Willy Rodriguez


Willy Rodriguez is a Puerto Rican drummer and percussionist based in New York City. He has recorded with The Mars Volta, Mon Laferte, and Dave Liebman, and released the album Seeing Sounds as a leader.

Early life and education

Rodriguez was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico. He began playing drums as a teenager and later studied at Berklee College of Music before earning a master's degree in Jazz Drum Performance from New England Conservatory.

Career

Rodriguez was the in-studio drummer on The Mars Volta's 2022 self-titled album. He also contributed to the band's ninth studio album, Lucro sucio; Los ojos del vacío, released in 2025.
In Latin music, he performed on Mon Laferte's 2018 album Norma, recorded live at Capitol Studios in Los Angeles, to which he earned a Latin Grammy for. In jazz, he recorded with Dave Liebman on the album Ceremony.
Rodriguez's projects include his Latin ensemble 427 Flavah Factory. He has also performed with Jason Palmer, John Ellis, and Melissa Aldana.
As a leader, he released Seeing Sounds in 2024 with Jason Palmer, Hery Paz, Leo Genovese, John Hébert and Kenneth Jimenez, and guest Dave Liebman. The album was reviewed by outlets including DownBeat Magazine, Making A Scene!, That Canadian Magazine and ''The New York City Jazz Record.''

Selected discography

;As leader
  • Seeing Sounds — drums, percussion; with Jason Palmer, Hery Paz, Leo Genovese, John Hébert, Kenneth Jimenez; guest Dave Liebman.
;As sideman / collaborator
  • The Mars Volta — Lucro sucio; Los Ojos del Vacío — drums.
  • The Mars Volta — The Mars Volta — drums.
  • Mon Laferte — Norma — drums, percussion.
  • Dave Liebman — Ceremony — drums, percussion.
  • Francesco Marcocci Quintet — Folklorico — drums, percussion.