From ‘School of Rock’ to Astro Nick: How Drumming Became Nick Pedroza’s Purpose

Nick Pedroza was only four when he discovered and got hooked on the film School of Rock. One character in particular stood out to him: Freddie, the drummer. “I had no idea kids could even play music,” Nick recalls. “But I saw Freddie and I was like ‘that’s it’.”

By his fifth birthday, Nick’s dad surprised him with a full-sized drum kit. “My mom was like, ‘get him a little kid’s set,’” Nick laughs. “But my dad went behind her back and got me a real one.” That early act of faith kicked off a lifelong obsession. He played in bands throughout high school and eventually taught himself guitar so he could write songs of his own, leading to his solo project Astro Nick and the release of his debut album Plush Planet in 2022.

Drumming, however, has always been his calling. “Drumming is my purpose,” Nick says. “It’s what I’m best at. It’s what makes me feel like a real person.”

Shot by: Forrest Philpot

That clarity came full circle in New York City, when he reconnected with old college bandmates and joined with songwriter Jack Riley to form Bedridden. “There was no plan,” Nick says about moving to the city. “But I met Jack right as his drummer left, and we just clicked.” The band’s chemistry, fueled by shared history and a love for chaotic, cathartic sound, led to their newest release, Moth Strapped to Each Other’s Backs, a loud, raw chronicle of, some could say, coming into adulthood.

However, there is one song in which Nick showcases his intensity—“Philadelphia, Get Me Through.” When talking about the song’s outro, he jokes, “You gotta see it live to believe it.” The track’s odd 5/4 time signature forced him to approach the writing with unusual precision. “I was way more intentional on that one,” he says. “It pushed me in a good way.”

Between studio sessions for Astro Nick and an ongoing project with fellow bandmate Wesley Wolffe, Nick remains deeply embedded in his community. 

Nick lived in California for the first 18 years of his life, so the recent LA fires affected him emotionally. Early this year, Nick curated the LA Fire Relief Compilation, which raised $1,500 for the LA Food Bank, proving that music and drumming aren’t just his job. It’s his contribution. “It all connects,” he says. “Passion and purpose are different, but they feed each other.”

Shot by: Mariah Houston