About McCoy Plaisted

McCoy Plaisted (he/him) is a drummer, educator, composer, arranger, and producer, hailing from New England. McCoy grew up surrounded by music, but his sound is unmistakably his own. Influenced by artists like Peter Gabriel, Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, and A Tribe Called Quest, his sound is powerful, vulnerable, and raw. McCoy’s interactive drumming style and improvisational flair showcase his passion for the music he creates.

McCoy’s mentors deeply ingrained a strong foundation in Jazz and rudimental percussion. In addition to being excellent role models, McCoy’s mentors inspire him to write, play, and pursue his passions. McCoy is currently pursuing a Master of Music (Performer-Composer) at The New School in Manhattan. He also teaches and writes for high school and collegiate drumlines and regularly performs across New York and New England as the bandleader of .mp3 – The McCoy Plaisted Project.

As a working artist, McCoy considers it vital to honor the history of African American music and uplift women, transgender, and non-binary voices on the East Coast and beyond. McCoy would be remiss not to credit the mentors who have nurtured him on his journey: Victor Lewis, Charles Tolliver, Thom Hannum, Abraham Burton, Ian Hale, and Tom Giampietro. In addition to being excellent role models, McCoy’s mentors inspire him to teach, write, play, and pursue his passions.