Chair Warriors

Born and raised in Montreal, Canada, Gopal Devanathan started drumming at 12 yrs old and studied a variety of styles (Rock, Funk, Latin, Jazz, Fusion) with François Rossignol at the “Conservatoire de Musique du Quebec” and soon went on to win the National Capital Music Festival (in Ottawa, Canada) in the “open combo drums” category for 3 years running. 

Since 2013 Gopal has been drumming live & in studio for the melodic alternative rock trio, Chair Warriors. The band has opened up for established acts “I Mother Earth”, Jeff Martin (The Tea Party), “The Joy Formidable” & "The Damn Truth" and also been featured on local TV and radio. 

In tandem, Gopal joined the notable punk band, Reset, in 2015; having performed at Montebello Rockfest that same year, and done numerous shows with the band throughout Quebec and Ontario since that time, as well as being featured on the band's latest album "No Resistance" (2021).

During the summer of 2019, Gopal recorded drums for seminal punk band, Ripcordz, on their most recent album, "Don't Buy the First Album, Jerk​-​Wad. Get This One!" , as well as three singles released in 2021/22, and has been performing live with them periodically since 2019.

Heavily influenced by 60’s Classic Rock, 70’s Prog rock & Fusion bands, Gopal previously brought those elements to the Montreal alternative rock band, Pacer (later known as The Integral) for the better part of the 2000's.  The group performed relentlessly in parts of Quebec, Ontario, the Maritime provinces, upstate New York, and even made its way to Japan for a 5 city tour in 2008 to support the Japanese release of the band’s full-length album “002” through Zestone Records. 

Pacer played at the Vans Warped Tour (2004) in Montreal, and over the years shared the stage with a variety of signed acts: Trapt, Dredg, The Ataris, Three, Pulse Ultra and Greenwheel. 

Currently, Gopal can also be seen performing with a variety of artists/bands, namely: My Name is Mud (Primus Tribute), Guy Mapoko (La Voix 5), Sule Heitner (La Voix 3), The After Party (Jazz Trio), Neomi (pop rock), House of Dusk (doom rock) and more…

…and the adventure continues…

"I've known Gopal since 2003 and he has consistently proven himself to not only be a versatile drummer, but, someone with a strong sense of business and a great work ethic." -ANDY CURRAN, Senior Consultant/A&R, Ole Label Group (Rush, Big Wreck, The Tea Party, Steven Page & more...)

"Gopal and I have been in touch since his days with Pacer and I have always been impressed with his focus, drive, ambition, skills as a musician, and wise choices of projects to get involved with."-OSCAR FURTADO, Owner/Director of Radio Promotions, Tandemtracks Promotions.

"Gopal is a force on the drums who will go the extra mile for the music - whether on stage or as an ambassador to the local music scene." - BILAL BUTT, Radio Host, CHOM 97.7 FM Montreal.

"Over the years I have had the pleasure of working with Gopal and some of the bands he plays with. His professionalism and work ethic are very much appreciated along with his undeniable skills as a drummer." - NANCY ROSS, Concert Promoter, Greenland Productions.

 "What more do you want in a drummer apart from being able to keep time? Well...Let me introduce you to a drummer that not only keeps time, but also shows up on time.  Gopal uses his love of many genres as an asset in his craft. Being able to switch things up is his true strength. Just an all around solid drummer!" -ALBERT CHAMBERS, Juno nominated Songwriter/Producer & Studio Base Bin owner.

"Gopal is one of the most solid, confident, and prepared drummers I have ever had the pleasure of sharing the stage with! His flawless command of technique, flow, and groove is unparalleled! - MATT McGACHY, Vocalist of "Cryptopsy".

"Gopal is a solid drummer capable of many styles. Sound-wise his playing is incredibly reliable, tasteful, and versatile."-PETER EDWARDS, Lead Guitarist of "Grimskunk" & Vice-President of Indica Records (Danko Jones, Half Moon Run, The Franklin Electric & more...) . 

"I’ve played with Gopal in the past and have followed his different projects over the years. I love his playing and understanding of dynamics, and best of all, he’s very easy to work with! What more could you ask for?" – IAN BENHAMOU, keyboardist of "The Musical Box".

 "Gopal belongs to a rare breed of musician that not only has a solid command of his instrument but has a strong grasp of business, being able to effectively balance both sides which is what truly sets him head and shoulders above the vast majority of drummers out there." - PASCAL MALKOUN, Management, Lone Wolf Entertainment.