McCoy Plaisted is a drummer, teacher, composer, arranger, and producer based in New England.
About McCoy Plaisted
McCoy Plaisted (he/him) is a rising New England-based drummer, educator, composer, arranger, and producer. He began his study of the drums at age five when his uncle Andrew, a Boston-based blues drummer, gave him his first drum set. McCoy grew up surrounded by music, but his sound is unmistakably his own. McCoy offers a fresh perspective on his songs by drawing inspiration from storytelling and self-reflection. Influenced by the music of Peter Gabriel, Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, Joni Mitchell, A Tribe Called Quest, and MF DOOM, his sound is powerful, vulnerable, and raw. McCoy’s interactive drumming style and improvisational flair showcase his passion for the music he creates. Grounded in jazz, hip-hop, and beyond, McCoy pushes the boundaries of genre and sound to make bold statements.
McCoy’s mentors deeply ingrained a strong foundation in Jazz and rudimental percussion, having studied under Tom Giampietro, Thom Hannum, Ian Hale, Jeffrey W. Holmes, Charles Davis, Jonathan Barber, and Ryan Sands. In addition to being excellent role models, McCoy’s mentors inspire him to write, play, and pursue his passions. As a proud alumnus of UMass Amherst, McCoy now teaches the UMass Drumline and performs across New England and New York as the bandleader of .mp3. McCoy produced and released two EPs and composed and arranged dozens of works for his band.
As a working artist, drummer, teacher, composer, arranger, and producer, he honors African-American music's history and uplifts women, transgender, and non-binary artists in New England and beyond. He is particularly active in the MA, CT, and New York City Jazz scenes.
