Working Drummer

Aaron Redfield grew up in San Diego and started his career on that scene. In addition to his long tenure as the drummer for The Greyboy Allstars, he has compiled a long list of touring and recording credits including Elton John, Ceelo Green, and Foster the People. After 15 years living and working in LA, he has moved is family back to San Diego and operates from there.

In this episode, Aaron talks about:

• The new Greyboy Allstars record and how it came together
• The musical meaning and history of the word Boogaloo
• The San Diego scene and how it shaped him
• His non-profit that pairs professional producers and artists with aspiring teenage musicians
• The powerful negative effects of isolation
• The three A’s: Affable, Able, Available
• Relocating from LA to San Diego
• Finding world-class musicians and studio spaces in San Diego

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Martina Barakoska is a drummer and musician who in her considerably short career has gained notable achievements. Deep and thoughtful yet energetic and playful, her style reflects her love of modern music and her fascination with the power of the drums. Throughout the years, she has maintained continuous growth of success preaching individuality, quality, and persistency.Winning an award for the best drummer at “T’k Tak” drum competition when she was only 17 was followed by many successful music projects. She is actively involved in North Macedonia's music scene, currently working and touring with Funk Shui. She's also worked with artists like Swindle, Emmy Meli, Luboyna, Vladimir Chetkar, MPNG, Efterklang, Duper, Luboyna, Vladimir Chetkar, etc. Her projects have taken her on tours across Europe and the Balkans.In 2022 she released her second solo album named "Sunrise” and took part in the “Yamaha Drum Days” Festival in Paris. She was also a part of the line-up at the workshops in Salzgitter Drum Meeting 2022, Berlin Drum Days 2023 and Dresden Drum and Bass Festival 2024. Martina is also featured in the newly released Yamaha documentary “Way Up House - Portugal”. ​

In this episode Martina talks about:

   ◦   The power of meditation

   ◦   Touring southeastern Europe

   ◦   Using social media to connect with musicians, not impress drummers

   ◦   Diving deep into Ringo’s drum parts to better understand his musicality

   ◦   Fine tuning and cultivating creativity

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Caleb Whitlock grew up in Charlotte and has been based there for two years after having attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He tours nationally with singer/songwriter Ethan Regan, plays locally with a variety of acts, records in his home studio, and also works as a post-production engineer.

• Making part of his living doing post-production and editing, and how that differs from mixing
• How doing post production on acapalla vocal music has influenced how he hears and records drums
• Neutralizing his room acoustically rather than try to make it sound amazing
• The Charlotte scene and how he returned to it after college, a couple years of work in "The Triangle" (Raleigh/Durham Chapel Hill), and a few months in a Catholic monastary.
• Being clear-eyed about finances, how much different types of work earn, and saying yes and no to gigs according to your lifestyle goals

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Chad Wackerman’s professional career began in 1978 with the Bill Watrous Refuge West Big Band. Since then he has amassed a remarkable body of work including a seven year association with Frank Zappa, with whom he toured the USA and Europe and recorded 27 albums including the London Symphony recordings.

He has also recorded 8 albums and toured with guitar legend Allan Holdsworth, played on the ‘One Voice’ album and video with Barbra Streisand, and recorded albums and toured with artists as diverse as James Taylor, Steve Vai, Andy Summers, Steven Wilson, Men At Work, Ed Mann, Albert Lee, Colin Hay, Dweezil Zappa, Pasqua/Holdsworth/Haslip/Wackerman Group, Terry Bozzio, Carl Verheyen, David Garfield,John Patitucci, Jennifer Batten, Joe Sample, Robbie Kreiger, Banned From Utopia and The World Drummers Ensemble (Bill Bruford, Luis Conte, Dou Dou Ndiaye Rose and Chad Wackerman) .

As a band leader and composer Chad has five critically acclaimed CDs: ‘Forty Reasons’, ‘The View’, ‘Scream’, ‘Legs Eleven’ and his latest release, ‘Dreams Nightmares and Improvisations’. Chad has written music for the television show ‘The Dennis Miller Show’, as well as composing music for Allan Holdsworth’s ‘Secrets’, ‘Wardenclyffe Tower’ and ‘Sixteen Men of Tain’ CDs. His trio has a performance DVD, ‘Hits Live’.

In this episode, Chad talks about:

•    Working with Allan Holdsworth
•    The amazing story behind recording Allan’s record “Road Games”
•    “Improvising at the highest level sounds like composition”
•    Interpreting charts efficiently
•    Auditioning for Frank Zappa
•    How to make a band sound better
•    Learning from Murray Spivack
•    Figuring out what’s important for each gig and artist

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John R. Beck, Professor of Percussion at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, also teaches at Wake Forest University. He is the principal percussionist of the Winston-Salem Symphony and is a member of the Greensboro Symphony, Brass Band of Battle Creek, and the Philidor Percussion Group. A former member of the United States Marine Band, for 10 years he performed regularly with the National and Baltimore Symphonies, Washington and Baltimore Operas, and the Theater Chamber Players of the Kennedy Center. Beck has toured the United States as a xylophone soloist with the Jack Daniel's Silver Cornet Band, Brass Band of Battle Creek, and the New Sousa Band. John is a Past President of the Percussive Arts Society and presents clinics endorsing Yamaha percussion instruments, Zildjian cymbals, Innovative mallets, and is a Remo Endorsed Drum Circle Facilitator in the Health and Wellness community.

In this episode, John talks about:

• What it means to play credibly
• How his thoughts on versatility vs. specialization have evolved 
• Questioning the relevance of knowing how to read a big band chart
• How getting good at drumset gives percussionists a better sense of internal time
• The advantages and baggage that came with being John Beck’s son
• Valuing sound over everything, regardless of instrument or genre
• His time as president of PAS and helping the organization become more inclusive and outward-looking

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As a performer, session player, instructor, producer and clinician, Matt Crowning is more than a "drummer's drummer.” He is a "musician's drummer" that brings a wealth of talent, experience, and style to each situation. Matt's diverse performance background ranges from Country, Pop, Rock, Big Band, Jazz and R&B. His work includes performances with various Curb Records, Disney Records / Disney Channel artists, Love and Theft, College 11, Kiki Sanchez, Vanilla Monk, Matt Farr and Kerrie Roberts. Currently, Matt is performing with Country Artist, Amber Leigh, on tour and in the studio. These shows include support act performances with Kenny Chesney, Trace Adkins, Lady Antebellum, Gloriana and many others.

In this episode, Matt talks about:

•    Navigating the remote tracking world
•    Buying a house with a home studio built in
•    Playing drums with his wife Amber Leigh
•    Maintaining a family/work balance
•    Making a good impression as a sub
•    Running tracks in a live show
•    Using traditional grip

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Originally from the Bay Area, Martin Diller spent over a decade on the LA scene, touring, recording and playing locally with a wide range of acts including Post Modern Jukebox and his own quartet. Over the pandemic, he went back to school and became a licensed therapist, and returned to the Bay Area where he still maintains an active performance schedule alongside his therapy practice.

In this episode, Martin talks about:

• The 7-day-a-week grind of freelancing in LA
• Playing with Post-Modern Jukebox and other LA artists
• How his career shift coincided with a desire to relocate back home to the Bay Area
• How he incorporates music and drumming into his therapy practice
• Developing intentional ways of maintaining mental health and balance as a musician, especially on the road

World-renowned, Grammy-winning musician John "J.R." Robinson is widely considered the most recorded drummer in history, playing on albums that have sold well over 500 million copies. He is the drummer on 20 number-one pop songs by artists such as Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Lionel Richie and Steve Winwood, and has been the drummer on more than 100 Grammy-winning tracks. Rolling Stone Magazine featured J.R. in their list of The Top 100 Drummers of All Time.

J.R. is the drummer on many other Top-40 hits with artists such as Madonna, Lady Gaga, Diana Ross, Daft Punk, David Lee Roth, Rufus & Chaka Khan, The Pointer Sisters, Wilson Philips, Peter Cetera, George Benson, and Quincy Jones.

In this episode, JR talks about:

•    His new book “King of The Groove”
•    Reflecting back on his previous episode #424
•    The process of writing the book

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Born and raised in Georgia, Marlon Patton is a New York-based drummer and music producer/engineer. Hailing from a long line of drummers dating back to his grandfather, Phil Patton who played in the Chicago big band circuit, Marlon keeps his schedule interesting and packed full of all types of music. He is the first call for so many musicians not just because of his impeccable time, but because of the incredible musicality of what he delivers. He plays within a huge dynamic range, making him the perfect match for quiet piano jazz performances to hard- hitting rock gigs. He can play with everything from precision to reckless abandon and make it truly his own. He currently is a member of Kenosha Kid, Weisshund, Nelson Patton, Lonnie Holley, The Trey Wright Trio and The Mace Hibbard Quintet.

He has toured, performed and/or recorded with Liv Warfield, The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Jim White, Larkin Poe, Lonnie Holley, Jeff Coffin, Shahzad Ismaily, Col. Bruce Hampton, John Patitucci, Randy Brecker, Rufus Reid, Marcus Printup, and Wycliffe Gordon. He has recorded for labels such as Sony, Universal, Jagjaguwar, RH Music, Yep Roc, Ropeadope plus many more independent releases. His drumming has been in soundtracks on Adult Swim, ABC, and HBO. 

In the studio, Marlon has carved a name for himself recording, mixing, and producing. Some recent projects he's worked on are Lonnie Holley’s MITH, Liv Warfield’s Live at Cafe Wha, Jim White's Where It Hits You, Leah Calvert’s Satellite, Daniel Clay's 10,000 Things, Kenosha Kid's Fahrenheit 451, ILL's Gotten Gains, and Blair Dunlop/Larkin Poe's Killing Time. 

In this episode, Marlon talks about:

• Being willing to abandon "correct" technique in favor of a sound, feel, or idea
• How New York has changed his musical priorities and identity
• What true collaboration really means
• Improvising vs. "composing in the moment"
• Moving away from Atlanta with the goal of expanding, personally and musically
• Tapping into old relationships in a new place
• Sharing studio space with Jordan Rose and mixing Liv Warfield's latest record

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Ken Coomer is a producer best known for his drumming in Uncle Tupelo and later Wilco. He was the drummer and co-founder of the Nashville-based band, Clockhammer, in the late 1980s/early 1990s. As a member of Wilco, Coomer has performed on A.M., Being There, Summerteeth, and Yankee Hotel Foxtrot.

Ken has also played on or produced albums by Steve Earle, Frontier Ruckus, Arlo McKinley, Sons of Bill, Tim Finn, Will Hoge, Jars of Clay, Emmylou Harris, Toy Horses, Malcolm Holcombe, Josh Hoyer and Soul Colossal and Shaver.

In this episode, Ken talks about:

•    Drumming skills that hold value in the studio
•    Why drummers can make great producers
•    Touch and feel over fancy gear
•    How he started producing
•    Working with latin artists
•    Mixing remote tracking with in-person recording
• Staying focused on the future

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Sam Merrick is a Nashville based drummer, currently holding the drum set chair at & Juliet on Broadway at the Sondheim Theater in New York City. Previously, he spent nearly five years and played over 1200 performances with the national tour of Hamilton: An American Musical.

He has also recorded and/or performed with Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, Toots and the Maytals, Jalen Ngonda, Saun & Starr (Daptone Records), The Denver Symphony, People's Champs, Kendra Morris (Colemine Records), and many more. Commercial clients include HBO, Levi Strauss, Chase, AT&T, and This American Life Podcast Network.

In this episode, Sam talks about:

• Balancing maintaining a Broadway chair with other musical opportunities
• Relearning how to trust his instincts outside the highly controlled environment of a Broadway show
• Moving from the note-for-note specificity of Hamilton to the longer leash of & Juliet
• Working with producer Max Martin
• Maintaining a "healthy ecosystem" of subs

Joel Rothman is the renowned author of almost 100 drum and percussion method books, many of which are among the most popular books used by teachers in private music studios as well as schools and universities worldwide.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Joel studied drums and percussion, as well as piano, with well-known teachers such as Sam Ulano, Ed Shaughnessey, Jim Chapin, Joe Morello, Saul Goodman, and others. He first opened his own private drum studio, then later, after graduating from university, he taught in the New York City school system for many years. During that time Joel was a free-lance drummer playing with various bands and orchestras at private functions, nightclubs and musical shows.

Writing his first book at fifteen, Joel also established his own highly successful publishing company JR Publications, which has been going for over half a century.

In this episode, Joel talks about:

•    The inspiration for writing drum books
•    Using humor when writing
•    Joel’s System(s) for teachers to use
•    How he started
•    Studying with Ed Shaughnessy
•    Connecting with teachers

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Dave Brandwein is a drummer, originally from Chicago, who spent 4 years in Los Angeles, CA and has now relocated to Nashville, TN. Dave's current main gig is with pop artist Forest Blakk (drums/playback) with whom he played a 2022 theater run supporting Dean Lewis, various fly dates/festivals throughout the same year, and headlining US/Canadian tours in 2023. Dave has also spent the last 12 years playing drums, running playback, and doing session work for various other artists. Dave teaches private lessons to students of all ages, and does session work, tracking remotely from his studio in Nashville or in-person at studios around the country.

• How playing for great songs usually means you can do less
• Coming up in Chicago, spending some time in LA, and ultimately landing in Nashville 
• The pros and cons of his collegiate jazz experience
• The first eight years of his career after college, on the grind in Chicago 
• When and why he started to think and look beyond the Chicago scene
• His experience in LA, and the difference between posing and assimilating 
• The song-learning value in wedding gigs, and treating those gigs like “going to the gym”
• Being in a relationship with another musician and how that’s only right for some musicians

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Chuck Fields launched his musical career playing rock, blues, and R&B all while studying jazz at the University of Memphis. In the early 90’s he moved to Nashville and landed his first touring gig with Paul Brandt. Through the years Chuck has toured with several of Nashville’s recording artist such as, Martina McBride, Keith Anderson, Michelle Wright, Mark Selby, Johnny Reid and Terri Clark.

In this episode, Chuck talks about:

• Touring Canada
• Putting your own stamp on the artist music
• Being able to write and read charts
• Touring routine
• Traditional grip
• Drumming for country superstar, Terri Clark

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Kent Aberle is a first call drummer from Atlanta, GA. Kent is currently performing with Blackberry Smoke. He has previously recorded and toured with Kristian Bush of Sugarland , James Hall (Pleasure Club, Marry My Hope), R.A.H. and numerous other artists. Kent has over 25 years touring experience both in the US and Internationally including China, Japan, Australia, Taiwan, Canada, and others. Kent has performed on The Conan O’Brien Show, The Today Show with Kathy Lee and Hoda, The Talk, and has performed numerous times at the Grand Ole Opry as well as the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville and major festivals around the world.

In this episode, Kent talks about:

• The old school guitar-driven American rock band that it Blackberry Smoke
• Having long-standing relationships with the band and its individual members
• Teching and subbing for Brit Turner after Brit got sick
• The idea of someone's drumming matching their personality
• Being welcomed into the band by members and fans alike
• Investing heavily and committing exclusively to one gig

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Dennis Holt is one of Nashville's most gifted musicians, whose drumming abilities cross nearly every genre from Americana to Country to Rock, Jazz, Ambient and R & B. Seasoned global performer, Dennis’ diversity has proven itself in recording with Taylor Swift, AD/Kansas, Emmylou Harris, Trisha Yearwood, and Deniece Williams to name but a few.

Dennis, a first call drummer for top tier artists while living and working in both LA and Nashville, has played and toured the globe and literally performed and recorded on thousands of songs.

When it comes to production, Dennis’ knowledge and experience from years in the studio will help you achieve the best results possible. Dennis leads with soul and always strives for perfection. He is an innovator as he looks for new ways to push creative boundaries.  Music,drumming and producing is Dennis’ driving force as he brings a wealth of experience and unparalleled enthusiasm and energy to each and every project.

In this episode, Dennis talk about:

• Remote tracking
• His formative years
• Staying active
• Surviving a bad bicycle accident
• Negotiating the work load when remote tracking
• The importance of maintaining your gear
• Recording and performing with Kerry Livgren from the band Kansas
• Being able to read anyones chart style

Jamie Eblen is currently on the new hit Broadway musical The Outsiders, which just won the Tony award for best new musical. He also originated the drum chair for the smash hit Dear Evan Hansen, which also won best new musical Tony as well as the Grammy for best original cast recording. He has collaborated with acclaimed artists such as Jason Robert Brown and Pasek & Paul, as well as The RT’s and Mike Tedesco. Jamie began playing drums at the age of 10 in Los Angeles, where he was born and raised. Since moving to New York, Jamie has recorded four Original Broadway Cast albums in addition to a wide variety of session work and live performances throughout the U.S., Europe and Asia.

In this episode, Jamie talks about

• Going from doing anything and everything to committing more heavily to more specific gigs/playing
• Shedding the impulses of gig envy and "grass is greener" syndrome
• The Outsiders, the new Broadway musical he's on which just won the Tony Award for Best Musical
• Playing off-Broadway shows such as The Connector, and being part of the development process on a show moving towards Broadway
• The aspects of The Outsiders that are not the typical Broadway m.o. in terms of playing, mic'ing, and more
• How Broadway and the shows that occupy it are essentially "in the real estate business"

David Chiverton is a Miami Florida native who continues to work and live in south Florida. The cultural diversity in Miami as well as his upbringing in the gospel church both played a heavy role in shaping him into the musician he is today. He has toured internationally with various major talents such as Lauryn Hill, Jon Secada, Donnie McClurkin and Sheila E to name a few. His range of musical versatility includes Jazz, Gospel, Hip-Hop, R&B, Pop, and the ability to freestyle on cue.

Not only does David teach as an Adjunct professor at University of Miami, He is also member of the group The Smoogies. The band leans into the diverse background of it’s members to influence its sound and direction. Also, David shares the stage with Harvel Nakundi, another drummer for a powerful double drumming sound.

The “Chivertone Sessions” on YouTube showcases David’s diverse skill set.

In this episode, David talks about:

•    The mojo in south Florida
•    Maintaining a forward momentum   
•    Learning to sound like a pro
•    The business of endorsements in 2024
•    Double drumming in the band Smoogies
•    Drumming with Sheila E
•    Leading by example

Charles Ruggiero has been active since the early 90s, cutting his teeth on the New York jazz scene and landing his first big gig with Chuck Mangione. His New York cohort included such future giants as Joshua Redman, Peter Bernstein, Jane Monheit, Brad Mehldau, and Chris Potter, to name a few. In addition to his jazz exlpoits, Charles found a home on the metal scene as a member of Slunt, and replacing Matt Sorum in the supergroup Circus Diablo. He relocated to LA in 2007 and didn't miss a step, performing with Larry Goldings, Eric Reed, Bob Sheppard, Bob Reynolds, David Ryan Harris, and many others. He has released multiple albums as a leader and performed as sideman on countless others, and also records for Loop Loft.

In this episode, Charles talks about:

• Playing double drums with Gadd as the intro to his first big gig with Chuck Mangione
• Trying to serve the music through his artistry
• What a drummer timekeeping responsibility actually is
• His perspective on New York and LA, having spent big chunks of his career in both places
• His various side hustles, including teaching, mixing/producing, and creating album art
• Trusting his creativity and artistic identity after getting sober

In this episode we provide a preview of five of the six clinicians that will be performing for the 2024 Music City Drum Show in Nashville TN. The clinicians are Dre Energy, Greg Hersey, Dante "Taz" Roberson, Jaheim Lee, Hayley Cramer.

Josh Bailey has been in New York for ten years, with a wide variety of live and session work to his credit. He is on staff at Studio G (Brooklyn based recording studio), recording drums and percussion for industry and independent artists & producers, and is currently subbing on Broadway's & Juliet and The Outsiders. He has acted as music director and drummer for artists building, arranging & operating live backing tracks, running IEM mixes and contracting musicians. Josh was seen drumming on Saturday Night Live in a digital short with Kyle Mooney and Beck Bennet (2019). As music director and drummer for pop singers Erin Bowman, Josh performed on Good Morning America, and Live! With Kelly and Ryan (2017).

In this episode, Josh talks about

• The healthy vibe on the tour that comes from the top down
• Posting only what you feel good about on social media, "posting with purpose"
• MD'ing from the drum chair
• Learning how to streamline track rigs and ears rigs for "skeleton crew" opening acts
• His work at Studio G in Brooklyn
• The idea of a "drum statement" and how it can flavor the song, show, and band
• Studying with Dafnis Prieto and serving as final editor for his book "A World of Rhythmic Possibilities"

Dre Energy is a native of St. Louis MO, and was inspired a very early age by friends and family at his church to play drums. When the opportunity struck, he found his way to Las Vegas and began performing with Cirque du Soleil’s Quidam show where he held the drum chair from 2010 to 2016. During that time he learned so much about the industry and toured the world. Dre discovered an affinity for performing as a clinician which took them to many places around the world, including China, South Korea, England, and many other places

Dre is also known as an entrepreneur with his own line of snare drums, practice pads and even drums shoes. He works closely with Samsun cymbals and he has his own signature line called Dre Energy signature remix line.

In this episode, Dre talks about:

•    Finding your people
•    The power of relationships
•    The variety of scenes in Las Vegas
•    Playing the Cirque du Soleil’s Quidam show
•    Touring China and other other unique locations
•    Developing his own signature line of snares, shoes, cymbals

Larry Aberman has achieved in-demand status in New York, LA, Las Vegas, and Nashville recently moved to Nashville after a 12 year stint on the Cirque du Soleil show Zoomanity. Since moving, he has gotten busy playing with jazz, country, and everything in between, with Mandy Barnett, Pat Coil and others.

In this episode, Larry talks about:

• How the time to leave his Zoomanity gig after 12 years became clear quickly
• What social context means in music
• Tools to make yourself present
• How Southern musicians and scenes are more groove and blues based
• Being conscious to not bring negative energy into a musical situation
• Adjusting to Nashville's needs in terms of tuning and groove
• Getting it right at the source with tone AND feel, so that grid correction is less necessary and less noticeable

Drum History Podcast was created in October of 2018 and has been on a journey to document the history of the drums ever since. Topics range from the very early beginnings of man’s involvement with percussion up to modern day innovations that are changing the drum industry. The show has seen major growth since its launch and has become a resource for many drum historians and enthusiasts around the world.

Bart van der Zee is a lifelong drummer with a deep passion for learning the full history of the drums. He has been a working musician for many years performing live and as a session drummer. Bart has worked as an audio engineer and has worked on a wide variety of projects including albums, commercials, TV and Film, and a number of podcasts.

In this episode, Bart talks about:

•    Work / family balance
•    Drum History Podcast
•    Inspiring the next generation
•    The popularity of the “gear episodes”
•    WW2 era drum manufacturing
•    Meeting Charlie Watts
•    Creative ways to stay connected to the drumming community

Rhode Island native Adam Marcello is a professional drummer, music director, educator, clinician, and programmer most notably recognized for his work with singer Katy Perry. A graduate of Berklee College of Music, his performances range from multiple world tours, the Super Bowl XLIX Halftime Show, Saturday Night Live, and American Idol to recordings for numerous movies and TV shows including theme songs for Modern Family, Arrested Development, and Deadwood. As a clinician and artist for Roland Drums, he has helped to develop techniques and instruments for hybrid electronic/acoustic drumming as well as programming for drummers and percussionists. These versatile techniques can be applied to live performance and studio recording to help maintain musicality and creativity on the drums.

