A native of Long Island, New York, Frank Vilardi received his bachelor's degree in music performance from the Hartt College of Music at the University of Hatford, where he wasthe first percussion student at Hartt allowed to play drum set (not part of the school's program) performing Chick Corea's 'Spain' with a quartet.

Frank worked as a studio musician in New York performing on records, movie soundtracks and jingles. Frank has played with innumerable underground New York bands as well as being for some time a member of Warner Brothers recording act Grace Pool, that briefly featured Shawn Colvin.

Frank Vilardi's credits include the "Ghostbusters" soundtrack, and works with, among others, Mink Deville, Rosie O’Donnell, The Manhattans, Peter Frampton, Al Green, Howard Stern, Naked Eyes, Jim Carroll, Rosanne Cash, Shawn Colvin, Celine Dion, Anna Domino, Gloria Gaynor, Jewel, Lucy Kaplansky, Bobby McFerrin, Suzzy Roche, Southside Johnny, Rod Stewart, Curtis Stigers, Phoebe Snow and Ina May and Wool. In addition Frank has done movie soundtracks, corporate shows, and hundreds of TV and radio jingles

Frank Vilardi replaced Stephen Ferrera as Suzanne Vega's drummer in 1989. He participated in the recording of "Days of Open Hand" (1990) the following album "99.9°F" (1992), doing the respective tours with Suzanne Vega until the end of 1993.

How did it happen that you joined the Suzanne Vega band?

There were auditions being held in the spring of 1989 for a European tour that Summer, they were still doing some shows to support "Solitude Standing" as well as trying out some new material for the next album ("Days Of Open Hand"). I was able to secure an audition through my good friend, guitarist Marc Schulman, who I had worked with extensively over the previous few years.

What, according to you, did your way of playing bring to the live performance of Suzanne's songs?

At the time I think I was able to learn execute the parts they needed very quickly and add some spark and creativity. We also all got along great and had a great time on the tour.

What are the characteristics of Suzanne's music that attract you the most, both as a musician and as a listener? Suzanne is the best lyricist I've ever worked with. Her melodic sense is incredible and at the same time sneaky simple, which is what makes her such a great song writer. As a singer I think she is unique, very underrated.

What are your main music influences, and musicians you look up to?

Wow, I can really go on here, but it starts with the Beatles, Motown, and Stax, & The Band. There are so many great drummers, but my absolute favorites besides Ringo are probably Steve Gadd & Jim Keltner.

Apart from playing with Suzanne, which are the other projects, you have been participating in, that you're more proud of?

Every project is unique and I loved my time with Suzanne, and would really love to work with her again. I've been involved in so many other things over the years and give 100% to each, so I'm not more proud of any one thing. Just check out the website www.frankvilardi.com to see who I've been involved with and what's coming up.