We’re buzzing with excitement here in the hive because we have an exclusive interview with one of Boston’s award-winning drummers and percussionists, Jonathan Ulman! He’s built his 20+ year career from the ground up, while facing adversity being a cancer survivor. He’s achieved so much with numerous accolades, being a guest drummer on Late Night With Seth Meyers, being on the staff at Berklee College of Music, and more. We got the chance to chat with him about his career, his nomination for Session Musician of the Year at the Boston Music Awards, and more! Let’s jump right in.
Welcome to The Honey POP! We’re so happy to have you. For our readers who may not be familiar
with you, can you introduce yourself?
Thank you for the warm introduction! My name is Jonathan Ulman, I am an award-winning Session
Drummer from Boston, MA and have been playing and recording with artists around the world for over 20
years!
When did you first start playing the drums and when did you decide you wanted to pursue music as a
career?
I knew early on that music was my path—the first time I sat behind a drum kit, there was this immediate
sense of joy and connection that I felt. But if I had to pinpoint a defining moment, it would be in the early
’90s, around age 11 or 12, when I discovered hip-hop and grunge music. Those genres opened up a
whole world for me; their raw energy and unique voices resonated deeply with me and from that point, I
was fully immersed, and following a music path became a priority.
What inspires your sound?
I developed my drumming style by playing along to hip-hop records from the late ’80s and early ’90s, immersing myself in the rhythms of that era. That experience certainly shaped me into a drummer who is much more focused on groove and pocket than anything else. I’ve never aimed to be flashy; instead, I’ve focused on integrating solid timing and learned how to play what truly serves the song. This approach has fortunately translated and proven invaluable in bringing out the best in each track.
Can you tell us about your drum setup?
My drum setup is intentionally straightforward: just a kick, snare, rack tom, floor tom, and three or four
cymbals. I’ve found that anything beyond this is more than I need to achieve the sound and feel I’m after.
This minimal setup allows me to focus on what truly serves the music.
You’ve accomplished so much! What’s been the proudest moment of your career?
I’ve had the privilege of experiencing countless memorable moments and opportunities in my career,
each of which I’m incredibly grateful for. But being invited as a guest drummer on Late Night with Seth
Meyers stands out as one of the most unforgettable. It was a surreal honor to be part of such an iconic
show and to share that platform with incredibly talented musicians. Moments like that remind me of how
far I’ve come and reinforce my gratitude for the journey.
Have you had any challenges?
Every day brings its own challenges, but one of the greatest tests of my life came in 2005 when I was
diagnosed with cancer. It was an overwhelming and transformative period that taught me more than I
could have imagined about perseverance and resilience. Music became my escape during that time,
providing a therapeutic outlet where I could find solace and draw strength. It helped me navigate the
uncertainty, giving me a sense of purpose and grounding even in the toughest moments. That experience
deepened my gratitude for music and it’s something I carry with me every day.
You’ve worked on so many songs across different genres. Do you have a particular favorite song or
project?
I feel incredibly fortunate to have played on so many amazing records alongside extraordinarily talented
artists, and I’m proud of the contributions I’ve made to each one. But the music I create with my band,
STL GLD, holds a special place in my heart. It’s a true culmination of everything I love—an diverse blend
of hip-hop, rock, punk, and cinematic orchestration. What makes it even more meaningful is sharing that
creative journey with my closest friends.
If you could work with any artist, who would it be?
That list would probably take up this entire interview and more! But I would say Pharrell.
You’ve been crowned session musician of the year 7 times by the Boston Music Awards. What would it
mean to you to win an eighth time?
Winning a Boston Music Award for Session Musician of the Year has always been a deep honor, but an
eighth win would mean more than just recognition—it would be a testament to a journey of growth,
dedication, and creative connection. Every time I step into a session, I’m focused on serving the music
and supporting the artist’s vision, and I put everything I have into bringing authenticity to each project.
More than anything, it would be a humbling reminder of the support I’ve received from the Boston music
community, which I feel incredibly lucky to be a part of.
With over 20 years of experience, do you have any advice for any aspiring drummers or
percussionists?
With over two decades of experience, my advice to aspiring drummers and percussionists is to stay
curious and committed to lifelong learning. Develop a solid foundation in technique, but also focus on
listening deeply—to the music, to the other players, and to your own instincts. Be open to all styles and
rhythms, as versatility can expand both your creativity and your opportunities. Remember, the most
impactful musicians aren’t just skilled—they’re responsive, reliable, and bring their unique voice to every
performance. Lastly, build genuine connections in your musical community; these relationships are often
as valuable as any skill you can learn.
We’d like to thank Jonathan for taking the time to chat with us! Be sure to vote for Jonathan Ulman for Session Musician of the Year in the Boston Music Awards here! And if you’d like to work with him, be sure to contact him at the links down below! Have you been a longtime fan of his or did we just introduce you to your new favorite drummer? Let us know in the comments, on Facebook, Instagram, or by tweeting us @thehoneypop!
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT JONATHAN ULMAN:
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | WEBSITE
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