In a city built on dreams and distortion pedals, Swiss drummer and composer Willem Jochems is carving his own lane — one backbeat at a time.
Since relocating to Los Angeles, he has become an impactful force in the scene, appearing on stages like The Troubadour, The Mint, and even the legendary Village Studios. Whether it’s R&B, jazz, fusion, or hip hop, Willem brings a rare combination of musical precision and emotional instinct — one that feels just as comfortable behind the kit as it does behind a DAW.
“Almost every aspect of the music industry is present in LA,” Willem says. “I feel like I can naturally find work that I find fulfilling.”
And find it, he has.
From Geneva to Sunset Boulevard
Originally from Geneva, Switzerland, Willem’s move to LA wasn’t about chasing fame — it was about finding freedom. “I considered New York, Paris, even London,” he recalls, “but LA felt like the place where I could explore all the different paths I’m interested in — from touring to producing to leading my own band.”
On any given week, you might find him behind the drums at Good Times at Davey Wayne in Hollywood or Greater New Life in Lancaster, in session with artists like Dakota Cohen, Josefina, Max Gerl, Cofrady, Voodoo Baby Aliens, Cosmic Rain, Gaspard Gabriel, Emma Gimeno, Joey Du Bois, and DINER, or recording new projects with pop/R&B up-and-comers like Ella Boy and 0mri.
In fact, his most recent high-profile project was a promotional video for Kurzweil, recording at Village Studios with composer Kash Iyengar. “That was a special one,” he says. “Working in a space with that much history always adds something to the performance.”
The Psychology of Groove
Ask Willem to define his sound and he answers like a film director:
“I’d say my music is engaging and intriguing — similar to a psychological thriller. It happens to be my favorite movie genre too.”
There’s a cerebral intensity to his drumming, but it never feels cold. Every note breathes. That balance is something he’s refined over years of playing in projects like Vesuvio, a distinguished jazz collective that have graced renowned stages such as Room 623 in New York and the Lilypad in Cambridge. “We released a record with compositions from all the members. Mine were ‘I’m Eating Soup’ and ‘La Versoix’. I wasn’t the leader, but writing for a group of people you respect — that’s a creative high.”
He’s also collaborated with jazz-fusion standout Santiago Bosch, and has been part of groups like Voodoo Baby Aliens and Joey Du Bois’ band, which he says offered some of his most fulfilling studio work to date. “I’m close friends with everyone in that band. That connection made the music stronger.”
Touring Ambitions and Sonic Heroes
When it comes to the future, Willem has his sights set on the Pop/R&B/HipHop touring scene, and he’s studying the greats: Devon Taylor, Rico Nichols, Brian Frasier-Moore, CJ Thompson, and Ray Marshall Jr., to name a few. “Some of these guys I’ve had the chance to meet. Their careers are inspiring — it’s the direction I’d love to take mine.”
And he’s already catching the industry’s attention. In 2024, Willem was named a Yamaha Young Performing Artist, flying to Indiana for a weekend of mentoring and performance with Yamaha’s elite. “It meant a lot. I got to meet amazing people — artist reps, classical musicians, players from all over. Performing at Emens Auditorium was unforgettable.”
Casual Precision: Gear, Style, and Vibe
Despite his high-level chops, Willem doesn’t obsess over gear like some of his peers. “I’ve become less of a gear head over the years,” he admits, “but I’m very happy with what I have.”
He currently plays a Yamaha Maple Hybrid Custom kit, usually featuring a low, thuddy floor tom that complements the bass drum for punchy phrasing. His snare sound trends tight and sharp, though he adjusts depending on the style. On the cymbal side? “I love darker sounds. The 20″ Byzance Dual Trash Crash is a favorite.”
He rocks a DW 5000 for his kick pedal — a classic — and as for his stage look?
“Visually, I’d say my style is just being myself. I dress pretty simply. Occasionally sporty. I like wearing caps and beanies. But music always comes first.”
That same clarity extends to how he approaches his work-life balance. “Right now, most of my time goes to being a working drummer and getting established in LA. But I’m always developing personal projects — producing, writing, experimenting. That part of my career is growing too.”
What’s Next?
Willem’s calendar is stacked. He’s gigging weekly across LA, producing an upcoming EP with his girlfriend — a pop/R&B artist — and waiting on several recordings he tracked last year to finally drop.
As for dream collaborations? The list includes Kendrick Lamar, Lucky Daye, John Mayer, Robert Glasper, PinkPantheress, Pedro Martins, and Anatole Muster.
And while Willem may not be chasing the spotlight, it’s clear that it has already found him.
Keep Up with Willem
If you’re in LA, don’t be surprised if you catch Willem lighting up the stage with an outstanding act — or hear his drumming on a track you Shazam. From arena dreams to jazz clubs, pop hooks to experimental grooves, Willem Jochems is setting the rhythm of a new generation.
Read more music articles at ClichéMag.com
Images provided by: @yamahamusicusa AND @yamahaentertainmentgroup
Hashtag: #YYPA2024
Photographer credit: Jolesch Photography
Interview by Fanny Hulard
