White Reaper
About
Setup
Videos & Pics
Biography
As the drummer for critically acclaimed Louisville, KY rock band White Reaper, Nick Wilkerson not only anchors the band’s arena-size grooves, but he also underscores their melodies with a lyrical flare of his own. Inspired by Keith Moon, John Bonham, Nick Mason, and Ginger Baker, he put his first Wal-Mart drum set through the ringer before receiving incrementally better gear one Christmas after another. He took lessons and developed his chops by performing in bands even way back in middle school. By the time he hit 15, he had his first professional Gretsch kit and launched a punk band in freshman year of high school alongside future White Reaper singer and guitarist Tony Esposito. As roommates together at Middle Tennessee State University, they studied audio engineering and recorded the first White Reaper demo in 2012. The band made their formal debut with 2015’s White Reaper Does It Again followed by The World’s Best American Band two years later. Signing to Elektra Records, they unleashed You Deserve Love during 2019 and landed a #1 on the Billboard Alternative Songs Chart with the single “Might Be Right.” Nick flourished behind the kit as White Reaper supported The Killers on a full-scale tour and shared the stage with Weezer for multiple shows. His singular style also shined as they graced the stage of ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel LIVE!, The Ringer Room, and more. A lifelong fan of Paiste, he joined the family in 2018. “I just love the cymbals,” he exclaims. “They have a very distinct and classic sound to them. When I play Paiste, it makes me feel like I’m channeling my heroes.” With more music on the horizon for White Reaper and tours planned with the likes of Pearl Jam, he’s carving out his own place among rock’s drummer elite. “I really play for the band’s sake,” he leaves off. “The main goal is to make the group as tight as possible. That’s always the most important thing for me.”
Setup Cymbals
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Details
Sizes: 20", 22", 24"
Volume: Medium
Weight: Medium
Sound character: Full, rich, warm, strong, deep, silvery. Wide range, complex mix. Responsive, even feel. Warm sparkling stick sound over a wide, deep wash. Fairly quick, strong crash sound. Extremely dynamic and lively ride cymbal, suitable for numerous musical styles.
- Sounds
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Details
Sizes: 16", 17", 18", 19", 20", 22"
Volume: Medium
Weight: Medium
Sound character: Full, warm, brilliant, shimmering, deep. Fairly wide range, complex mix. Quick response, fairly soft feel. Rich, strong crash sound with open low end and shimmering highs. Very versatile, responsive crash cymbal suitable for numerous musical styles.
- Sounds
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Details
Sizes: 14", 15"
Volume: Medium
Weight: Medium
Sound character: Rich, warm, lush, deep. Wide range, complex mix. Giving and responsive feel. Broad, warm open sound. Compact, lush chick sound. Extremely versatile hi-hat, perfectly suited for dynamic, articulated playing in a wide range of styles. “They are just chunky enough, but not overpowering. They are a little more chocolaty than the classic 602s”, describes Vinnie Colaiuta.
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