Juan
       van
   Emmerloot

Juan van Emmerloot (born November 12, 1965, in Waalwijk, Netherlands) is a highly accomplished drummer, music producer, composer, and educator with a career spanning over three decades. He is known for his versatility as a musician, his educational contributions, and his work as a producer, coach, and interviewer. His unique ability to perform, teach, and create content has made him a respected figure in the international music scene.

 

Early Musical Journey

Juan began his musical journey at the age of 10 when he started playing drums and percussion at his local music school, studying under Marius Spikmans. By 13, he was performing live with his first band, Penthouse. His commitment to his craft led him to continue his studies in music until the age of 17, after which he pursued intensive training at the Rotterdam Conservatory. During this time, Juan’s natural talent was noticed by artist Rudy DeQueljoe, who introduced him to the thriving Dutch rock and pop scene. This connection paved the way for Juan to perform alongside major Dutch artists such as Kaz Lux (Brain Box), Julya Lo'Ko, Laura Fygi, and Robby Valentine during tours in the Netherlands.

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Professional Career and Live Performances

Juan’s professional career took off at the age of 17, when he began performing live and in studio sessions. Throughout his career, Juan has been an integral part of many renowned bands and musical projects. His live performance credits include collaborations with legends such as Mick Moody & Bernie Marsden (Whitesnake), Omar Dykes (Omar & The Howlers), and Poppa Chubby. He has also toured with iconic musicians such as Snowy White (Thin Lizzy, Roger Waters), Walter Trout, Mick Rogers (Manfred Mann’s Earth Band), Pat Travers, and Steve Lukather (Toto). Juan's international touring experience spans across Europe, Asia, and North America, including his performances with Robby Valentine and Valensia in Asia, and his North American tour with Peppino D'Agostino, named the best U.S. guitarist in 2007.

Juan’s deep connection with the live music scene continued in the following years as he performed with Snowy White & The White Flames, working with prominent musicians like Max Middleton (Kate Bush, Chris Rea) and Walter Latupeirissa.

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Studio Performances

Juan's studio career began when he was just 17, recording at Joe’s Garage Recording Studio with Rudy de Queljoe’s band. Over the years, he became a sought-after session drummer, working at major Dutch studios like Dureco Studios, Wisseloord Studios, and Fendal Sound Studios. His international session work includes collaborations with Gary Moore, Chris Rea, and David Gilmour during his time at Jacob’s Studio in the UK. Juan’s ability to adapt to various musical styles has seen him record at numerous prestigious studios, such as Barefoot Studio (London), Black Barn Studios (Surrey), and Curtis Schwartz Studio (Surrey). He has contributed to a variety of projects across genres and countries, including working at Real Life Studios (FA), Urban Recording Studios (NL), Bios Music Productions (IT), and The Sandlane Recording Facilities (NL).

 

Current Projects and Bands

​Snowy White & The White Flames: 

Juan van Emmerloot has played an important role over the years in the music of guitarist Snowy White, both in his solo career and in the band Snowy White & The White Flames. His contributions span more than a decade of studio and live albums, where he not only played drums but also frequently added percussion and even keyboard instruments.

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Juan made his debut in 1994 on the album Highway to the Sun, where he handled the drum parts and distinguished himself with a subtle groove and keen sense of dynamics. This marked the beginning of a long-lasting collaboration with Snowy White.

In 1996, he was again featured on No Faith Required, the first official album of Snowy White & The White Flames. Juan provided both drums and percussion, laying down the rhythmic foundation of the new trio.

He was also heard on Little Wing (1998), later reissued as Melting, and the experimental Keep Out – We Are Toxic (1999). His inventive playing brought renewed energy to Snowy’s music.

In 2002, Restless followed, an album where his percussive finesse and tight drumming further enhanced the musical depth. He was also present on The Way It Is... (2005), mainly contributing percussion instruments such as congas and shakers.

His contributions did not stop there. Juan participated in Realistic (2011), After Paradise (2012), and on Released (2016), Reunited (2017), and The Situation (2019) — three later albums of The White Flames on which he was partially or fully responsible for the drum work. His playing is also prominently featured on the live album Live Flames (2007).

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In addition to his work as a drummer, Juan van Emmerloot also surprised listeners as a keyboard player. On the 2024 album Unfinished Business, he is heard playing Hammond organ on two tracks:

• “Alone With Me”

• “Long Time”

This musical expansion demonstrates his versatility as an artist and his ability to provide more than one musical foundation to Snowy White’s work.

