Rodrigo Rios was born on February 11, 1979 in Minas Gerais, Brazil. His first encounter with music was at 4 years old when he was given his first guitar. He took to the instrument so naturally that it has been integrated into his daily life ever since. At age 13, Rodrigo had his first exposure to the drums, and the same occurred. He began his music studies, and when he was only 15 he was admitted to the Brazilian Federation of Musicians. In his quest for musical advancement Rios studied with internationally-acclaimed drummers: Gregg Field, Joe Porcaro and John “JR” Robinson in Los Angeles. Rios also studied at Berklee College of Music in Boston with Kim Plainfield and Casey Scheuerell.
In the beginning of his career, Rodrigo amassed considerable experience from performing on the nightclub scene. Currently, his focus lies on specific musical styles such as Pop, Jazz, R&B which has led to his performing alongside distinguished music artists in Brazil. In 2008, Rios started his career as a producer creating, developing, as well as performing in, the Bossa Nossa Singing History project, a tribute to 50 years of Bossa Nova. Rios produced many other concerts in Brazil before moving to US.
Rios currently lives in Los Angeles and has worked as a producer and drummer with Internationally-acclaimed artists and musicians such as Renee Olstead, Monica Mancini, Patti Austin, Lee Ritenour, Chris Walden, Gregg Field, Lorraine Feather, Arnold McCuller, Amy Keys, Ronee Martin, David Elliott, Brandon Fields, Michael Grimm, Jim Cox, Abraham Laboriel Sr., Michael Thompson, John Beasley, Russell Ferrante, Tom Scott, Ramon Stagnaro, Carlitos Del Puerto, Dan Higgins, Dan Fornero, Wayne Bergeron, MB Gordy, Tariqh Akoni, Jamie Mitges and the Dream Trackers, Lenny Castro, Tim May, Nick Lane, Bill Bergman, Les Sables, and many others. The single “Life´s Joy” and “Celebration” (Jamie Mitges and The Dream Trackers - Feat. Patti Austin) that Rios produced and played drums, reached #10 on the Billboard charts. Rodrigo is keeping busy in Los Angeles as a producer and drummer and is constantly working for TV. Rodrigo Rios is also an artist of Paiste Cymbals, Regal Tip Drumsticks, Axis Percussion and Audio-Technica.
