Lang Zhao on Drumming, and Finding Your Sound | Freddy and Friends

In this episode of Freddy and Friends, Freddy sits down with Lang Zhao. A drummer, composer, and educator whose path has taken him from Northeast China to Los Angeles.

Lang shares his story of growing up in China’s early drum scene, moving to the U.S. to study finance before fully diving into music, and how classical training shaped his rhythmic language. Together, we dive deep into the craft and philosophy of drumming,  from technique and touch to physical health, mentorship, and purpose.

We talk about:

• The rise of China’s modern drumming scene
  
  
• How studying with Matt Garstka, Rob Carson, and Mark Guiliana changed his playing
  
  
• The evolution of technique and the science of body movement
  
  
• The intersection of music, mindfulness, and meaning
  
  
• Why true mastery means balancing discipline with feel
  
  

Lang’s perspective bridges two worlds: the technical and the spiritual, offering lessons that go far beyond the drums.