NewsMarch 24, 2012 3:31 PM ET13,146 views

Animals As Leaders drummer leaves band

Drummer Navene Koperweis has amicably left progressive instrumental band Animals As Leaders. Koperweis has issued the following statement: "Tosin [Abasi] and Javier [Reyes] are the two most generous, caring and understanding individuals I've ever met and I look forward to a lifetime of friendship with the both of them. Over the past decade I have done nothing but music. Recording, writing, playing, practicing, touring and producing. It's taken me beyond what I could have dreamt of as a kid when I started. My new goals extend beyond the drum kit and I'm the type of person who will constantly chase new dreams. You'll be seeing a lot more of me soon." Abasi says, "I've shared some of my most memorable musical experiences to date with Navene and truly consider him a brother. I commend him for following his own path in life, even if that means I'll no longer be sharing the stage with him. I feel blessed to have had the pleasure of working together and creating a lifelong friendship." Filling in for Koperweis on Animals As Leaders' European and North American tours will be the Boston-based Matt Garstka, a Berklee alumnus who has previously played with the groups Gokh Bi System, Two Man Trio and Verse The Fire. Some video footage of Garstka can be viewed here: "We see nothing but great potential with Matt, and look forward to performing with him on the upcoming tours," Abasi says. "We feel very excited for the future of AAL, which is brighter than ever. I'm beyond excited for our fans to hear some of the new music we already have brewing for the future!"



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