In this episode, Adam talks about:

• Treating the different aspects of your playing like actors treat different characters
• Becoming Katy Perry's MD in the early stages of her career "out of necessity"
• Owning being a control freak and also sharing responsibility and trusting collaborators
• How to be manageable and coachable from the MD's perspective,
• How to have greater awareness of the song and the show as a whole
• His experience of living in Dublin, and living back in his hometown outside Providence

Italian Drummer, Sound Explorer, music maker Piero Perelli is a musical maverick whose skills stretch from free improvisation to film scores, to performances with international artists and musicians, both live and in the studio. His original style is grounded in his journey as a musical explorer, touring around places like the United States, Europe, Africa and India.

Engaged both in the service of songs and in experimentation, Perelli maintains the creative center of his activity in the Tuscan countryside, where he has also created his own personal laboratory-studio, the SoundSet Studio.

As a drummer and percussionist, Piero has recorded with artists like Eddie Vedder, Glen Hansard, Cat Power as well as producers like Robin Hannibal (Kendrick Lamar, Little Dragon), Vinicio Capossela, Paul Savoy (A-Ha) Simone Giuliani (Andrea Bocelli, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra), Rodrigo DʼErasmo, Edoardo Bennato, Roberto Dell’Era, Niki La Rosa, Effenberg, Andrea Biagioni and many others, Piero has also recorded a library of their specific sounds and grooves and loops for the American That Sound made available to producers from all over the world.

He has recently been touring with Glen Hansard and The Swell Season as well as the well respected Italian singer/songwriter Vinicio Capossela.

His first solo album, Notte is a piece of work where Piero expresses his most intimate and experimental soul.

In this episode, Piero talks about:

•    Working and touring with The Swell Season and Glen Hansard
•    His journey of learning music and drums in a small town in Italy
•    Absorbing regional music throughout the world while touring
•    Recording his solo record “Notte”
•    Reacting to the acoustics in the space where you’re performing
•    Recording on a movie sound track with Eddie Vedder, Cat Power and Glen Hansard
•    Italian drummers that have inspired him
•    The influence of Tony Allen (father of afro-beat drumming)

Brandon Combs is a drummer, programmer, and producer hailing from Lansing, Michigan. Destined to be a great musician, Brandon has been involved with the Grammy Foundation since the young age of 15, attending their Grammy Camp programs in 2009 and 2010 via full ride scholarship. Now living in Nashville, Brandon recently obtained his BM in Popular Music Studies from the University of Southern California (2015). Currently on tour with Grammy Award-winning artist Leon Bridges, Brandon’s skill, versatility, and professionalism have also allowed him to work with many different world-renown artists across multiple genres such as Keith Urban, Raphael Saadiq, Moses Sumney, Lupe Fiasco, NIIA, Gallant, Chris Bullock of Snarky Puppy, and many more. Some of his most recently completed projects include recording drums on John Legend’s A Legendary Christmas album (2019) and the entirety of jazz-pianist Mark De Clive Lowe’s double album Heritage (2019). He’s also put his hands into music production, co-producing the song “Famous” off of The Internet’s Grammy-nominated album Ego Death (2016).

In this episode, Brandon talks about:

• Covering the many vibes and sonic palates in Leon Bridges' evolving catalogue
• Getting on the same page about drum sounds with FOH sound people
• Archiving snare sounds in his studio
• Organic relationships leading to his best and biggest opportunities
• Studying with Ndugu Chancler and others at USC
• What it means to know a whole song
• His thoughts on Nashville vs. LA
• His outlook as he's about to become a dad

Justin Amaral first made a name for himself touring the country in the jam band scene, leading to shows with Mike Gordon of Phish and a profile in Modern Drummer’s (April, 2004) “On The Move” column. After world tours with alt-country guit-steel legend Junior Brown, Justin relocated to Nashville and quickly became first call for many of Nashville’s finest players and songwriters including Paul Burch, Tim Carroll, Fats Kaplin, Jon Byrd, Charles Butler and the late, great David Olney. In addition, Justin has performed and recorded with Jim Lauderdale (Late Night with Conan O’Brien), Laura Cantrell, Michelle Wright, The Wild Iris Brass Band feat. Jeff Coffin, Dennis Crouch, Milan Miller, Mike Farris, Layton Howerton, Tommy Womack, Chris West and many more. Justin maintains an active performing and recording schedule working at some of Nashville’s most prestigious studios like Blackbird, Creative Workshop and the Hen House as well as venues like The Bluebird, The 5Spot, The Exit/In and Roberts Western World. 

In 2024 Justin released a collection of traditional hymns re-imagined as world beat instrumental duets called LIFE IN GROOVELAND - The Hymnal. Each track features a different instrumentalist.

In this episode, Justin talks about:

•    Heeding the call to do your own thing
•    The origin of his new record: LIFE IN GROOVELAND - The Hymnal
•    Creating your own opportunities
•    Jump starting the creative process
•    The inspiration of Drum and Fife
•    Practicing movement and visualization as a technique

Ty Bailie is currently on tour with Mitski playing keys and organ. He moved to Nashville in 2021 after a stint in LA where his main gig was touring with Katy Perry. Since coming to Nashville, he has also performed with Joss Stone, Don Felder, Tanya Tucker, Wilder Woods, and his own group Uncle Bronco featuring Petar Jancic on drums and Adam MacPhail on guitar.

In this episode, Ty talks about:

• Touring with Mitski, and buying into at artist's vision
• Being musically agnostic and seeing validity in all types music, musicians, and music fans
• What makes a good organ drummer - "don't panic"
• Moving from Seattle to LA to Nashville, and the differences between those scenes
• Finding different versions of yourself while still being yourself

Born in Northern New Jersey, Finch grew up with an unwavering love for drums that shaped his life's path. Before his eventual move to Nashville Tennessee in late 2020, Finch spent time in the US Army as well as working in the insurance world. Shortly after his move to Nashville, his dream was realized by the founding of FDS Drum Services, a drum tech service that includes repairs, restorations, custom heads, tour teching & so much more.

FDS quickly gained recognition through Finch’s dedication as well as the overwhelming support from the Nashville drumming community. Beyond providing professional drum services, he actively contributes to the community by hosting drummers' hangs, fostering networking, and uplifting fellow musicians.

In this episode, Finch talks about:

•    Managing your time as a self employed person
•    Utilizing your network to get things done
•    Always learning new skills
•    Being ready when shit goes wrong on stage
•    Reviewing five different drummers he’s teched for
•    Creating financial security
•    Focusing on physical and mental health

Steve Picataggio has lived in New York for over a decade and has stayed busy on the jazz and musical theatre scenes there. He has toured with The Hot Sardines, The Four Phantoms, and others, and is active on the New York jazz scene playing everything from trio to big band. He is a graduate of University of North Florida where he studied with Danny Gottleib and Ulysses Owens Jr., and NYU where he studied with Billy Drummond. He is also active as an educator, with students from age 4 to adult as well as at the collegiate level.

In this episode, Steve talks about:

• His fully remote college gig
• Touring with The Four Phantoms
• Why he loves rehearsing
• The mentorship and influence of Matt Wilson and Bill Drummond
• How cutthroat attitudes are mostly gone
• His love of accompanying singers

Yamil Conga is a percussionist and drummer with over 20 years of experience playing a vast array of musical genres in live venues, music videos and in the studio. A native of Puerto Rico and a current resident of Nashville, Yamil has benefitted from a vast array of musical influences. Salsa runs in Yamil’s blood due to his father, singer songwriter, Eladio Jimenez, who wrote and produced for several Latin giants. Knowing that music has no boundaries, Yamil’s mission is to make people fall in love with the art of live performance and foster a new generation of percussionists.

Yamil tours nationally and internationally bringing educational lectures on the conga drum and salsa music. He is currently the percussionist and DJ for Country artist Frank Ray. Yamil rounds out his calendar performing with corporate bands as well as performing as a soloist as a drumming DJ.  

In this episode, Yamil talks about:

•    Diversifying your "portfolio”
•    Being proactive with your daily activities
•    The evolution of the drumming/DJ thing
•    Playing with artist Frank Ray
•    Lecturing on the origin of the conga in American music
•    The influence of his father’s legacy
•    Percussion advice for drum set players

Tom Jorgensen is an active and highly-requested drummer, session musician, composer, and mixing engineer based in New York City, currently on the first national tour of the Beetlejuice Broadway musical. Tom is a graduate with a BFA from The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music in NYC, where he studied with jazz legends such as Reggie Workman, Charli Persip, and privately with Master Drummer Michael Carvin, with whom a mentorship continues to this day.

Tom frequently performs with the internet sensation Post Modern Jukebox, having toured with the group extensively in the United States, Canada, Europe, New Zealand, and Australia. His career has also taken him abroad throughout Europe, South America, French Polynesia, and the Caribbean while acting as Music Director onboard Holland America Cruise Line.

In this episode, Tom talks about:

• The broad range of genres and drumming styles in the “Beetlejuice” show
• Auditioning for a Broadway tour vs. being offered the gig outright
• The “authenticity meter” in relationship building
• What it means to have a sound-oriented approach
• His experience studying with Michael Carvin at The New School in New York
• What good relationships look like - if one person wins, we all win
• “Go, do, be, have” in that order

Matt Muckle is a Pittsburgh based drummer who has worked with and toured with acts such as Paul Gilbert, Lynch Mob, Buckcherry, John Waite and many others. He is currently recording with and preparing to tour with the band Kingdom Come. This legendary rock band formed in the late 80’s and with Matt as their new drummer, continues to entertain their committed and string fan base. 

In this episode, Matt talks about:

•    Who inspired him to pursue a career in music
•    Working and recording with Kingdom Come
•    Shedding negative energy from your life
•    His experience in Los Angeles
•    Teaching and producing in a mentorship style
•    Finding your own voice
•    Being proactive for your career

In this episode, Iajhi and Brevan talk about:

• Their parent's musical legacy
• Growing up in the Triangle area in North Carolina, and the music scene there
• Attending North Carolina Central University, an HBCU and the only college in the state that offered a jazz degree at the time
• The ill-fated gig that brought Iajhi to LA
• Brevan's experience with being diagnosed as neurodivergent, and how that has changed how he approaches life and music
• Creating structure for yourself to avoid getting "emotionally disregulated"
• Iajhi's long-standing jam session at The Federal in North Hollywood, and the art and science of curating a good jam.

Hailing the small south Texas town of Poth, Miles was destined to drum. His mama felt him moving to the music before he was even born. At three years old he sat behind his first drum kit, and by age 5 he was banging out some version of "Under The Bridge" by TheRed Hot Chili Peppers. In junior high he joined the school band and began to study percussion formally. From marching band to snare drum solos, Miles took any and every drumming opportunity. He turned that into an affinity for marching, and a gold metal for every snare drum solo he ever played while in school, from a Junior High level solo all the way to "Africa Hot" by John Wooton. Along with other members of the high school drumline, this quickly let to garage bands. I was clear that drumming and taken a strong hold on Miles.

After high school, he headed for College Station and Texas A&M University, and he certainly didn't leave his drums behind. While earning a BS in Horticulture, Miles spent time playing in around Texas and surrounding states with a few bands. During that time he made friends with Cody Johnson. Fast forward a few years, Cody asked Miles to come on the road with him as his permanent drummer, which he has been for at least 10 years now.

When he isn't out on the road with the Cody and The Rockin' CJB, Miles enjoys spending time with his wife Samantha, their son Noah & their daughter Riley, watching football, woodworking, hunting and fishing.

In this episode, Miles talks about:

•    Playing a sold out show at Bridgestone arena in Nashville
•    Balancing life at home and life on the road
•    Key components to getting the big gigs
•    Establishing trust with the artist/band/singer
•    Drumming for Cody Johnson
•    Recording for Cody in Nashville studios
•    Bringing your live energy to a recording session

Since 2021, Obed Calvaire has been in the drum chair for Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz At Lincoln Center Orchestra, with whom he recently curated and directed a series of concerts celebrating the centennial of the great Max Roach. His New York jazz career spans over two decades and includes jazz legends such as Dave Holland, Kurt Rosenwinkle, The Mingus Big Band, Joshua Redman and many others. His new album, “150 Million Gold Francs” will be released April 12th and draws heavily on his Haitian heritage.

Richard Martinez grew up in Los Angeles, CA and has performed around the world. He has studied privately with Chuck Flores, Larry Troxel, and for 12 years with Richard Wilson. Richard’s television credits include The Dolly Parton Show, Baywatch Nights, The Joan Rivers Show, and Seinfeld. He has performed with Sam Harris, Keb’ Mo, Allen Frew and with Tony Award winners Linda Hopkins, Betty Buckley, Bebe Neuwirth & Roger Rees. He has recorded with Julian Lennon, Mighty Mo Rodgers, Christoph Bull and with Grammy Award winners Dan Hill, John Jones, and Rick Nowels. He has also written four articles for Modern Drummer’s Strictly Technique section.

In this episode, Richard talks about:

•    Working with a conductor
•    Opportunities for performance in the non-profit world
•    Adapting to the ever changing L.A. scene
•    How Richard Wilson changed his life
•    The Wilson/Spivack method
•    The practice pad: a rarified environment

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHg598jGIStR8y5gDV_w4ZQ

Dave has been teaching privately for over 20 years and has developed a reputation as the technique/body mechanic specialist for drum set. He has helped many of the world's best players as well as top educators "get out of their own way" by being as efficient as possible in regards to conservation of motion and energy.

He has toured and/or recorded with Weezer, Miley Cyrus, Justin Timberlake, The Mars Volta, and many others.

The importance and benefits of a full-body warm-up

• How to literally cool down after playing
• What “mobility” means from a fitness and drumming perspective
• Why compartmentalization is usually bad thing, in fitness and music
• The importance of strength training in addition to body work
• Creative development alongside physical development
• His take on the role of rudiments in modern drumming

Emmanuel “E-MAN” Cervantes is a Los Angeles based drummer who discovered his calling when he first picked up a pair of drumsticks at age three and later booked his first major studio session at the age of 12.

E-MAN is currently touring with pop singer Andy Grammer. He has had the privilege to work with a wide range of artists such as Gwen Stefani, Lukas Nelson, Cody Simpson, Cameron Rafati, Elan, Son of Levi, Tyrone Wells and many more. EMAN played on a record with Joseph Williams, who is the singer of Toto, who enlisted some of his band mates to also play on that record like Steve Lukather. He’s made multiple appearances on TV shows that include SNL, The Today Show, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Ellen DeGeneres Show, David Letterman and Americas Got Talent.

In this episode, Emmanuel “E-MAN” Cervantes talks about:

•    Inspiring the next generation to find their own voice
•    Lessons learned through home recording
•    What he’s learned from his brother the engineer
•    Working with pop singer Andy Grammar
•    Bringing your best self to every gig/rehearsal
•    Creating opportunities for yourself
•    Creating a loop package “Drum Away Loops”
•    Being at peace with what the future holds

How he got into the booking game through the USC music school as a freshman

Struggling with the decision to ramp down performing/touring and ramp up booking

Seeing the opportunity to improve stability in live music

Bridging the gaps and establishing trust between musicians and the people who hire them

How to make the most out of a $50 gig offer, no matter where you are in your career

Making your interactions about the relationship first and the gig second

Studying with Ndugu Chancler Michael Carvin, and Terri Lynn Carrington

Matt Iceman is currently the touring drummer and band leader with Grammy nominated country artist David Nail. He has toured/performed/recorded in the past with artists such as Eric Paslay, Francesca Battistelli, Shelly Fairchild, Lizzy McAvoy, Timothy Paul, T.J. Hitt and Tom Schreck, and bands such as BlackJack Billy, Spyderwulf, The Chris Weaver Band, and Liquid Earth.

In this episode, Matt talks about:

•    What he’s been up to since we last spoke in 2015
•    New responsibilities as band leader for his gig with David Nail
•    Building a clientele for home studio recording
•    Home recording techniques
•    Hanging out with Shannon Forrest and lessons learned
•    Seeking out lessons and new ways to grow

Davide DiRenzo is one of the most versatile and in-demand drummers in Canada, with an equally strong profile in the jazz, rock, pop and R&B scenes coast-to-coast and beyond. With years of studio experience under his belt working with some of the world’s top artists, Davide is now also working as a producer out of his home studio (Studio 86) in Toronto, Ontario. From there, he also records and sends drum tracks to artists and producers all over the globe.

Davide has performed and recorded extensively around the world with a wide range of artists including two time Grammy award-winning Cassandra Wilson. Other acts he’s performed and recorded with include Chaka Khan, Mariah Carey, Holly Cole, Feist, Kevin Breit, and just recently recorded and co-wrote three songs on Molly Johnson’s new album, “Meaning To Tell You” where he had the pleasure of working with multi grammy award-winning and internationally celebrated producer/musician, Larry Klein. 

He has won six Juno awards to date, including two in 2007: one as a member of jackSoul (Best R&B Recording) and one as a band member with Tomi Swick (Best New Artist). He also received a National Jazz Award nomination the same year for Jazz Drummer of the Year.  

In this episode, Davide talks about:

• How he creates dialogue with audio engineers 
• Deciding how many options to provide in terms of mics/tracks
• How in-ears have affected how we experience our own playing
• Finding the volume where your drums and cymbals start sounding bad
• Working with producer Larry Klein on Molly Johnson’s record I Been Meanin’ to Tell Ya
• Submitting to the collaborative process and letting go of some control
• Collaborative producers vs. impresario producers

Brian Doherty is best known as a drummer for groups like They Might Be Giants, RCA Recording artists, The Silos, XTC, Freedy Johnston, and Ben Folds

In the early 90s, Brian was recruited by They Might Be Giants. For three years Brian and TMBG recorded albums, wrote songs, and relentlessly toured the world.

In 2001, Brian went back to graduate school and became a New York City school teacher as part of the New York City Teaching Fellows program. As well as teaching, he remains professionally active as a drummer recording in the studio and performing on a variety of gigs that includes Broadway shows. On Broadway, Brian has performed in productions of RENT, Hairspray, The Times They Are A Changin’, Waitress and Little Shop of Horrors.

In this episode, Brian talks about:

•    Growing up close to NYC and it’s musical influence
•    Early professional experiences
•    Pre-social media “networking” that still works
•    One gig leading to another, leading to another and so on
•    Cymbal hacks for the studio
•    Touring and recording with They Might Be Giants
•    Transitioning to public school teaching and drumming on Broadway in New York

In this episode, Ulysses talks about:

• Relocating back to his homestate of Florida after 20 years in New York
• How he moved from his gospel roots to jazz as a teenager, and the commonalities and differences between the two
• His Drumeo video playing Nirvana's "In Bloom"
• His jazz drumming video on Drumeo unpacking the nuts and bolts of jazz drumming
• The various misrepresentations of jazz drumming
• His philosophy for learning jazz drumming, and why he believes it's best to start at the beginning of its history and move forward in time
• The most essential skill in jazz drumming - "making the ride cymbal dance"
• Subtlety and stealth in big band drumming
• Representation in drum media

In 2013, Dan Shinder started Drum Talk TV, an online experience that has brought drummers, musicians, and music lovers together.

Drum Talk TV is an online show showcasing insightful interviews in the world of drumming. These unique interviews from all over the drumming world feature all genres and cultures. They talk with live and session masters, legends, educators, hidden gems, prodigies, drum heroes, fitness experts, techs, producers, manufacturers, and more. Drum Talk TV also provides a series called "Perspectives" where they talk with other musicians ABOUT the drummers they work with.

In this episode, Dan talks about:   

•    The challenges of content creating
•    Building a support team
•    The origins of Drum Talk TV
•    "Hidden Gems” - Showcasing relatively unknown players
•    Dan’s interview style
•    Producing documentaries
•    Upcoming “Brilliance” platform

Davide DiRenzo is one of the most versatile and in-demand drummers in Canada, with an equally strong profile in the jazz, rock, pop and R&B scenes coast-to-coast and beyond. With years of studio experience under his belt working with some of the world’s top artists, Davide is now also working as a producer out of his home studio (Studio 86) in Toronto, Ontario. From there, he also records and sends drum tracks to artists and producers all over the globe.

Davide has performed and recorded extensively around the world with a wide range of artists including two time Grammy award-winning Cassandra Wilson. Other acts he’s performed and recorded with include Chaka Khan, Mariah Carey, Holly Cole, Feist, Kevin Breit, and just recently recorded and co-wrote three songs on Molly Johnson’s new album, “Meaning To Tell You” where he had the pleasure of working with multi grammy award-winning and internationally celebrated producer/musician, Larry Klein. 

He has won six Juno awards to date, including two in 2007: one as a member of jackSoul (Best R&B Recording) and one as a band member with Tomi Swick (Best New Artist). He also received a National Jazz Award nomination the same year for Jazz Drummer of the Year.  

In this episode, Davide talks about:

• Making professional and personal choices based on knowing “where you’re at”
• Thinking of time as your most precious resource
• Why he has opted out of social media since its inception
• Being present in relationships and in music, and how they’re the same
• Reconnecting with Toronto music and musicians, especially the club/bar scene
• Making yourself available to connect with audience members 

Ra Kalam Bob Moses spent his youth growing up in New York City and living in the same building as Art Blakey, Max Roach, Abbey Lincoln, Elvin Jones, Rahsaan Roland Kirk. This early experience had a profound effect on this young musician. Ra Kalam would go on to work with jazz luminaries such as Gary Burton, Pat Metheny, Steve Swallow, Jack DeJohnette, Tisziji Muñoz and many others. 

He was also a member of the group The Free Spirits in the 1960’s, considered one of the first Jazz rock bands ever. 

Many were introduced to Ra Kalam’s drumming by way of Pat Metheny‘s very first solo record Bright Size Life in 1976 with Jaco Pastorius on bass. 

Ra Kalam is also a composer and leader on many recorded projects, going back decades.

In this episode, Ra Kalam talks about:

•    His thoughts on the documentary being made about him
•    Growing up in the same building as Art Blakey, Max Roach, Abbey Lincoln, Elvin Jones, Rahsaan Roland Kirk in New York
•    Getting beyond your tendencies and patterns
•    His relationship with teacher and musical collaborator, Tisziji Muñoz
•    The origin of his name “Ra Kalam”
•    Reconciling his own legacy
•    Upcoming recordings

Terence F. Clark is a Memphis based drummer, producer, composer, artist and overall creative. He has played with a huge variety of artists from different regions and genres, Keith Urban being the most recent. Known for his impeccable and soulful performances, professionalism and discipline of craft, Terence has traveled the world building relationships with and through music. As Terence finds inspiration in his travels and engaging other cultures, he always lends inspiration with his unique brand of performance, solid groove, creativity, musical knowledge and excellence. It's always been more than “just about the music”, for Terence; it's about serving the artist, creating the very best and discovering a community of artists with which to learn from and create with along the way.

Originally from a small town in Kentucky, Caleb Crosby moved to Nashville to study music at the Belmont University. In a short amount of time, Caleb met a young Tyler Bryant, and they form what’s now known as Tyler Bryant and the Shakedown. The group has released an impressive one body of work since they began recording around 2011. There’re touring credits include opening and being direct support for groups like AC/DC, Guns N’ Roses, Jeff, Beck, ZZ Top, Aerosmith, and Lynyrd Skynyrd. 

Caleb splits his time between the band, their new record label, freelance drumming and raising a young family. 

Just recently, Caleb was the drummer with Dolly Parton during her halftime show at a Dallas NFL game.

