134 - Eric "E-Panda" Hernandez :: From Mars to Earth

Eric “E-Panda” Hernandez is currently the session and tour drummer for Grammy Award Winner, Platinum Producer, and Elektra recording artist Bruno Mars. Hernandez was born in 1976 in Brooklyn, New York. He is the son of Brooklyn native “Pete Hernandez”, who was the percussionist for Love & Money and Cecilio & Kapono. Eric started drumming at the tender age of 4 and playing professionally at the age of 10 in Hawaii. He played 6 nights a week for 8 years with “The Lovenote Show” a Variety show paying tribute to the music of the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. It was this unrelenting schedule that bred consistency in his playing and made him a master of all styles, be it soul, funk, reggae, rock and anything else the music demands of him. Eric quickly gained notoriety for his talent on the drums and became one of Hawaii's most sought after drummers. In the summer of 1995 Eric took his talent to Hollywood California. He immediately joined the Alternative/ Pop band “Louie Says” who was signed to RCA records. He was their session/touring drummer. Throughout the years he continued to play live and do session work for various artists such as Menudo, Travie Mc Coy and the Platinum producing team called “The Smeezingtons.” Eric has had the pleasure of sharing the stage and playing drums with Cee-Lo Green (Gnarls Barkley), Monica, Keri Hilson, K'Naan, Janelle Monae, B.o.B, Carmit Bachar (Pussy Cat Dolls), Tre Hardson (the Pharcyde), Kim Hill ( Black Eyed Peas), Travie Mc Coy (Gym Class Heroes), Jeff Baskar (Kanye West) and the Far East Movement. Hernandez is currently endorsed by DW Drums, Sabian Cymbals, Vic Firth Sticks and Remo Drum Heads.   Some Things That Came Up:  -His favorite Grammy performance -Where his nickname "Panda" came from -Getting involved with F45 fitness -Being a part of the LAPD for 15 years -The EPanda PDP kit -Bruno is also a drummer -Growing up in Hawaii -Bruno Mars in Honeymoon in Vegas   Follow:  @epandagram   The Rich Redmond Show is about all things music, motivation and success. Candid conversations with musicians, actors, comedians, authors and thought leaders about their lives and the stories that shaped them. Rich Redmond is the longtime drummer with Jason Aldean and many other veteran musicians and artists. Rich is also an actor, speaker, author, producer and educator. Rich has been heard on thousands of songs, over 25 of which have been #1 hits!   Rich can also be seen in several films and TV shows and has also written an Amazon Best-Selling book, "CRASH! Course for Success: 5 Ways to Supercharge Your Personal and Professional Life" currently available at:   https://www.amazon.com/CRASH-Course-Success-Supercharge-Professional/dp/B07YTCG5DS/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=crash+redmond&qid=1576602865&sr=8-1   One Book: Three Ways to consume....Physical (delivered to your front door, Digital (download to your kindle, ipad or e-reader), or Audio (read to you by me on your device...on the go)!   Buy Rich’s exact gear at www.lessonsquad.com/rich-redmond   Follow Rich: @richredmond www.richredmond.com   Jim McCarthy is the quintessential Blue Collar Voice Guy. Honing his craft since 1996 with radio stations in Illinois, South Carolina, Connecticut, New York, Las Vegas and Nashville, Jim has voiced well over 10,000 pieces since and garnered an ear for audio production which he now uses for various podcasts, commercials and promos. Jim is also an accomplished video producer, content creator, writer and overall entrepreneur.   Follow Jim:   @jimmccarthy www.jimmccarthyvoiceovers.com