What happens when a Latin jazz fusion powerhouse hears Stewart Copeland’s iconic grooves for the very first time?
Giulliana Merello, known for her explosive style and fearless creativity, took on a new challenge: react to and perform “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic” by The Police — a band that blends rock, reggae, and punk with precision and personality.
From the moment the piano hits and Sting’s voice kicks in, Copeland’s drumming takes a backseat… and then slams the gas. His accents and hi-hat work are nothing short of iconic. This track balances subtle syncopation with explosive choruses — perfect for someone like Giulliana to reinterpret with her unique voice behind the kit.
In this gear breakdown, we go through the Kit, Snare and Cymbals that Giulliana uses during her Drumeo YouTube video to bring her flair to this iconic track.
Giulliana performed on a stunning Gretsch BroadKaster in Blue Sparkle — a shell pack known for its warm, vintage-inspired tone and dynamic response. These drums feature a 3-ply maple/poplar/maple shell formula with internal reinforcement rings, delivering the controlled low-end thump and rounded attack that make Copeland’s grooves feel alive.
Her tom configuration gives her flexibility to move melodically around the kit, with tight articulation on the 10” and 12” rack toms and a thunderous response from the 16” floor tom. The 22” kick drum provides the punchy low-end needed to anchor the groove without overpowering the mix — ideal for a track that’s rhythmically complex yet melodically light on its feet.
Gretsch Broadkaster 4-Piece (Europe)
At the heart of the performance is Giulliana’s 14” x 5” snare drum, which serves as a dynamic voice in her interpretation of Copeland’s classic part. The slightly shallower depth gives it a crisp, articulate attack — ideal for playing fast flams, delicate ghost notes, and tight backbeats with definition.
This snare cuts through the mix without overwhelming it, offering just the right amount of bite and sensitivity to highlight the syncopated intricacies that define Stewart Copeland’s style. Giulliana uses it with nuance, allowing space in the verses and adding energetic punctuation to the choruses — a tasteful balance of restraint and power.
Gretsch 14″ x 5″ Snare (Europe)
To channel the spirit of Stewart Copeland while still bringing her own voice to the track, Giulliana assembled a versatile cymbal setup centered around the Zildjian K and FX lines. The blend of Constantinoples, K Sweets, and stacked FX cymbals gives her both musicality and controlled chaos — perfect for navigating the track’s push-pull dynamics.
Her hi-hats and ride provide the foundational articulation needed for Copeland’s signature offbeat phrasing. Meanwhile, the crashes and FX stacks add splashes of color and unpredictability — enhancing her fills and punctuating transitions with style. The stacks, in particular, give her a controlled trashiness that brings raw energy without sacrificing musicality.
Hearing Giulliana Merello reinterpret Stewart Copeland’s work is like watching two musical worlds collide — and create something new. She doesn’t just replicate the parts; she reimagines them. From polyrhythmic fills to explosive accents, Giulliana captures the spirit of the song while imprinting her signature sound on it.
If you ever wondered what The Police would sound like with a Latin jazz firecracker at the helm — this is it.
You can find everything mentioned in this Gear Breakdown at Sweetwater or Thomann if you are overseas. If this video lit a spark to start drumming (or sharpen your chops), take the next step and click the link to try Drumeo, free for 7 Days.
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Drumeo Team - We're professional, award-winning drummers and drum teachers, coaches, recording artists, and content specialists who are passionate about drums and helping drummers around the world. This post was written and/or edited by Brandon Toews, Jared Falk, Dave Atkinson, or another pro on our team (which has a combined 1000+ years of drumming experience). Are you looking for inspiration, education, and support to take your playing to the next level? Join the Drumeo community today!
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