In this episode, Caleb talks about

•    Capturing the moment in the studio
•    The power of positive energy
•    Tyler Bryant and the Shakedown
•    Being in a band and freelancing
•    Playing with Dolly Parton
•    Building a record label
•    Creating parts in the studio
•    Family

Adam Deitch is the centerpiece of the instrumental funk juggernaut Lettuce, and is also a beatmaker, producer, and sideman for a wide range of projects. On the heels of Lettuce’s latest release entitled Unify from 2022, Adam is out with “Roll The Tape” a new record featuring his own quartet and special guest John Scofield. He also operates the Deitch Academy, an online drumming course.

In this episode, Adam talks about:

• His new quartet record and the soul jazz icons it harkens back to
• The value of using professionals to record, mix, and master, as opposed to DIY
• Including solo drumming and brushwork on the record
• The influence and mentorship of John Scofield
• How IEMs have made for a more connected and intimate live experience
• Why he calls Denver home, and a snapshot of the scene there

Brandon Green is a biomechanics specialist, fitness educator, gym owner and drummer. Brandon’s online presence, often recognized as “Drum mechanics”, explores educational biomechanics perspective on fitness, drums and life.

In this episode, Brandon talks about:

•    Combining his passions of fitness and drumming
•    Future plans for more online educational content
•    Seat hight the works for you and your body type
•    Exercises that specifically benefits drumming
•    Active stretching vs passive stretching
•    Defining post-activation potentiation (PAP) and its benefits

https://www.youtube.com/@brandondrummechanics

https://www.instagram.com/drummechanics

Jose “Pepe” Jimenez has played drums professionally since the age of 16 and is known for his versatility in different musical styles. He’s product of the Escuela Libre De Musica (Puerto Rico Performing Arts School), Musicians Institute and the Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music. Pepe has played with Lady Gaga, Santana, Giovanni Hidalgo, Jerry Gonzales, Mark Anthony, and The Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra to name a few. Recordings include Ricardo Arjona, Olga Tanon, Armando Manzanero, Elvis Crespo, Ilan Chester, and Glenn Monroig among others. Since movingh to Las Vegas in 2002, he has worked in various production shows and bands including Storm, Mamma Mia, Cirque du Soleil Zumanity, Criss Angel Believe, The Lion King, Latin Grammys, Santa Fe and the Fat City Horns, Pop Evolution Orchestra and his solo project The Groove Culture. 

In this episode, Pepe talks about:

• Getting handpicked by Lady Gaga to be part of her Vegas orchestra, and what that show entails
• How to make the click your friend
• Playing with the Raiders Band - a different kind of stadium gig
• The developing scene for jazz, Latin, and independent music in Vegas
• Instilling good technical foundation in all his students
• Defining his drum identity not by genre or style of playing, but his respect and love for the role

Paul Eckberg has drummed for Owsley, Danielle Bradbery, Jana Kramer, Amy Grant, Jars of Clay, Whitney Duncan, Andrew Peterson, and many other Nashville-based artists. He spends most of his time recording in Nashville.

In this episode, Paul talks about:

•    Growing up in Minneapolis MN
•    The realities of the music business
•    Human interaction, not “networking”
•    Skills to being a great sideman
•    Having a strong count-off game
•    Life decisions being informed by his faith

In this episode, Mark talks about:

• What he finds rewarding about musical theatre 
• Other Vegas-specific gigs he’s done over the years
• Touring heavily at age 55 and staying connected to home life 
• Using gear that suits you as a player but also fulfills the needs of the show you’re on 
• Staying engaged by being detail oriented 
• Having your boss’s trust
• The virtue of contentment 

Martin Lynds is a musician and editor who tours most often with Chuck Mead and His Grassy Knoll boys but has stayed busy performing and/or recording with many others, including Cheap Trick’s Tom Petersson, Kevin Gordon, Marah, Bobby Bare, Rodney Crowell and Marty Stuart.

In this episode, Martin talks about:

•    Exploring styles outside your comfort zone
•    Finding your people without being concerned with the hustle
•    His experiences living in Washington D.C.
•    Finding a “clubhouse” to meet other musicians and create experiences
•    His gig with Chuck Mead
•    Backline nightmares
•    The hidden beauty of traditional country drumming

Danny is originally from the Boston area but has called Memphis home for the last decade, where his main gig is touring with Nicole Atkins. He has toured with John Paul Keith and John Nemeth, and is active in Memphis’s many recording studios.

In this episode, Danny talks about:

• Being an opening act for major headliners
• How Memphis provides ample opportunities to record in proper studios, so Danny hasn't set up a home rig
• How he was able to keep gigging remotely during Covid
• Mentoring under Howard Grimes and his contribution to the Memphis sound
• His appearance on Letterman as an 11-year-old prodigy

Brian Tichy is one of the most in demand performers today. Brian studied music at, and has a degree from, the prestigious Berklee College of Music.

Brian has performed and recorded with artists: Billy Idol, Foreigner, Whitesnake, Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Ozzy Osbourne, WASP, Don Felder, B'Z, Lynch Mob, Vinnie Moore, Michael Schenker, Seether, Velvet Revolver, Zakk Wylde's Pride & Glory, The Dead Daisies, Glenn Hughes, Slash's Snakepit and is also the founder of the popular celebration events, Bonzo Bash and Randy Rhoads Remembered.

In this episode, Brian talks about:

•    Drummers that connect with the people
•    Touring with the Dead Daisies
•    Being able to adapt on sessions
•    Different tours/sessions and managing it all
•    Playing with Don Felder
•    Recording the album Pride and Glory w/ Zakk Wylde
•    Great playing over good networking
•    Hand and feet exercise for desks and floors only : 0

Allison Miller is a New York-based drummer, bandleader, educator, and producer. She studied with Michael Carvin and Lenny White and went on to play with Dr. Lonnie Smith, Ani DiFanco, Brandi Carlisle, and many others. She's active as an educator in many capacities including at The New School in New York, and her new album, Rivers In Our Veins is out now.

In this episode, Allison talks about:

• Getting started with big bands in DC, and studying classical percussion in college
• The role that traditional bepop vocabulary plays in developing a modern jazz drumming voice
• The importance of experiencing jazz in a live setting
• Her new record and raising awareness about the role and health of America's rivers
• How her jazz credentials and experience led to pop opportunities
• Playing with Dr. Lonnie Smith

David Garibaldi has became one of the most influential drummers of his generation and became known as an innovator in funk drumming. As a writer and performer David has worked with such artists as Patti Austin, Natalie Cole, Mickey Hart's Planet Drum, Boz Scaggs, The BBC Orchestra, Gino Vannelli, Talking Drums, The Buddy Rich Orchestra, Ray Obiedo, Wishful Thinking, and many others. David is once again performing and recording with the Tower of Power.

David was Modern Drummer Magazine - readers Poll Winner "R&B/Funk" category six times. Five consecutive years from 1980-1985, and again in 2003. His name now permanently resides in that polls honor roll category for his lasting contributions to the percussive arts.

David's first book, "Future Sounds", was rated one of the 10 greatest drum books by Modern Drummer Magazine (August 1993)

In this episode, David talks about:

•    The importance of good overall health
•    The early days of recording with Tower of Power
•    Creating art and being yourself
•    Adjusting his approach over time
•    Getting hit by a train and the recovery
•    His latest book: DG’s Notebook

This week we’re joined by Christina Albetta (Zack's wife), Liz Shadbolt (Matt's wife) and Kevin Leon, drummer for St. Paul & The Broken Bones and his wife Erin Johnson. Over the years Matt and Zack and many guests have talked about life partners and balancing relationships with our music careers, and we thought it was high time to hear from the other side of this equation about what it’s like to do life with a drummer. A long term committed relationship with a musician or any type of creative presents some unique challenges in terms of money, time, kids, trust, and so much more, and Christina, Liz and Erin offer some valuable perspective on all of it.

In this episode, the couples talk about:

• How finances and other responsibilities in a relationship are never 50/50
• Being willing to do whatever you have to do to support kids
• Creating your own traditions and celebrations on your own schedule
• How you can support your drummer without feeling obligated to come to every single gig
• Trusting your partner during time apart
• Normalizing therapy/counseling for individuals and couples

Danny Douchette is one of the rare Nashville Tennessee natives living and working in his home town as a musician. He has been working at Fork’s Drum Closet since 2005 and currently manages the legendary drum shop. Known as a skilled metal drummer, Danny can be seen around music city performing at one of the many community supported events like “Rare Hair”, “Industrial Night” and “The Rock and Roll Residency” just to name a few. 

In this episode, Danny talks about:

•    Local events that connect musicians with each other
•    Growing up with a parent who was a professional musician
•    The underground nature of metal
•    Managing Forks Drum Closet in Nashville, TN
•    The challenges of maintaining an original band

Mike Dillon's decades-long career as a vibraphonist, percussionist, and drummer has included work with Ani DiFranco, Les Claypool, Stanton Moore, Rikki Lee Jones, and many others. He has also led bands in his own right, the latest of which is Punkadelick, with Brian Haas on keys and Nikki Glaspie on drums. Their new record is called Inflorescence. When not on the road, Mike splits his time between New Orleans and Kansas City.

In this episode, Mike talks about:

• His new trio, Punkadelick with Brian Haas on kers and Nikki Glaspie on drums
• Finding his place at North Texas as a percussionist rather than a drumset player
• Committing to mastering the blues and jazz harmony in the improvisatory context
• The influence of Johnny Vidacovich as an improvisor
• How the scenes of Kansas City and New Orleans have shaped him
• How his wife, visual artist Peregrine Honig, has influenced his art and creative process

Originally from South East London and currently residing in Nashville, TN, Jonathan 'Ginger' Hamilton developed his love for music growing up in church. By age fourteen was holding it down for the UK's leading worship leaders and groups. A few years later, he made his Pop music debut and has gone on to work with artists like, Jessie J, Olly Murs, Lianne La Havas, N Dubz, JLS and Westlife. Since 2017, he has been the touring drummer for Sam Smith. *** Use code: JGHDRUMS15 for 10% off at hyperice.com

In this episode, Jon talks about:

•    Managing drumming and repetitive stress injuries
•    Acclimating to Nashville, TN from London
•    Influence of Caribbean and African music in gospel music in the UK
•    Bringing positivity to every situation and gig
•    Preparing for the gig you want
•    Drumming for Sam Smith
•    The touring rig for the 21st century
•    Mentorship
•    His clothing line, Drum and Drummer

Tina Raymond is an accomplished drummer, composer, bandleader, and educator based in Los Angeles, CA. A unique voice in the contemporary improvised music scene, Raymond blends traditional jazz vocabulary with African polyrhythm and classical percussion technique. She is the Director of Jazz Studies at Cal State Northridge, and her new trio album Divinations will be released October 6th.

In this episode, Tina talks about:

• Creating a jazz program where students don’t feel like they’re in competition with each other 
• Putting boundaries around her professional life, whether it’s as an educator or a performer
• How she tries to help her students become well rounded people, not just good jazz musicians 
• Her new record “Divinations” and its tarot theme 
• Building drum solos around accompaniment
• Making her record “drums forward” both in performance and mix

   Chris DiGirolamo has been the owner and operator of Two of the Show Media since 2006. Chris started studying drums at the age of five and still performs to this day. From his time at Berklee College of Music, to his tenure at the well known Systems Two Recording Studio in Brooklyn, NY, to engineering at the legendary Record Plant Recording Studio in California, music has always been number one.

When Chris started Two for the Show Media, a private music publicity firm in Queens, NY, the mission was to provide hard work, honesty, trust, and guidance to the independent musicians of today. With two Grammy wins and over thirty nominations, Chris has fulfilled his goal times ten.

   A fraction of the clients he has worked with include: Dafnis Prieto, Jamie Wollam, Cindy Blackman Santana, Simon Phillips, George Coleman Junior, JR Robinson, Bobby Sinabria, Steve Gadd and Manu Katche.

In this episode, Chris talks about:

•    The benefits of technology with PR
•    Responsibilities of a publicist
•    Artist development
•    Carlos Santana and the thank you letter
•    Marketing instruments like A&F Drums
•    Meeting Bill Kreutzmann from The Grateful Dead as a kid
•    Diverse opportunities in the music industry

Lucy Ritter grew up in New Jersey with a good dose of NYC. She attended music school at Indiana University where Steve Houghton encouraged her to focus on drumset rather than classical percussion or music education. She left school to join the first national tour of the musical An Officer and a Gentleman, and followed that up with the first national tour of Jagged Little Pill. She recently decided to leave that tour and move to LA full time.

In this episode, Lucy talks about

• Following through to make IG connections IRL
• Learning how to record audio and video for college during COVID
• How Steve Houghton encouraged her to focus on drumset rather than classical percussion and music education 
• How different types of music come with different lifestyles/subcultures 
• All the different ways professionalism has to be present in how you present yourself. 
• Seeking out female mentors 

Jody Stephens is a drummer based in Memphis, Tennessee, who has played in Big Star and is the last surviving original member. Along with his over three decades working at the historical Ardent Studios in Memphis, he continues to record and tour with groups like Golden Smog (with members of the Jayhawks and Wilco) and Those Pretty Wrongs with Luther Russell.

In this episode, Jody talks about:

•    Meeting his hero, Ringo   
•    Ardent Studios in Memphis and it’s rich history
•    The importance of building relationships in the industry
•    What he learned during the recording of the first Big Star record
•    His work with Golden Smog
•    Playing music for fun not money
•    His duo Those Pretty Wrongs

Petar Janjic is best known for playing with Cory Wong these days, but stays busy playing live and recording with many other Nashville artists. Petar's journey in music began with a solid educational foundation in his hometown of Kraljevo, Serbia . He pursued his passion by moving to the United States and earning both a Bachelor's and Masters degrees from McNally Smith College of Music in St. Paul. He moved to Nashville in 2019. With his expertise and versatile skills, Petar Janjic continues to captivate audiences worldwide with his dynamic drumming and unwavering dedication to his craft. His contributions to the music industry and collaborations with esteemed artists have solidified his reputation as a true force to be reckoned with in the realm of percussion.

In this episode, Petar talks about:

• How the old guard of Nashville studio drumming has influenced his approach
• How the Cory Wong gig has fun/goofy aspects, but also takes preparation and quality control very seriously
• The Minneapolis approach to time and groove that he and Cory both come from
• Releasing an online drum course with Cory, and his "overtone control" cymbal dampeners
• Playing with Victor Wooten
• Uncle Bronco, his trio project with organist Ty Bailie and guitarist Adam McPhail

At the Fine Tune Clinic, Dr. Charlie Kautz and Dr. Shayan Ghaffari are a licensed Chiropractors providing state-of-the-art techniques that directly treat specific muscles to relieve pain symptoms and improve range of motion. After years of observing and working with musicians, they provide a unique combination of advanced myofascial and Chiropractic techniques to address underlying causes of repetitive stress injurys.

In this episode, Dr. Charlie Kautz & Dr. Shayan Ghaffari talk about:

•    Parallels between athletes and musicians
•    Matt’s personal work with Dr. Shayan
•    Dr. Charlie meeting John Densmore, drummer for the Doors
•    Active Release Technique (ART)
•    Problems with “drummers posture”
•    Using education to solve physical issues
•    Things that we do that sabotages our health and mobility
•    How supplements optimize recovery

Mike Malone is a performer and educator based out of Oshkosh, Wisconsin. He attended University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire to study classical and jazz percussion. In 2013 Mike was invited to join The Glenn Miller Orchestra's national tour. After returning to UWEC to finish his degree in 2014, Mike began touring with groups including jazz vocalist, Ray Brown Jr, and vocal jazz group, Five By Design.

As a recording musician Mike can be heard on dozens of albums as both a supporting musician and leader. His diverse skillset has allowed him to be featured musically across numerous styles and settings, and led him to be named "Drummer Of The Year" by the Wisconsin Area Music Industry (WAMI) Awards in 2021. 

Mike currently maintains a regular performing schedule and manages a private teaching studio with students of all ages and experience levels. Mike is a performing artist for Bosphorus Cymbals.

In this episode, Mike talks about

• Why he decided to make his home and career in Oshkosh
• How church gigs taught him to convey respect as a performer, which he takes into all performances
• Touring with the Glenn Miller Orchestra, and the challenge of playing true old school big band style with no bebop
• How tech has changed how we prepare for gigs, for better or for worse
• The genesis and scope of his youtube channel
• Being able to anticipate what content might be popular, i.e. manufacturing a viral video
• Tech tips to improve the audio and video quality of your online presence

World-renowned, Grammy-winning musician John "J.R." Robinson is widely considered the most recorded drummer in history, playing on albums that have sold well over 500 million copies. He is the drummer on 20 number-one pop songs by artists such as Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Lionel Richie and Steve Winwood, and has been the drummer on more than 100 Grammy-winning tracks. Rolling Stone Magazine featured J.R. in their list of The Top 100 Drummers of All Time.

J.R. is the drummer on many other Top-40 hits with artists such as Madonna, Lady

Gaga, Diana Ross, Daft Punk, David Lee Roth, Rufus & Chaka Khan, The Pointer

Sisters, Wilson Philips, Peter Cetera, George Benson, and Quincy Jones.

In this episode, John talks about:

•    The down beat is WORD
•    Being able to groove without a click
•    His new trio SRT: Vanguards Of Groove
•    Working on his book that is coming out in 2024
•    Hi-Hat technique
•    Breaking down the session with Steve Winwood
•    Recording with Daft Punk

One of the most highly regarded jazz drummers on the scene today, Joe is known for his blazing speed, precision, musical, and melodic playing. Born in South Hadley, Massachusetts in 1968, Joe grew up in a musical family; his father was a music educator and he has four older brothers, two of whom became professional musicians. He studied with Alan Dawson and Arthur Taylor prior to attending and graduating from William Patterson College in New Jersey in 1994.

Upon moving to New York City, he led the weekend jazz combos at Augie’s (now Smoke Jazz & Supper Club). He performed with Junior Cook, Cecil Payne, John Ore, Big John Patton, Harold Mabern, Eddie Henderson, John Jenkins and his brothers, John and James.

Joseph’s career includes recording over 100 CD’s as leader and side-man, jazz festivals and world tours with Pharaoh Sanders, Horace Silver, Harold Mabern, McCoy Tyner, Cedar Walton, Diana Krall, Benny Golson, George Coleman, Johnny Griffin, Lou Donaldson, Benny Green, Curtis Fuller to name a few.

In this episode, Joe talks about:

• Studying with Alan Dawson
• How he arrived at his "just play time" identity as a jazz drummer
• the centrality of the ride cymbal in all jazz drumming
• The difference between playing with someone and playing for them
• Why he chooses to almost always perform in a suit and tie

As a drummer, Mark Poiesz has performed in front of millions of people on five continents with artists including Tyler Farr, Lindsay Ell, Mitchell Tenpenny, Chuck Wicks, Jon Secada, Lita Ford and Ghost of Gloria. As an alumnus of the University of Miami's prestigious Frost School of Music with a Bachelor of Music degree in Studio Music and Jazz, Mark's career has spanned nearly every conceivable genre of music as he brings his signature energy to each moment. His current role as drummer, bandleader and programmer with multi-platinum country music artist Tyler Farr has involved nearly a decade of touring, major network television appearances and the Super Bowl LI pre-game show.

As an ICF Professional Certified Coach, Mark holds the gold standard credential for coaching. He has built real-world experience not just with individuals in the entertainment industry, but also with leaders and high performers at companies such as AT&T, IBM, Boeing, Capital One, Warner Bros. Discovery, HelloFresh, The US Department of Defense and more.

In this episode, Mark talks about:

•    Getting out of his comfort zone
•    The power of curiosity
•    His online program: The Big 3: Steps to the Big Stage
•    When you say no to something, you are saying yes to something else.
•    Having a clear objective when practicing

George Coleman Jr. was born into a musical family. As a drummer, producer, composer, filmmaker, and son of two musical jazz greats, saxophone legend George Coleman Sr. and organist, composer and vocalist, Gloria Coleman, he was seven when master drummer Max Roach gave him his first set of drums. George studied with master teachers including Sam Ulano, Michael Carvin and Billy Higgins.

In 2019, George took on the role of film producer and released a documentary entitled “Another Kind of Soul: The Coleman Family Legacy”. The film chronicles his family’s personal and musical histories and includes concert footage as well as interviews with his family and other iconic jazz figures including Branford Marsalis. Another Kind of Soul is available on various streaming services including Amazon, iTunes, Google Play, and Tubi TV. He has also released a new record as a leader entitled Resurgence.

In this episode, George talks about

• His dad's jazz legacy that began in Memphis
• The influence of his mother who was a bassist and organist
• Being surrounded by Latin music in his childhood neighborhood in the Upper West Side
• Making his album a culmination of all his mentors
• What he learned about music from his dad vs. his mom
• What he learned and continues to learn from Michael Carvin
• How music has served as a between him and his dad later in life

Andy Hull is a drummer and a seasoned veteran of the Nashville music scene. He has toured and recorded with many artists including Billy Dean, Ty Herndon, Jaimie O’Neal , Collin Raye, Lee greenwood and is currently on tour with country music super star Clint Black.

In this episode, Andy talks about: 

•    Dealing with last minute gigs and sessions 
•    The psychology of working with others 
•    Drumming for Clint Black 
•    Relationship building in the session world 
•    Be prepared to be uncomfortable on the gig or session
•    Home studio recording 
•    Lessons and inspiration from his son

Nasheet Waits, drummer and music educator, is a New York native. His interest in playing the drums was encouraged by his father, legendary percussionist, Frederick Waits, who played with such legendary artists as Ella Fitzgerald, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Sonny Rollins, Lee Morgan, Max Roach, Cecil Taylor, McCoy Tyner, and countless others. While attending Long Island University, Nasheet studied privately with renowned percussionist Michael Carvin. Carvin’s tutelage provided a vast foundation upon which Waits added influences from his father, as well as mentor Max Roach and percussionist Fred King. It was Max that first gave Nasheet’s formidable talent international spotlight, hiring him as a member of the famed percussion ensemble M’BOOM. One highlight of Nasheet’s tenure with M’BOOM was the live concert performance of M’BOOM with special guests Tony Williams and Ginger Baker. 

Nasheet’s recording and performing discography is a veritable who’s who in Jazz. Waits has boasted stints with jazz notables Antonio Hart, Jackie McLean, Wadada Leo Smith, Dave Douglas, Mark Turner, Bunky Green, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Eddie Gomez, Steve Coleman, The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, Greg Osby, Wallace Roney, Jacky Terrason, and The Mingus Big Band. Waits has recorded and toured extensively in Africa, Europe, Japan, Canada, South America and the United States.

In this episode, Nasheet talks about:

• Learning from Christian McBride's "played with everybody" experience, and high level consistency as a performer
• The early influence of his father, musically and culturally
• How friends and colleague of his father like like Michael Carvin and Max Roach stepped in to mentor him after his father died
• Lessons from Carvin
• His experience attending an HBCU in Atlanta

Rich Redmond is an award-winning recording and touring drummer based in Nashville and Los Angeles. As an in-demand artist, Rich has recorded/toured/performed with: Jason Aldean, Carrie Underwood, Ludacris, Kelly Clarkson, Bryan Adams, Bob Seger, Joe Perry, Garth Brooks, Chris Stapleton, Jewel, Miranda Lambert, Luke Bryan, Thompson Square, Eric Church, Deana Carter, Montgomery Gentry, Alabama, John Anderson, Trace Adkins, Keith Urban, Travis Tritt, Emily West, Chris Cornell, Kelsea Ballerini and many others.

