Drumming for multiple bands, being a full-time student, working for a family business and learning guitar sounds like the separate lives of bandmates, but in reality one Montclair State University student does it all.
Joaquin Narucki is a recording arts and production major here at Montclair State. As a student, he practices a balance of work and art: “student life is always important, education comes first… and then you can have fun later,” as he put it.
This balance is critical for his lifestyle. It allows him to stay focused on his studies while still making time for the music that has shaped much of his life.
This is due to the fact that he is the drummer for two bands, Bist and Zalerno, as well as occasionally drumming for other bands as well. Joining the bands were no hesitant choices — for Narucki, they’re great ways to practice the passion that he’s had since childhood.
Being involved in multiple groups also gives him the opportunity to collaborate with different musicians and meet new people, which is one of his favorite parts, as much as he hates how much people talk about networking.
Not only does he juggle the two groups, but he also achieves different goals required for each. As Narucki puts it, Bist needs more “wishy-washy” and “dynamic” drums; Zalerno’s are “faster, louder, maybe a little more tight.” Switching between these musical approaches keeps his drumming fresh and constantly challenges him to improve.
Narucki has been a long-standing contributor to the bands, joining Bist in 2022, proving that he has reliable talent. It’s no miracle though, since he has been drumming since he was five years old.
Narucki finds inspiration from the band Super Chunk, but his artistic passion can be traced back to his dad.
“He kind of nurtured me with a lot of great music,” Narucki said.
Ultimately, his family’s support and appreciation for the arts and music is what led Narucki to musical performance. Growing up around music made it feel natural for him to pursue it seriously as he got older.
The family maintained their bond through music with the creation of their record store, Social Club Records, in Rutherford, New Jersey. Joaquin’s bands will occasionally perform inside, at least once a month, in an effort to attract more customers. On top of performing, he works there part-time and helps to book shows.
While it sounds impossible, all the tasks Narucki handles actually help him deal with each one.
“Being a recording arts and production student, we learn a lot about both live sound and studio recording,” Narucki said. “Having that kind of aid helps me with making demos and live shows; it goes hand in hand.”
Even though he keeps a calm demeanor, Narucki is able to feel overwhelmed with it all just like anyone else. Instead of letting it bring him down, he uses his passion to guide him forward.
“It definitely does get overwhelming sometimes between being in bands, school, and work, but I think it’s always important for me to remember I’m doing something I love to do,” Narucki said.
In the past, he has used feelings that are often thought to be negative to push him forward. Instead of the attention, excitement, or music, it is actually the nervousness that is his favorite part of performing live.
“[The nerves] feel kind of good,” Narucki said. “It energizes me, kind of like a slap in the face.” For him, that rush before stepping on stage becomes a source of energy rather than fear.
His musical experiences will not stop anytime soon. As he pursues his education, he is also learning to play the guitar in his free time.
Many people may look at their successful peers and wonder how they got so lucky or how they were born with so many talents. However, they don’t take the time to consider the years of dedication that are behind a successful person.
As Narucki put it, “I believe all dreams are achievable, it just takes a lot of heart and dedication,” which is proven by his own story.
Using Montclair State University’s sources and guidance, Joaquin Narucki is a prime example of what a Red Hawk can accomplish. Through balancing education, music and work, he shows how passion and discipline can come together to create meaningful opportunities both inside and outside the classroom.
