

[@haoyu7953]

+Seb Colina on my fukin tempo!

[@chechensky]

+Seb Colina good thing no one hurled a chair at him :D

[@nathangambriel5081]

Seb Colina FOR THE LAST FATHER FUCKING TIME! WERE YOU RUSHING OR WERE YOU DRAGGING?

[@spermwhale5766]

Seb Colina best comment i’ve seen in a while.

[@bradferkovich3571]

When the last speedball hits you like a freight train at 4:19🤣🤣

[@TheDonkDonk420]

Who’s still watching this? Watched it like 20 times since it came out lol a drum god right now

[@TheVideof4n]

Love his attitude and creativity. Really fun to watch and listen too.

[@andrewcruz7595]

*Closing your eyes and just listening to this is no where near as exciting as watching him do those crazy tricks*

[@Coastfog]

Saw this guy today with his amazing band "Night Verses" opening for letlive.. You know when you go to a show and sooooo hope the support bands don't suck? If it's "Night Verses", you won't be disappointed.

[@zayn2762]

9 years later and that’s still the best thing I’ve ever seen

[@kizzysgee]

Most incredible drumming I've ever seen.

[@redheadredemption2]

4:30 man just did a pop shove-it on his throne

[@ash4457]

That is how bipolar feels

[@petparadise6955]

exactly lol

[@Mr.Highway.]

Bu d0ru.

[@CanAysan]

Doru

[@penguinstep5796]

how could you think that way lol

[@kaiz0ne]

hahaha ne alaka 😂

[@t.j.hargrove5964]

Aric is awesome, he's definitely one of my favorite drummers right now, and night verses just kick ass period

[@joeldavis1040]

I've watched this multiple times and he is downright inspirational. I finally have a drumset. Now to practice 40 hours a week...

[@justanotherbronco4750]

needs more cowbell

[@MarcoAntonioGelde]

hahahah

[@johnscottstevens1194]

lmao

[@carsondrum]

it actually does, but there is no way he is that stylistically diverse.

[@deeteephonehome7850]

Lol you barely drum

[@loganvollmer6794]

lol I'm dying bud

[@McHughFilmCompany]

I'll never understand how he didn't win that competition.. mind blowing.

[@ValiChristos61]

Felicitări & succes...! Respect maxim...!

[@illhancovers3801]

He’s getting better and better each day

[@RhapDesign]

4:18 "yo calm down" "no fuck off"

[@DjbobMC]

Aric Improta used the octopad so well and didn't over use it to much. I like his performance

[@chefpunjab]

I need to practice/play more. This is incredible.

[@ZIONXTACTICS]

It’s my 100th time watching this and yeah I still get the first time feeling of amazement!

[@johnchapman2307]

He should've won.

[@AnTiHerO233]

4:29 are you fucking kidding me, he 360'd his damn throne.

[@nanobkbass]

just amazing! incredible work dude!! congratz!!

[@xsydor26]

love this guys style ...

[@sindrerisan6586]

Not quite my tempo.

[@Mrearthwarrior]

Thank you. That made my day, hahaha

[@hagenloyd8592]

i was thinking the same freaking thing half way though the video😂

[@zacharykoedyker3978]

Dude....lmfao. such a great movie

[@MYKRZA]

HAHAHAH #Dead

[@zwisty9387]

😂

[@jeremystrauss2516]

If he didn’t win then “yeah guitar center, you definitely aren’t smoking crack”

[@jeremystrauss2516]

3:08 when you die in fortnite

[@maxg_32]

He didn't win LMAO

[@jeremystrauss2516]

Max_G I know that now

[@raston_]

No.. Juan Carlito Mendoza won that year... that dude's indepence is out of this world

[@greenspectrum]

God damn legend. Love the passion ♥️

[@andrewsugono4832]

The dynamics at the start is insane!!