CPOMUS Michael Tan
Instruments: Percussion
I was born in Australia (my Mum is Greek my Dad is Chinese). We left for Singapore when I was 18 months old and lived there for two years. We also lived in Malaysia and Hong Kong, which was a very interesting period of my life, and I learnt a great deal. When I was seven we moved back to Australia. I only spoke Chinese, so settling into a new school was hard work!
I was heavily into nature all through my childhood and spent much of my time observing all of Australia’s rich and varied flora and fauna. I started drawing many of the animals I saw and became interested in art (drawing and painting).
My love of music began when my brother (a guitarist) forced me to play drums for the school band. I was 13 and all I wanted to do was run around the Australian bush chasing animals just like the Crocodile Hunter. My Dad bought me my first Drum Kit and it took me 12 months before I had any interest in it at all, but my brother taught me a Steely Dan song called Aja (Steve Gold on Drums). I was hooked, it was the most amazing display of drumming I had ever heard. I practised trying to emulate what I heard the great drummers do, and I’m still doing it to this day (I’m never really satisfied with my playing).
I have enjoyed a great musical career playing many styles of music. My love of Funk, Jazz, Latin and Rock have led me to have a very busy schedule. My Navy career started when I was 30. The RNZN Band has helped me to develop some other skills vital to my musical career.
From an early age fitness has been a part of my life and I like to push myself in the gym and out running. I like the feeling of being able to do anything, being strong and fit makes life a lot easier.