Michael Oktay

Michael is a session drummer with over 18 years of experience in live performance and studio recording.

With a strong foundation in jazz, rock, funk, and latin styles, he has played on countless performance dates and contributed to multiple releases available on all major streaming platforms.

His background includes formal training in drum set and marching percussion, advanced sight reading skills, and a solid understanding of music production. Known for his versatility, discipline, and musicality, Michael brings professionalism and creative energy to every project he joins.

Contact

    • Breaking Free Tonight - Single (OH₂, Drums) - 2024

    • Purpose - Single (Sydney Ellen, Drums) - 2023

    • Lizard Brain - Single (OH₂, Drums/Vocals) - 2023

    • Lockdown Blues - Single (OH₂, Drums/Vocals) - 2022

    • Songs of Synchronicity, Vol.1 (Acts of Service, Drums) - 2021

    • Waiting For You, Vol.1 - Single/Single (The VP, Drums) - 2020

    • Engulfed - Single/Single (The VP, Drums) - 2017

    • The VP EP (The VP, Drums) - 2015

  • CURRENT

    • OH₂ (Alt Rock)

    • The Skinny Ties (80's Rock, Sub)

    • Michelle Campbell Vocal School (Quarterly Performer)

    PAST

    • Give Up the Junk (GUTJ) (Jazz/Funk Big Band)

    • The Blue Note (Jazz Combo)

    • Blues by 3 (Jazz Combo)

    • Septeto (Jazz Combo)

    • Michael Bennett (Christian Rock)

    • The VP (Indie Rock)

    • Deserts (90's Punk Rock)

    • Tandem Unicycle (Indie Rock/Folk)

    • Fistful of Leaves (Rock)

    • Like Teeth (90's Rock)

    • Acts of Service (Sync Licensing)

  • ACOUSTIC

    Yamaha Absolute Maple-Custom:

    (8", 10", 12", 14", 16" toms), 24" bass drum. Evans EC2S Heads.
    Snare: Black Beauty 14"x 6.5" Snare drum. Remo Ambassador heads

    Cymbals: 20" Custom Bosphorus ride/crash. 20" Sabian X-plosion ride/crash. 18" X-plosion crash. 17" Soultone Custom-crash. 16" HHX o-zone crash. 14" K-Custom Dark Hi-Hats (and more)

    Questlove Breakbeat Kit:

    (7", 13" toms), 14" bass drum. Evans G2 Coated Heads.
    14"x 5" Snare with Remo Coated Ambassador heads.

    Cymbals: 20" Custom Bosphorus ride/crash. 20" Sabian X-plosion ride/crash. 18" X-plosion crash. 17" Soultone Custom-crash. 16" HHX o-zone crash. 14" K-Custom Dark Hi-Hats (and more)

    ELECTRIC

    Roland TD-17 KVX Electric Full-Kit

    • John Bonham (Led Zeppelin)

    • Dave Weckl (Chick Corea)

    • Antonio Sanchez (Pat Metheny Group)

    • Vinnie Colaiuta (Frank Zappa)

    • Lessons under Tommy Herrera - 8 years

    • Rancho Cucamonga High School (RCHS) Jazz Ensemble - 4 years

    • RCHS Wind Ensemble (percussion) – 3 years

    • RCHS Marching Band (1 year drum set, 2 years snare drum) - 3 years

    • RCHS Indoor Drumline (1 year drum set, 2 years snare drum) - 3 years

    • RCHS Choir/Drama (drum set) - 1 year

    • Mt. San Antonio Community College Jazz Big Band & Jazz Combo (under Jeff Ellwood) - 6 years

    • Cal Poly Pomona Jazz Big Band & Jazz Combo (under Dr. Dave Kopplin & Jeff Miley) - 3 years

    • Chaffey College Jazz Big Band (under Patrick Aranda) - 1 year

    • Studied under Andy Sanesi - 1 year

    • Studied under Dean Koba - <1 year

    • Downbeat Magazine Student Music Award for “Best Large Ensemble” (Mt. Sac) - 2018

    • Award for Outstanding Musicianship (Mt. Sac) – 2012 & 2013

    • 1st Place in Reno Jazz festival (Mt. Sac) - 2011-2016, 5 years in a row

    • 1st Place in Alta Loma Music store Drum Competition (Division 1) - 2011

    • Top 10 in World Class Indoor Drum line Competition (RCHS Indoor Drumline) - 2011

    • Louis Armstrong Award for Outstanding Jazz Musicianship (RCHS)

    • Solid foundation in Drum Set and Marching

    • Percussion technique and fundamentals

    • Musical Styles: Jazz, Rock, Funk, and Latin

    • Strong sight reading ability

    • Experienced in Music Licensing, Recording, Mixing, Production and Band Management

    • DAW: Logic Pro X (Proficient)