New Orleans native Josh Villalta always knew he was born to be a drummer. After
playing on a homemade cardboard drum kit at the age of 8, he got his first taste of real
music at a Metallica concert the next year. A self taught drummer, Josh would stay up
all night playing along to Metallica videos until his parents bought him a drum set. He
began playing along to different types of music and researching reviews, magazines,
going to concerts and listening to countless cds to learn everything he could get his
hands on.

At 14, Josh posed as a writer for a college research paper to find all the upcoming
unsigned bands, and in doing so became friends with many of these bands that went on
to become some of the biggest national touring acts. Josh would video tape himself
playing technically challenging material, put the videos on VHS tapes, and hand them
out to the band members. This style of guerrilla networking led to his first touring
experience in 2000, working with Island/ Def Jam records on the Tattoo The Earth tour,
featuring Slipknot, Slayer, Sepultura and many more.
After that tour, at the age of 19, Josh decided to form his own band. Taking influence
from his rock, death metal, hardcore, thrash and groove metal roots, his band Choleric
immediately took off in the notoriously competitive New Orleans music scene. Their
innovative music and high energy shows earned them a loyal fan base and they were
soon outselling major local and national bands. 

In 2005, Josh relocated to Los Angeles, recruited new band members and began
recording new music. 
During this time, Josh placed in the top 5 three years in a row at the prestigious “World’s
Fastest Drummer” double bass competition at the NAMM convention, and developed
his fast and aggressive drumming style.
It was at a packed Choleric show at Los Angeles’s now- defunct Key Club that Josh’s
dynamic live performance caught the eye of hip-hop legends Three 6 Mafia. After an
unrehearsed performance with them 2 months later, Josh joined their live band for the
next few years. His addition of techniques such as syncopation and double bass
coupled with his aggressive and energetic performance style impressed hip-hop
audiences across the country.

In 2015 Josh entered a new industry. After years of refining the initial designs, his
clothing brand Beverly Kills was launched with the tag line: “this is more than a brand,
this is a lifestyle.” The concept is inspired by a side of society most choose not to see-

how in pursuit of success and/or fame, people can change, get lost, lose their morals,
forget their integrity, and turn into someone else.
The message took on an organic life of its own and soon spread around the world,
selling in over 57 countries and seen on people in all industries, from musicians such as
Nikki Sixx, David Draiman, Nita Strauss and Corey Taylor, to UFC and WWE legends
like Ronda Rousey and Stone Cold Steve Austin, and famously on actor turned
musician Johnny Depp.

He also works on the business side of the music and fitness industry. He is well known
for his creativity and big picture vision, notably as the manager and drummer of his wife,
guitarist Nita Strauss. Josh has also worked in artist and athlete relations for many
brands in the fitness space, connecting athletes with companies for sponsorships and
other opportunities. 

He is the founder of Burn The Ships Creative Group, an all inclusive marketing
company working with high profile brands and personalities.

Josh has been hard at work on new music, with a release planned for 2025.