Joel Maitoza drummed in 24-7-Spyz, where he replaced original drummer Anthony Johnson in 1991. In an interview with Hesh One, Maitoza reveils how he joined the band:

"I went to a NAMM show up in L.A., which is a big music convention, and I saw Jimi Hazel and we started talking. Macky, from Bad Brains, was playing drum [for Spyz] and he was having problems with the parts, he couldn't get them down.



And I said, "Well, I'm looking to get back into a band, I'm doing some session work now and I'm getting sick of being cooped up in the studio - I'd like to get back out".



He's all, "Okay, well, if I hear of anything I'll let you know". He called at like one in the morning and goes, "Would you like to be in Spyz?". And I said, "Yeah, definitely, that would be hype. I'd love to go out and audition in New York, but I don't have any money for a plane ticket."



And he goes, "Well, if you'd be into it, we'll send your drums out here on Monday and you'll be here Tuesday morning. We'll FedEx you out a Plane ticket." He's all, "Learn these [seven] songs, learn the first 30 seconds of each song, call me back and play them to me over the phone".



I said, "All right", and I put them on tape. I had a little tape recorder, set it down [in front of the phone] and played the tape. I called Jimi back and played him the stuff and he's all, "You're in, sounds good". So I flew out to New York."

Joel Maitoza stayed with the Spyz until 1997. His succesor became Tony Lewis.



Joel Maitoza started drumming in the Hidden Valley Middle School Marching/Concert and Jazz Band from 1979 to 1981. Next he played in the Orange Glen High School Marching and Concert Band, between 1982-1984. He also had eight years of private lessons drums and percussion with Professor Ron George, SDSU.



After leaving 24-7 Spyz, Joel Maitoza drummed with Shockhead and Crown 10. He also started managing the thrash/groove metal band Brick Bath in late 2001. Maitoza landed them a deal with Pavement/Crash Music shortly after he started working with them. They released three CDs with Crash Music.



Crown 10 split up in January 2004. Soon after Joel Maitoza and Crown 10 bassist Roz Taylor decided to start a new project together.



Maitoza also works as a session musician, playing drums for Seventrain and the alternative rock act Headtrip Superstar.