Drummer Michael Cisterna has been a name to know for over 15 years — both on stage and in the studio. After spending his early years honing his craft as a hired drummer in Toronto’s corporate music scene, Michael made the move to Los Angeles in 2015 to attend the renowned Musicians Institute of Hollywood, where he earned his Associate of Arts and received the Outstanding Player Award in Drum Performance.
Since then, Michael has carved out an impressive career as both a live and studio musician. He’s the driving force behind his own band, True North, and has performed and collaborated with a diverse range of artists. Known for his precision, creativity, and work ethic, Michael has built a reputation as one of the most reliable and dynamic drummers on the scene — seamlessly blending technical skill with musical intuition. We caught up with him for a quick Q&A to talk about his journey and how he keeps his sound locked in night after night.
What initially inspired you to pursue a career in music?
Music has always been a part of my life – my parents always had music playing throughout the house when I was growing up, and my dad is also a guitarist. My first professional gig was playing in my dad’s wedding band when I was a teenager.
I never seriously considered music as a career when I was younger, I just always felt it was a part of me but didn’t consider that it could be what I do for a living. I played in my high school’s orchestra, jazz and stage bands and loved it all, but it wasn’t until I was about to graduate high school that my music teacher pulled me aside and said, “You know, you could actually do this professionally.” For some reason, that really stuck with me and made me consider taking music seriously as a career path.
Can you share a memorable moment from your musical journey that has had a significant impact on you?
When I was maybe like 6 or 7, my dad’s band played a backyard bbq for a friend of theirs. They invited me onstage to play tambourine, and I was convinced then and there that I was now a professional percussionist. I still consider that my first real gig!
What influences have shaped your style of music?
I have musical ADHD (as well as regular ADHD), so it’s tough to just listen to or take inspiration from any one genre. That being said, I mainly take inspiration from pop, metal and r&b.
If you could create a soundtrack for any historical event, which one would it be and why?
I’d travel back in time and play Alestorm for the Vikings and Amon Amarth for pirates just to be a little stinker.
If you could teleport to any concert in history, which one would you attend and why?
When I was a teenager, I used to go to this summer music workshop quite often. We’d always end the program with a student concert and most of them were a lot of fun.
One year, however, I got roped into playing a “La Grange” by ZZ Top with some other musicians literally right before the show started. When we started playing, it was very obvious that they didn’t know how to play the song (they could barely play their instruments either). I held it together as long as I could and tried to signal the form to them, and I even tried to end the song multiple times, but the guitarist just kept soloing and eventually started writhing and squirming like some hack job Jimi Hendrix, except he was literally playing nonsense. After what felt like 30 minutes of trying to end the song, I just stopped playing, got up from the drum kit and walked off the stage.
I’d probably teleport back to that show because I wish I could’ve witnessed that trainwreck from the crowd.
If you could collaborate with any artist, living or deceased, who would it be and why?
Probably The 1975, because I’ve been obsessed with them for the better part of a decade now and I think that George Daniel is a phenomenal drummer and producer.
What's the most memorable feedback or reaction you've received from a fan?
I once had a fan tell me that he caught a drumstick at a True North show and then got held up at knifepoint for it in the parking lot. I know that’s not exactly a “fun” story but holy hell it’s memorable. I owe that fan another drumstick lol.
How did your collaboration with Plunge Audio begin?
I forget exactly how I first came across Plunge Audio, but I was in the market for some new in-ears and I did some research on the company and their Unity IEMs. I found out that they’re based out of Canada, which immediately piqued my interest since I’m from Toronto and I love supporting Canadian companies (shoutout to Los Cabos Drumsticks!) Pretty much every review I read about Plunge Audio and the Unity IEMs were unanimously positive, so I bought a pair and was incredibly happy with the unbelievable sound quality!
What specific features do you look for when choosing IEMs for your performances?
Since I’m a drummer, I need IEMs that can accurately represent the broadest frequency range possible. Our instrument alone ranges from low end kick, punchy mid-range snare and top end cymbals, so it’s important that I can clearly hear all of that when I’m playing.
I’ve compared the Unity IEMs with other universal IEMs on the market and I can safely and honestly say that no other IEM I’ve used in this price point comes close to the Unity in terms of sound quality. It’s insane, really.
What advice would you give to other musicians who are considering using IEMs for the first time?
Since IEMs have become an absolute staple in my live performances, I’d say to anyone considering using IEMs to just hurry up and get a pair already! It definitely transformed the way I listen and play, and I couldn’t imagine touring without them.
Follow Michael Cisterna's journey online:
Michael Cisterna: Website | Instagram | TikTok
True North: Website | Instagram | TikTok
