BIO

ABOUT DAVID NORTHRUP

David Northrup is an internationally recognized drummer, clinician, and educator based in Nashville, Tennessee. Known for his deep pocket, dynamic energy, and versatility, David has built a career performing and recording across genres—from country and rock to pop, funk, and R&B.

Over the years, he has toured and recorded with an impressive roster of artists including Joe Nichols, Travis Tritt, Boz Scaggs, John Waite, Wynonna, Tanya Tucker, Rick Derringer, The Oak Ridge Boys, Jo-El Sonnier, and many others. His ability to adapt to any musical setting has made him a trusted drummer for both live shows and studio sessions around the world.

In 2019, David released his debut solo album, Shapes, featuring collaborations with Shane Theriot, George Porter Jr., Adam Nitti, Pat Coil, and David Torkanowsky. The project showcases not only his drumming but also his vision as a bandleader and producer.

David has been honored twice in Modern Drummer magazine’s Readers Poll, voted #2 Country Drummer and #2 Clinician of the Year. As a passionate educator, he shares his knowledge through clinics, workshops, and masterclasses, inspiring drummers of all levels to find their own voice behind the kit.

Whether he’s driving a stadium show, laying down tracks in the studio, or teaching the next generation of drummers, David Northrup approaches every performance with groove, professionalism, and heart.

PRESS &
FEATURES

Modern Drummer (2005): David shares his journey from the Florida club scene to Nashville’s top studios, reflecting on his experiences working with high-profile artists and the importance of versatility and professionalism in both live and studio settings.

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Drummer’s Resource Interview: An in-depth conversation exploring David’s approach to drumming, touring insights, and advice for aspiring drummers navigating the modern music industry.

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ENDORSEMENTS & GEAR

A black and white cartoon of a dog sitting on a rock, looking at a hamburger and a frosty drink in front of it.
A black and white illustration of a man in formal attire, holding a rolled-up document or paper, standing next to a cross or crucifix.
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David Northrup is proud to partner with some of the most respected names in the drumming industry — companies whose craftsmanship, innovation, and commitment to excellence match his own. His sound and performance are powered by Gretsch Drums, DW Pedals, Paiste Cymbals, Evans Drumheads, Innovative Percussion Drumsticks, The Drum Dial, Beier Snare Drums, Pearl Hardware, Tone Wings, Fat Chance Creations, Sledge Pad, and AHEAD Drum Thrones. Each of these brands plays a vital role in shaping David’s tone, comfort, and consistency both on stage and in the studio.

TOURING CREDITS

A person wearing a black cowboy hat, denim shirt, and jeans leaning on a wooden fence outdoors with trees and greenery in the background.
A woman with long, wavy red hair, wearing a black dress with a textured pattern, facing the camera with a confident expression. The word "WYNONNA" is overlaid on her chest.
Four men dressed in tuxedos singing into a microphone, one with long white beard and hair, wearing sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat, with the text "The Oak Ridge Boys" overlaid.
A man in a black suit playing a yellow electric guitar on stage.
Tanya Tucker posing outdoors in a field with tall grass, wearing a cowboy hat, a fringed jacket, a bandana around her neck, and dark jeans, with a scenic rural background at sunset.
A man with long, light brown hair, tattoos on his hand, holding an electric guitar with the neck resting on his face, standing against a light background. The text 'Rick Derringer' is overlaid on the image.
A man singing into a microphone, wearing a black and white striped shirt with large gold and black jewelry around his neck, with the name Jo-El Sonnier written across the image.
Close-up of a man wearing a black cowboy hat with silver studs, smiling and looking at the camera. The text overlay says "John Michael Montgomery."
Portrait of T. Graham Brown, a man with white curly hair, wearing a white blazer on one side and a black blazer on the other, smiling, with a gray background, and the text 'T. Graham Brown' overlaid.
Portrait of Joe Diffie with light-colored hair, mustache, and beard, wearing a purple checkered shirt against a black background.
Photo of a man with shoulder-length blond hair, a beard, and mustache, wearing a brown jacket over a dark shirt, sitting on a stool against a brown background, with the text "TRAVIS TRITT" overlayed.
Black and white portrait of a middle-aged man with gray hair and a beard, wearing a dark shirt, with the text "BOZ SCAGGS" overlayed.
A woman with shoulder-length red hair and a purple dress is holding a purple guitar. She is smiling at the camera, and the background shows a living room setting.
A man singing into a microphone while playing an electric guitar, under stage lighting with a dark background and metal truss.
A long-haired musician singing into a microphone with a guitar, in a performance setting with colorful stage lights, text overlay reading 'Les Dudek'.
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NEED A DRUMMER?

Bring world-class groove and professionalism to your project. Whether it’s recording drums for your next album or hitting the road for touring work, David delivers the experience, versatility, and energy your music deserves.

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