In this episode, Rich talks about:

•    News of the 8 years since our first interview in 2015
•    Its all relationships
•    Why aren’t there “cattle calls” anymore in 2023
•    Time management challenges when being self employed
•    Mitigating regret
•    His podcast: The Rich Redmond Show
•    New book: Making It In Country Music: An Insider’s Guide To The Industry

John began playing drums at the age of 5 in Oakland California. Oakland proved to be a perfect incubator for John as he thrived playing in many of the school, community, rock, jazz, and funk bands in the area. This experience gave John a diverse background that continues to serve him well today. Early in his career, John was playing in local bands opening for such diverse acts as George Benson, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Who (two North American tours), and many more. John’s reputation quickly grew and he found himself playing with San Francisco/Oakland bay area legends including Joshua Redman, Lenny Williams (Tower of Power), and Miles Davis band alumni Barry Finnerty, Garth Webber, and Benny Rietveld.

John continued to cast his net as wide as possible. He began getting calls from New York, Los Angeles, Nashville, and New Orleans to audition with such artists as Pee Wee Ellis, Stephen Jenkins (Third Eye Blind), Cake, and many more. These experiences gave John national exposure which has led to local, touring, and/or studio dates with Josh Groban, Bonnie Raitt, Randy Newman, Pat Benatar, Steve Miller, Booker T., Pee Wee Ellis, Maceo Parker, Fred Wesley, Oz Noy and many more. John has played multiple productions of Hamilton in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Puerto Rico and tours and records with Carl Verheyen.

In this episode, John talks about:

• The resume he amassed in the Bay Area before moving to LA
• Thinking of different theatre shows as different “dialects”
• His experience of playing multiple productions of Hamilton
• Getting called out by his musical director for going on auto pilot
• The process of constant refinement over the course of a show
• The broader palate he gets to use with Carl Verheyen

Drummer, Producer, Recording Artist and Educator Bruce Becker has steadily made his mark in the world of Music. Founding member and Drummer behind the David Becker Tribune, Bruce has recorded and co-produced 10 critically acclaimed recordings. The DBT has performed at clubs and jazz festivals throughout the world for more than 3 decades. In 2015 “Message To Attila” was released on Enja records. Bruce was part of an all star cast to honor the music of Attila Zoller, featuring Ron Carter, Pat Metheny, Mike Stern and many others.

Spanning more than 3 decades as an Educator, Bruce has drawn from his more than thirty year association with Drumming “guru” Freddie Gruber carrying on the torch of a unique approach in getting the student to understand the natural principles of the physical body’s interaction with the drum set. Bruce’s reputation has interested a vast array of drummers to seek his teachings. The list includes drummers such as, David Garibaldi, Mark Schulman, Daniel Glass, Glen Sobel and Clayton Cameron. Bruce has performed Master Classes and Workshops in Music Conservatories and Schools in the USA, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Austria, the Netherlands, Latvia, Moscow, Argentina, Uruguay and Australia.

Over the years Bruce has had the good fortune to work with an extremely diverse group of people: David Becker Tribune, Mike Stern, Ron Carter, Russell Ferrante, Barbara Dennerlein, John Abercrombie, Peter Bernstein, composer Chris Field, the San Francisco Symphony, producer Ken Caillat (Fleetwood Mac), Sunny Ledfurd, Mark Schulman, and Deborah Henson-Conant.

Bruce continues to divide his time between International touring with the DBT, workshops, studio recordings, live dates and private teaching.

In this episode, Bruce talks about:

•    Choreographing your movements
•    His passion for teaching
•    New book: The Ultimate Guide to Syncopation
•    Advice for teachers
•    Teaching and working with David Garibaldi

Best known for her work with Lenny Kravitz and her husband, Carlos Santana, Cindy's career has spanned over 30 years and involved many other artists from Pharoah Sanders to Joss Stone to Buckethead.

In this episode, Cindy talks about:

• The Vegas residency serving as a "laboratory"
• How she and Carlos navigate being spouses and bandmates
• How Tony played the function of the drums first and foremost
• A drummer’s physical and spiritual connection to their sound
• How being promoted because of your gender can be just as toxic as being held back

Daru Jones is known for his work with Jack White as well as his list of collaborators that include, Bootsy Collins, Kanye West, Pete Rock, Gloria Gaynor, Slum Village, Jamie Lidell, Talib Kweli, Dwight Yoakam, Nas, Pee Wee Ellis, Lorenzo Jovanotti, Queen Latifah, Black Milk, Salaam Remi, Pharoahe Monch, Rance Allen, Black Violin, Ski Beatz & The Sensei’s, and Jon B just to name a few.

Throughout the course of his career, Jones has received rave reviews from Rolling Stone Magazine, LA Weekly, Esquire.com, Fuse.tv, the Los Angeles Times, and USA Today (among countless others). He has also appeared on several national and international television programs: The David Letterman Show, Jools Holland (UK), The Colbert Report, Saturday Night Live, and on the iconic MTV.

In this episode, Daru talks about:

•    His new PDP signature kit
•    Navigating the music scene as an introvert
•    How his faith has guided his life choices
•    How to stay grounded when touring
•    The power to inspire
•    Moving to Nashville and finding his musical family
•    New book: Daru Jones play the breaks - Live from Layman Deluxe edition

In this episode, Craig talks about

• Knowing and owning your preparation process/method
• How being good at reading can prevent you from listening in-depth, and how reading well doesn’t automatically mean you have good time, good feel, or good ears
• Approaching recording with a producer’s ears, thinking about not just the nuts and bolts of the drums, but the whole sound of the whole record
• Why he moved to Portland in 2017, and being careful about entering the scene in his new home
• Allowing yourself to take a break from the hustle when you have a consistent gig
• The option to build your career around your chosen community rather than a geographic community

Kyle May, is a working drummer, writer, and producer in Nashville, TN. He currently plays for Maddie & Tae and Billy Ray Cyrus. Additional touring credits include Lindsay Ell, Runaway June, Brandon Lay, and Carter Faith. He’s cut for artists like Lynyrd Skynyrd, Jimmie Allen, Matt Stell, Clay Walker, Levi Hummon, Willie Jones, Walker Hayes, to name a few. The best part about recording from his home studio is chasing sounds, parts, and more for producers and artists from Nashville to everywhere else in the world.

In this episode, Kyle talks about:

•    His early interest in remote tracking
•    The creative freedom that comes from tracking from home
•    How he delivers his tracks (raw or processed)
•    Building upon your strengths and interests
•    Posting high quality content and it’s benefits
•    Tips to instantly level up your sounds
•    Creating sample packs
•    Creating helpful and educational content

Craig McIntyre has had a long tenure as the drummer for the Goo Goo Dolls and has also performed with Josh Groban, Vertical Horizon, Idina Menzel, Deana Carter, Seal, and many others along the way. After building a very LA-centric career, Craig now lives in Portland Oregon. 

In this episode, Craig talks about:

• The combination of festival and theatre work that comprises the Goo Goo Dolls’ yearly schedule
• The challenge of being present in the music with your fellow musicians, and how different situations can make it difficult in different ways
• How to exit a gig in a way that leaves future possibilities open, and not take personnel changes personally
• How the gig you’re doing can be a status symbol or platform, apart from whatever the actual music is 
• The musical cross-pollination that happened among the various members of Josh Groban’s band
• The counterintuitive aspects of what the Groban gig required of the drummer 

Bobby Sanabria is an eight time Grammy-nominee as a leader. Known as a drummer, percussionist, composer, arranger, conductor, documentary film producer, educator, activist, and bandleader, his versatility as both a drummer and percussionist, from small group to big band, has become legendary. A native son of the South Bronx born to Puerto Rican parents, he has performed and recorded with every major figure in the world of Latin jazz and salsa, from the founder of the Afro-Cuban/Latin jazz movement Mario Bauzá, to Tito Puente, Mongo Santamaría, Dizzy Gillespie, Chico O’Farrill, Ray Barretto, Candido, to Larry Harlow, Ruben Blades, Celia Cruz, and jazz luminaries as diverse as Henry Threadgill, Charles McPherson, Randy Brecker, Joe Chambers, Jean Lucien, The Mills Brothers, and others. DRUM! Magazine named him Percussionist of the Year (2005); he was named Percussionist of the Year by the Jazz Journalists Association in 2011 and 2013. In 2006, he was inducted into the Bronx Walk of Fame. He was a recipient of the 2018 Jazz Education Network (JEN) LeJENS of Jazz Lifetime Achievement Award for his work as a musician and educator.

In 2008 Congressman Dennis Kucinich honored his work as a musician and educator by reading his name into the Congressional Record and in 2018 the U.S. Congressional Black Caucus honored him as a musician, educator. Every single one of his big band recordings, seven in total, have been nominated for Grammys. His 2018 recording, ‘West Side Story Reimagined,' reached #1 on the national Jazz Week radio charts, was nominated for a 2018 Grammy, and won the prestigious 2019 Record of The Year Award from the Jazz Journalists Association. Partial proceeds from sales of this double CD went to the Jazz Foundation of America’s Puerto Rico Relief Fund for musicians. He is the Co-Artistic Director of the Bronx Music Heritage Center and the forthcoming Bronx Music Hall. His lifetime dedication to spreading the history, culture, of jazz and Latin jazz to the general public as a performer, as well as educating a new generation of players, composers, arrangers, has no parallel. A member of Max Roach’s legendary M’BOOM percussion ensemble, he is on the faculty of the New School (his 26th year) and was on the faculty of NYU, his alma mater Berklee, and was on the faculty of the Manhattan School fo Music for 20 years where he conducted/taught the Afro-Cuban Jazz Orchestra receiving two Grammy nominations for recordings he did with directing his students.

Sanabria is also the on air host of the Latin Jazz Cruise on WBGO FM and wbgo.org, the number one jazz station in the nation. Lehman College in NYC has recently awarded Maestro Sanabria an Honorary Doctorate. His new double CD, which will be released on May 12 2023, is a double CD with his Multiverse Big Band entitled VOX HUMANA. Recorded live at Dizzy's Club-Cola in NYC, it features three of jazz's finest contemporary vocalists - Janis Siegel from the Manhattan Transfer, blues and jazz Queen Antoinette Montague, and multi-lingual powerhouse Jennifer Jade Ledesna.

In this episode, Bobby talks about:

•    His MULTIVERSE Big Band
•    Seeing Tito Puente perform at 12 years old
•    The new record - VOX HUMANA
•    Inspiring the next generation
•    The history of music as related to the history of America
•    Afro-cuban rhythms and their origins

Joe LaBarbera has spent his life in jazz, first based in New York, then in LA, and has performed with Bill Evans, Tony Bennet, Chuck Mangione, and many more. He also spent 28 years on the faculty at Cal Arts teaching drumset, jazz small groups, and jazz history. His new book, Times Remembered, recounts his time with the Bill Evans Trio during the last two years of Evans' life.

In this episode, Joe talks about:

• His motivation for writing a book about his time with Bill Evans
• The musical and personal dynamic he had with Bill during their time together
• Going from playing with Bill Evans, a very heavy jazz gig, to Tony Bennett, which he doesn't consider to be a jazz gig
• The overarching concept he drew from Bill - commitment
• How he viewed his role as a mentor to many different types of students during his 28 years at Cal Arts

Brady L. Blade, Jr. is one of the most in-demand session drummers in the world, and has played on several critically acclaimed albums, including records by Solomon Burke, Daniel Lanois, Emmylou Harris, Dave Matthews, Buddy Miller, Indigo Girls, Steve Earle, and Shawn Amos.

He is also an accomplished producer and composer. He enjoys working with new talent, developing their songwriting and, ultimately, producing and recording alongside them. He has had a number of major successes, particularly in Australia and New Zealand, where his work has topped their national charts, producing the debut records of Brooke Fraser (7x Platinum in New Zealand), Annabel Fay, and Annah Mac. Brady can be heard on over 70 records to date. Brady’s brother is jazz drummer Brian Blade.

Brady currently plays with Bayou Punks, Rev. Shawn Amos and the Brotherhood and Indigo Girls

In this episode, Brady talks about:

•    Being the “Floating Artist” on the Americana cruise Cayamo
•    Why he lives in Stockholm, Sweden
•    Preparing to tour with The Indigo Girls
•    Working with Emmylou Harris
•    Utilizing technology to survive in the industry in the 21st century
•    Growing up with a musical and supportive family
•    Producing, writing, and staying productive

Mike Musberger has spent his life and career in Seattle, where he has played in a long list of bands and projects. In the 90s, he enjoyed some big label/world touring success as the drummer for The Posies. More recently, he was part of Paul Allen's traveling "on call" band, and is part of Ringo's live production crew. He also records in his own studio, housed in Seattle's most famous rehearsal space, The Institution.

In this episode, Mike talks about:

• Growing up and starting his career in Seattle, with a front row seat to its musical revolution in the 80s and 90s
• The the most useful holdover concept from the analogue recording era
• Touring as part of Ringo's live production crew
• Relying on the side hustle of contracting when he had to
• The changing landscape of how to make a touring band financially sustainable
• Some ways the Seattle music scene has improved as a result of the tech boom

Chris Marquart is the touring drummer with multi-platinum country superstar Cole Swindell. Originally from a small town in Illinois, Chris attended The Berkley college of music before his eventual move to Nashville, TN. Chris has created a career in the music industry on his own terms all while staying focused on the big picture and things that are most important to him. Chris navigated his way through the Nashville scene playing clubs in the Lower Broadway scene to working with signed artists like Craig Campbell and Cole Swindel.

In this episode, Chris talks about:

•    Things he learned while at the Berklee College of Music
•    From Lower Broadway in Nashville to touring with Cole Swindel
•    How Chris manages his mix and technology on the Cole gig
•    Playing musically with a click and tracks
•    The benefits of transcribing
•    Staying healthy on the road, mentally and physically
•    Planning the next stage of work life outside of music

Victor Indrizzo has long been one of the most in-demand drummers in LA and can be heard on countless records and movie soundtracks. He has recorded with Beck, Sheryl Crow, Queens of the Stone Age, and many, many others. He has also served as Alanis Morissette's touring drummer for over a decade. His recent work includes Lizzo's "About Damn Time," newly crowned with a grammy for record of the year, and a sample pack through Yurt Rock.

In this episode, Victor talks about:

• Being a young dad and saying yes to everything
• Connecting with his pure love of drumming when he's feeling bogged down in the “work” aspect
• Having a dialogue and partnership with sound engineers to shape drum sounds together
• Finding ways to make acoustic recorded sounds similar to programmed sounds
• Using stacking and overdubbing to highlight choruses instead of moving to the ride or opening the hihat
• His approach to creating a sample pack
• How the most important aspects of working don’t require you to be extroverted 

Dan Ainspan is the co-host of the podcast Nashville Drummers Podcast with colleague Nathan Sletner. The podcast gives a voice to Nashville’s next generation of players — the up-and-coming drummers that you may haven’t heard of yet.

Dan is also currently the Jr. Marketing Manager, Band & Orchestra Products for Pearl Corporation, based in Nashville, TN.

A Slingerlands, NY native, Dan attended the State University of New York College at Oneonta where he received a B.A. in Music Industry with Double Minors in Percussion Performance and Audio Production. At Oneonta, Dan studied percussion with Dr. Julie Licata and drum set with The Mars Volta drummer Blake Fleming.

After graduating in 2015, Dan relocated to Indianapolis, IN to pursue an internship with the Percussive Arts Society before his eventual move to Nashville, TN.

In this episode, Dan talks about:

•    His job at Pearl drums
•    Dan’s journey from college to NY to Indianapolis to Nashville
•    Interning at PAS
•    Studying with original The Mars Volta drummer Blake Fleming
•    Leaning into his digital and social media skills
•    Hosting the Nashville Drummers podcast w/Nathan Sletner
• The value of a personal website in 2023

Jay Bellerose is a Los Angeles-based touring and studio veteran with an approach and aesthetic all his own. His passion for all things old and gritty has resulted in a personality behind the drums that has become sought after by artists and producers including Robert Plant & Allison Krauss, T-Bone Burnett, Bonnie Raitt, Ray LeMontagne,

In this episode, Jay talks about:

• The Slingerland "Rolling Bomber" set he plays on the Plant/Krauss tour, and how the sound is captured
• Having to find and fight for his aesthetic amidst the LA scene
• How singers move, and how drummers can recognize and respond to that
• How the Plant/Krauss project is separate and distinct from Robert or Allison's individual history or work
• Playing in Molly Miller's trio with his wife, Jennifer Condos on bass
• The deceptive challenge of simple instrumental music
• Keeping his schedule intentionally sparse when he's home in LA

Jamie Wollam has toured with some of the most talented musicians on earth including, Tears for Fears, Jackson Browne, David Crosby, Tommy Shaw (Styx), Fee Waybil (The Tubes) and Rage Against the Machine’s Tom Morello’s solo project, The Nightwatchman.

He has recorded with Michael Sweet (Stryper), Guardian, Zache Brooke, The Brave, John Elefante (Kansas), Venice, Jay Nash, Mindy Gledhill, Michael Jackson, Kyle Vincent, Hillary Duff, Eric Hutchinson, Avion, Steve Bertrand, Drake Bell, G.E.M and, Tears for Fears.

In this episode, Jaime talks about:

•    His move from L.A. to Canada and getting sober
•    Working through these struggles while working with Tears for Fears
•    Drumming with Tears for Fears and the support they gave him
•    Being the drummer for Tears for Fears and working a “regular job”
•    Drumming for Tears for Fears and the new record
•    Losing his deal with DW
•    Dialing in his sound with A&F drums

 Matt Starr is a 20-year veteran of the LA scene and recently landed in Sarah McLachlan's drum chair. Over his career, he has divided his time playing live and recording in the pop/rock world and has also been producing music in his own studio. Matt began formal study of drums in his hometown of Toronto with Vito Rezza, and went on to study with Joe Morello, Jim Chapin, and Bernard Purdie. In addition to the Sarah gig, he has also performed with Buffy Sainte-Marie, Chris Shiflett (from the Foo Fighters), Christopher Cross, Lisa Loeb (with whom he recorded a grammy winning album in 2018), Deana Carter, Glen Ballard, Alphonso Johnson, Lucy Hale, Kiki Ebsen, Kevyn Lettau and Inbar Starr.

In this podcast, Matt talks about:

• Learning to get the most out of your existing gear before buying more
• How drummers now have the expertise to be in conversation and partnership with audio engineers
• How his relationship with Victor Indrizzo led to the Sarah McLachlan gig
• Being an LA drummer without the LA extroversion/ambition
• How you can define "community" by just a couple of relationships

400! We’ve celebrated milestones in different ways over the years and this time around we wanted to make you the listener the special guest. Over the last few months we’ve been collecting messages from y’all about where you are in your drumming journey and where the podcast has fit into that.

Matt and Zack also reflect on where they are in their drumming journeys (two very different places) and the role the podcast is playing for in that, professionally and personally.

We want to thank everyone for calling and writing in, it’s been really rewarding to hear from old friends and new, some close to home, some halfway around the world about how what we do here is valued. And thanks also to everyone who has listened, donated, told a friend about us, followed us on social media, there have been so many ways y’all have supported us over the years and that support is the reason we’ve reached this milestone. Thank you.

Drummer, singer, and songwriter Jerry Gaskill founded the progressive metal band Kings X in 1983. A native of Bridgeton, New Jersey, Gaskill began playing at a young age, forming a band with his father and brother and playing his first gig at the age of seven. After playing in bands throughout high school, he became heavily involved in the Christian faith and enrolled at Evangel University in Springfield, Missouri. Not long after arriving in Springfield, he befriended bassist dUg Pinnick and the two formed a sturdy rhythm section, backing up artists like future Petra singer Greg X. Volz and guitarist Phil Keaggy.

After trying out various combos of their own, Gaskill and Pinnick were joined by guitarist Ty Tabor and the trio, then called Sneak Preview, relocated to Houston, Texas. Changing their name to Kings X in 1987, they eventually signed with metal label Megaforce and released their debut, Out of the Silent Planet, a year later. A prog trio with a strong melodic bent and elaborate three-part harmonies, Kings X have enjoyed a successful career with stints on Atlantic, Metal Blade, and InsideOut Music. Gaskill's contributions as drummer, writer, and occasional lead singer are an integral part of Kings X's sound.

In 2004, he released his solo debut, Come Somewhere, which was recorded and produced by bandmate Ty Tabor. In addition to his work with Kings X, Gaskill has contributed to side projects by his two bandmates as well as albums by blues guitarist Jay Hooks and New Jersey songwriter Bob Burger. After suffering a heart attack in early 2012, Gaskill's home was destroyed by Hurricane Sandy later that same year. Waylaid by a second heart attack in 2014, he rallied to release his second solo LP, Love & Scars. The album was released in October 2015 and featured guest spots from Billy Sheehan, Phil Keaggy, Earl Slick, and others.

In this episode, Jerry talks about:

•    Kings X new album - Three Sides of One
•    Insight to Jerry’s time feel
•    Surviving two heart attacks
•    Wedges over in-ear monitors
•    The popularity of Kings X among the musician community
•    Moving away from the Christian music industry in the early days
•    The profound inspiration that John Bonham had on his playing
•    Performing with Bruce Springsteen

Based in Boston, MA, Tim is an international touring musician, session drummer, educator, and published author with both Alfred Music and Hudson Music. Tim currently records and tours extensively with GA-20, a three-time Billboard #1 blues trio signed to Karma Chief/Colemine records. He also leads two of his own projects: Tim Carman & The Street 45s—a world-groove inspired funk band—and the Tim Carman Trio—a vintage organ jazz trio (à la Jimmy Smith) nominated for “Jazz Act of the Year (2022)” by the Boston Music Awards.

Along with performing, Tim is a dedicated educator who has released four drum books: Haynes-ISM (2022 via Hudson Music), Groove Systems (2021 via Hudson Music), Shape Beats: Drum Notation Simplified (2020), and Shape Beats for Kids (2017 via Alfred Music). 

In this episode, Tim talks about

• The easy decision to commit full time to GA-20 in 2018
• His experience at Berklee 
• Learning to make experimentation part of practicing
• Versing himself in Chicago blues, and the shuffles of Fred Below, Ted Harvey, and others
• The more jazz-based projects he leads, and playing with B3 organ

Kris Mazzarisi is the founder and owner of innovative drum company Big Fat Snare Drum. Big Fat Snare Drum has become a standard must have piece of gear that is used by the majority of drummers around the world.

When he isn’t running his business or inventing new products to add to the BFSD legacy, Kris tours with his brother in the band Winnetka Bowling League.

Kris leans into his years experiences in the music industry as an intuitive guide in the running and growth of Big Fat Snare Drum. 

In this episode, Kris talks about:

•    Creating a balance between touring and running a business
•    Road managing
•    Touring with his brother in the band Winnetka Bowling League
•    Teaching himself to be a professional tech
•    His company: Big Fat Snare Drum and it’s beginnings
•    The inspiration for The Drum Click Network

Mona Tavakoli is a Los Angeles-based drummer, singer and performer bets known for recording and touring with Jason Mraz. While Mona is equally comfortable performing as a drummer and a percussionist, she is especially known for adapting the cajón to unexpected genres such as rock and pop.

Mona and Mraz have been collaborating for nearly a decade. She toured worldwide on Mraz’s 2012 album, Love is a Four Letter Word, and they performed together as a duo on programs such as The Today Show, The David Letterman Show, Ellen, Dancing with the Stars, and Late Night With Jimmy Fallon.

She is a co-founder and co-director of the Rock n’ Roll Camp For Girls Los Angeles, a nonprofit that encourages girls to find their voices through music during an intensive, weeklong summer day camp. Mona also promotes music education by hosting rhythm workshops at elementary schools and colleges around the country.