 

Summary

Juan van Emmerloot can be heard on a total of eleven studio albums and one live album by Snowy White as a drummer or percussionist. His playing is characterized by musicality, nuance, and a clear affinity with Snowy’s bluesy and melodic style. His contributions as a Hammond player on Unfinished Business further showcase his creative range as a musician. He is thus one of the most enduring and influential collaborators within the oeuvre of Snowy White & The White Flames.

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Stef Burns League (SBL): Juan is a steady member of the Stef Burns League, a band that has evolved from instrumental guitar fusion to energetic pop-rock songs. The band's lineup includes Stef Burns (guitar and lead vocals), Paola Zadra (bass and backing vocals), and Juan on drums and backing vocals.

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Frederike Music: A collaborative project with jazz singer and songwriter Frederike Schonis and Pianist Albert van Dorssen, where Juan serves as both the producer and drummer. He also plays bass guitar in their trio setup. In 2020, the band signed a record deal with New Jazz Adventure and later with 40 Lions Records.

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Burnin’ the Rules: A debut album and live project started in 2014, featuring collaborations with musicians such as John Bundrick (The Who), Snowy White (Thin Lizzy), and Max Forleo (Traveller). The second album, Trappole, also features guest musicians including Albert van Dorssen (Licks & Brains) and Ferry Lagendijk (Waylon, Gare Du Nord).

 

G30: A melodic fusion rock project that draws inspiration from Juan’s love for guitar music. The band’s debut single “Ring of Fairy” was released in May 2020, followed by their EP Tutto Be Okay. Their most recent release, “The Final Call,” came out in December 2022.

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Teaching and Education

Juan is passionate about passing on his knowledge to the next generation of drummers. He began teaching in 1992, opening his private drum school, and started offering clinics and workshops in 1998. From 2000 to 2013, he taught at the Rotterdam Conservatory (Codarts), working with students from across Europe. Today, Juan is the founder and CEO of the Groove Impact Academy, located at Sound Vision Studio in Arnhem, Netherlands. The academy offers a holistic approach to drumming, focusing on technical, creative, and mental development.

Juan has also authored the book Drumming Secrets Revealed – Grow from Basic to Advanced, which has become an essential resource for drummers seeking to progress from beginner to expert. In addition to the book, Juan has developed several online courses under the name Drumming Secrets Revealed, offering a structured and practical approach to learning the drums. His courses, including “Grow from Basic to Advanced”, “Song Analysis & Arrangements”, “Instant Groove Composing" and "Advanced Workout & Inspirations" have helped drummers worldwide achieve their goals.

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Educational Journalism and Podcast

In addition to his work as a teacher, Juan is an educational journalist and interviewer for Slagwerkkrant, where he conducts interviews with leading and innovative drummers. His podcast, "Tussen de Slagen Door" (Between the Beats), offers in-depth conversations with a new generation of drummers who combine creative playing with entrepreneurial spirit. These interviews provide a platform for drummers to share their stories and insights on vision, creativity, and individuality.

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Producing and Session Work

Juan has a deep passion for music production, a skill he developed from a young age when he started recording at 15. His studio experience spans a wide range of genres and styles. He has worked with legendary producers such as Ken Thomas, Curtis Schwartz, and Pim Koopman, and has learned how to create exceptional live audio recordings. Over the years, Juan has had the privilege of working in both analog and digital recording environments, producing albums for international artists like John Bundrick (The Who), Stef Burns (Alice Cooper), and Snowy White (Thin Lizzy). Juan continues to produce music for a variety of international artists at Sound Vision Studio.

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Drumming Philosophy and Equipment

Juan is known for his distinct sound, achieved through a combination of high-quality gear and his own playing technique. He values building long-term relationships with companies based on mutual respect and the quality of their products. Some of his preferred brands include Aquarian Drumheads, Sonor Drums, Meinl Cymbals, Audio-Technica, and Pro Mark Sticks. He believes that a drummer’s sound is not only shaped by their playing but also by the instruments they use.

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Conclusion

Whether performing on stage, recording in the studio, teaching, or creating educational content, Juan van Emmerloot’s mission is to share rhythm, knowledge, and inspiration. His diverse career as a drummer, producer, educator, and interviewer has made him an influential figure in the music community. Juan continues to inspire and mentor drummers of all levels, helping them find their unique voice and achieve musical excellence.