JULIAN DORIO AND RUSS POLLARD HAVE TRAVELED THE WORLD ON TOUR. NOW, THEY’RE PROVIDING A SERVICE THEY WISH THEY’D HAD ACCESS TO ON THE ROAD, WITH SOME BEAUTIFUL INVENTORY ALONG THE WAY.

NASHVILLE SINCE 2012 (JULIAN) AND 2013 (RUSS)

For both Julian and Russ, music was always the goal. “I can’t remember when I first started craving instruments, but that’s what it was, it was a craving,” Russ says. Every Christmas, he got one big gift, and starting with his Muppet-themed drum set to a guitar and then a keyboard, his collection – and proficiency – continued to grow.

Julian, meanwhile, was developing a love for drums in his Georgia hometown. “There’s still a part of me that’s a six year old that got a drum set for Christmas that my dad bought me and said if you practice this, I will always get you more.” He kept his promise, something that left a lasting impression on Julian. His dad learned to play bass, and with his older brother on guitar, they formed a family band. When he graduated, he took finals and then hit the road and signed a record deal the next day.

It’s been a life of touring and music since. “I bought a house being a drummer,” Julian says. “I still can’t believe that.”

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While on tour, they faced a constant problem: often the drums that were provided or available to use weren’t that good. Julian had gathered an impressive – and quite extensive – collection of drums through the years. “That can turn into a real estate problem or you can try and make something of it,” he laughs. “I noticed that there wasn’t really anybody renting vintage drums in town.”

Music brought Julian and his band to Nashville, and Russ and his wife moved from LA to open the event space Cordelle in town. Julian had been meaning to call Russ to see if he’d be interested when they ran into each other at a pizza place. Russ was immediately excited. They launched Dorio Vintage Drums about a year ago.

“As much as these instruments are vintage and precious, they should be played.”

— Russ

They serve local bands, bands starting their tours in Nashville, and as ear-and-eye candy in music videos. For both Julian and Russ, who both still play, it’s a perfect addition and balance.

“Had it not been for the drums and the path that helped create for me, I could’ve been working in a band or selling real estate or having some secure life,” Julian says. “But I would have missed out on so much.”

View their selection on their website

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