Seppo Salminen

Drummer | Artisan | Producer | Engineer

Seppo Salminen is an award-winning producer, drummer, and engineer based in Toronto, Canada. With a multifaceted career spanning decades, Seppo has contributed his talents as a drummer, multi-percussionist, engineer, producer, custom drum set builder, and teacher/clinician.

At his studio, RNM Productions, Seppo focuses on supporting emerging artists, helping them create music across a wide range of styles. His portfolio includes original compositions for local and international artists, as well as music for corporate videos, commercials, and radio programs.

Awards & Accolades:
  • CRYSTAL AWARD: Received for advertising excellence in 2002 for a set of radio ads.
  • Discovery Channel Video Presentation: Complete English version for Pultrall Products, including all music, foley production, sound effects, and video edits/effects.
  • Percussion Music for Synchro Canada: Original composition used by the Canadian Synchronized Swimming Team, which won the Gold Medal at the 2000 Pan-Am Games in Winnipeg, Canada.
  • JUNO Awards: Worked on albums nominated for JUNO Awards, including a nomination for The Penny Merchants in 2007.
  • Raga Awards: Album of the Year for work on David Duchene’s project.
  • Sony Music: Two years of specialized music created for Sony’s High Fidelity Sound Booths, as well as written musical soundscapes for Sony Canada’s retail division.
  • Solo Projects: Released a solo CD titled Joe’s Conscience and is currently working on a follow-up album.
Drumming Career:

Seppo’s journey with drums began at the young age of 12, drawing inspiration from his Finnish heritage rooted in a family of musicians, engineers, woodworkers, and sauna builders. By 15, he had started gigging as a drummer, laying the foundation for a career that has touched virtually every corner of the drum industry.

In 1985, Seppo founded TRS Custom Drums (The Rhythm Section), combining his passions for music, craftsmanship, and education. His career has encompassed roles as a teacher, clinician, award-winning engineer and producer, custom drum builder, and drum tech.

A seasoned drummer and multi-percussionist, Seppo boasts over 35 CD album credits. Notable highlights include:

  • Recording and touring with The Penny Merchants for 12 years, contributing to four albums.
  • Performing and recording with The Roaming Coyotes.
  • Developing his second solo album of original music under the Joe’s Conscience banner.
Teaching & Community:

Seppo has been a passionate and influential teacher and clinician for over 30 years, inspiring students of all ages and skill levels. His contributions include:

  • Private and Group Instruction: Teaching youth groups, high school and university classes, as well as offering private lessons at his home studio.
  • Mentoring: Guiding beginners and seasoned professionals alike, helping them hone their craft.
  • International Outreach:
    In January 2014, Seppo participated in the Bridging Worlds Through Music initiative, traveling to Geita, Tanzania, alongside his bandmate Christie Ulicny. Over 10 days, they taught music, percussion, and voice to approximately 30 students at Rich Hill Elementary School—a school without electricity or running water. The experience culminated in a cross-cultural exchange where students collaborated online with peers from Regent Park School of Music in Toronto to create the track BE THE CHANGE. This transformative journey inspired Seppo to remain committed to supporting music education for the students and community in Geita, Tanzania.
Collaborations:

Seppo has worked with a diverse range of artists, including (not limited to):

  • Charlie Watts (The Rolling Stones)
  • Johnny Fay (The Tragically Hip) during his 2016 national tour
  • David Markee (Eric Clapton)
  • Robin Mark (Award-Winning International Touring Artist)
  • Roxanna
  • Christie Ulicny
  • The Penny Merchants
  • The Promise Keepers
  • Heather Kilborn
  • The Roaming Coyotes
  • Mark Cooper (Guitar Clinician/Artist)

Seppo has also conducted drum & percussion clinics for leading organizations and manufacturers, such as:

  • Paiste Cymbals
  • Sabian Cymbals
  • Simmons Electronics
  • ZenDrum
  • Evans Drum Heads
  • TRS Custom Drums

With over 35 years of craftsmanship, Seppo designs his own line of TRS Custom Drums and is a recognized vintage drum expert.

Current Projects:
  • Christie Ulicny: Collaborating on her music as drummer, percussionist, co-writer, producer, and engineer.
  • Roxanna: Providing percussion and serving as Canadian Music Director for this international recording artist.
  • The Promise Keepers: Contributing percussion for this National Christian Men’s Organization.
  • Joe’s Conscience: Creating a solo album as drummer, percussionist, songwriter, producer, and engineer.
  • The Roaming Coyotes: Playing drums for this local rock and roll band.

Recent Productions:

  • Finster – 4 Song Promo CD
  • Ed Jenner – Full Length Album (Original Rock)
  • Concussion Band – Full Length Album (Original Rock)
  • Woolton Fate – Full Length Album (Beatles Music)
  • Joe’s Conscience – Full Length Album (World / Instrumental)
  • Slipper Thompson and The Amazing Recliners – “Classics To Vacuum By”
  • Christie Ulicny – Full Length Album (Original Pop Rock)

Other Activities:

  • Creating drum lesson videos and TRS Custom Drum demonstrations.

Get In Touch

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Unit 3, 1215 Twinney Dr.
Newmarket, Ontario, Canada

(+1) 905-751-7849