About Shawn Crowder

Shawn Crowder is a drummer and one half of the electronic-jazz duo, Sungazer (with bassist Adam Neely). Sungazer has performed throughout North America, Europe, and India, and has released three recorded works (two EP’s and one full-length album) since the group’s formation in Brooklyn, NY in 2014.

He has also toured extensively with Tunisian singer Emel Mathlouthi (“the Voice of the Tunisian Revolution”), performing in 25+ countries across six continents, including much of North Africa (Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt) and the Middle East (Jordan, Lebanon, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates).

Shawn is a graduate of the Berklee College of Music, in Boston, MA, where he studied with world-renowned drummer Mike Mangini (Dream Theater, Steve Vai, Extreme), among others. Mike’s teaching was fundamental to Shawn’s growth and progress as a student, which later lead to Shawn co-authoring Mike Mangini’s third book, Rhythm Knowledge, Volume 3. The book was released in 2022 and presents Mike’s approach to rapid skill development via the “Ultimate Stickings” system.

Following his university studies, Shawn moved to New York City in 2010. There, he worked as an in-demand session musician and live drummer, where he joined Emel Mathlouthi’s touring band in 2014. Shawn is also a member of the PLS.trio, whose 2015 album East River was nominated for Best Debut Album and Best New Release in the NPR Jazz Critics Poll.

Shawn is also an avid educator, having held a guest faculty teaching position at the Berklee Percussion Festival in Boston from 2010-2014, and given private lessons and masterclasses around the world. Since 2019, he has garnered a sizable online following through his YouTube channel, where he shares educational videos and his experiences on the road as a touring musician.

From 2018 to 2021, Shawn lived in Berlin, Germany while touring primarily in Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. Shawn currently resides in his native state of Colorado.