Mona has been featured in DRUM!, Tom Tom Magazine, judged and hosted the Hit Like A Girl drum contest and awards show and is the recipient of the 2016 She Rocks awards “Inspire Award” for her work with the Rock n’ Roll Camp for Girls.

In this episode, Mona talks about:

• The new album she recently tracked with Jason and Raining Jane
• Her hybrid setup and her history with the Cajon
• Her unlikely combination of influences from Neil Peart to Jay Belerose
• Her background in economics and how that informs her music career
• Her #1 piece of financial advice for musicians
• Her role with the Rock n' Roll Camp for Girls

   John Dittrich is the well known drummer, singer and founding member of the band Restless Heart who had numerous hits in the country and pop genres. John is originally from Syracuse, New York and moved to Nashville Tennessee in 1981. By 1984, Restless Heart released it’s first recording and continued to record and tour for over thirty years.

   After a successful and extensive career, John now enjoys retirement. 

In this episode, John talks about:

•    Stories with John’s longtime friend & co-host with George Lawrence
•    Studying with Ed Shaughnessy
•    Working in Nashville in the 1990’s
•    Singing on stage with Toto
•    John’s country train sticking rlRl rrLr rlRl rrLr
•    The origins of Restless Heart
•    Retirement 

NYC based drummer, educator, and product inventor, Pat Petrillo has been a leader in the drum industry for years. He has backed a wide array of artists from many genres, including Patti LaBelle, Gloria Gaynor, Glen Burtnik, Oz Noy, and numerous Broadway shows. His popular video lessons on Drumeo.com and numerous others have inspired millions of drummers over the years. He now leads his own group, the NYC Big Rhythm Band, which has just released a new record called The Power Station Sessions. Pat also has man product designs to his credit, including the very popular 21" K Custom Organic Ride, and the new Drumeo P4 Practice Pad.

In this episode, Pat talks about

• The drumming styles and tones on the new record
• His earliest influences - Ringo and Jabo
• Studying with Peter Erskine at the Drummer's Collective
• His unusual audition for Patti LaBelle
• His experience on Broadway
• The evolution of the P4 practice pad

Shawn Pelton has recorded with a wide range of artists and has been a first call player since moving to New York in the late 1980s.

Shawn has recorded with artists such as Sheryl Crow, Shawn Colvin, Natalie Merchant, Ingrid Michaelson, Billy Joel, Van Morrison, Elton John, Rod Stewart, Johnny Cash, Rosanne Cash, Pink, Shakira, Kelly Clarkson, Five For Fighting, Michelle Branch, Regina Spektor, Tears for Fears, Citizen Cope, Matisyahu, Jonatha Brooke, David Byrne, Edie Brickell, Marc Cohn, Richie Havens, Joan Osborne, Hall and Oates, Odetta, Pavarotti, Phillip Phillips, George Michael, Carly Simon, Dixie Chicks, Chris Botti and Buddy Guy, and has played on several Grammy winning albums for artists including Ray Charles, The Brecker Brothers, Shakira, Shawn Colvin, Les Paul and the Hank Williams tribute album with Bob Dylan.

Shawn is also the longtime drummer in the house band for Saturday Night Live.

Since 2007, Pelton has been regularly appearing as the drummer on Daryl Hall's internet concert series Live from Daryl's House.

Pelton also served periodically as the substitute drummer in the CBS Orchestra on Late Show with David Letterman during regular drummer Anton Fig's absences.

Pelton is also a founding member of the NYC-based band The Cringe.

In this episode, Shawn talks about:

•    Powerful insights from his teachers
•    Utilizing multiple styles in his day to day
•    Shawn’s chart writing tips
•    Reading the room and acting accordingly
•    Managing the back and forth with remote tracking
•    When to employ your unique voice and sound
•    Shawn’s physical presence behind the kit
•    Attitude over chops   

Willy Rodriguez is a Latin GRAMMY-winning drummer, percussionist and bandleader. He was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico and began playing drums at age thirteen. He received his musical start playing throughout Puerto Rico in rock and pop bands. When Willy was twenty-one he started working as the Musical Director and drummer for Latin American Idol’s touring group. Following his experience at Idol, he was awarded a scholarship to attend Berklee College of Music in 2007. His reputation as a skilled musician spread quickly in the Boston area and he began playing extensively with musicians such as Jason Palmer and Andre Heyward. At Berklee, Willy studied with a host of famed teachers such as Terri-Lyne Carrington, Yoron Israel, Ralph Peterson and Greg Osby.

In 2014, Willy graduated from New England Conservatory with a Master’s degree in Jazz Drum Performance. At NEC, he studied with Billy Hart, Cecil McBee, Miguel Zenon, Jerry Bergonzi and Bob Moses, among others. He has performed alongside some of the premier musicians in jazz and Latin jazz including Jason Palmer, Papo Vasquez and Dave Liebman, with whom he has recorded and played with extensively. In addition to his work in jazz, he has performed and/or recorded with an extensive list of genre-spanning artists including Omar Rodriguez-Lopez, Mon Laferte, Domino Saints, and more. In 2019, he won a Latin GRAMMY for his work on Mon Laferte's 'Norma'. Willy recorded the self-titled seventh album by The Mars Volta, released in 2022 after a ten-year hiatus. 

In this episode, Willy talks about

• How he got into The Mars Volta's circle, and how his style fit the more intimate feel of the new record
• Wanting to make his own name as an artist, as opposed to becoming known as "so-and-so's drummer"
• His experience as an older student at Berklee
• Understanding the American pocket and shedding his "Puerto-Rican-ness" in pursuit of it
• How he got into jazz through metal and math rock

Gary Husband is one of a rare breed of musicians in that his expression is divided equally in his capacity as a drummer and a pianist and keyboardist of international repute. His classical roots, his quest and development in the improvisational, jazz and jazz/fusion areas – not to mention his tenure in the pop, rock, funk and blues circuits – are all evident inside Gary’s distinct and far-reaching musical personality. His solo album and DVD output has also reinforced his status as a critically acclaimed writer and arranger in the contemporary music world.

For close to four decades Gary has worked alongside a vast and eclectic range of celebrated musicians including John McLaughlin, Allan Holdsworth, Jeff Beck, Jack Bruce (Cream), Gary Moore (Thin Lizzy), British pop/funk band Level 42, Billy Cobham, Al Jarreau, Mike Stern (Miles Davis), John Wetton (King Crimson), Chris Squire (Yes), Andy Summers (The Police), Steve Hackett (Genesis), Robin Trower (Procol Harum), and with producers Sir George Martin (Beatles), Trevor Horn (Grace Jones & Art of Noise), Quincy Jones (Michael Jackson), Jerry Hey and James Guthrie (Pink Floyd).

Further associations and performing/recording credits include his work with Randy Brecker, Jan Hammer, Jerry Goodman, fusion/jam band Gongzilla, Germany’s NDR Bigband, Soft Machine, Maria Schneider, Christian McBride, Eddie Van Halen, Dean Brown, Bob Berg, Nguyên Lê, Joe Lovano, Charles Tolliver, Bireli Lagrène, Peter Erskine, Ron Sexsmith, drum n’ bass protagonists Lemon ‘D’ and Dillinja.

As an internationally established drum clinician he has performed alongside Dennis Chambers, Vinnie Colaiuta, Terry Bozzio, Billy Cobham, Simon Phillips, Omar Hakim, Ricky Lawson, Todd Sucherman, Paul Wertico, Denny Seiwell and Bernard Purdie, and most recently has been developing a series of motivational videocasts in drumming.

In this episode, Gary talks about:

•    An early influence: John Von Ohlen
•    Knowing how to relax and slow down to benefit the performance
•    Videocast lessons on Gary’s website
•    The early days of working with Allan Holdsworth
•    His newest recording with The Trackers: Vaudeville 8:45

To date, Clint has played on over 1,000 recording sessions and over 75 tours with artists including The Blues Brothers Band, Blood, Sweat & Tears, Chuck Loeb, Art Garfunkel, The New York Voices, Mitch Forman, Cornell Dupree, and Edgar Winter. On television, Clint has appeared with the Saturday Night Live Band, and has performed with various artists on David Letterman, MTV, Bravo, Good Morning America, & The Today Show. He also played on the soundtrack for Stephen Spielberg's West Side Story.

For seven years, Clint played drums with Hiram Bullock's band, a power trio that featured the singing and playing of Hiram, legendary bassist Will Lee. The band made 5 recordings, and toured no less than 25 times. On Broadway, Clint has played for 13 shows, creating the drum books for four of them, including the Grammy Award winning Hairspray.

In this episode, Clint talks about:

• The romanticization of session work
• Creating a career out of patchwork, and the fragmentation of the record industry
• How theatre work is a fusion of a live approach with a studio approach
• Getting experience in a given genre on "regular gigs" before playing that genre as part of a musical
• Playing with Paul Shaffer, and the unique position of playing drums with a symphony orchestra

John Geiger began his love for music and drumming at an early age and spent his early band years playing 80’s rock on the Sunset Strip and later moved on to country and classic rock. John pursued his music passion by creating a multi-decade career in the music product industry. John has spend over 30 years working in this industry with iconic brands such as Yamaha, D’Addario, KORG USA and Zildjian.

John currently plays in the Scotty Mac Band who’s regional success led to opening slots for national touring acts like Brett Young, Tyler Farr, Phil Vassar, Lee Brice and Chase Rice. The band performs at festivals around the country including Night in the Country, Country Fan Fest, Oregon Jamboree, Country Thunder, Coastal Country Jam among others. In 2016 McLaughlin released his first EP Messin’ Around which was followed in 2018 with a sophomore album Starts With A Girl, both recorded in Nashville. The band won California Country Association’s Entertainer of the Year in 2017. Today, fans can see the band playing in Nashville at bars such as Tin Roof, Winners and Ole' Red.

In this episode, John talks about:

•    Major changes in the retail industry over the last 40 years
•    His job title and responsibilities at Zildjian / Vic Firth
•    John’s history in the music product industry 
•    The communal nature of drummers
•    The business of endorsements
•    News about supply chain issues

Born in Chicago, Chris was playing drums at age three and began performing his first professional gigs at eleven. At nineteen, Parker began recording and touring with blues great Paul Butterfield and then broke into the New York studio scene in 1970,doing records, movie scores and filling the drum chair at Saturday Night Live. Toph, as friends know him, recorded platinum, gold and Grammy winning albums and CDs with many artists, including, Bob Dylan, Cher, Natalie Cole, Donald Fagen, Ashford and Simpson, Aretha Franklin, Freddie Hubbard, James Brown, Stuff, Miles Davis, Patti LaBelle, Michael Bolton, Lionel Hampton, Billie Holiday, Tony Bennett, and Quincy Jones who has written liner notes for the latest cd, ”Blue Print.”

Currently leading his own band, the Chris Parker Trio with Kyoko Oyobe, piano and Ameen Saleem, bass, Parker has just recorded “Blue Print,” a new cd dedicated to Arif Mardin and produced by Arif’s son, Joe. This new work features Randy Brecker on three tracks as well as Parker’s original compositions.

In this episode, Chris talks about

• New York scene in the 70s, when he was getting serious about music
• His 50 year association with bassist Will Lee
• His work with Stuff, and playing double drums in the band with Steve Gadd
• Seeing numerous drum legends over and over at New York clubs, and receiving mentorship from them in different ways
• How an impromptu rehearsal/jam with Bob Dylan unknowingly served as an audition
• Adapting to the many different ways Dylan wanted to interpret songs in the moment
• How his passion for drawing and painting has informed his musical approach

   Steven Wolf (also known simply as Wolf) is one of the world’s most in-demand studio musicians. His discography includes numerous #1, Gold, Platinum, and Grammy winning records.

    A virtuoso drummer and world class programmer, with an encyclopedic musical vocabulary spanning every musical genre, his distinctive skill-set and versatility have made him the "go-to" rhythmic solution for a long list of the world's top recording artists and producers.    In addition to drumming and programming, he's also an accomplished producer, songwriter, and remixer.

Wolf’s credits include: Alicia Keys, Katy Perry, Beyoncé, Miley Cyrus, Avril Lavigne, Kelly Clarkson, Pink, Annie Lennox, Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan, Celine Dion,Cher, Joss Stone, Britney Spears, The Bee Gees, Natalie Imbruglia, Leona Lewis, Johnny Cash, Rufus Wainwright, Daryl Hall, Macy Gray, Grover Washington Jr, Oz Noy, Hiram Bullock, Tribal Tech, Larry Coryell, The Gil Evans Orchestra, Lenny Pickett, The Saturday Night Live Band, and many others…

In this episode, Wolf talks about:

•    Advice for the young player
•    Transitioning from a touring to session drummer and programmer
•    Getting the right sounds in the studio
•    Managing a sample library
•    Creating an emotional reaction in programming
•    Staying current with musical styles
•    The connection between mind and body 

Acclaimed by Downbeat as “one of the hippest bandleaders now at work,” Billy Drummond’s thrilling, powerful and highly musical playing has also made him one of the most called-for sidemen of his generation. Mentored in the bands of jazz legends Horace Silver, Joe Henderson, Bobby Hutcherson, J J Johnson and Sonny Rollins, Drummond is now widely acknowledged as one of today’s most versatile drummers, making sideman appearances with a veritable who’s who of jazz greats on over 350 albums. He has made three albums as a leader—including Dubai, a New York Times Number 1 Jazz Album of the Year—and five as a co-leader, including We’ll Be Together Again  in Three’s Company, a trio with Javon Jackson and legendary bassist Ron Carter, which made several Top Ten lists of the Year.  

In this episode, Billy talks about:

• The idea of a jazz record being a snapshot of an artist's present condition
• How what he loves listening to relates to what he chooses to play
• Entertainment vs. expression
• Playing with Horace Silver
• The influence and mentorship of Al Foster
• Teaching at NYU and Julliard 

Desmond Davis the “BlackDrumHippie”, is a Dove Award, Stellar Award & Ascap Rhythm & Soul Award winning, Grammy nominated musician, producer and writer hailing from the west side of Chicago where he honed his skills in the Baptist church playing gospel music however; he is well-rounded with the ability to play various genres including but not limited to; rock, pop, country, hip-hop, jazz, R&B, reggae, funk, and blues .

The BlackDrumHippie’s talent and tenacity has afforded him various endorsements and the opportunity to play a variety of tours, festivals, tv appearances and concert venues.

With growing notoriety, Desmond has played for decorated artists such as: Donald Lawrence, Johnathan McReynolds, Sir the Baptist, Todd Dulaney, Byron Cage, Bri Babrieaux, Hunter Hayes, Mickey Guyton & many more.

Desmond’s hard work and forward thinking has allowed BlackDrumHippie to transcend music as it has grown into a brand that provides customizable Levi denim jackets, t-shirts and other merchandise.

In this episode, Dez talks about:

•    Moving to Nashville in 2019 with a gig with Hunter Hayes
•    Affordable home studio options for outboard gear
•    Growing up and performing in many churches in the west side of Chicago
•    Trusting in his faith to be a guide
•    His experience with songwriting yet staying focused on live performance and sessions
•    Promoting his brand

Larry Florman is a drummer, percussionist, vocalist, and front man for the Nashville-based band Them Vibes. Also known as Brother Love, he fronted numerous bands in New York before relocating to Nashville. Them Vibes has put out numerous singles and EPs since 2013, and became the opener and backing band for Maggie Rose, with whom they co-wrote and toured. Larry is also married to Nashville drummer Sarah Tomek.

In this episode, Larry Talks about:

• Joining forces and later parting ways with Maggie Rose
• How his musical life came to encompass drumset, percussion, and vocals
• Learning traditional African and Latin percussion in New York with Babatunde Olatunji and other masters
• Traditional Afro-Cuban conga playing vs. the American soul tradition
• How he and Sarah interact musically

Nick Raskulinecz is a record producer who has produced a Grammy-winning album for Foo Fighters, a #1 rock album for Alice In Chains, a #1 rock album for Rush, a #1 Billboard album for Evanescence, a #1 UK album for Stone Sour, and many more.

Neil Peart writes:

"Nick was best known for his highly successful work with the Foo Fighters, but before that he had a long history as a musician, engineer and producer. He had started out in Knoxville, Tennessee, and more-or-less worked his way west, studio by studio. When we met Nick, we all liked his youthful, unbridled enthusiasm, but at 36, he was also experienced enough to have a strong background in music and recording."

Of the recording sessions with Nick, he writes: "I have never enjoyed the recording process so much, nor been so satisfied with the results."

Geddy Lee from Rush also writes praise about working with Nick, saying "There's no point in hiring a producer who's not going to speak his mind, but it's a tall order to find someone who can hear Neil's playing, amazing as it is, and still say, 'Maybe you should try going in this direction...' It was a pleasure to be challenged [by Nick]. That's really what a band like us needs."

In this episode, Nick talks about:

•    Moving to Nashville from Los Angeles
•    His studio in Nashville “Rock Falcon Studio”
•    What he’s learned from drum techs over the years
•    Studio hacks when tracking drums as well as an “anti-hack”
•    What a producer really does
•    Producing the last two Rush records
•    Nick’s hands on approach to producing drummers
•    Reflections on Taylor Hawkins

Tommy Crane is a NYC and Montreal based musician. Crane has recorded and performed with Ambrose Akinmusire, Melissa Aldana, Briars of North America, The Mingus Big Band, Linda Oh, Thus Owls, Aaron Parks, Richard Reed Parry, Logan Richardson, Bing and Ruth, Becca Stevens, Half Waif, Port St Willow, and Wood River.

In 2017 Crane was commissioned by the Lincoln Center, NY, to create a multimedia piece titled "Preservation" in collaboration with filmmaker Tracy Maurice. Crane's composition was performed live and released as a full-length album in 2019. In addition to Crane, the recording features performances by Colin Killalea (Albert Hammond Jr.), Eliot Krimsky (Here we go magic), and Greg Chudzik (Steve Reich).

In 2017/2018, Crane toured extensively with Melissa Aldana and recorded the Grammy Nominated album "Visions" with the band. Crane is also a core member of Aaron Parks's "Little Big" (whom he met and befriended at a jazz camp in NYC when they were both 15 years old). Crane also taught improvisational ensembles at the Accademia Nazionale del Jazz - Siena Jazz in Italy (2019-2020). He contributes original compositions to various WNYC and NPR podcasts and is also a Sunhouse artist.

In this episode, Tommy talks about:

• The process of recording his album, almost entirely on his own at home
• How he uses Sunhouse products
• His early days in New York attending the New School and immersing himself in jazz
• Playing with the Mingus Big Band
• Getting burned out by life in New York, musically and otherwise
• Prioritizing projects, bands, and his own music over the "hired gun" life

Adam Box is the touring and recording drummer with the country duo, Brothers Osborne.

Adam grew up in Mississippi where with the support of family, friends and his church community, helped to develop the skills he needed to be a world class musician and drummer. This community and environment lead to Adam meeting legendary bass player Chris Ethridge, member of the Flying Burrito Brothers. Chris became a mentor to Adam and was an important figure in the early days of Adam’s career. 

Shortly after Adam moved to Nashville, his talents we’re quickly realized and this lead to him joining the group Brothers Osborne.

He has also played on recordings by Chase Bryant, Lucie Silvas, Sonlite Band, Jeremy Lesley, Kristy Lee Cook and many others. Adam also produces and records out of his home studio, Gilded Palace.

In this episode, Adam talks about:

•    Useful application in his home studio
•    Humble beginnings in Nashville
•    Adam’s snare tone(s)
•    Geeking out on studio tech
•    An inspiring in-ear mix for live performance
•    Working with Producer Jay Joyce
•    Experiencing a performance on the Grammys

Will Kennedy's musicality and finesse are legendary in the jazz world and beyond, performing with luminaries such as Yellowjackets, Herbie Hancock, Chaka Khan, Snarky Puppy, Bobby McFerrin, Esperanza Spalding, George Benson, and Lee Ritenour. His career is marked by pushing musical boundaries and a desire to be inspired yet be an inspiration. As a longstanding member of the Yellowjackets, the celebrated jazz quartet that includes fellow USC Thornton faculty members Bob Mintzer and Russell Ferrante.

Kennedy played percussion and began private lessons with teacher Bill Nawrocki throughout his school years. He also studied under professor and mentor Bill Bell, performing with him in San Francisco. Kennedy quickly became a fixture in the Bay Area scene as a teenager, and was introduced to legendary steel pan virtuoso Andy Narell with whom he recorded and toured Europe.

Joining the Thornton faculty in Fall 2018, Kennedy took over the duties of drumset instruction for Ndugu Chancler, longtime faculty member and one of the founders of the Popular Music program.

In this episode, Will talks about:

• His early teachers and influences in the Bay Area, from groove with Willie "Wild" Sparks to jazz with Tony Williams
• Playing on daytime talkshow, movie soundtracks, and other studio word during his hiatus from Yellowjackets
• His approach to teaching pop drumming at USC
• His physical approach and how he uses and teaches rudiments
• What it means to play with your body vs. against your body

Ryan Brown is a professional drummer and percussionist in Los Angeles, California. In addition to his gig as the drummer for Dweezil Zappa, he plays with Los Angeles-based bands The Young Royals, Black Belt Karate, SexTapes, AM/FM, The Fuxedos and Madras, and in the bands of artists Arrica Rose, Karem Malicki-Sanchez, Colin Armstrong, Josh Canova, Space Oddity and rapper J Naugh-T.

He has toured with Taiwanese pop star Chyi-Chin and L.A. bands OWL and Ultraviolet, performed on “Last Call with Carson Daly” with Ingrid Michaelson and played the Bern Jazz Festival in Switzerland with R&B artist Niki Haris. He has recorded tracks and albums with producers Marti Frederiksen, Mark Hudson, Mikal Reid, Russ Irwin, Rob Seals, Glen Laughlin, Rob Shrock, Brian Dobbs, Klaus Derendorf, Brian Paturalski, Billy Morrison, Larry Crane and David Weisberg, including the hit single “The Real Thing” from Bo Bice.

Ryan can also be heard on releases by Foreigner, Circus Diablo, Hannah Montana, Clay Aiken, Cassie Davis, Nick Lachey, Jesse McCartney, Heather Graham, Suzie McNeil (Rock Star INXS) and Stephanie McIntosh, as well as on the movie soundtracks for Ice Age: Continental Drift (Adam Schlesinger), Kung Fu Panda (Hans Zimmer and John Powell) and The Dark Knight (Hans Zimmer). He’s performed on recordings with Alex Lifeson, Earl Slick, Elliot Easton and Rudy Sarzo.

Ryan has also appeared as a sideline musician in numerous TV shows and movies, including Pirates of the Caribbean 3: At World’s End, Desperate Housewives, Jag and Samantha Who?. He plays all styles of music, including rock, R&B, jazz, ska, funk, blues, folk and country. He is on the drum faculty at Musicians Institute in Hollywood, Calif., and teaches private lessons as well. A native of Denver, Colorado, he has played drums and percussion since he was 11 years old. Ryan graduated from Indiana University with a degree in jazz studies and percussion.

