I’ve always had a keen eye (and ear) for detail, especially when it comes to the craftsmanship and sound of drums. In my 33 years of playing, I’ve never found another company that comes close to Sonor’s exceptional all-around quality. Their drums are hands down the finest in the world, and representing them for the past 17 years has been one of the greatest honors of my career!
Joe Babiak began his musical career at the age of four, first studying piano and soon after taking up the trumpet. Throughout his school years, he performed in concert and jazz bands and received numerous awards and honors, most notably performing at Carnegie Hall at the age of 17.
Joe attended Elmhurst University in Chicago, where he earned his B.A. in Music. He’s been playing drums since 1994, and thanks to his previous musical training, the instrument came to him very naturally. His strong understanding of music theory, keen melodic and harmonic sense, and excellent pitch give him a unique perspective as a drummer. With years of live, studio, and touring experience, Joe takes great pride in being well versed in a wide variety of styles and genres.
In 2002, Joe began a long-running musical relationship with renowned shred guitarist Michael Angelo Batio. Since then, he has toured Hong Kong, Shanghai, Taiwan, Russia, and India with Michael, appeared in several of his music videos, recorded on two of his full-length albums, and opened for Hellyeah and Megadeth at the 2011 Dean Guitars NAMM Jam.
In 2005, Joe’s progressive-rock group Parallel Mind signed with Canadian label Unicorn Digital for the release of their album Colossus ADEA. In 2015, Parallel Mind independently released their second full-length album, Connections.
In the spring of 2006, Joe joined the Chicago band Kill Hannah for a five-month national and international tour in support of the group’s second album with Atlantic Records. During that time, he performed in the band’s “Lips Like Morphine” music video, the WGN Morning News, and Chicago’s Lollapalooza music festival.
From 2006 to 2010, Joe played in the rock band South Of Earth, featuring Geno Lenardo (Device, FILTER, Chevelle), Joe Grah (Loser, Jibe), and Bill Gower (Boy Hits Car). He was also part of the Los Angeles-based band Cage9, featuring members of Powerman 5000.
After a successful four years in Los Angeles, Joe returned to Chicago in the spring of 2012 and joined the faculty at Elmhurst University as a professor of Music Business. Over the course of 26 years as an educator, he has also taught private lessons, directed grade school bands, and coached ensembles.
In 2014, Joe performed with Altitudes & Attitude, featuring David Ellefson (Megadeth) and Frank Bello (Anthrax). In February 2019, he reunited with the group for a European tour opening for Slash featuring Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators in support of A&A’s debut album, Get It Out.
In 2018, Joe moved to Europe, where he spent five years touring and performing his original music full time. In 2023, he returned to the U.S. and joined the international touring Nirvana tribute band Smells Like Nirvana, featuring Paul Wandtke (ex-Trivium).
Joe has had the honor of appearing in Modern Drummer magazine five times and was featured in the November 2006 issue of DRUM! magazine. He proudly endorses Sonor Drums, Sabian Cymbals, Vater Sticks, Westone in-ear monitors, Gator Cases, and Martine Böhme Trumpets.
Outside of music, Joe enjoys working on his own creative projects as well as frequent global travel.