I read “The Outsiders” for the first time in the 3rd grade. Growing up I kind of felt a lot like some of those kids in this novel. I just couldn’t seem to make sense of things going on around me. I was told that I wouldn’t make it in life – music is a waste of time – just give up – nothing gold can stay. I was an outsider. And in this book, my favorite character is told by his dying best friend to “Stay Gold.” That quote has changed my entire perspective on life. Hold on to those golden qualities about myself. That’s what sets me apart from the rest. I realized that I wanted to be an outsider, because it made me happy and I wasn’t going to let anyone let me stray from my goals. Which is why I am where I am today.
My name is Kyle Peek (also known as The KID) and I am the drummer for the platinum selling artist, David Cook. I am 22 years old; born and raised in Southern California; I’m married to the most amazingly beautiful woman in the world; we have a 4 year old son who is a great bundle of awesome to say the least; and I have God to thank for all of it. He has blessed me with a perfect family, who I love more than anything. And who could ask for a better job? I get to pound on the drums all day and scream at the top of my lungs!
I was lucky enough to become a part of this band in late 2008 when the debut album was about to release. And I seriously had the time of my life with those guys (no pun intended). We travelled all over the U.S. for over a year while adding in a trip to the Philippines and Iraq; and are now getting ready for album number two. I was sponsored by Ludwig for a stint of the tour (who published my first article in DRUM magazine), before I ended up finding a home in Truth Custom Drums. They are an amazing group of guys that make quality kits and I’ve never been so honored to be sponsored.
But prior to the Declaration Tour, I had played in many other bands growing up. It all started in a band that my friend, my baby brother and I started when I was 12. We called ourselves Prizm and won Best High School Band at the OCMA’s two years in a row. I concentrated on solely the drums at first, but eventually transitioned into becoming the lead singer behind the kit. Ever since, singing and drums have become a package deal. Prizm kind of disintegrated after 4 strong years, but led to other opportunities. The guitarist and I moved on to a different project named, Hope Departed. Who would have thought that I would end up meeting my ‘wife-to-be’ during these HD garage band rehearsals? Everything happens for a reason, and I truly believe that God placed me in that band to find her. After a year and a half, I felt it was time to move on. So I packed up and joined a band with some dudes that used to play with some dudes from the Foo Fighters. We called ourselves, The Huh? Here is where I became, The KID. It was a fun cover band where I learned a lot about myself as a musician, but that time rolled around again where I had to leave to further my career. I started auditioning for touring bands and played with Mandi Perkins and a few others until I found my way to David Cook ‘n’ company. I have even recently been named an official member of MWK.
And just like two major influences in my life – Dave Grohl and Aaron Gillespie – I also enjoy stepping in front of the kit from time to time. But drums will always be my home. Got some stuff I would like you all to see/hear in the near future, but until then…just staying gold…
