A New Beat in America with Danish Drummer Kris Crone
Byline:
Wyles Daniel
Leaving your home country to pursue a dream is always a bold move, especially when that dream involves breaking into one of the most competitive industries in the world: music. Several non-American drummers have made that leap and risen to the top, including legends like Simon Phillips (UK), Marco Minnemann (Germany), and Anika Nilles (Germany), and most recently, Kris Crone, born and raised in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Crone has been gradually building his musical career across Europe and the United States. His passion for drumming began at the age of seven after watching a live performance by the band TOTO, an experience that inspired him to pursue music professionally.
His first major performance was a solo drum presentation for Denmark’s then Crown Prince (now King) Frederik X during a national sports event. As his skills evolved, Crone developed a deep love for jazz and fusion, with Steely Dan standing out as a major influence. On his 26th birthday, he had the chance to perform alongside legendary drummer Bernard Purdie, famed for his work with Steely Dan, at the Copenhagen Jazz Festival.
Before relocating to Los Angeles, Crone led and toured with his jazz band Nina Stark throughout Denmark following the COVID-19 pandemic. The band played nearly 40 shows in three months, with the final concert taking place just one day before his flight to the United States.
Now based in L.A., Crone is focused on building his presence in the American music scene and will be performing with the Taylor Swift tribute band Blank Space on May 17th at the Glenn County Fair in Orland, California. The upcoming concert follows a previous appearance with the band on New Year’s Eve at the Rawhide Event Center in Phoenix, Arizona, a sold-out show and the venue’s first-ever New Year’s Eve concert. The Glenn County Fair event is expected to draw hundreds of enthusiastic Swifties.
His work with Blank Space has given him a solid platform, bringing him a growing fanbase and opportunities to collaborate with other artists.
The Glenn County Fair performance continues the band’s busy touring schedule and gives Kris Crone another chance to connect with his new audience. His transition to the U.S. also inspired a creative shift, moving from tight jazz arrangements to large-scale pop productions. Today, he blends his background in jazz and live performance with more mainstream projects, becoming a go-to drummer for artists who seek precision and flair.
Kris Crone has many exciting projects on the horizon. Be sure to follow him on Instagram to stay updated!