Ape Drums

Ape Drums is a producer and DJ known for fusing elements of Afro-tech, dancehall, and club music into stripped-down tracks built for movement.

Born Eric Alberto-Lopez in Houston, Texas, he began experimenting with music production in his teens, learning structure and arrangement by ear before ever having access to professional tools. His early years as a breakdancer played a major role in shaping how he hears rhythm and how he builds his sets.

He first gained attention with the release of “Basement” in 2014 and has since built a steady discography that includes original material, collaborations, and remixes. His remix of “Like Dat” and the solo track “23” have become two of his most streamed releases to date.

Ape Drums became closely associated with Major Lazer through early collaborations and was officially invited to join the group in 2019. With them, he toured internationally and performed on major stages, while continuing to release and perform under his own name.

His solo sets reflect the sounds he’s long been drawn to: tightly arranged percussion, dancehall structure, and club-ready momentum influenced by his upbringing and cultural roots.

Now based in Miami, he balances touring, solo production, and collaborative work — maintaining a style grounded in instinct, clarity, and physical energy that translates directly to the dancefloor.