Rising Stars: Meet Johnny Bottone of Evergreen

Today we’d like to introduce you to Johnny Bottone.

Hi Johnny, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I was born and raised in the Tri-State area, with music always in the background and grit in the air. Guitar was the first thing that felt like mine, but KISS and Peter Criss in particular changed everything. With an empty wooden crate and whatever pencils were lying around the house, I started laying down foundations. That instinct gave me structure and focus at a time when I had a lot of energy and nowhere to put it.

When I received my first real drum kit at nine years old, it became clear—to my parents and to me—that hitting the drums instead of lashing out kept me out of trouble. It gave me a way to burn off intensity, stay grounded, and turn chaos into something constructive. Long before I had language for it, rhythm was how I kept myself steady.

I played constantly, studied the craft, and like many creatives, followed the traditional paths—bands, sessions, touring, side hustles—all while trying to balance real life and pay my dues.

The truth is, my journey hasn’t been linear. I’ve had chapters where music took a back seat while I handled responsibilities, careers, and personal upheaval. There were moments when I questioned whether I was still “allowed” to want this life, or if that door had quietly closed. But every time I stepped away, the pull back to music was stronger.

The real turning point came when I stopped chasing stardom and started playing from a place of alignment. I rebuilt my relationship with music from the inside out, focusing on feel, intention, discipline, and honesty rather than noise or ego. That shift changed everything. My drumming became more grounded, more powerful, and more connected—and people started responding in a way they hadn’t before.

Today, I’m creating and sharing music with a much clearer sense of purpose. I’m producing content, collaborating, and building projects that reflect who I actually am, not just as a drummer, but as a person. Colorado is now part of that story—the space, the altitude, the quiet, the grit. It’s where I learned to slow down, listen, and build something real rather than rush for approval.

I’m still evolving, still learning, but I finally feel like I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be—showing up fully, playing honestly, and letting the work speak for itself.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it hasn’t been smooth. Not even close. The road has been marked by stop-and-go progress, setbacks, and long stretches where forward motion felt stalled. One of the hardest parts was maintaining a creative identity during seasons when survival had to take priority. There were years when stability, work, and responsibility came first, and music became something I quietly protected rather than openly pursued.

Another struggle was internal. I spent time chasing momentum, recognition, and the version of success I thought I was supposed to want. That mindset led to burnout and disconnection. I had to face the reality that ego and comparison were draining the very thing that once gave me clarity. Letting go of that was uncomfortable, but necessary.

There were moments when doubt crept in—when I questioned whether I had missed my window or waited too long to fully claim this path. That kind of doubt can be paralyzing if you let it run the show. What changed wasn’t a single breakthrough, but a decision to stop negotiating with fear. I chose discipline over urgency, presence over performance, and consistency over chasing validation.

The road hasn’t been smooth, but it’s been honest. The struggle didn’t break me—it stripped me down and rebuilt me. Every challenge sharpened my focus and deepened my relationship with the craft. Looking back, the hard parts weren’t detours. They were the forge.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At its core, my work is about feel, presence, and intention. I’m a drummer and creative who specializes in groove-driven playing that serves the music rather than overwhelms it. I’m drawn to rhythm that’s powerful but controlled, emotional without being chaotic. Whether I’m recording, performing, or creating content, my focus is always the same: make it feel undeniable.

I’m known for a style that blends discipline with raw energy. I don’t play to fill space or chase flash—I play to create a pocket that people can feel in their body. Over time, that approach has resonated with listeners who connect with authenticity more than spectacle.

That same philosophy extends beyond the drums. One project I’m deeply invested in is Cookin’ Hooks, a collaboration with my writing partner Cisco Ocampo—@foocampo. The concept is simple but intentional: we focus exclusively on writing the hook—the emotional and melodic core of a song. Stripping everything else away forces honesty and clarity, and it’s been a powerful exercise in trusting instinct and feel over overthinking. You can check out our first release here – https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14aTs2YcjZx/

On the songwriting side, I’m getting ready to release a new track, cowritten with my good friend Matt Flannery—@flatmannery, “Say You Love Me: March of the Avoidant”. The track explores emotional distance, attachment patterns, and the tension between wanting connection and protecting oneself. It’s personal, but grounded—and very much aligned with where I am creatively right now.

What I’m most proud of isn’t a single project, but the way I rebuilt my relationship with music. Choosing to play and create from alignment instead of ego changed everything. It allowed me to show up consistently, honestly, and with a clear sense of purpose. That shift is reflected in the work itself—it’s more grounded, more intentional, and more alive.

What sets me apart is that I’m not chasing trends or trying to sound like anyone else. I’ve done the internal work, and it shows up in the rhythm and the writing. There’s a lived-in quality to what I do—earned restraint, patience, and conviction. I don’t rush the beat, and I don’t rush the process. I trust both.

How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I’m always open to working with people who value intention, craft, and authenticity. Collaboration, for me, starts with shared alignment—whether that’s musicians, creators, or brands who care more about substance than hype. If the vision and the energy are right, I’m interested.

People can work with me through recording projects, creative collaborations, and performance-based work, as well as by engaging with and supporting the content I share online. I’m currently focused on building and releasing projects that reflect where I am creatively now, and I’m open to partnerships that make sense within that framework.

The simplest way to support the work is to listen, share, and engage. I’m intentional about what I put out, and organic support goes a long way. For anyone interested in collaborating, the best starting point is to reach out directly through my social platforms (https://linktr.ee/johnnybdrumming) or by email at johnnybdrumming@gmail.com. I believe the best work happens when it’s built from mutual respect and a clear creative purpose.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/johnnybdrumming
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnnybdrumming
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheRealJohnnyBottone
• Twitter: https://x.com/johnnybdrumming
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@johnnybdrumming
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/johnnybdrumming
• Other: https://www.bandmix.com/johnnybdrumming/

Image Credits
Cisco Ocampo, Johnny Bottone