Today we’d like to introduce you to Matt Nickle.
Hi Matt, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve been a percussionist for most of my life, and music has always been at the center of what I do. I went to the University of Utah for Percussion Performance and have spent more than 20 years performing with the Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square. Along the way, I’ve also had opportunities to perform with artists including Hugh Jackman and Andrea Bocelli, work as a freelance percussionist, and create music online, including an a cappella arrangement of “O Holy Night” that has been viewed more than 10 million times on YouTube.
But I’ve always been interested in doing something with percussion that went beyond a traditional concert. I wanted to combine drumming with theater, characters, lighting, props, humor, and storytelling—something that could appeal even to people who would never normally buy a ticket to a percussion concert.
That idea eventually became Warehouse 5 Drum Theatre, and its signature production, Paranormal Percussion. Paranormal Percussion is an annual Halloween drum show where all of the music is performed using percussion instruments. The show combines recognizable Halloween music with theatrical drumming, visual effects, comedy, unusual props, and high-energy performance. We’ve done everything from drumming on coffins and cars to incorporating flashlights, masks, fog, video, and all kinds of unexpected instruments.
What started as a creative experiment has continued to grow year after year. The production now features a cast of 10 performers and plays multiple performances in both Salt Lake City and Provo. One of the things I enjoy most is that the show keeps evolving. I write new arrangements each year, add new visual ideas, create new numbers, and learn every season what audiences respond to.
At this point, my goal is to keep building Paranormal Percussion into a Halloween tradition—something families, music fans, and people who just love the Halloween season look forward to coming back to every year.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Starting any small business adventure is going to have some ups and downs. There are also the practical challenges of producing an independent show—venue availability, marketing costs, equipment, props, costumes, and the risk that comes with ticket sales. We’ve also learned that Salt Lake City and Provo respond differently, so the way we market and present the show has had to evolve by location.
Creatively, the challenge is keeping the show fresh every year. We learn a lot about what people want to hear and see each year, especially our first show in 2019. After each season, we send out questionnaires to the previous customers and ask them what they thought about the show and what they would want to see different. We want returning audiences to recognize what they love while still seeing new arrangements, new visual ideas, and new surprises.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m most interested in creating experiences that use percussion in unexpected ways. I love the technical side of percussion, but I’m equally interested in what happens when you combine it with theater, movement, lighting, video, comedy, and visual storytelling.
With Paranormal Percussion, I spend a lot of time thinking about more than just the music. I’m arranging pieces, designing visual moments, developing characters, choosing props, shaping transitions, and figuring out how to make each number memorable even for someone who knows nothing about percussion.
A big part of my work is taking familiar Halloween music and completely reimagining it through percussion. Sometimes that means traditional instruments like drums, marimbas, or vibraphones, and sometimes it means using cars, coffins, knives, flashlights, found objects, or whatever else helps create the right theatrical moment.
What I’m probably most proud of is that the show works on two levels. Musicians can appreciate the arrangements and performance demands, but the audience doesn’t need any musical background to enjoy it. My goal is always to create something visually exciting, funny, surprising, and musically strong.
What sets my work apart is that I’m trying to bring the drummer from the back row to the spotlight at the front of the stage, but also I’m trying to create something fun the whole family can come see
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
The most direct way is simply to come see Paranormal Percussion, bring friends and family, and help spread the word. Because it’s an independent production, word of mouth makes a real difference.
I’m also always interested in connecting with other musicians, performers, educators, venues, local businesses, and creative people who may be a good fit for future productions. We’ve also worked with local student percussionists, and I’d love to keep expanding opportunities for young musicians to be involved.
For businesses and organizations, sponsorships and promotional partnerships are another great way to collaborate. Each sponsor gets certain perks as well, like tickets to the show. You can become a sponsor by going to https://warehousefivedrumtheatre.com/become-a-sponsor/
We also hold auditions each year for any drummers that want to have fun on stage. https://warehousefivedrumtheatre.com/auditions/
You can also help by following Warehouse 5 Drum Theatre online, sharing our content, and supporting the show each Halloween, which helps us continue growing it year after year.
Pricing:
- $19 – Children
- $25-35 General Seating
- $50-55 VIP Seating
Contact Info:
- Website: https://warehousefivedrumtheatre.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/warehou5e/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Warehouse5Drums
- Youtube: Matt Nickle Music @mattnicklemusic
