Wes Watkins Shares His Truth Through Music

As the Editor-in-Chief of The Hype Magazine, I’ve had the privilege of engaging with some of the most authentic voices in music, but few conversations have struck as deeply as my sit-down with Wes Watkins. A drummer, author, and devoted father from Washington, D.C., Wes embodies what channeling personal truth through rhythm means. Wes didn’t just talk music in this Live Session—he shared his soul.

Don’t miss a beat—before diving into this powerful recap, know that the full interview with Wes Watkins on Hype Magazine Live Sessions is available below.
👉 Scroll down to watch or click here to view it directly.

Wes Watkins: Early Musical Journey

Wes told me that drumming has been a part of him since he could hold sticks. His father, also a drummer, introduced him to the instrument early on, and by age 7, Wes was performing for Richard Smallwood. By 10, he had already formed his first band, blending gospel and R&B with friends from church. This early fusion of spiritual and soul-based sounds laid the groundwork for the genre-defying musician he would become.

Family and Personal Identity

One of the most heartfelt parts of our conversation centered around fatherhood. Wes made it clear—above all, he is a father. That role, he says, keeps him grounded. He was also open about his mental health journey, including struggles with depression and alcoholism. His book, “The Life That Created My Own Sound“, explores this healing process in depth. Listening to him, it was clear that his music is both catharsis and communication.

Loss and Rediscovery

In 2022, Wes endured devastating personal losses—his grandmother, best friend, and aunt—all within a single month. This triggered a creative silence that lasted nearly a year. But by the middle of 2023, he said the music began flowing again. That resurgence wasn’t just about picking up sticks but about finding joy, purpose, and clarity in his art.

Work Ethic and Artistry

Wes’s performance schedule is relentless—sometimes up to nine shows a week. He treats each gig like spiritual practice, showing up with intention and presence. He views social media not as a highlight reel but as a living résumé that showcases his drumming patterns, collaborations, and behind-the-scenes grind.

Drum Patterns and Sample Packs

Wes is a pioneer in the digital music space. During the pandemic, he collaborated with Splice to release several drum sample packs, becoming the first artist to put a Go-Go drum pack on the platform. With roots in gospel (from his mother), funk (from his father), and hip-hop (from his brother), his sample work represents a sonic lineage that spans generations.

Music Theory and Live Setup

Every gig brings a different setup, and Wes tailors his rig accordingly. He uses an open-handed drumming style and strategically places pads that function like DJ controllers, allowing him to blend iconic tracks into live performances seamlessly. His goal? Enhance, not overpower. Create, not clutter.

International Milestones

A self-funded trip to Amsterdam marked a significant milestone in Wes’s career. It was his first drum clinic, eventually leading to him gracing the cover of a major drum magazine alongside Questlove and Mike Mangini. When he returned to Amsterdam for his album release, over 300 people showed up—a testament to his global reach and community connection.

“Got My Own Sound” – Movement and Message

What started as a clothing line quickly evolved into a full-blown movement. ‘Got My Own Sound’ isn’t just Wes’s band—it’s his mantra. He encourages people not to follow trends, but to embrace their individuality. This philosophy fuels his merchandise relaunch, including hoodies, shirts, and hats designed to inspire confidence and authenticity.

Live Rehearsals and Musical Joy

Wes lit up when we talked about rehearsals. To him, there’s nothing like the energy of a group of musicians building grooves in real time. Rehearsals are where he feels free—improvising, expressing, and simply vibing. The payoff? Seeing audiences dance, nod, or even fall silent in awe.

Musical Challenges and Growth

When asked about the most challenging gig, Wes named jazz vocalist Shante K. Her compositions pushed him into new territory with complex time signatures. But even when mistakes happened, he embraced them. ‘I learned to turn errors into moments,’ he said. ‘That’s how you grow.’

Albums and Future Projects

Wes’s catalog includes *Sound*, *Welcome Child*, *Out of Love*, and *Moonshine Music*—the latter peaking at #1 on the iTunes Jazz Charts. His next project is a Go-Go remix album featuring collaborations with respected industry names. And judging by the energy he exuded, it will be something special.

Children’s Literature and Legacy

Beyond music, Wes is also the author of two children’s books focused on affirmations and the importance of father figures. Fathers Love the Kids, Fathers Need the Kids, and Kids Need the Fathers are more than titles, personal missions. Wes writes these books with his children in mind, and he’s already working on more, including a coloring book.

Mental Health Advocacy

Wes shared a chilling but powerful story about his final suicide attempt 10 years ago. What pulled him back from the brink was a call from his son—a moment that changed everything. Today, he speaks openly about those dark times to help others feel less alone.

Final Reflections and Closing Messages

As our interview wrapped, Wes left me with a thought that echoed long after the cameras stopped rolling: ‘Drums are the gift. I aim to use them to speak, connect, and heal.’ That, in essence, is the legacy Wes Watkins is building—one beat, one truth at a time.

Inspired by Wes’s story? There’s even more to uncover.
🎧 The full interview is available below—tap in to experience our live session’s full energy, insight, and emotion.