Zhach Kelsch
Touring/Studio Drummer & Educator
About
At the early age of 6, Zhach learned the basics of coordination, technique, and reading from his dad, who was also a drummer, on his 70's Ludwig drum kit. He continued to hone his craft and gain confidence performing in front of an audience throughout Elementary, Middle, and High School in the marching and concert bands. During his high school years, Zhach developed a knack for teaching, as he would normally be assigned to assist the rest of the drum section with learning the material.
His first paid gigs began at the age of 15, when Kelsch started playing in the local bar/club scene and recording in local studios around Northeastern Pennsylvania. In 2006, his professional recording/touring career began when he co-wrote and recorded drums for Fighting Zero's critically-acclaimed self-titled album at Radiostar Studios in Weed, CA with Grammy Award-winning producer, Sylvia Massy Shivy (Tool, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Tom Petty, Johnny Cash, Prince). The album was engineered by Jim Wood (Dishwalla) and mastered by John Cuniberti (Aerosmith, Dave Mathews Band, Grateful Dead). The band shared the stage with Breaking Benjamin, Flyleaf, and several others before completing it's sophomore album “Beautiful War: Part I,” also co-written and recorded by Kelsch this time at Soundmine Recording in the Pocono Mountains with producer Dan Malsch (The Misfits, Tantric, Four Year Strong.)
A Penn State graduate with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Management and Marketing, Zhach continued to record and tour with several bands and artists throughout college. A few highlights include a performance at the now legendary NYC club C.B.G.B.'s, with metal band, IDOLEYEZ; a North American and Canadian tour with Experimental/Progressive rock act, A J A R; a month-long promotional tour sponsored by FYE and an appearance at The Hollywood Music Awards to accept the award for Best Female Vocal Performance with pop artist, Emii; and a 6-month stint filling the drum chair for OurAfter, while drummer, Chad Szeliga, toured with Breaking Benjamin & Black Label Society.
Following college, Kelsch split his time between writing, recording, and touring with two signed/nationally distributed rock acts at the same time; DIVE and Don't Panic. He also began teaching drum set privately at Gallucci Music School in Scranton, PA. With DIVE, Kelsch co-wrote and recorded the band's sophomore album, 'Picture Perfect,' which was recorded at the legendary 4th Street Recording Studio in Santa Monica, CA with producer Jim Wood (Incubus, No Doubt, Something Corporate) and released/distributed nationally by PhaseOne/MadRock Records/Sony RED. The band was the first to ever perform at the new Meadowlands/Giants Stadium opening for Bon Jovi in 2011. They also shared the stage with Stone Temple Pilots, Alice in Chains, Three Days Grace, and performed several dates on Vans Warped Tour. Before leaving the band, Zhach co-wrote and recorded 'The Acoustic EP' at AM Studios in NYC and performed live with notable bass players Brian Weaver (We Are Harlot, Sebastian Bach, Paramore) and J3 (Sevendust, Methods of Mayhem, Lita Ford.)
With Don't Panic, Zhach recorded 'My Fair-weather Friend' and 'Why the Fifties Were Better," which were recorded at Yukonotron Studios in the Pocono Mountains, produced by Dave Cutrone (Motionless in White, Split Fifty), and released/distributed nationally by Masquerade/Universal Records. He joined the band on tour supporting The Ataris, a tour supporting Trust Company and a one-month headlining tour. Kelsch also recorded 'The Fix EP' with the band, which was released independently following his departure.
