Roni Kaspi, you may remember, inspired one of my late-2024 “rage caves”.
I’d seen and heard her in clips with Avishai Cohen, in a drum chair with a storied list of alumni, including previous podcast Ofri Nehemaya and one Mark Guiliana.
But when Jesus Molina’s Night in Tunisia came up in my spotify in a random playlist, I was astonished at the drummer’s ability to play over the meter as if there were no bars. The tune quickly became one of the most “instagrammable” clips of early 2025, in a way that fast, technical music does.
Sure, it was showy. But I couldn’t deny that the drummer had a fluidity that I envied. Hence - rage cave. Much 11/4 for a couple of months. I only later put two-and-two together that this drummer was that Avishai drummer.
I finally caught up with Roni two weeks ago, her upcoming album and recently-released EPs providing the perfect excuse. In the ensuing time since my weeks of toil with Night in Tunisia, I’d had a chance to check out a decent amount of her original music. She plays across genres with a fearlessness that’s impossible to fake.
And speaking to her, it all makes sense.
From a small town in Israel, from non-musical parents, Roni discovered the drums at an early age when she happened upon a rehearsal room noone minded that she used in her elementary school, and formed a band with several classmates. Later, a teacher recommended she audition for a prestigious arts high school, and things almost ended disastrously when Roni, at a jazz audition, played Stairway to Heaven. Seeing potential, one of the judges jumped on the piano and asked young Roni to accompany him through some more “jazz” styles, and salvaged her audition.
Of her time in high school, Roni remembers looking up to classmates whom she says were ahead of her on the skill journey, but “still liking how [she] sounded”. It’s this attitude of willingness to reach for more, but self-acceptance, in addition to the unadulterated love of the drums, that I’d bet set her up for success.
A summer Berklee festival with Terri Lynne Carrington, a successful Berklee audition, a gig with Avishai, and a move to LA post graduation, bring us more-or-less to present-day, where Roni, still only 24, divides her time between touring and creative music like that on her EPs and upcoming album.
Some guests inspire you for their sheer spirit - Chris Turner comes to mind, and Roni is another one who I bet will remind you why you love the drums.
Hope you enjoy!