He follows the beat of his own drumsticks!

David Reid, founder of Boso Music, is the first developer of bamboo drumsticks and plans to extend his business to include other instruments using sustainable materials in the future. A resident of Hoboken for six years, Dave has connected with many musicians seeking something different, yet the same – a simple drumstick with a new twist, bamboo.

Having become successful in the technology field during the dotcom era, Dave wanted to create a company that was more organic. “I wanted to produce something that didn’t rely on technology to positively impact society in a meaningful way,” he says as he sips on a cup of joe from Hoboken’s favorite spot, Empire Coffee.

A supporter of local business, Dave not only drinks Empire Coffee but also finds himself stopping by Hoboken Farmboy for delicious protein shakes after cycling from Liberty State Park up to the George Washington Bridge and back. “Life in Hoboken is exciting. It’s a good balance.”

From a young age, Dave was acknowledged for his sense of design, his ear for music, and his knack for problem solving. He’s used his creative abilities to develop an instrument that not only acts as a musical innovation but also reflects his commitment to environmentally sustainable materials and practices. Bamboo is highly renewable and requires fewer pesticides and treatment when processing. Boso drumsticks feature a lighter weight despite their larger size as well a unique texture that provides a better grip.

Staying engaged in music is important to him. Working as a session musician and songwriter throughout the tri-state area and in Nashville, Dave spends his free time staying fully engulfed in the arts. “I also do quite a bit of photography in my free time although that involves technology. I like capturing the city from the west side.” Dave’s current musical endeavors beside Boso Music consist of a new record release with New Jersey-based band “Della Valle” and a lineup of bookings throughout New York City and New Jersey. Dave hopes to get some songs licensed and released as well. “Then we’ll hit the studio again!” It’s a vicious cycle that musicians have: create, record, and perform repeatedly.

When asked about the inspiration for his music, Dave responds with a sensitive story about his grandmother’s impact on him. “My Grandmother is originally from Germany. With English as her second language, she managed to raise three strong children and go back to college at 65 years old. She paints, practices yoga, and plays the piano daily. My grandmother lives life to the fullest, and in turn she is my inspiration.”

After attending the 2011 NAMM show in Anaheim, CA, Dave knew that the next steps would be exciting ones. Today, drummers play Boso drumsticks for live performances and recording sessions. “In fact, Guitar Bar was our first retailer,” he notes. “I’ve always shopped there, so to have Jim Mastro’s support means a lot to me.” The next chapter for Dave is to take a trip out of the country to relax and recoup. Then, he explains, “I’ll come home to Hoboken and continue to work to make Boso the biggest bamboo drumstick company in the world!”

For more information on Boso, go to bosomusic.com.

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