This fresh trio of girls, Rikki, Stefania and Anastatia have a world of talent and provide an energetic atmosphere when they perform to the crowd.
Each of them have their individual background in music but have the common ground of their love for drumming and music. It was in their college years where the three of them met and since then, they have not only been tremendously successful in the group but have remained close friends.
Having overcome scepticism in the early days as an all girls drumming group, the trio now are much sought after for their entertaining shows. Their gigging experience is phenomenal, have performed at almost all the popular nightclubs such as Taboo, Monsoon Lagoon, Eighties, Stones and Casablanca, just to name a few. They have also drummed at festivals like Woodstock and Lucky Fish as well as various functions.
Chix with Stix continue to grow as a group, and are always coming up with new songs, adding to their already amazing work. There is little reservation that these chix with their stix are going to continue to wow the audience into the future.
What is it about drumming that keeps you passionate?
Rikki:
It’s the endless possibilities with beats and rhythms, technique and timing that keeps it so interesting and challenging. Drumming is in my blood, I’ll always be passionate about it.
Stefania:
Music has always been a part of my life so the passion has always been there and working with my best friends is a great bonus.
Anastatia:
Well there is always something new to play on, always different rhythms and patterns that keep drumming interesting. There is always something new to create a different sound.
Do you all have the same taste in music?
Stafania:
I think we pretty much like the same type of music, Alternative Rock is our common ground.
Rikki:
A few of my favourites are: Disturbed, Chevelle, Breaking Benjamin, Chris Daughtry and Trapt.
Anastatia:
We are all rock chix with some other flavours.
Whom do you draw your inspiration from both locally and internationally?
Rikki:
Virgil Donati is my idol, he has an incredible talent and I was lucky enough to meet him. Locally I’d say Janlo van der Heevan from a band called My Epic.
Stefania:
I draw my inspiration from all kinds of musicians and music, old and new.
Anastatia:
I take inspiration from a few rock drummers that I have studied with who are fantastic drummers. Locally it would be, Neil Ethridge and internationally, Don Famighlaro.
What is the one aspiration each of you has in life?
Rikki:
To be the greatest I can be with everything in my life, drums, dancing and my career, while still remaining grounded and honest.
Stefania:
To never let go of my dreams, I always wanted to be involved and surrounded by music.
Anastatia:
I really want to perform overseas one day. That is my dream.
What do the Chix do when you are not drumming?
Rikki:
I have my dancing teacher’s qualification and a BCom Marketing degree. I teach drums part time and have a full time job.
Stefania:
I am a Nursery School teacher and music teacher; I believe that passing on knowledge is the greatest gift I can give back.
Anastatia:
I write my own music and perform with my commercial rock band playing bass guitar and doing lead vocals. I run my own studio recording other artists and corporate work, mixing and mastering and I act. I am busy all the time.
I know you have said that your audience is surprised, but then pleasantly surprised by the end of your gigs played because you are a group of ladies only, do you find the industry is becoming more open to female drummer’s?
Rikki:
From a teachers perspective I can tell you that most of my students are young girls. I think everyone is more open to it now, but still pleasantly surprised when we can actually do it well. It’s good to know that having been playing for 10 years, I helped inspire future generations of female drummers.
Stefania:
Definitely, I think it’s passed that stage where they are doubtful with us; it’s come to us having to better our standard all the time.
Anastatia:
Yes I would say the industry is a lot more open to female drummers, but there are yet to be more than just a handful of female drummers out there.
Do you have any plans to record a CD soon, or do you have one out?
Rikki, Stefania & Anastatia:
We are in the process of recording at the moment, for both a CD and footage for a DVD.
What unique characteristic do you each have?
Rikki:
I am a hard worker and a perfectionist. I have high expectations of people because i know I give the best of myself to them, but underneath that all I’m a very soft hearted and compassionate person.
Stefania:
My unique characteristic is that I am classically trained in vocals, which adds a twist to the drumming beats.
Anastatia:
We all have our own styles but yet we all have the same mix.
What has been your craziest gig yet?
Rikki:
I loved playing at Woodstock 9 where we had an amazing crowd, also playing for a conference where ministers from around the world were asking for photos with us after the show. Then there is also playing in a Dolphinarium, the stage was in the water with dolphins swimming around. We have had a few crazy but fun ones.
Stefania:
Wow, there have been many unforgettable shows, if I had to choose one; it would be performing in Durban at the Ushaka Marine World. We performed right in front of the Dolphin pool with amazing water features and strobe lights.
Anastatia:
There have been many amazing shows. I would say some festivals we have played were the crowd grew from 10 people at sound check, to coming back onto stage to perform to hundreds of people and have a raw from every word you say throughout the entire set.
Do you have any encouraging words for any fellow aspiring young drummers out there?
Rikki:
Use your imagination, there will never be an end to the amount of unique beats and feels that you can create. Keep yourself inspired and use that to make yourself a better drummer. Most of all, practice because you love it, not because its homework. And ROCK ON!
Stefania:
Music and rhythm is a universal language that means you can hold the world in the palm of your hand just by following your dreams and never forgetting them.
Anastatia:
Never stop practicing and never give up on your dreams. That is the key to success. I always say go for what you want, for the best and nothing less.
by Kim Simpson
Chix with Stix DJSA profile…… click here
