TODD ANDERSON

Todd Anderson tried to create rhythm everywhere as a child, beating on anything with anything. When he was nine, he got his first pair of drumsticks. Three years later, his father bought him a late 1970s era Ludwig drum kit. He even put a strobe light in his room so that it looked like he was performing live onstage when he was playing.

With this setup, Todd disciplined himself to practice three or four hours every day. He bought books and videos, and he paid excruciating attention to the lessons. He studied the grooves of John Bonham, Tommy Lee, Kenny Aronoff, Mark Herndon, Jeff Porcaro, Bobby Rock, Steve Smith, and many others. Todd attributes the success of his development as a drummer to his instructors, J.D. Blair and Charlie Adams. Their guidance allowed his style and approach to evolve into something very personal.

During college, Todd studied music and played gigs when he wasn’t studying. In his first year, Todd and his vocalist/guitarist brother Jason started the band Heartland with Craig Anderson (vocals), Keith West (bass), Charles Crawford (fiddle), and Mike Myerson (guitar). Todd also worked in recording studios and proved himself to be proficient in a variety of music genres. This myriad of experiences influenced Todd’s creativity as well as his technique. He graduated and earned his bachelor’s degree in management.

Following graduation, Todd taught drum lessons at a music store in Huntsville, Alabama, and his practice rapidly expanded to include more than fifty students. Todd simultaneously lived in Nashville, Tennessee, recording as often as he could.

Since his first year in college, Todd and Heartland worked hard and toured all over the Southeastern United States. In 1997, they performed in front of 20,000 fans at country music legend Alabama’s June Jam in Fort Payne. Todd recalled that “Alabama had been such a huge influence [on me]…Alabama was the first concert I went to when I was six years old, and they are the greatest band in country music history. When we were fortunate enough to play the June Jam; that really summed it up for us. There were no other career options after that.”

Heartland signed a record deal in 2006--after twelve years, Heartland's diligence had finally paid off. Their debut single, “I Loved Her First,” was one of the fastest chart-rising singles of the year. The video and the full album also achieved notable chart status. Heartland now tours on their own and in support of other artists such as Brad Paisley, Montgomery Gentry, Blake Shelton, and Carrie Underwood. Heartland’s sound reigns from a variety of influences including Johnny Cash, Alabama, Van Halen, Elvis Presley, AC/DC, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Sam Cooke.