Mario Illa

Mario Illa is a 25 years old French drummer
His youthful dreams of football were abandoned when he picked up a pair of drumsticks for the first time at age 16 and discovered a real passion for music. He studied for three years with Claude SARRAGOSSA and set himself the challenge of making a career in music.
His career has evolved quickly and with the support of his musician father, reputed bass player Alain Illa, he soon became established as a percussionist (drummer?), playing in various groups/formations and events both in France and Europe.
Signed in... . with the alternative rock group N'heirs, promoted by the independent label ......, he gained valuable experience in the British music scene and had the opportunity of recording in well‑known recording studios such as Abbey Road, Red Bus, La Buissonne.
It was here that he met twin brothers, Clem and Val Aubert: his partnership with bassist Clem had an important impact on his playing style.
Together they developed the rhythm section of the band, refining the sound, the precision and rhythmic cohesion.
In November 2011 he finished in second place in the European finals: of the "Rolland V‑drums world contest"(?) and was also named revelation 2011 of the new generation of drummers .
In December 2012 he joined the French cult band Raoul Petite, touring France and participating in the new album which should soon be on the market. Since becoming a "Raoulian" he has also signed promotional contracts with the well known brands Tama and Sabian, which he deems the best sounds for modern drummers.
"The Tama sound gives me all that I'm looking for: incisive, precise, versatile, classy. It totally suits my playing style and the versatility that I'm looking for when I accompany different artists, and particularly for my group, Raoul Petite where we can pass from a reggae piece to something more jazz rock straight after. My Tama Starclassic Performer has been a revelation for me and for the musicians I work with:they are unanimous. It can be adapted to all the styles of music I play"
Although with his experience he can play all sorts of styles of music, he particularly excels in styles such as funk, pop, R'n'B, and fusion. His enthusiasm for electronic music has led him to incorporate electronic sounds into his acoustic drum kits and create a vibrant actual (modern) sound.
Other major influences in his life and music include his training at the International Music Academy in Nancy, his father, well‑known French bass player Alain ILLA, and his first drum teacher Claude SARRAGOSSA
*"Today I'm 23 and my adventures with Raoul Petite are the beginning of long story, both musical and human and, hopefully, the means of jump starting my career that I was waiting for."