In this episode, Ryan talks about:

•    Why he chose Los Angeles
•    Teaching and mentoring
•    Growing his network in LA
•    The audition for Dweezil’s gig
•    Channeling Zappa’s drummers on the gig
•    Working with Alex Lifeson

Brandon Draper has enjoyed a celebrated career as drummer, percussionist, producer, multi-instrumentalist and educator. He has been based in Kansas City for the last 15 years where he has led and played in an eclectic mix of projects from jazz to Turkish to electronic music, and runs the acclaimed children's interactive music program Drum Safari with his wife of 14 years Teryn. His extensive resume also includes performances with both the New Mexico and Santa Fe Symphony Orchestras and the Kansas City Symphony, Ottmar Liebert, DJ Logic, Donna Summer, Mose Allison, Steve Coleman, Dick Oatts, Bobby Watson, and Kevin Hays, and Particle. Draper was musical director and live drummer for Quixotic Fusion 2007-2012. He continues to write, consult and occasionally perform with the KC-based cirque group.

Draper is on music faculty at the University of Kansas where he teaches jazz drums, world percussion, steel band and is the director of Music Enterprise certificate combining music business and entrepreneurship.

In this episode, Brandon talks about:

• His entrance onto the Kansas City scene after grad school
• Drum Safari, a touring music education program for kids, which is becoming the family business
• His philosophy as an educator, and the drumset and music business/entrepreneurship programs he heads up at The University of Kansas
• Playing with his father, a B3 organist, from an early age
• How some tough love from Kevin Hays helped him find a more authentic voice
• How his place on the Kansas City scene has changed along with his identity and interests over the years 

   Mason Ingram is a composer, session drummer, and Ableton programmer, living in Nashville. He is one-half of ambient music group slowave, acting as writer and producer.

   He has been the drummer on Broadway's Kinky Boots, The Prom, and RENT (Off-Broadway). He has had the privilege of working with Bibi Bourelly, Angus & Julia Stone, Paul Baloche, The Discovery Channel, 070 Shake, Lewis Capaldi, NOTD, All These Small Moments, The Lone Bellow, Walking Shapes, Annaleigh Ashford, Shacks and Palaces, and Matt Doyle. He is a member of bands The Last Royals, Hundred Hounds, and Young Oceans, and has played on Broadway's The Lion King, The Waitress, Finding Neverland and Little Shop Of Horrors. 

   Mason also loves working in Abelton Live, from programming, to writing, and recording. He has programmed backing tracks for Broadway shows and pop tours including the current production of Little Shop of Horrors, La Jolla Playhouse’s FLY, Pretty Woman London, Young Oceans, The Last Royals and many others.  

   Growing up in Austin, TX, he spent 13 years in Brooklyn, before moving to Nashville, where he currently lives with his wife and son. He loves writing, producing, mixing, collaborating, learning of any kind, and finding out new ways of creative inspiration.

   He has appeared on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Late Night with Seth Meyers, The Late Late Show with James Cordon, The Wendy Williams Show, LIVE with Kelly and Ryan, and Live at Lincoln Center, along with countless US and European tours.

In this episode, Mason talks about:

•    Drumming on Broadway shows in New York City
•    The importance of playing with confidence
•    The why and how of the DAW Ableton
•    His duo Slowave and the compositional process
•    Prioritizing family
•    Managing technology to be inspiring, not distracting

Kris Myers began playing drums for progressive-rock band Umphrey’s McGee in 2003. Since then, the band has released eleven albums and maintains a rigorous touring schedule of over 100 live shows per year. Umphrey’s has performed at legendary festivals and venues such as Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits, Fuji Rock Festival, South by Southwest, Red Rocks Amphitheater, The Ryman Theatre, The Beacon Theatre and more.

Myers attended Elmhurst College from 1995 – 1999 where he was a music major and the drummer in the Elmhurst College Jazz Band. Under director Doug Beach, the Elmhurst College Jazz Band played gigs in the U.S. and Internationally at events such as the Umbria Jazz Festival, Jakarta Jazz Festival and the Montreaux Jazz Festival. Myers has played with a variety of jazz artists such as Nicholas Payton, Diane Schuur, Randy Brecker, Dennis DiBlasio as well as local Chicago musician Mark Colby. In 2001 Myers enrolled in DePaul University where he earned his Master’s Degree in Jazz Drumming.

Myers works as a studio musician in the Nashville for various projects. He continues to play with musicians such as Mike Keneally, Bill Evans, Jeff Coffin, and Billy Strings on a variety of projects in both the Nashville and Los Angeles area.

In this episode, Kris talks about:

• Getting started around Chicago's network of educators, drum shops, and universities
• Umphrey's McGee's early jam/funk influences (Galactic, MMW, Lettuce, Bela Fleck etc.)
• His drumming influences - bringing an adventurous and active drumming presence to Umphrey's
• Finding a "give and take" band dynamic - giving a band what they need but being allowed to explore and be you
• Projects outside of Umprhey's he's been involved with along the way
• Moving from Chicago to LA in 2014, and ultimately settling in Nashville
• How where you live and whether it suits your personality/priorities is as important as any musical aspect of your life
• What he sees in the present and future of Nashville

Aaron Apter is a corrective exercise specialist and professional drummer based out of Nashville, TN. Having a uniquely specific education and professional credentials in both music performance and pain management, Aaron combines both practices in a way that directly addresses the needs of musicians who want to correct nagging injuries without impacting their career. He has worked with a wide variety of acts ranging from Cirque Du Soleil to the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra to War. In 2022, Aaron founded PR3 Performance, a company designed to help musicians resolve chronic pain without having to see a surgeon or miss a performance.

In this episode, Aaron talks about:

•    Both adapting to a scene and learning from an environment
•    Prioritizing his health
•    Surviving a serious bike accident that changed his life
•    Aaron’s unique coaching practice - PR3 Performance
•    Aaron’s work to build back Matt’s health with a focus on drumming
•    Load vs Capacity
•    Building a tolerance through recovery
•    Being the best version of yourself

Joy Lapps is a bandleader, composer, and educator based in Toronto. She was introduced to the steel pan through her church music program as a teenager, and soon started playing community and church events. This soon led to composing her own music and leading her own bands. Her latest release is Girl in the Yard, featuring her own compositions and arrangements, and her husband, Larnell Lewis on drums. The album reflects her exploration of the steel pan as a traditional folk instrument of resistance, but also as the vehicle for her original compositional ideas.

In this episode, Joy talks about:

• The musical and geographic origins of the steel pan
• How Larnell encouraged her to compose, improvise, and take the steel pan beyond its traditional stylistic role
• How having a son with special needs has affected her relationship with music
• Leaning into her instrument's traditional identity vs. carving a new musical path for it
• How her relationship with Larnell has affected her relationship with the drums
• Working with her band to translate traditional Afro-Caribbean styles to a modern jazz format

Hubert Payne is one of the most sought after musicians in the Nashville music scene with a Performance Coaching skill set that’s a cross between ministry, life coaching, therapy and motivation. With over 20 years of performance experience in athletics and music, Hubert is widely recognized for his ability to ‘Unblock’ his clients so they are fully equipped to live from the best of themselves in every area of their lives.

Hubert is a certified life coach, practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic-Programming and a Level 2 ISEP Experiential Coach. He is skilled in emotional wellness and performance after trauma and has worked with The NFLPA, The Green Bay Packers, Chick-Fil-A. Hubert maintains a roster of clients from NFL Coaches and players to real estate agents and musicians.

   Hubert is also the touring and recording drummer for National Country Music Artists, Little Big Town. When not on location at The Space (The mental gym he founded in Nashville, TN), you can find Hubert and his wife, Nicole, with their 5 children in Spring Hill, TN.

In this episode, Hubert talks about:

•    Using the concept of performance when navigating life
•    Touring with Little Big Town and Miranda Lambert
•    Double drumming with Miranda’s drummer Max Zemanovic
•    Life and performance coaching in “The Space”
•    Normalizing mental health and the help that’s available
•    Becoming a compassionate witness to our own history
•    Being able to manage your failings
•    Choosing curiosity over judgement

Erik Aylesworth is an Atlanta-based drummer who joined Jet Black Roses through remote recording during the pandemic. He attended Atlanta Institute of Music but cut his gigging teeth on the funk/R&B scene in Dayton Ohio. He returned to Atlanta in 2016 and got himself busy playing the usual combo of corporate, bar/restaurant, and church gigs. Jet Black Roses signed with N-Ovation Music Group in Nashville and just finished recording their debut album, with songs set to be release starting in late summer of 2022.

In this episode, Erik talks about

• The recording process for Jet Black Roses at Ronnie's Place
• The band's unique strategy for releasing and publicizing their music, skipping a few of the usual steps
• Becoming a father during the pandemic
• How recording with guitarist Rob McNelly influenced his own approach as a drummer
• How the usual influences of Bonham, Colaiuta, and Peart combined with pocket influences like Prince and Lil' John Roberts

Drummer and Nashville native, Jerry Pentecost has played with John Prine, Brent Cobb, Amanda Shires, Caitlin Rose, Aaron Lee Tasjan, and many others. In 2018 he became only the second drummer ever nominated for the Americana Music Association’s Instrumentalist of the Year award.

Since around 2019, Jerry has been the drummer for the Grammy award winning group, Old crow Medicine Show.

In this episode, Jerry talks about:

•    Loyalty over pay when juggling multiple gigs
•    Playing the Medallion Ceremony at the Country Music Hall of Fame honoring Eddy Bayers
•    Drumming for Old Crow Medicine Show
•    Covering many roles with OCMS including playing mandolin, bones and singing
•    Recording the latest OCMS record, Paint This Town
•    Two op-eds he wrote for the Tennessean focusing on Black History
•    Dealing with systemic racism
•    Traditional country drumming and serving the song

Eric Slick is a product of the Philly area where he began touring with Dr. Dog. After relocating to Nashville in 2018, he continued that gig until the band’s recent hiatus, and has gone on to perform with Waxahatchee and The Crooked Rhythm Band among others. He is also a singer, songwriter, and producer in his own right, his latest release as a solo artist is an album of ten original songs called Wiseacre.

In this episode, Eric talks about

• His ongoing studio learning process
• The power of "no" - filling your schedule vs. being fulfilled
• Playing with the Crooked Rhythm band and digging into the Fela Kuti/Tony Allen stuff
• His interest in late 70s/early 80s drum machines and productions
• Wrestling with drums and mics vs. wrestling with the computer
• How Nashville is becoming a place for everyone, musically and otherwise
• His "jazz damage"

Al Murray is a Co-Founder and Managing Director of the British Drum Company

He is also one of the UK’s most recognizable comedians! In his guise as the Pub Landlord he has played drums with the likes of Phil Collins and Queen as well as touring the world appearing on TV and radio.

Al has published books and is planning a movie, but his first love is drums. A keen and enthusiastic drummer, Al has played since he was a kid, and is currently active in the band 'Fat Cops'.

Lastly, Al and historian James Holland discuss all matters Second World War with their immensely popular podcast, We Have Ways of Making You Talk. The podcast is a bi-weekly show exploring the war in close up and James and Al have a stunning knowledge of the subject.

In this episode, Al talks about:

•    His podcast, “We Have Ways of Making You Talk”
•    His interest in the 2nd World War
•    The British Drum Company
•    The variety of snare drums that The British Drum Company offers
•    His full time gig as a touring comic act, the Pub Landlord
•    How the history of drum manufacturing is also the history of manufacturing

Danny Pachall has been active on the Atlanta scene for nearly 20 years with gigs ranging from the most precise metal to the most experimental improvisation. He toured with "blues surrealist" Col. Bruce Hampton and was part of the long-standing jam session hosted by bassist Kevin Scott. He has also toured and recorded with metal guitar heavyweight Emil Werstler, Zappa alum Ike Willis, tribute outfit Georgia Players Guild, and many others. He is currently in the house band for "Metalsome Mondays," a live band metal karaoke show, and most recently he was tapped to perform live and record for a new side project by Mastadon's Brent Hinds.

In this episode, Danny talks about

• His view of the current metal landscape
• His "Jim Keltner" approach to Brent Hinds' project
• Recording and touring with Emil Werstler's metal project "Verlorener"
• The influence of bassist Kevin Scott, and the role Kevin's experimental jam session on the Atlanta creative scene
• Playing with Col. Bruce Hampton
• Being capable of the precision of metal and the freeness of experimental music, sometimes simultaneously
• Getting over imposter syndrome - being a jack of all trades vs. needing a musical home

    Jim Brock has proven to be an innovator in the world of drums and percussion. Within his forty five year career he has appeared on literally hundreds of recordings with artists such as Joe Walsh, Joan Baez, Kathy Mattea, Joe Cocker, Janis Ian, River Phoenix, and James McMurtry. With five solo recordings and a DVD entitled The Nature Of Drumming, Jim Has traveled the world extensively with performances on The Tonight Show, A Prairie Home Companion, Good Morning America, MTV, and multiple appearances on The View, just to name a few. Among these include a concert at the White House for President Clinton in 2000. In 2007, Jim was asked to compose the music for the documentary "The Spirit of Sacajawea". For this work he is the recipient of the prestigious Telly award, and was nominated for an Emmy award in the category of Composer/Arranger.

In this episode, Jim talks about:

•    Learning to develop his own voice with percussion
•    When and when not to use traditional patterns and feels
•    Recording with Joe Walsh
•    Recording in the pre-digital era
•    Living and working in Charlotte NC
•    The recording scene in Charlotte
•    The rhythm of life itself
•    Recording with Steve Gadd, Alex Acuna, Mel Lewis and others

Brian Steever is a drummer on a mission to inject joy into every musical situation that he finds himself. One of the most in-demand drummers on the Kansas City scene, the drums have been his passion since he was born. He began his studies with Loyd Warden in Columbia Missouri and is an alumnus of UMKC where he studied with Doug Auwarter, Brandon Draper, Curtis Lundy, Michael Carvin and Bobby Watson. Brian enjoys many performance opportunities in the Kansas City area and beyond. He can be seen around town with Mike Metheny, Matt Otto, Bob Bowman, Jeff Harshbarger, and Hermon Mehari. Brian has also had opportunity to play with musicians from all over the world including Ben Allison, Javon Jackson, Deborah Brown, Bob Sheppard, Tony Tixier, Shunzo Ohno, and Sam Newsome among others.

In this episode, Brian talks about:

• Having the three strong influences of a mentor, a peer, and a community all before he left high school
• How the Kansas City jazz scene is supportive of everyone's unique voice
• His experience at University of Missouri-Kansas City
• The influence of Matt Wilson - being effortless and intentional
• Exploring sounds and ideas vs. practicing drums
• The never-ending matched vs. traditional conundrum 

As a session drummer, Shannon Forrest has contributed to the work of many well-known artists, including Brooks & Dunn, Taylor Swift, Rascal Flatts, Carrie Underwood, Mary Chapin Carpenter, The Chieftains, Willie Nelson, Ricky Skaggs, Trisha Yearwood, Lee Ann Womack, Jerry Douglas, Merle Haggard, and many others. Shannon is also a producer and engineer.

Born in Easley, South Carolina and now living in the countryside just outside of Nashville, Shannon's recording career is unparalleled. In his twenty-plus years as one of Nashville’s top session drummers, he's constantly in demand for practically every top artist that town produces. The list includes mega stars Brooks & Dunn, Taylor Swift, Rascal Flatts, Carrie Underwood, Toby Keith, Faith Hill, Sugarland, Tracy Lawrence, LeAnn Rimes, The Chieftains, Michael McDonald, Willie Nelson, Alabama, Art Garfunkel, Ricky Skaggs, Trisha Yearwood, Blake Shelton, Martina McBride, Lee Ann Womack, Gretchen Wilson, Merle Haggard, Trace Adkins…and countless others. Shannon Forrest is a recipient of the Academy of Country Music’s Top Drummer/Percussionist Of The Year.

In this episode Shannon talks about:

•    The confidence of Jeff Porcaro
•    The “inter-dynamics” of the Rosanna shuffle
•    What separates the “session musician” from others
•    The intent of building his own studio
•    The production of the Tom Bukovac record - Plexi Soul
•    Performing with spirit and intent
•    Developing a good working relationship with the click
•    Recent recording project - Judson McKinney and the Wanderers
•    Shannon’s YouTube channel

After spending the first part of his career in the New York-based jazz world, Corey Fonville has evolved into playing and producing more groove-based music. With his band Butcher Brown and most recently with Charlie Hunter and Kurt Elling on new album SuperBlue, Corey is exploring playing and tones that are firmly in the supporting role rather than the more explosive/interactive jazz role. Corey is the product of a couple of non-traditional educational environments; The New School in New York and the Dave Brubeck Institute in Stockton, CA, and his jazz resume includes Christian Scott, Nicholas Payton, Jacky Terrasson and many more. But he has found himself moving past that world in search of drumming and music that's more true to his musical identity and values.

In this episode, Corey talks about:

• How the SuperBlue project came about, and how Charlie and Kurt turned to him to help shape it
• Being a bridge between Kurt's energy and Charlie's energy
• Being influenced by Kareem Riggins, Kendrick Scott, Obed Calvaire, and other New York jazz drummers
• How sounding like other drummers is a step in the journey to sounding like you
• Ways he's thinking about combining his new musical identity with the jazz world he used to inhabit, and approaching jazz with a production mindset
• How turning something down or moving away from a certain music requires self-acceptance 

Originally from Syracuse, New York, Nate Felty is an experienced live/session drummer and educator who enjoys performing a wide range of musical styles. Nate has been living and working in Nashville, Tennessee since 2012 and earned his Masters in Commercial Music at Belmont University in 2014.

Nate is the drummer for Nashville-based, nationally touring country/roots artist, Kelsey Waldon. With Waldon, he has shared the stage on tour with Grammy Award-winning artists such as Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder, Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives, and John Prine.

Since his arrival in Nashville, Nate has performed and recorded with notable touring bands from Nashville. Among these are The Amanda Broadway Band, Abby Anderson, Devon Gilfillian, Dan Smalley, Marquee Mayfield, and a 9-piece funk/fusion group Dynamo. While with Dynamo, the group earned Nashville Industry Music Awards (NIMA's) in 2015 for "Best Funk/Fusion Band" and "Album of the Year" for their 2015 release, Find Your Way.

When not on tour, Nate is an adjunct professor of drum set at Sewanee University of the South. Nate continues to make his imprint on Nashville's local music community, performing with notable musicians such Roy Agee (Prince), Jeff Coffin (Dave Matthews Band), Micah Hulscher (Margo Price), Jay White (Amos Lee, Cory Henry), Mike Hicks (Rascal Flatts), David Rodgers (Keb Mo), De Marco Johnson (Marc Broussard) and Paul Horton (Alabama Shakes).

In this episode, Nate talks about:

•    Being yourself on the session or gig while paying reverence to the genre/style
•    His early influence and exposure to jazz
•    Following his “North Star” and seeking out new music and experiences 
•    Playing in the house band for “The Pitch Meeting”
•    Understanding musical references when creating parts
•    His award winning band Dynamo
•    Teaching and learning
•    Recovering after snapping a tendon in his left hand

Jordan Perlson has spanned about as wide a stylistic reach as one can imagine. Be it with jazz legends Seamus Blake and Gary Burton, folk heroes Alison Brown and Missy Raines, reggae giants Matisyahu and Trevor Hall, cutting edge music innovators like Becca Stevens, Snarky Puppy, and Jeff Coffin, progressive innovators Adrian Belew or Kaki King, or fusion megastar Hiromi, Jordan has become a known force in these many circles. With credits on 100+ recordings, including national and international ad campaigns, Jordan is as at home in the studio as he is on stage. Having taught at prestigious institutions such as Berklee College of Music, New York University and masterclasses all over the world, Jordan is a passionate educator. An author of 2 books for Mel Bay publishing, Jordan’s books have been translated into several languages and are used the world round by teachers and students of many levels.

In this episode, Jordan talks about:

• Why he moved to Nashville after 12 years in New York
• Curating musical situations that line up with momentum in a direction, even if the end goal is abstract
• Being more intentional about not just what he says yes to, but why he says yes
• How New York shaped his personality, and how that shapes his musical identity
• Trusting that his instincts and intentions will make good music, even if the execution isn't quite perfect
• His "asynchronous" drum coaching approach to private teaching

At age sixteen, Michael Bland won the "twin cities' best drummer" contest and was the beginning of a rewarding career.

With his recognition as a prodigy, Michael was actively sought by many local acts. At seventeen, Hiram Bullock snagged him up, and took him to Pittsburgh and New York to do some one-nighters. That same year, he joined Dr. Mambo's Combo, a house band at Bunker's Music Bar and Grill, a local club where many Minneapolis musicians cut their teeth. Bunker's is where Prince first spotted Michael, Michael joined prince in 1989 and he toured, recorded, and performed with the new power generation for the next seven years.

In 1996, immediately after his tenure with Prince, Michael went on tour with Paul Westerberg, which led to tours and recordings with other national acts, such as Chaka Khan, Maxwell, Dionne Farris, George Benson, Phil Upchurch, Howard Hewitt, and many others. Since 2005, Michael has been a member of the band Soul Asylum.

In this episode, Michael talks about:

•    The demands of working for Prince
•    How he got the gig with Prince 
•    The podcast, MUSIPOLITIX he ran during the pandemic
•    Drumming for Soul Asylum
•    The power of mentorship
•    Stories of working for Chaka Khann, Madonna

Over the last decade plus, Quinton "Q" Robinson developed a busy and sustainable career drumming with Gospel and R&B acts such as Avery Sunshine, Peebo Bryson, and Anthony David, and recording in his home studio. But he got interested in musical theatre and started spending time in New York meeting Broadway drummers, musical directors, and contractors, and playing readings and off-Broadway productions. He also got in with the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta played a litany of shows there. That legwork has culminated in Q landing the drum chair for the touring production of "Ain't Too Proud," the Tony-winning Temptations musical.

In this episode, Q talks about:

• The process of getting on the radar of decision makers in the musical theatre world
• His experience at The Alliance Theatre in Atlanta
• How he got on Clayton Craddock's radar, and how Clayton came to recommend him for "Ain't Too Proud"
• The intricacies of the show
• The qualities required of a musical theatre drummer
• His goals for the new studio he's about to build 

Clifford Koufman is a Nashville-based, award-winning drummer who founded Sound & Rhythm Drumming School in 2000. With over 20 years of experience, Clifford carries a world of experience to every scenario, whether creating music, performing or teaching. He's honored to be the recipient of multiple grants, the Thrive award to build community through community drumming classes, performances, and drum circles, and the Regional Arts & Culture Council professional development grant to study music in Guinea, West Africa. He's toured internationally, throughout the US, and in Alaska. Clifford has spent time living and learning from master musicians in Ghana and then Guinea, West Africa, and has performed, taught, and worked with thousands of people as well as working with numerous bands, songwriters, and composers throughout the United States. In an effort to share in his musical experience, inspiration and to connect with creative people through conversation, he began "Clif Chats" where he's has conducted over sixty interviews of creative people at the top of their fields.

Clifford teaches people in Nashville as well as traveling to schools, colleges, and universities as well as teaches internationally online. He creates play-along tracks for drum circle facilitators as well as making music for licensing. Clifford embraces the spirit of collaboration in Nashville, performing and recording and writing, collaborating with songwriters, bands and composers. He is continually experimenting with a hybrid drum set, incorporating percussion and drum set elements with various hand drums. He facilitates leadership development events using the drum circle as the vehicle. Clifford continues to teach students all over the world and is excited to collaborate with songwriters, bands, and composers. He continues Clif Chats and is always looking to geek out about people living creatively, drums, art, and music.

