Juan van Emmerloot

Juan began his musical path at age 10, studying drums and percussion at his local music school under Marius Spikmans. By 13, he was already performing live with his first band, Penthouse. He continued studying music until 17, then moved on to intensive training at the Rotterdam Conservatory.

During that period, artist Rudy DeQueljoe recognized Juan’s natural talent and introduced him to the Dutch rock and pop scene. That opening led to performances with major Dutch artists including Kaz Lux (Brain Box), Julya Lo'Ko, Laura Fygi, and Robby Valentine on tours across the Netherlands.

Juan’s professional career took off at the age of 17, when he began performing live and in studio sessions. Over the years, he became an integral part of many renowned bands and musical projects, building a career shaped by steady work on stage and in the studio.

His live performance credits include collaborations with Mick Moody & Bernie Marsden of Whitesnake, Omar Dykes of Omar & The Howlers, and Poppa Chubby. He also toured with Snowy White, Walter Trout, Mick Rogers, Pat Travers, and Steve Lukather.

Juan’s international touring experience spans Europe, Asia, and North America, including performances with Robby Valentine and Valensia in Asia, and a North American tour with Peppino D'Agostino. In later years, he continued his strong connection with the live music scene through performances with Snowy White & The White Flames, alongside musicians such as Max Middleton and Walter Latupeirissa.

Juan’s studio career began at just 17, recording at Joe’s Garage Recording Studio with Rudy de Queljoe’s band. In the years that followed, he became a sought-after session drummer, working at leading Dutch studios including Dureco Studios, Wisseloord Studios, and Fendal Sound Studios. His work in the UK also led to collaborations with Gary Moore, Chris Rea, and David Gilmour during his time at Jacob’s Studio.

Known for adapting easily to different musical styles, Juan has recorded across a wide range of sessions and productions in several countries. His studio work includes Barefoot Studio in London, Black Barn Studios in Surrey, Curtis Schwartz Studio in Surrey, Real Life Studios in FA, Urban Recording Studios in the Netherlands, Bios Music Productions in Italy, and The Sandlane Recording Facilities in the Netherlands.

Current Projects and Bands

Juan van Emmerloot has played an important role in Snowy White’s music over many years, both in Snowy’s solo work and with Snowy White & The White Flames. Across studio and live releases, he has contributed drums, percussion, and at times keyboard instruments. His debut with Snowy came on Highway to the Sun (1994), where his subtle groove and strong sense of dynamics immediately stood out.

He returned on No Faith Required (1996), the first official Snowy White & The White Flames album, contributing drums and percussion. Juan also appeared on Little Wing (1998), later reissued as Melting, and on Keep Out – We Are Toxic (1999), where his inventive playing brought renewed energy. On Restless (2002), his percussion and tight drumming added further musical depth, while The Way It Is... (2005) featured him mainly on percussion, including congas and shakers.

His work continued on Realistic (2011), After Paradise (2012), Released (2016), Reunited (2017), and The Situation (2019). On these later White Flames albums, he was partially or fully responsible for the drum work. His playing is also prominently featured on the live album Live Flames (2007).

On the 2024 album Unfinished Business, Juan also appears as a keyboard player, performing Hammond organ on the tracks “Alone With Me” and “Long Time.”