When people describe Walter Boston as only a drummer, I already know they’ve never seen him perform live. Because what Walter does is far more than keep rhythm—he commands energy. He’s a DJ, producer, percussionist, and pure showman whose performances feel less like a set and more like an experience.
During our conversation, Walter told me about a turning point in his journey: a spontaneous performance on the beach during a family vacation. He had a creative nudge he couldn’t shake—so he packed up his drum kit and set up on the sand as the sun began to dip. Then, something unexpected happened: a college band staying at a nearby hotel heard his beats, felt the energy, and showed up with their own instruments. While Walter extended the offer to collaborate, that synergy never materialized. Whether it was competition or just timing, the magic didn’t spark between them—but it didn’t need to. The next day, Walter’s video from that beach performance started going viral, and everything changed.
Raised in the small town of Ahoskie, NC, Walter’s musical roots run deep. At just five years old, he felt a spark watching a drummer at his father’s church. That moment lit a fire that’s never gone out. He thought he’d follow that beat all the way to Greensboro and join Cold Steel—the famed drumline at North Carolina A&T State University—but destiny had other plans, leading him to Charlotte instead. Over time, Walter’s artistry evolved—shaped by gospel roots, refined through choir and chamber ensembles, and sharpened by Charlotte’s unique music scene. Along the way, he taught himself piano, began producing his own music, and started carving out a lane that’s completely his own.
While his setlist for Got Soul is still in the works, one thing’s certain: expect the unexpected. “I might make a playlist and not use any of it,” he laughs. “I just read the crowd and go.” Whether it’s hip-hop, house, rock, or top 40, Walter is ready to shift the vibe and turn up the energy. His high-impact performances are built on crowd connection and improvisation, creating a moment that’s as unforgettable as it is unrepeatable.
Offstage, Walter is a creative force with a long-term vision. He draws inspiration from the raw power of Travis Barker, the soulful depth of Questlove, the curatorial genius of DJ Drama, the strategic independence of Ryan Leslie, and the catalog-building hustle of Russ. His ultimate goal? To build a platform that inspires people to be themselves, stay consistent, and chase their dreams with everything they’ve got.
Walter Boston hits the Got Soul stage at 4:00 PM sharp—and trust me, you’re going to want to catch the whole set.“Come slap my hand. Come jump with me. Throw some water on me—I don’t care,” he says. “Just be ready, because I’m ready.”