In this episode, Clifford talks about:   

•    His journey into hand drumming
•    Studying and adventures in Ghana and Guinea, West Africa
•    Completing the cycle of music through sharing
•    Building a teaching practice
•    Clifford’s interview series: Cliff Chats

Blair has been an LA staple for over two decades, having recorded and/or toured with Alanis Morissette, Chris Cornell, Gwen Stefani, Brandi Carlisle, Melissa Etheridge, and many others. Blair has a couple of new calling cards, one of them is his podcast Recording Drums, he’s getting ready to get season 2 of that going. And the other is his suite of online courses, Introduction to Recording, The Snare Sound Bible, and Improve Your Groove. For the month of March, Blair is offering a 15% discount on these courses to drum click listeners, check ‘em out at blairsinta.com and use the promo code BFSDSDB at checkout.

In this episode, Blair talks about:

• Tracks that require a set of drum sounds and parts vs. tracks that require a drum performance
• What led him to create his online course
• Focusing on a narrow or specialized set of goals/skills in the studio vs. taking on the challenge of going after any sound
• His six week zoom course
• What "listening with your eyes" means
• Phone audio considerations
• His time with Alanis Morissette
• Trying to be what you think a band wants vs. representing yourself accurately

Noah Levy is an in demand drummer that lives in the Minneapolis / St Paul area of Minnesota. He has toured and recorded with a long list of international artists including Five For Fighting, The Honeydogs, Peter Frampton, Nelson, The Bodeans, and Golden Smog.

Noah spends a lot of time as a session player working in studios around town as well as his own home studio. He currently plays with Brian Setzer in his Rockabilly Riot, and Orchestra.

In this episode, Noah talks about:

•    Building his home studio
•    Self discovery
•    Time management in the home studio
•    The power of 2 and 4
•    The talent in Minneapolis / St Paul
•    Working with Brian Setzer
•    Studio etiquette

Zack was recently in Nashville for a gig, so he and Matt took the opportunity to sit down and chop it up.

In this episode, Matt and Zack talk about:

• What "burying the click" really means and how it fits into the greater goal of sounding and feeling good
• The phenomenon and business model of the social media drummer
• An interaction we had with a listener regarding our interview style
• What's coming up with The Drum Click Network from discounts to a Nashville Drum Camp

Rob Rufus is an author, musician, screenwriter, and advocate. He is the recipient of the American Library Association’s prestigious ALEX Award. His literary debut, Die Young With Me, was named one of the Best Books of the Year by Hudson Booksellers and is currently being developed as a major motion picture. His follow-up, The Vinyl Underground, was named one of the Junior Library Guild’s Gold Standard Selections. He lives with his dog in East Nashville, Tennessee. Catch him on the road with his bands The Bad Signs or Blacklist Royals, and learn more at www.robrufus.net

In this episode, Rob talks about:

•    His first book - Die Young With Me
•    The power of artistic expression
•    His 2nd and 3rd book: The Vinyl Underground and Paradise, WV
•    Touring with his band The Blacklist Royals
•    The “Band Drummer” vs the “Working Drummer”
•    Realities of being a working creative
•    Facing down cancer that gave him a new outlook on life

Chicago drummer George Fludas was born in Chicago on October 10, 1966. He was inspired to play drums by his father, who was also a drummer, and who exposed him to great jazz drummers such as Art Blakey, Max Roach, and "Philly" Joe Jones.

He has played with many stellar musicians such as Lou Donaldson, Kenny Burrell, Betty Carter, Benny Green, Roy Hargrove, Hank Jones, Cedar Walton, Diana Krall, Benny Carter, Phil Woods, and Bobby Hutcherson. George has performed at numerous jazz venues in the U.S. such as the Jazz Showcase in Chicago, Yoshi’s in Oakland, the Blue Note, Village Vanguard, Smoke and the Jazz Standard in New York and Catalina's in Hollywood, as well as many international Jazz Festivals, including Montreal Festival du Jazz, Bern Jazz Fest in Switzerland, and Glasgow and Edinburgh Jazz Fests. He toured Europe and Japan extensively as a member of Ray Brown's Trio, and with groups led by Hank Jones, Diana Krall, Monty Alexander, Cedar Walton and Joey Defrancesco. He can be heard on numerous recordings as a sideman with Ray Brown, Eric Alexander, Monty Alexander, Bobby Broom, Lin Halliday and The Chicago Jazz Orchestra.

In this episode, George talks about:

• What makes a successful jazz club
• His experience playing with the iconic Ray Brown trio
• How Bonham influenced him, and what Bonham had in common with some jazz drumming icons
• How the synthesis of sound and feel should be included in the definition of "technique"
• How the Chicago scene shaped him as a player and the musical element that is prevalent in Chicago jazz
• How the trends of remote recording and sample packs are working their way into jazz 

Simon Phillips, multifaceted drummer and composer, producer and engineer, is renowned for his historic stints with Jeff Beck, The Who, Toto, Jack Bruce, Mike Oldfield, Joe Satriani, Judas Priest and countless others. His life of top-tier session work has fostered an extraordinary versatility and boundless artistic curiosity, something he’s long carried into his work as a leader, mainly under the banner of Protocol.

An entirely self-taught composer, Phillips debuted the solo Protocol project eponymously in 1989, then revived it in quartet form on Protocol II (2013), Protocol III (2015) and Protocol IV (2017). Throughout, Phillips has grown his vision for an instrumental music with pop sensibility and lyrical, almost singable melody, all over a complex and elusive harmonic foundation. Of the original members (guitarist Andy Timmons, keyboardist Steve Weingart, bassist Ernest Tibbs), Tibbs remains in the fold; he joined keyboardist Dennis Hamm (Thundercat) and guitar virtuoso Greg Howe for Protocol IV. He is gamely on board again for Protocol V, partnering with the group’s newest members: veteran keyboard magician Otmaro Ruiz and two prodigiously gifted young players that Tibbs himself recommended, guitarist Alex Sill and saxophonist Jacob Scesney.

In this episode, Simon talks about:

•    His interest composing
•    Working in his dad's band when he was very young
•    The origin of his set up
•    Simon’s signature drum sound and tone
•    Early exposure to the studio environment
•    The recording of Protocol 5
•    The value of understanding multiple styles

Ash Soan is one of the most in-demand drummers in the world, with a long list of live and studio credits that includes many of the biggest names in pop music over the last few decades. In addition to his studio and touring work, he is also well-known for his seven-year stint as the house drummer on The Voice UK. He is the creator of a series of video lessons available on his website and commands a wide social media influence from the confines of his small home studio, a converted 18th century windmill base that resides on his property outside London and has become synonymous with his drumming.

In this episode, Ash talks about:

• His approach to mixing drums after he's tracked raw sounds
• Finding sounds through science and manuals vs. intuition, experimentation, and trial and error
• Knowing your sound and yourself well enough to be not just capable, but confident in any situation
• Following iconic drummers on a gig without trying to be them
• How he's avoided any major physical issues through a relaxed approach
• How the greatest drummers' playing reflects their personalities, from Gadd to Guiliana to Ferrone to Copeland to Ringo

Kenny has entertained millions of people with his drumming all across the world, played on thousands of records, provided the beat of America’s culture for four decades, and has been the “go to” drummer for the biggest stars in music, ranging from John Mellencamp to Lady Gaga, Bob Dylan to The Smashing Pumpkins, and everyone in between!

In this episode, Kenny talks about:

• Learning to focus on 1 or 2 things and making them perfect
• Questions from a few of our Patreon members

      James Osborne, Jimi Allison & Isaac Sanchez

• Preparing every detail for TV performances
• Work / Life balance
• Eight Steps to a Healthy Life
• His book “Sex, Drums, Rock n’ Roll”
• Early days with John Mellencamp
• Charlie Watts

As a studio musician, Brandon has performed on over 100 recordings including Grammy nominated and winning releases by John Mayer, Sugarland and Shawn Mullins. As a member of the multi-platinum-selling rock band Train, Brandon toured the world, indulging in his life-long rock and roll fantasy of performing a keyboard solo on a smoke-emitting Moog synthesizer.

These days, in addition to touring with country music mega stars Sugarland, Brandon is a member of the music collective Songs of the Architect where he works as a songwriter, composer and producer on a wide variety of projects including film, TV, gaming and media formats. In recent years, he and his brother Kristian have been collaborators in the original project Dark Water, as well as numerous musical theatre productions with Kristian as composer and Brandon as musical director.

In this episode, Brandon talks about:

• The many responsibilities of being MD for a musical, from the micro (drum notation) to the macro (room tuning)
• Being self-critical without being self-defeating
• How taking 16th note interpretation out of the drummer's hands can strengthen a song/groove
• Defining the word "swing," in conversation and within a song
• Turning negative feelings (envy, bitterness, regret, etc.) into positive ones (gratitude, admiration, etc.)
• "Correctness" vs. human-ness in music production

Nick Buda was the featured artist on just the second ever Working Drummer podcast back in January 2015 and we are happy to have him back to talk about what he’s been up to and see what more we can learn from this super pro player.

Early in his career, Nick toured with such diverse artists as Edwin McCain, Hank Williams Jr., Jedd Hughes, Maia Sharp, Emily West, Col. Bruce Hampton and the Codetalkers and many others. Playing with these various artists has led to performing at so many great iconic venues such as the Grand Ole Opry along with TV appearances on many of the late night and daytime talk shows. It also led to a whole new side of Nick's career as a session drummer.

Nick's unique drumming style combines his delicate touch with a soulful r&b backbeat and an explosive energy, which adds depth and excitement to his tracks. His unmistakeable style infiltrates both live and studio settings putting him in high demand amongst the Music Row elite.

His playing is featured on country/pop sensation Taylor Swift's first 5 multi-platinum albums. This includes "Fearless", which won many Grammy's including Album Of The Year. Other artists Nick has recorded with include: Richard Marx, Dolly Parton, Lionel Richie, Kenny Loggins, Lady Antebellum, Martina McBride and Randy Houser to name a few.

In this episode, Nick talks about:

•    How his perspective has changed since becoming a father and living through the pandemic
•    Good uses of social media
•    The effects of 2020
•    Working with Will Bowen and the band One Man Riot
•    How sessions work in Nashville
•    Bringing the best out of every song you record
•    The inspiration of Steve Gadd’s signature feel and personality

Dave Elitch first gained notoriety touring with the American progressive rock band The Mars Volta in 2009-2010. Since then he has lent his talents to Miley Cyrus, Justin Timberlake, M83, The 1975, Juliette Lewis, Big Black Delta, and many others. An established LA session player, Dave has performed on various records, syncs, and film scores for major motion pictures, including “Trolls" and “Logan." He also conducts masterclass lectures worldwide and keeps a busy private teaching practice in Los Angeles. Dave has developed a reputation as the technique/body mechanic specialist and has helped many of the industry's top players and educators expand their vocabulary, overcome physical/mental barriers and get out of their own way.

In this episode, Dave talks about:

• What's new in the latest additions to his online course
• What The Alexander Technique is and how he has incorporated it into his approach
• How the physical and the psychological can work with each other or against each other
• How to be mindful without being obsessive
• How diet plays into how your body works, both in the immediate and over time

Joe Gilder is a musician, songwriter, and producer living in the Nashville area with his wife Pam and 3 kids. 

Joe started Home Studio Corner back in 2009. Over the years, he's created thousands of pieces of content — videos, podcasts, articles, training courses, and more — all with the goal of helping home studio folks make better music.

In addition to Home Studio Corner, Joe's worked for Sweetwater and Presonus, as well as leading worship for a few churches in the Nashville area.

Looking for free help? Check out his YouTube channel as well as these free resources.

Looking to dive deeper? Check out my courses here.

In this episode, Joe talks about:

•    How “Home Studio Corner” got started and what it is
•    Advice for content creators
•    Get It Right At The Source - G.I.R.A.T.S.
•    What Joe loves about working with drummer Tim Horsley (WDP ep 025)
•    Advice when recording drums
•    Ideas for growing your home studio clientele

Frank Zummo is currently the drummer of the rock band SUM 41, EDM Artist Kayzo, and has recently begun releasing music and doing live performances under his own name. His schooling started with Dom Famularo and continued at the Drummer's Collective in Manhattan. In 2004, Zummo co-founded the award-winning drum ensemble Street Drum Corps, which became his biggest project to date, resulting in countless world tours, Vegas residencies and performances onstage with Linkin Park, 30 Seconds to Mars, Chris Cornell (Soundgarden); and has now expanded into a nationwide franchise with several theme park residencies. Other projects Zummo has in his pocket include: Motley Crue (filled in for Tommy Lee during a hand injury), Krewella, Gary Numan, Scott Weiland (Stone Temple Pilots' late singer), Julien-K, Dead By Sunrise, Orianthi, the Start, Dhani Harrison, and many more.

In this episode, Frank talks about:

• What he learned from DJs about how to put on a live EDM show
• How drummers like Tommy Lee and Chad Smith inspired his approach to live shows
• What he does (and doesn't do) to manage the physical challenges of his playing style
• How Dom Famularo set him on a positive path
• Assembling and managing his business team

Tommy Harden has been in Nashville since the early 90's. The first gig he landed was 4 months after moving to town with the Grammy award winning Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers. He then went on to tour with Ricky Skaggs, playing drums in the coveted Kentucky Thunder band as well as touring with Reba McEntire for 14 years. Tommy has played on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, David Letterman, The Today Show, Good Morning America, Oprah, The View, Regis and Kelly, and many others. He has performed at the White House, the Kennedy Center, and the Capitol for the 4th of July, and has played in every state in the nation, in arenas and amphitheaters all over the country.

Since getting off the road full time in the mid 90’s, Tommy pursued studio work, where he became a top call, ‘A' list studio drummer. He played on hundreds of recordings for artists such as Alan Jackson, Reba McEntire, Big and Rich, Waylon Jennings, Jessica Simpson, and has been on number one hits for Justin Moore, Dustin Lynch, and James Otto. Since 1997, he has played on an estimated 5,000-7,000 sessions.

Tommy was featured playing drums in the movie ‘Muscle Shoals', playing for Rick Hall and Candi Staton. He fronts his own band, Lost Hollow with his wife Lorrie. He currently tours with the legendary country band Alabama. Tommy has a studio at his house called Tommy's Dungeon, where he does drum tracks for clients all over the world, produces, and writes songs. 

In this episode, Tommy talks about:

•    His home studio and the build of his drum room
•    Recording and performing hacks
•    His duo: Lost Hollow
•    Playing for the song
•    A look behind the scenes when recording couple #1 hits
•    Changes in the industry that lead to his work with Reba McEntire
•    Touring with Alabama

Mike Jackson is a multi-talented musician, composer and overall creative with over 30 years of experience in the fields of music, commercial composition as well as video and audio production. He has composed music for a diverse range of clients and formats like CD-ROM game titles such as Spy Kids® and Totally Spies®, WGN's Footnote and CMT.

   While serving as staff composer at one of the nations largest production facilities, Mills James Productions, Mike composed music for Victoria's Secret, Toyota, the critically acclaimed "Light Tunnel" at the Detroit International Airport, The Ohio Lottery, for which he received an Emmy® award, and many other fortune 500 companies.

   Mike also composed the music for the International Academy of Web Television nominated show Aidan 5, A sci-fi, film-noir, detective drama. Mike is currently the visual and digital experience designer for the company Sedgwick.

In this episode, Mike talks about:

•    Deciding on plug-ins for your DAW based on experience
•    G.A.S. - Gear Acquisition Syndrom
•    Mike’s journey to understanding the technical side of music
•    Composing commercial music
•    Reviewing and defining standard recording terms like compression, phasing, etc

Megan Coleman was born in the heart of Detroit. She grew up in church, learning from the rich culture that is Detroit Gospel, Jazz and RnB music. She always had a passion for music and had the chance to start exploring that both in church and in school when she started playing drums in Jr. High. She continued to grow in love and passion for music, but wanted instead, to pursue Medicine.

In the midst of these studies, she moved to Nashville to try her hand at pursuing music full-time. Megan has since had the opportunity to grow and flourish both in Nashville and in the industry as a whole.

As a drummer and percussionist, she has shared the stage with a wide variety of artists such as Jackie Greene, Foy Vance, and Ron Pope-to name a few. Most recently, she can be found touring with Yola.

When she is not on the road, Megan spends her time in sessions around town, teaching lessons, or volunteering in mentorship programs.

In this episode, Megan talks about:

•    Her journey from Detroit, TX, the middle east and Nashville
•    Learning music and drumming from a non-traditional place
•    Living in Jordan
•    Working as a DJ
•    Embracing fear and anxiety
•    Working with Grammy nominated artist Yola

Chad Melchert is one of Canada’s most pre-eminent live and session drummers who is also an acclaimed drum teacher. This native Canadian calls Edmonton (Morinville), Alberta, home but despite his Canadian residence Melchert has toured all over the world and played with artists from all types genres including Gord Bamford, Brett Kissel, Adam Gregory, Aaron Goodvin, Duane Steele, Hemingway Corner, Gil Grand, Jake Mathews, Dallas Smith, Beverley Mahood, Michelle Wright, Bobby Wills, Mikaila Cooper, Corb Lund, Charlie Major, Tyler Connoly (Theory Of A Deadman), Rose Maddox (Grand Ole Opry legend), Jean Shepard (Grand Ole Opry legend), Ian Tyson, FOXX Worthee, Drew Gregory, Deric Ruttan, Jason Blaine, Chad Brownlee, Aaron Pritchett, Lindsay Ell, Patricia Conroy, Tenille Alee, Lindi Ortega, Charlie James, Shawn Oates, The Lovelocks, Eric Ethridge, Jeremy Dallas, Chris Henderson, Trinity Bradshaw, Michela Sheedy, Katie Love Hess, Amber Bauer, Amber Stoby, Hastie and The Alibi, Freedom’s Note, Thin Line Sid, Jordan Lee,, The Dungarees, James Murdoch, Deon Blyan, Jay Sparrow, Mike Nash, Dan Davidson, Codie Prevost, Alex Runions, Craig Moritz, and Joal Kamps, to name a few.

Melchert has also earned repeated recognition as the CCMA (Canadian Country Music Association) Drummer Of The Year (2012, 2014, 2015, 2016 and, 2019) and in fact, Melchert was the first drummer to enter the CCMA Hall Of Honor. Melchert endorses, Gretsch drums, Canopus Snares, Remo Drum Heads, Beier Drums Snares, Paiste Cymbals, Porter & Davies Monitoring System, Vic Firth Drumsticks, Protection Racket Cases and, Rhythm Tech Percussion.

In this episode, Chad talks about:

•    Maintaining and growing his home studio
•    Home studio hacks
•    Playing a supportive role in a studio environment
•    Supporting Canadian artists
•    Being “studio ready”

Jake Sommers attended The University of the Arts in Philadelphia (UArts) as a music performance major. He was fortunate to study under Marc Dicciani, Jimmy Paxson (Ben Harper, Stevie Nicks, and Natalie Maine), Gerry Brown (Stevie Wonder and Diana Ross), Marcus Baylor (Yellowjackets), as well as Erik Johnson. He graduated from University of the Arts in May 2013 with a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Music Performance. He was awarded the prestigious Paul D. Patterson Drum Set Award. Jake also studied under Dom Famularo and John Favicchia.

Jake relocated from his hometown in New York to Nashville, TN to pursue playing drums. Jake started drumming at the honky tonk scene on Broadway in downtown Nashville. Shortly after, he met singer-songwriter /artist by the name of Luke Combs. Jake became Luke Combs touring drummer in 2015. Over the course of Jake’s time touring with Luke Combs, Jake has made appearances on Saturday Night Live, The Today Show and The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. In addition to touring Jake teaches lessons and plays on recording sessions.

In this episode, Jake talks about:

•    Building a home studio client base
•    How he got the Luke Combs gig
•    Networking in a new town
•    His responsibilities in the Luke gig
•    The value of charting skills
•    Studying at The University of the Arts Philadelphia

Shawn Zorn is a drummer from Memphis, TN who now splits his time beween Nashville and Memphis. He has performed or recorded with artists such as Twin Forks, Allen Mack Myers Moors (featuring Zach Myers of Shinedown) Amy LaVere, Will Sexton, Cory Branan, Mike Doughty (Soul Coughing), Anthony Raneri (Bayside), Dashboard Confessional, Susan Marshall, Luther Dickinson, John Paul Keith, and more. He is a creative studio performer who does sessions in the Nashville or Memphis areas and also records remotely from his studio in Memphis.

In this episode, Shawn talks about:

• What got him a foothold in Nashville, but why he ultimately prioritizes Memphis
• Tracking drums vs. mixing drums
• The unique process/experience of recording with Mike Doughty
• Creating a sample pack and finding a marketable angle for it
• A few of the Memphis drummers that have influenced him

In 2021, drummer Dave Moraata become the newest member of the band Saving Abel. Originally from a small Mississippi town (Philadelphia), Dave eventually made his way to Nashville, Tennessee in 2017. In between raising a young family and holding down a full time job, Dave took every opportunity to introduce himself to the rock scene in Nashville through jam nights, tribute shows and subbing gigs for other drummers. His dedication and attitude paid off when a chance encounter with the original singer for Saving Abel turned into a touring and recording gig of a lifetime.

In this episode, Dave talks about:

• Humble beginnings in Mississippi and making the move to TN
• Finding his voice at jam nights, tribute shows in Nashville
• Getting the gig with Saving Abel
• Dave’s personal experience in Nashville
• Learning from podcasts like Drummer’s Resource, Big Fat Five and WDP

Sam Merrick has been in the drum chair for the touring production of Hamilton since January 2018. Prior to that, he was a busy freelancer in New York, working a bartending job for some of that time, and playing a wide range of gigs from weddings to Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings. When the pandemic shut down Hamilton, he relocated to the Washington, DC area and set up a home studio where he has done remote tracking and a sample pack which he has just released through The Drum Broker.

In this episode, Sam talks about

• The random wedding gig that led to the Hamilton gig
• The various learning curves the show presented, from reading to energy
• How the show forced him to reckon with some physical issues
• Creating "normal" life away from home
• "De-Hamilton-izing" his playing over the break, and seeking out inspiration and motivation from others rather than waiting it for to come from within
• The sample pack partnership between drummer, producer (Jeremy Page) and platform (Drum Broker)

As a drummer/percussionist, producer, engineer, arranger, songwriter, conductor and composer Chuck Palmer has performed and recorded with a myriad of artists including Foreigner, AG, Gil Goldstein, RJD2, Frank Ocean (Channel Orange), Dave Eggar, Esperanza Spalding, Norah Jones, Cellogram, Dr. Ralph Stanley, The City And Horses, John Patitucci, Earwig, Five For Fighting, Amber Rubarth, O.A.R., Waway Saway with the Talaandig Tribe, and Amy Lee of Evanescence.

In this episode, Chuck talks about:

• Using your skills and expertise as a drummer to produce, engineer, mix, write and create 
• His experiences and growth as a musician in New York City 
• Collaborating with cellist, pianist and composer Dave Eggar
• Conducting and creating string arrangements for the band Foreigner 

Cameron Tyler has been based in Las Vegas since 2017, where he is involved with numerous shows including Cirque du Soleil's Ka. He spent the first chapter of his career in Los Angeles learning the ropes of touring and recording, but relocated to Vegas in search of more affordable housing and studio space, and more creative autonomy as a drummer and producer.

In this episode, Cameron talks about:

• Why he chose to relocate to Vegas, and how he got involved with Ka
• How reading and Ableton are table stakes for most Vegas gigs
• The importance of treating your space for optimal sound
• The piece of gear that has upped his mixing game

Bobby Jarzombek is currently the drummer for progressive metal band Fates Warning, vocalist Sebastian Bach, and country music legend George Strait.

