Drumming News
Since winning the Hit Like A Girl Contest in 2021, Wiktoria Bialic has become one of the busiest drummers in the world. She has appeared at drum camps and festivals throughout North America and Europe, recorded and toured internationally and been a central part of a Grammy award-winning album project. In this exclusive Q&A interview she talks about the impact of winning the contest and some of her most recent activities.
Q1. You were the Champion of Hit Like A Girl’s 10th Anniversary contest in 2021. How did that change your life?
A. Winning the Hit Like A Girl contest in 2021 changed so much in my life. It opened the door to the international drumming community and gave me opportunities I could have only dreamed of before. Thanks to the contest, I signed endorsement deals with several drum and cymbal companies and was invited to perform at PASIC in the USA. That one performance led to invitations to other drum festivals. It really shifted my mindset. I stopped thinking only about playing in Europe and began seeing myself as part of a global scene.
Q2. Your first big recording project was on Allison Russell’s Grammy Award-winning album, “The Returner”. What do you remember about that experience?
A. That was my first international recording session and it happened at the legendary Henson Recording Studios (former home of A&M Records and, originally, Charlie Chaplin’s movie studio) in Los Angeles. It was an unforgettable experience working with such talented musicians and producers. The atmosphere was amazing — everyone welcomed me like family. Every detail mattered, every sound was important, and there was a real sense of unity in creating something special. I honestly didn’t want to leave! I’m still in touch with almost everyone from that session.
One interesting thing I recall is that, although we recorded the band live, we were all in separate rooms… and there was no click track. Getting a good vibe, let alone a good pocket, was a bit of a challenge!
Q3. You recently organized, composed and directed a project with multiple drummers for a football celebration in Poland. Please tell us about it.
A. I had the honor of being the MD of a drum performance during the UEFA (Union of European Football Associations) Conference League Final Ceremony in Poland. I worked with 22 incredible drummers from the local drum school. My job was to support and guide them— composing and recording the drum parts for the track, teaching the music to the performers and preparing them for the live show. The final performance was in front of 40,000 football fans in a stadium — absolutely surreal! I worked on the project for 8 months and the drummers had just 7 days of rehearsals. But, in that short time, we built an amazing team. I was incredibly proud.
Q4. You have performed at PASIC, the Bag Show, The UK Drum Show and other major drum festivals. Plus, you just returned from teaching at the LAB drum camp with Larnell Lewis, Ash Soan, George Kollias, Stanton Moore and Keith Carlock in Greece. What information do you share with drummers at these events?
A. At drum festivals I always try to showcase a mix of musical styles — reggae, funk, rock, and pop — because I believe that being a versatile drummer is really important. I also talk about building what I call the “Sonic Toolbox”. I focus on groove, emotion, sound, authenticity and musical storytelling rather than solos or chops — that’s just not who I am as a player.
This year’s drum camp in Greece was incredible! I focused on how to practice effectively and how to be ready to play musically in different musical styles. For many, it was new territory but, in the end, I think the students took some home valuable lessons.
Q5. You’ve toured extensively in Poland and you just got back from a tour throughout Europe with LUNA as support for Sugarbabies. Do you prefer teaching, touring or recording and what’s next on your agenda?
A. I always dreamed of being a session drummer and working in the studio. But after going on international tours, I realized I also love performing live. Teaching brings me another kind of joy. I love watching my students grow and seeing their passion for drumming. Honestly, I love everything that has to do with drums!
What’s next? I’d love to try my luck in London or Los Angeles. It will be a big step but, now that I’ve come this far, I’m excited to see where my journey takes me.
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