From the rural landscapes of Argentina to the vibrant streets of NYC, Santiago Herrera’s story is one of resilience, passion, and dedication. His musical journey is deeply rooted in his rich heritage and nurtured by diverse influences, embodying a fusion of cultures and personal growth.

Santiago Herrera’s journey

Santiago Herrera is a versatile musician, drummer, producer, and educator hailing from rural Argentina and now thriving in the vibrant music scene of NYC. With a journey rooted in his rich heritage and nurtured by diverse influences, Santiago’s musical expression embodies cultural fusion, authenticity, and passion. His dedication to his craft and unwavering commitment to excellence have shaped his career, leading to numerous collaborations, performances, and productions. Through his work, Santiago aims to inspire others, foster connections, and spread the transformative power of music.

Bio

Life Story

Born in Río Cuarto, Córdoba province, Argentina, Santiago Herrera grew up immersed in the sounds of his mother's vinyl records and his father's guitar playing, sparking his passion for music. Raised between a rural area and a small town, he was a curious and energetic child. Recognizing his love for music, his parents guided him towards focusing his energy through music and he initially explored guitar and Argentine folk percussion before transitioning to drums full-time .

During his formative years, Santiago attended Middle School and High School in Río Cuarto, where under the mentorship of Hernan Tenreyro, he discovered the joy of hard work and dedication in practicing drums, leading him to join various bands and perform across genres such as Argentine Folk, Rock, Pop, Jazz Fusion, Funk and more.

He honed his skills as a live and studio performer and producer, collaborating with numerous artists and bands, including Onse, The Echoes Project, and Satori, among others. Additionally, he worked as a recording session drummer at "Pentagono Studios" in Río Cuarto.

Venturing to Buenos Aires, Santiago continued his musical journey, performing with notable artists such as Rayos Laser, Erica Garcia, Under Mc, Orion XL, Gon Andrada, while also expanding his role as a producer and session studio player. During this time, he established Escucha Activa, a successful drum seminar, and authored several drum books. He had the honor to meet and share a recording studio with one of his childhood heroes, Jota Morelli, former Al Jarreau's drummer who became another of his mentors.

Transitioning to New York City, he furthered his musical endeavors, collaborating with diverse artists and bands across various genres, including Lightchild, Rodrigo Aranjuelo, and Giuliana Merello, among others.

Throughout his career, Santiago has been fortunate to secure endorsements with esteemed companies such as Istanbul Agop Cymbals and Wincent Drumsticks, and collaborate with brands like Ceci Ruiz Leather Design and Esenyurt bags. His journey has taken him across Europe and Latin America, sharing his passion for music through workshops and performances.

In every endeavor, Santiago strives to inspire others and push the boundaries of creativity, fueled by his unwavering dedication to music and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

Art is the mirror of the soul. Rejecting the notion of the tortured genius, Santiago embraces authenticity, vulnerability, and a deep connection to humanity. His artistry thrives on openness, curiosity, and the endless exploration of life’s complexities.

Art is never above the artist; instead, it is the result of the artist’s nourishment and expression.

Santiago Herrera’s entrepreneurial mission transcends artistic expression. Driven by a desire to inspire, uplift, and connect, he seeks to harness the transformative power of music to foster empathy, understanding, and social change. Grounded in the belief that the ability to dream big and pursue those dreams passionately is one of humanity’s greatest strengths.

Philosophy

Mission

Skills Matrix

Live

Live session performer

Studio

Studio session performer

Production

Production & Arrangements

Educator

Workshops, Personal & Drum teaching writer