This is another installment of Big Fat Five, a segment where I ask some of my favorite drummers to break down five records that had a major impact on their approach to music.
Today, I’m joined by Dee Simone, a Bay Area-raised dummer currently based in Los Angeles. She’s funky, powerful, dynamic, and incredibly versatile behind the kit.
I have to give credit where it’s due—this interview wouldn’t have happened without Bill Burr. I was listening to his podcast when he gave a glowing review of Doechii’s recent Tiny Desk Concert for NPR, specifically shouting out Dee’s playing. For those who don’t know, Bill is a fantastic drummer himself, so that endorsement sent me down a rabbit hole of Dee's performances. Obviously, I have zero regrets.
Dee has shared the stage with an impressive list of artists, including Doechii, Alison Wonderland, and Madame Ghandi to name a few. She’s done a lot, yet she remains humble and hungry, and this was a really fun conversation.
Read Dee's Shoutout LA Feature HERE
DEE'S BIG FAT FIVE:
Artist - John P. Kee
Album - The New Life Community Choir feat. John P. Kee Not Guilty - The Experience
Release Year - 2000
Key Track - “Rain On Us,” "Right Here,” “I Do Worship”
Drummer - Calvin Rodgers
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Artist - The Roots
Album - Things Fall Apart
Release Year - 1999
Key Track - “The Next Movement,” “Act Too (The Love Of My Life,” “You Got Me”
Drummer - Questlove
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Artist - Kim Burrell
Album - Live In Concert
Release Year - 2001
Key Track - “I’ll Keep Holding On,” “Holy Ghost,” “Anything”
Drummer - Calvin Rodgers & Robert “Sput” Searight
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Artist - Beyoncé
Album - HOMECOMING: THE LIVE ALBUM
Release Year - 2019
Key Track(s) - “Life Ev’ry Voice and Sing,” “Sorry,” “Bow Down,” “You Don’t Love Me (No, No, No)”
Drummer - Venzella Joy Williams
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Artist - Thundercat
Album - Apocalypse
Release Year - 2013
Key Track - “Lotus and the Jondy,” “Heartbreaks + Setbacks,” “Without You”
Drummer - Thomas Pridgen
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Get Your Copy of the Drummers on Drumming Book Today!
Drummers on Drumming (the book) takes you inside the stories, records, and moments that shaped some of the world’s greatest drummers. Built on the Big Fat Five format of digging into top influences, it’s packed with candid interviews and personal insights. Whether you’re just starting out or have been playing for years, this book is here to inspire you to sharpen your skills and find your own voice behind the kit.
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