In a world of flashy frontmen and over-the-top guitar solos, Jess Bowen has always been a bit different. She’s the heartbeat. Since 2007, she has sat behind the kit for The Summer Set, a band that somehow survived the fickle nature of the MySpace era, a messy breakup, and a triumphant 2020s comeback.
She isn't just a "female drummer." That label is reductive. Honestly, it’s annoying. Jess is a technician. If you’ve ever watched her live, you know she plays with a level of intentionality that most session pros would kill for.
The High School Origins of The Summer Set
The story doesn't start with a record deal. It starts in Scottsdale, Arizona. Jess Bowen was already jamming with brothers Stephen and John Gomez in a group called Last Call for Camden.
They needed a voice. They found it on MySpace. Brian Logan Dales entered the picture, and suddenly, the pieces clicked. By 2007, The Summer Set was official. They weren't just some local garage band; they were selling thousands of independent EPs before most kids their age had finished their SATs.
They were "too pop for the punk kids and too punk for the pop kids." That’s a line from their song "Figure Me Out," and it’s basically the band's entire identity. They occupied this weird, sunny space between Mayday Parade and Taylor Swift.
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That Infamous Hiatus and the 2021 Return
By 2017, the wheels were coming off. The band announced an "indefinite hiatus," which in band-speak usually means "we are never talking again."
Jess didn't stop. She stayed busy. She toured with Tessa Violet, joined forces with the synth-pop project Nekokat, and basically became the go-to hire for anyone needing a drummer who doesn't miss a beat. She even popped up in the Netflix documentary Count Me In, sitting alongside legends like Chad Smith.
But fans never stopped asking about the original lineup.
Then 2021 happened. The band dropped "Street Lightning." It wasn't just a reunion single; it felt like a statement. They followed it up with the album Blossom in 2022. Seeing Jess Bowen back with The Summer Set felt like a core memory being unlocked for an entire generation of pop-punk kids who are now working 9-to-5s.
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Why Her Style Works
Jess doesn't overplay. It's her superpower.
In her 2023-2024 appearances on Drumeo, she talked about the "pop background with a rock feel." She values simplicity. She’s not trying to show off with 32nd-note fills every four bars. Instead, she locks in with the bass. She makes sure the song actually moves.
Her gear choice reflects that too:
- SJC Custom Drums: She’s been a staple of the SJC family for years.
- Remo Heads: Specifically the Emperor Vintage Coated for that mid-range punch.
- Zildjian Cymbals: Usually a mix that cuts through the bright pop-rock guitars.
Meet Me At The Record Store (2025)
As we move through 2026, the band is riding high on their latest output, Meet Me At The Record Store. This era feels different. It’s less about chasing radio hits and more about the "friends next door" vibe that made people love them in the first place.
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Jess has been vocal about the industry's evolution. She’s gone from being one of the few women on the Warped Tour stages to a mentor. Her speaking panel, Speak Up (co-founded with Meg Frampton), was a massive deal for young girls who didn't see themselves represented in the "scene."
The Identity Factor
It's also worth noting how Jess has used her platform. She’s spoken candidly about being half-Filipina and navigating a genre that has historically been very white and very male.
She also became a vocal advocate for equality following the 2015 Supreme Court ruling on same-sex marriage. For Jess, the music was never just about the music—it was about creating a space where people actually felt safe.
Actionable Insights for Aspiring Drummers
If you're looking at Jess Bowen's career as a blueprint, here is how you actually apply it:
- Prioritize the Pocket: Listen to Everything's Fine or Legendary. Notice how the drums serve the melody. Don't play for other drummers; play for the song.
- Diversify Your Skillset: Jess didn't just wait for The Summer Set to come back. She did session work, touring gigs, and documentaries. Be a musician first, a band member second.
- Invest in Durability: She uses Falam Slams on her bass drum heads and Emperor X snare heads. If you play hard, gear that lasts is more important than gear that just looks cool.
- Network Naturally: Most of her biggest gigs came from friendships made on tour. Be the person people actually want to sit in a van with for six weeks.
The Summer Set might have started as a MySpace phenomenon, but Jess Bowen turned it into a masterclass in longevity. Whether she's hitting the skins for a sold-out reunion tour or teaching a clinic on Drumeo, she’s proven that the beat doesn't have to stop just because the trends do.
Check out the band's latest singles like "ADIDAS" or "I Don't Wanna Party" to hear her current production style. You can also follow her dog-centric updates or gear snapshots on her social channels, where she remains one of the most accessible pros in the industry.