For the next 5 years, Kelsch filled the drum chair for one of the country's top touring party bands, Kristen & The Noise. During that time, the band played over 100 shows per year at premier beach, casino, and other vacation resorts all over the country as well as occasional fly-dates, festival appearances, corporate parties, and weddings. During his time with the band, Kelsch has performed at corporate events for the Philadelphia Eagles, Under Armour, Live Nation, House of Blues, Jameson Whiskey, ABSOLUT Vodka, LivingSocial.com, and Kirby Vacuum Company, among others. He has performed live with the band on several national broadcasts of Comcast Sportsnet and shared the stage with Nils Lofgren (guitarist of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band), Philip Doron Bailey Jr. (Lead Vocalist of Earth, Wind, & Fire), JD Deservio (bassist of Black Label Society), and Travis Tucker (American Idol Season 3 finalist). The band has shared the bill with global and national artists such as Pitbull, One Republic, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Florida-Georgia Line, Chevelle, Young The Giant, and many others.
Following his departure from Kristen & The Noise, Zhach chose to focus on instruction, writing and recording as well as building his home studio. He continues to keep a schedule of around 20 students a week between Northeast East Music Center in Scranton, PA and Music & Arts in Marlton, NJ as well as the occasional Skype or group lessons, workshops, and clinics. Additionally, Zhach keeps his students motivated and inspired by hosting several drum clinics and educational events featuring world class drummers such as Marko Djordjevic (Matt Garrison, Wayne Krantz), Jason Sutter (Marilyn Manson, Foreigner, Chris Cornell), Chris Pennie (Coheed & Cambria, Dillinger Escape Plan), Jim Riley (Rascal Flatts), and Poogie Bell (Chaka Khan, Roberta Flack, Stanley Clark.)
Recent writing/recording projects include one song on Aaron Fink's (guitarist of Breaking Benjamin) latest solo album called 'The World Had Other Plans'; an EP titled 'Resiliency' for a brand new hard rock band from Florida called Mature Musical Pictures (Produced by Bret Hestla of Creed, Framing Hanley, Dark New Day). Since opening his home studio in 2016, Kelsch has supplied drum tracks over the internet to the following artists; The Liberty Underground (Dallas, TX), That Grunge Guy (Fort Worth, TX), Sol Y Momma (Park City, UT), IKILLYA (Metalblade Records, New York, NY), Claude Thibodeau (Montreal, Quebec, Canada), Ryan Helman (London, England), Cardillac Business Cards (Post Falls, ID), The Daniel Green Show (Tel Aviv, Israel) and many more. Several of these projects can be heard on the media page.
In 2017, Kelsch announced his new band, Modern Luxe, the first band he has co-owned in 10 years that features some of the best singers and musicians in the Philly area. The band signed with East Coast Entertainment (Atlanta, GA) immediately after forming and is already dominating the private/corporate event and wedding market as well as select club, casino and vacation resort appearances.
Zhach was named 'Drummer of the Year' at this year's Steamtown Music Awards and continues to perform live with Vicous (featuring members of Nine Shrines, I Am King, and Madison Rising) and Doubting Thomas (produced by Kevin Soffera of Seether, Breaking Benjamin, and Greg Howe) and South Side Bandits. Kelsch hopes to continue to inspire his students, make crowds dance, push himself creatively and musically, as well as to continue growing in each facet of his career for many years to come.
Testimonials
"Zhach is a true professional, passionate about his craft and an inspiration to students. Of course he is a great drtummer but he is also a great teacher and a leader. Zhach is self motivated and takes initiative. He is always willing to go above and beyond for the benefit of the company and, more importantly, his students."
-Conway Rowe (Owner, Act Out Music)
"Anyone thinking of taking lessons or getting their kids started need to contact Zhach. One of the Best in the Biz!!!!!!!"
-Joseph Russel (Student)
"Zhach is an awesome teacher. He keeps Alec inspired and pushes him to excel. Thank you for taking your time with my son."
-Zandra Martin (Parent of a Student)
"Zhach is an amazing instructor. Get him while you can folks!"
-Marissa Curtin (Parent of a Student)
"Zhach is a great teacher and wonderful person. He is very professional but also personal and our son thinks the world of him. His patience and positive attitude encourage Noah. We couldn't ask for a better instructor for our 7 year old."
-Stacy T. (parent of a student)
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