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Joseph Berardi has always had his name attached to daring, innovative musical projects, both as performer and composer. His musicality, unique drumming style and his use of miscellaneous percussive objects and found sounds within the traditional drum kit have made him a fixture on the Los Angeles New Music scene.
 

Politely sidestepping the traditional drummer’s role of mere timekeeper, he brings his own characteristic approach to color, rhythm and texture to every musical situation, be it subtle or hard-hitting. With Non Credo, he also highlights his compositional and multi-instrumental skills, playing marimba, keyboards, electronics and the occasional accordion, cello and viola.

In addition to his work with Non Credo, he is also a member of surf-spy experimentalists Double Naught Spy Car, the metal/found objects percussion group The Obliteration Quartet, Weill/Eisler worshipers the Eastside Sinfonietta and The Velvet Hammer Burlesque.

Berardi first came to prominence as a member of the critically acclaimed avant-pop group the Fibonaccis. This groundbreaking Los Angeles band recorded several LPs and film soundtracks, and performed countless live gigs throughout the southwest, building a large following of devoted fans. After their demise, he hooked up with former Wall Of Voodoo frontman Stan Ridgway, recording successful LPs for Geffen and IRS Records and making several world tours and television performances across Europe, North America and Australia. Berardi has been the drummer/percussionist of choice for a diverse group of notorious performers. Past and current projects include recordings, tours and collaborations with such notables as: Megan Mullally’s (Will & Grace) group Supreme Music Program, ex-Bongwater/performance diva Ann Magnuson, Rufus Wainwright, punk poetess Lydia Lunch, James White and the Blacks, Congo Norvell (featuring ex-Cramps Kid Congo Powers), folk legend Donovan, artist Gary Panter, ex-Pixies Frank Black & Joey Santiago, The Martinis, Algerian vocalist Rimitti (with Robert Fripp & Flea), glam/cabaret artist Abby Travis, popsters Wendy Ip, Kristian Hoffman, The Twigs and Los Angeles experimentalists Motor Totemist Guild, Nels Cline, Alain Johannes and microtonalist Kraig Grady, to name a few.

Berardi has also been active in live theatre. In Feb/March 2000 he was musical director for the Museum Of Contemporary Art (MOCA) production of Kurt Weill/ Bertolt Brecht's "Happy End". In 1999 he performed in Megan Mullally's one-woman musicale "Sweetheart". In 1998 he was solo percussionist with the touring production of "The Square Root Of Terrible" for the Mark Taper Forum.Berardi happily endorses Paiste cymbals and Attack drumheads.

 
 
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