Andrea
Camellia is an incredibly talented musician who has made a name for herself in the industry as a creative drummer and inventor.
As the founder and CEO of Akhamie Music, LLC & Beach Drum Shed ™, Camellia Akhamie Kies brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to her craft.
Just like John Coltrane, Steve Gadd, Bill Evans, and legendary jazz drummer Philly Joe Jones, Kies has cut her performing teeth in U.S. military bands, honing her skills and developing her unique style. She is known for her innovative approach to drumming and has invented a special hybrid drum kit that has set her apart from other musicians.
In addition to her impressive drumming skills, Kies is also known for her friendly personality, making her a pleasure to work with and watch perform.
Camellia Akhamie Kies’ Biography
Camellia Akhamie Kies was born in Heidelberg, Germany, in 1989. From a young age, she expressed a deep interest in music.
In her early years, Camellia began to study drums and percussion privately with Myles Overton III, a musician from The United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own.” This early training laid the foundation for her future music career.
Camellia graduated from Woodbridge Senior High School in June 2008, and soon after getting her diploma, she applied to the United States Navy Music Program and was accepted following an audition.
She worked as a full-time drummer and percussionist for the US Navy Fleet Band for six years, spending most of that time in Yokosuka, Japan. Her time in the Navy allowed her to not only develop her skills as a musician but also gain valuable experience performing for audiences all over the world.
After completing her service in the Navy, Camellia returned to the United States and decided to pursue music as a career.
She decided to work as a professional musician and dedicated music teacher. She founded Akhamie Music, LLC & Beach Drum Shed ™, a music school and production studio aimed to share her knowledge and passion for music with others.
Camellia’s Music Styles
Camellia Akhamie Kies is a versatile and creative musician who has captured the attention of musicians all over the world with her unique style and hypnotic groove.
Many different genres of music influence her drumming, but she has mainly focused on developing her knowledge of African and Latin rhythms. She plays all styles of music, and her wide range of expertise and versatility allows her to adapt to any situation or genre.
Her creative style has been praised by musicians all over the world, with bass player Nik West citing her as one of the most exciting musicians he has ever worked with. Her ability to blend different rhythms and styles has made her a popular choice for collaborations with musicians from different backgrounds and genres.
Camellia’s unique style and captivating stage presence are sure to keep audiences on their feet and dancing.
Hybrid Modern & Traditional Drum Set
Camellia Akhamie Kies’s drumming style has significantly evolved over time. After touring with the Navy Band and living in a small studio apartment, she needed to find a way to practice her drums in a compact space. This led her to develop compact, non-traditional drum kits that were small enough to fit in her apartment. It’s a great innovation for people who don’t have enough room for their drum kits.
As a result, she started experimenting with hybrid setups using Roland and Alesis drum modules and pads, Cajon, and other percussion instruments to create a unique sound that straddles musical traditions and genres.
Her hybrid drum kit setup is an interesting combination of an acoustic and electronic drum set. It allows her to have the same feel and sound as a traditional drum set but in a smaller space, which it is ideal for small apartments or tight spaces on the stage.
Camellia remembered she made her Roland SPD-SX & Octapad SPD- 30 on a hot summer day. With that drum kit, she can loop and sample original and popular songs, giving her even more creative options when playing live.
This allows her to add a new dimension to her live performances. She also can improvise and change her sound depending on the song or the audience’s mood. She’s always looking for new ways to push the boundaries of drumming, and her drum kits evolve, just one example of her constant experimentation and evolution as a musician.
Conclusion
Camellia Akhamie Kies’ innovative approach to creating music through her hybrid setup has revolutionized how musicians make a groove.
Her dynamic style of playing, combining traditional drums with new sounds, provides a hypnotic groove that is hard to ignore. Plus, her versatility as an artist allows her to move effortlessly between a more classic percussion section and complex rhythms while still maintaining her signature sound.
Camellia’s passion for music and experimentation is evident in every performance, and it is no surprise that she has become one of the best female drummers in the world today.
