McCoy Plaisted (he/him) is a drummer, educator, composer, arranger, and producer, hailing from New England. He began studying drums at age five, when his uncle Andrew gifted him his first drum set. McCoy grew up surrounded by music, but his sound is unmistakably his own. Influenced by artists like Peter Gabriel, Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, and A Tribe Called Quest, his sound is powerful, vulnerable, and raw. McCoy’s interactive drumming style and improvisational flair showcase his passion for the music he creates.

McCoy’s music education was built upon performing in large ensembles, including the NH Jazz All-State Big Band and the Spartans Drum and Bugle Corps. His passion to pursue a musical career was sparked as he began composing and arranging music at age sixteen. As a proud alumnus of UMass Amherst, McCoy graduated with a Bachelor of Music in Jazz and Afro-American Music Studies. There, he performed as the principal drum set player in the Downbeat award-winning Jazz Ensemble 1 and Marimba Band 1. He represented the UMass Jazz Department in New York City at the International Association of Schools of Jazz conference in the summer of 2022. McCoy was also appointed as the section leader for the Sudler Trophy award-winning UMass Minuteman Marching Band and led its nationally recognized percussion section. Following graduation, McCoy accepted an invitation to return to his alma mater to teach the UMass Drumline.

McCoy is currently pursuing a Master of Music (Performer-Composer) at The New School. He also teaches and writes for high school and collegiate drumlines and regularly performs across New York and New England as the bandleader of .mp3 – The McCoy Plaisted Project. 

McCoy’s domains extend beyond jazz and rudimental percussion; he regularly performs in musical theatre pit orchestras. As a working artist, drummer, teacher, composer, arranger, and producer, McCoy honors the history of African American music and uplifts women, transgender, and non-binary voices across the East Coast and beyond.

McCoy would be remiss not to credit the mentors who have nurtured him on his journey: Victor Lewis, Charles Tolliver, Thom Hannum, Abraham Burton, Ian Hale, and Tom Giampietro. In addition to being excellent role models, McCoy’s mentors inspire him to teach, write, play, and pursue his passions. 

.mp3 - The McCoy Plaisted Project is a genre-bending contemporary jazz group. Rooted in jazz, hip-hop, and beyond, .mp3 centers itself on improvisation, rhythmic interplay, emotional nuance, and fearless creative exploration. Led by drummer McCoy Plaisted, .mp3 has performed across the Northeast at jazz festivals and local venues from New England to New York. Together, .mp3 honors the legacy of African American music while pushing for a more just and equitable future (particularly for women and queer folk) in the jazz community.