He has also recorded and toured extensively with the Halford band, featuring legendary Judas Priest vocalist Rob Halford as well as the long-running New York City metal institution Riot. Bobby made his recording debut with Juggernaut on "Baptism Under Fire" in 1986. Other touring and recording credits include his work with Spastic Ink, CED Earth, Demons & Wizards, Rob Rock and John West among others.

In this episode, Bobby talks about:

•    Early interests that shaped his drumming
•    Tracking from home for different projects
•    Getting the gig with George Strait
•    Adapting to changes in live performances

George Sluppick is an American drummer born in Memphis, Tennessee, specializing in blues, funk, soul and R&B music. In 1986, he graduated from Overton, a prestigious creative & performing arts high school. Growing up in Memphis, he shared the stage with many legends, including BB King and Rufus Thomas and just one year after his high school graduation at age 19, he went on the road with blues guitarist Albert King. He has since played with Charlie Hunter, JJ Grey & MoFro, Chris Robinson Brotherhood, and many others, and has just released a Memphis-infused sample pack through Yurt Rock.

In this episode, George talks about:

• The process of creating and marketing his new sample pack
• Why he moved from his hometown of Memphis to the smaller town of Greensboro, NC
• The influence of Idris Muhammed and the idea of genre-free drumming

Joe McCarthy has led a diverse career as drummer/percussionist, bandleader, producer and educator in a myriad of settings from symphony orchestra to bebop, big band, afro cuban, theater and beyond.

Joe is the founder, leader, producer and drummer of The New York Afro Bop Alliance Big Band, winner of the 2008 Latin Grammy for Latin Jazz Album of the Year, and nominated in the same category for the 51st Grammy Awards for the Heads-Up release “Afro Bop Alliance”, featuring Dave Samuels.

Active in education, Joe has held adjunct appointments at the collegiate level since 1992 upon graduating from the University of North Texas with a Masters in Percussion Performance. Previous adjunct positions include Texas Wesleyan University, Delaware State University, Georgetown University, George Mason University and Washington College. As a clinician, Joe has been a featured performer and clinician at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC), Jazz Educators Network International Convention (JEN), numerous PAS Days of Percussion, MusicFest Canada, The National Jazz Workshop, George Mason University Summer Jazz and Percussion Seminars, The Jazz n Youth Exchange of Germany, and many others. Joe has been featured at many of the nation’s top collegiate music institutions and festivals, in addition to numerous high school jazz festivals as a guest soloist, clinician and adjudicator.

As an author, Joe is published by Alfred music with “Joe McCarthy’s Afro Cuban Big Band Play-Along Series”, featuring a book/CD play-along and Vol’s I & II DVD’s.

Joe spent a twenty-year tour as Chief Petty Officer with The United States Naval Academy Band, where he served as principal percussionist with the wind ensemble and Chief in Charge/drummer of the Next Wave Jazz Ensemble- one of the Navy’s two premier big bands.

In this episode, Joe talks about:

•    Living and working in Miami Florida
•    How he spends his practice time
•    Teaching in the 21st century
•    The value of learning multiple styles
•    His B.A.S.I.C. Training lesson program - Balance, Alignment, Substitution, Interdependence, and Control
•    Band leading the New York Afro Bop Alliance Big Band

Stephen Chopek is a musician living and working in Atlanta, GA. Prior to releasing his first solo album in 2012, he spent over 10 years drumming on tour and in the studio with Charlie Hunter, John Mayer, and Jesse Malin among many others. He had just returned home from a tour playing drums with former Soul Coughing frontman Mike Doughty when an explosive songwriting streak hit him. While in the throes of his creative deluge, the Pandemic put most of the world on indefinite lockdown. With no other commitments for the foreseeable future, he finally had the latitude to take his time with the new songs. It was a luxury that he, as a touring musician for the last two decades, is normally not afforded. His new EP, Dweller, is out now.

In this episode, Stephen talks about:

• How Memphis changed his playing
• Studying with Leon Parker and playing with Charlie Hunter in his early New York-based career
• Playing on the John Mayer Room for Squares tour
• Taking a year away from drumming to volunteer with Americorps and delve into other instruments
• Taking the opportunity during the pandemic to fully realize his original songs

August 7th, 2021 the first annual Music City Drum Show was held in Nashville Tennessee. Music City Drum Show was created to unite the drumming community in the Greater Nashville area and beyond. Organized by drummer Landon Hall, the Music City Drum Show was focused on drum displays, sales, networking, and clinics.

Big thanks to all who participated in our "Front line war correspondence recording". Not all the interviews were usable due to the volume in the room and it could be hard to listen to at times. But, we hope you enjoy this collection we created from what was a super fun weekend.

This episode features

   JC Clifford, AJ Maland - (Recycled Rhythm), Drummers Hands, Sam Bacco, Dan Ainspan - (Nashville Drummer Podcast), Josh Touchton - (Ludwig), Rodney Edmonton, Chris from UFIP Cymbals, Kayleigh Moyer, Angela Lese, Mike McKee from Baldman Percussion, Bryson Nelson from Nelson Drumshop and Evan Hutchings

These fine people were interviewed but the recording didn’t work out due to external volume:

   Vincent Dee, Brian Zach, Arjuna Contreras, Marshall Richardson, Jeremy McCormick, Dan Douchette, Jeff Brown, Po Shy from Po’s Percussion representing the Rogers Booth

Aaron Serfaty was born in Caracas, Venezuela. He began playing drum set at the age of fifteen and started to play professionally at seventeen. He did extensive work as a session and touring drummer from 1980 until 1991 with local and international artists. In 1991 he moved to Los Angeles to study Jazz and African American studies at the California Institute of the Arts. Aaron has also taken lessons with Peter Erskine, Joe LaBarbera, Jeff Hamilton, Jerry Steinholz, and Juan Oliva. Since his move to the US he has played with artists like Arturo Sandoval, Sergio Mendes, Jon Anderson, Oscar Hernandez, Otmaro Ruiz, Denise Donatelli, Kristin Korb, Kathleen Grace, Bill Cunliffe, Shelly Berg, and Alan Pasqua among many others.

He has taught at Los Angeles College of Music (1997-2014), at The California Institute of the Arts (2000-2014) and is currently on faculty at the University of Southern California (1997-present) where he conducts the Latin Jazz Ensemble, teaches drum set, and a Latin Percussion class.

In this episode, Aaron talks about:

• Growing up in Caracas and the many types of music he was exposed to through his dad's business
• His experience studying jazz at Cal Arts, and privately with Peter Erskine
• Bringing your "accent" to every musical conversation you have
• His teaching philosophy
• His tuning approach

This episode features six amazing drummers with a wide range of experience, discussing the many unique aspects of gigging in Nashville's downtown tourist district known as lower Broadway. Some have referred to it as "The Honkytonk Industrial Complex". This scene is not for everyone but, for those who are willing to slug it out in the trenches of lower Broadway and perform for a mostly over served audience, the money can be good, great music can happen and important connections can be made.

In this round table discussion, the group talks about: 

• Explaining what the lower Broadway scene is
• The pros and cons of gigging on lower Broadway in Nashville 
• The unique skill set that’s needed to play lower Broadway 
• Advice for the player that wants to break in to the scene 
• Essential gear to carry with you when playing lower Broadway 

As the touring drummer for Childers, Rod Elkins is the heartbeat of a rhythm section that includes Elkins’ high-school friends and college bandmates who’ve been playing together for the past 10 years. That band, The Food Stamps, has performed sold out concerts around the world, including a headline debut at Red Rocks Amphitheater, concerts at the Ryman Auditorium, The Grand Ole Opry, Mountain Stage, and festivals around the world including Bonnaroo, Stagecoach, Lollapalooza. The band also appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and has opened for everyone from Willie Nelson and The Raconteurs to Guns N’ Roses. Rod still lives in his hometown of Huntington, West Virginia, where the band was formed.

In this Episode, Rod talks about:

• How his existing band became the backing band for Tyler Childers, and how they caught the attention of Sturgill Simpson
• What he learned from the Nashville musicians who have recorded Childers' albums
• Finding ways to create variety in songs with the same groove at the same tempo
• How his lifelong anxiety showed up in his playing, and how he dealt with it
• Why he stays in Huntington, WV, where he grew up and where the music and bands he's a part of were cultivated

Blake Fleming is a percussionist known for his involvement with several influential experimental bands and has recently written his first book, The Book of Rhythm, an unprecedented collection of 5,096 meticulously organized rhythms for all instruments. His drumming has been written about in such major publications as The New York Times, NPR.com, Spin, Rolling Stone, MOJO, Modern Drummer, DRUM!, Dangerous Minds, and Pitchfork. He was included in SPIN’s 100 Greatest Drummers of Alternative Music and has recorded and toured extensively, working with luminaries in the jazz, rock and avant-garde worlds. Alongside a variety of studio work, he also enjoys teaching students worldwide with live online lessons and is an adjunct professor at The State University of New York at Oneonta.

In this episode, Blake talks about:

• Quality over quantity 
• A homogenization of music and drumming 
• Early experimental bands
• His book: The Book of Rhythm
• Asking yourself “Why?” And being self aware

Joe Bergamini maintains a diverse career as a drumming performer and educator. Joe is constantly behind the kit for everything from prog rock to Broadway to his touring gig, The Doowop Project. He stays equally busy as the drum editor for Hudson Music, where he has overseen the creation and production of countless books and videos featuring many of the world's greatest drummers. He is also an author in his own right, having authored or coauthored over a dozen books.

In this episode, Joe talks about:

• How to demonstrate that you "know the job" and instill trust in those you're working with
• What a drum editor does, and how he came to that job with Hudson Music
• His latest book, The Working Drummer's Chart Book
• Collaborating with Steve Gadd on Gaddiments
• His relationship with Neil Peart which began as a professional collaboration and evolved into a friendship

Stephen Bidwell was born in Washington, DC and grew up in nearby Reston, Virginia. Since being first handed drumsticks in the late 80s he has studied and lived in West Virginia, Pittsburgh, New Orleans, and New York but has called Austin, Texas home since 2005. Somewhere in those travels he earned a Bachelors degree in classical percussion and a master’s degree in jazz studies. Since early 2018 he has been the drummer for the Grammy nominated Black Pumas, a psychedelic soul group known for incendiary live shows. When not on tour with Black Pumas, Stephen plays in several diverse projects (Hard Proof, The Calm Blue Sea, Azmaris, the Mood Illusion), works in any genre you can think of as a sideman, and teaches lessons at his home studio in Austin.

In this episode, Stephen talks about:

• How Johnny Vidacovich trained him to rely on instinct, not charts
• The sustaining gigs he did during his first few years in Austin
• How a prior ongoing relationship with Austin guitarist, producer, and Black Pumas founder Adrien Quesada led to getting the drum chair
• Still working a day job during the first 1-2 years of Black Pumas activity
• Chasing gigs vs. chasing the dream
• The grooves and tones on The Black Pumas record

Drummer Jim White is an active performer and educator. His first musical experiences took place in his hometown of Atlanta, Georgia, where he studied percussion with Paul Yancinch, Mike Cebulski, Sonny Emory, and Jeff Sipe. He holds a Master of Arts degree in Jazz Studies/Composition from Middle Tennessee State University, and a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of North Texas. 

While a student at the University of North Texas, White performed with the renowned “One O’clock Lab Band” for three years. In 1992, Maynard Ferguson recruited White for his “Big Bop Nouveau” band with which he toured internationally. White is featured on Ferguson’s recording, Footpath Cafe. In 1995, White moved to Nashville, Tennessee where he remains active as a performer and studio musician. His versatility and unique sound have been r featured on many jazz, pop, and country recordings. White’s performance and recording credits feature a diverse array of artists including J.D. Souther, Alison Krauss and Union Station, Crystal Gayle, Jerry Douglas, Curtis Stigers, Charlie Peacock, Jack Pearson, Pam Tillis, Lorrie Morgan, and Willie Nelson. In addition, he has performed with many top jazz artists including Dick Oatts, Terell Stafford, Joey Defrancesco, Pat Bianchi, Greg Gisbert, Jim Ferguson, Chris Potter, Annie Sellick, the North German Radio (N.D.R.) Big Band, and many others. 

As an educator, White has performed clinics at universities and jazz festivals throughout the country. In 2005, he joined the faculty at the University of Northern Colorado, where he currently serves as Professor of Music, Jazz Studies. He directs UNC’s Lab II Big Band, supervises the jazz combo program, teaches jazz history, as well as applied drum set students. He currently co-leads the Colorado Jazz Orchestra, a big band featuring many of the finest jazz musicians in the Northern Colorado area. 

In this episode, Jim talks about:

• Bringing his personality and style to Nashville
• The importance of mentorship 
• Being diagnosed with cancer in 2015 and over coming it 
• How his fight with cancer changed his perspective on life
• Life experiences that inspires our music

Once a year, we sit down with our buddy Nick Rufinni of Drummer’s Resource to shoot the shit. Each of our careers and podcasts are always on the move, heading in different directions with different challenges, and it’s good to unpack things and talk about what’s coming at us and how we’re moving through it.

In this episode, Matt, Zack and Nick talk about

* Social media strategies* Re-entering gig life* How remote recording does and does not deliver a fulfilling musical experience* Answering the question “why does this feel good?” when listening to other drummers* Recalibrating priorities and ambition as we come out of the pandemic

This episode is sponsored by Sonitus.

Keith Dudek Recovery Fund

Originally from a small town in Long Island, New York, Jeff Fabb made the move to Los Angeles shortly after high school at the age of 18. Jeff moved to L.A. looking for more opportunities in music and that’s just what he found. The journey was slow, answering classified ads—everyone that placed ads said they were going to be the next big thing, but he just wanted to get out there and play. After a few years playing the L.A. club scene, Jeff came into contact with members of female-fronted metal/rock band – In This Moment, including guitarist Chris Howorth and former Five Finger Death Punch bassist Matt Snell, who had a project together. Around the end of 2011 and three records later, Jeff decided to move on from ITM.

Other bands and artists he found himself working with include James Durban (American Idol), Sixx:A.M. (with Nikki Sixx) and Filter. Jeff is currently the drummer for Black Label Society.

In this episode, Jeff talks about:

* Overcoming physical issues* Questions by Nashville drummer Danny Douchette covering range of topics* Moving to L.A. at 18 and the things he learned* The events that lead to his gig with Black Label Society * Employable skills beyond your playing

Jeff endorses Drums, Meinl, Vic Firth and Evans

This episode is sponsored by Sonitus.

Keith Dudek Recovery Fund

A Grammy-nominated and studied musician of several decades, Dena’s versatility has afforded her opportunities to play in a variety of settings – from arenas to rock clubs and Broadway to recording studios. She has been highlighted in several drum publications, including the September 2018 issue of Modern Drummer Magazine. Dena has held the drum chair for several Broadway and Off-Broadway productions including Little Shop of Horrors, Kristin Chenoweth: For the Girls, and Head Over Heels. In addition to her 20 years with Antigone Rising (Lava/Atlantic), she has performed with Rob Thomas, Bernie Worrell (Parliament Funkadelic, Talking Heads), The Go-Go’s, Anita Cochran and Williams Honor. Other past projects have included studio sessions with Lisa Loeb and Robert Randolph.

In this episode, Dena talks about:

* Developing a virtual clinic during the pandemic* The years she spent doing bus and van tours with Antigone Rising* The show that brought her to Broadway, and why her pedigree was the perfect fit for it* The increasing inclusivity in the Broadway community, especially among musicians* How rock touring skills translate to musical theatre* Her brief but meaningful brush with Leland Sklar

Dena endorses Pearl Drums and hardware, Zildjian cymbals, Evans drumheads, Promark sticks, SKB cases, Big Fast Snare Drum, Sledgepad and Ultimate Ears.

Mark Stepro is a Los Angeles-based musician originally from Galion, Ohio.

He is currently performing and recording with singer-songwriter-producer Butch Walker (Dangerbird Records), with whom he has been working since 2011, as well as singer-songwriter Brett Dennen (Elektra Records). He recently recorded the upcoming album by the Wallflowers, “Exit Wounds,” their first release in ten years. 

Since 2010, Stepro has performed and recorded with singer Mary McBride under the auspices of the U.S. Department of State as a Cultural Ambassador, presenting a program of American music overseas. The group has logged performances in twenty-three countries including Russia, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Indonesia, appearing in schools, hospitals, prisons, women’s shelters, orphanages, and places of worship.

He has also performed or recorded with Leon Bridges (including a European slot opening for The Rolling Stones), Panic! At The Disco, Gavin DeGraw, Jewel, Keith Urban, Rob Thomas of Matchbox 20, Brian Fallon of The Gaslight Anthem, Jackson Browne, Shooter Jennings, Hayes Carll, Dan Wilson, Ben Kweller, Andrew McMahon, Tom Morello of Rage Against The Machine, The Old 97s, Courtney Love, Corb Lund Sara and Sean Watkins of Nickel Creek, Morgan Kibby of M83, Mike Viola, Joe Pug, Robert Ellis, Adam Levy, and Tim Easton. He also spent five wonderful years and a staggering number of liver and brain cells as the bass player for Brooklyn indie-roots favorites The Madison Square Gardeners, led by Aaron Lee Tasjan.

He has studied with teachers Ed Soph, Steve Houghton and Glenn Kotche of Wilco.

He has performed on every continent except Antarctica and has appeared multiple times on The Late Show With David Letterman, The Tonight Show With Jay Leno, Conan O’Brien, Craig Ferguson, and Carson Daly, Jimmy Kimmel Live! and CBS This Morning

In this episode Mark talks about: 

* Teachable moments early in Mark’s life * From Ohio to New York to L.A.* Working with Butch Walker* Recording in 2021* Playing a last minute show on Conan O’Brien* To play or not to play to a click live* Engaging with your music community without relying solely on social media

Keith Dudek Recovery Fund

This episode is sponsored by Sonitus.

Mark endorses: Zildjian, Ludwig, Remo and Vater

Ross Pederson has been in New York for over a decade after going through the famed North Texas program and studying with Ed Soph. He tours and records with a number of notable New York based acts including Grace Kelly and Manhattan Transfer, and records, mixes, and produces at his home studio in Brooklyn.

In this episode, Ross talks about:

* Moving into a new house and starting a home studio from scratch* Being married to bassist Julia Adamy* His biggest takeaways from North Texas and Ed Soph* The musical families both he and Julia come from * Starting with Grace Kelly as a hired gun sub, and growing into a trusted collaborator

Ross endorses Meinl Cymbals

This episode is sponsored by Sonitus.

Keith Dudek Recovery Fund

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A professional musician since 1972, Doane Perry has been called one of the most prolific and versatile drummers in contemporary music.

His career spans over 28 years with the internationally acclaimed progressive rock band Jethro Tull, incorporating 18 world tours, countless records, videos, and DVDs, and a Grammy. As a performer, composer or producer, he has appeared on more than 100 records to date, many of which have attained gold or multi-platinum status, and also on numerous #1 records in multiple genres. He has worked in the recording studios of New York, Los Angeles, Sydney, and London. And as an author, he has been a featured writer for musical magazines, anthologies, book publications, websites, CD liner notes, Jethro Tull concert programs. 

He attended Browning, St. Bernard’s and Collegiate Schools in New York City. Later he briefly attended New York University and extension programs at The New School, Rutgers, and Juilliard, followed by extensive private musical study in jazz and orchestral percussion.

The people with whom Perry has worked with during his career reads much like a who’s who across many genres of music. The short list would have to include Lou Reed, Bette Midler, Todd Rundgren, Pat Benatar, Martha and the Vandellas, Peter Cetera, Dweezil Zappa, Stan Getz, Kitaro, Dionne Warwick, Liza Minelli, Jeffrey Osbourne, and Magellan.

In this episode (part 2), Doane talks about:

* Meeting Al Jackson when he was very young (11)* How he spends his practice time * “Great chops is simply the articulation of your own ideas, clearly” * A useful definition of what good technique is and can be* Composing and orchestrating * The current state of his compositions

Follow the link below if you are able to help out our friend drummer Keith Dudek. He is fighting to recover from Covid. There is a GoFund.Me page where you can help. Thanks – Matt

https://www.gofundme.com/f/keith-dudek-recovery-fund?utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link_all&utm_source=customer

Doane endorses: Premier, DW, Paiste, Remo, Promark, Rhythm Tech, Sure, Kick Port & Stick Handler

This episode is sponsored by Sonitus.

A professional musician since 1972, Doane Perry has been called one of the most prolific and versatile drummers in contemporary music.

His career spans over 28 years with the internationally acclaimed progressive rock band Jethro Tull, incorporating 18 world tours, countless records, videos, and DVDs, and a Grammy. As a performer, composer or producer, he has appeared on more than 100 records to date, many of which have attained gold or multi-platinum status, and also on numerous #1 records in multiple genres. He has worked in the recording studios of New York, Los Angeles, Sydney, and London. And as an author, he has been a featured writer for musical magazines, anthologies, book publications, websites, CD liner notes, Jethro Tull concert programs. 

He attended Browning, St. Bernard’s and Collegiate Schools in New York City. Later he briefly attended New York University and extension programs at The New School, Rutgers, and Juilliard, followed by extensive private musical study in jazz and orchestral percussion. 

The people with whom Perry has worked with during his career reads much like a who’s who across many genres of music. The short list would have to include Lou Reed, Bette Midler, Todd Rundgren, Pat Benatar, Martha and the Vandellas, Peter Cetera, Dweezil Zappa, Stan Getz, Kitaro, Dionne Warwick, Liza Minelli, Jeffrey Osbourne, and Magellan.

In this episode (part 1), Doane talks about:

* Playing producer, engineer, and drummer in his home studio* Bringing your ideas to the session* His work with Jethro Tull* Working with Lou Reed

Doane endorses: Premier, DW, Paiste, Remo, Promark, Rhythm Tech, Sure, Kick Port & Stick Handler

This episode is sponsored by Sonitus.

After years of steady touring and teaching, Steve set about cultivating a Youtube audience. In hundreds of videos, Steve analyzes drummers and drum parts from every imaginable genre and era, deconstructing the techniques and musical concepts that make them great. At 36,000 followers and over 6 million views, his channel’s popularity as a Youtube resource is on the rise and not looking back.

In this episode, Steve talks about:

* Why he started Junk Drummer TV and how it differs from other “react” videos* His pre-pandemic touring and teaching life* Building his playing and videos around what he really likes and cares about * How various types of Southern music and culture shaped him as a musician * The legacy of his hero, Levon Helm

This episode is sponsored by Sonitus.

Jack was born and raised in the Boston, Massachusetts area. Influenced by a musical family, he started playing drums at the age of nine and was playing in rock bands by the time he was twelve. 

He’s toured and recorded with many different artists over the course of his career including Joe Cocker for 20 years, recording and playing on all Tina Turner tours for 28 years, as well as tours with Elton John, Richard Marx, Peter Frampton and Taj Mahal. 

 He’s currently playing with Texas blues great Delbert McClinton.

In This episode, Jack talks about: 

* Getting the gig with Tina Turner* Touring eastern European countries in the 1980’s* Drumming behind singers* Changes in tech over the years * Filling in on an Elton John tour and how it came about* Moving Nashville and working with Delbert McClinton

This episode is sponsored by Sonitus.

Brody Simpson lives and works in Perth, Australia, where he is the co-owner of Underground Sounds, a full service tracking and production house. As a drummer, engineer, and producer, he is becoming known for a unique set of sounds influenced by Boom Bap, Drum & Bass, 808s, and other electronic genres.

In this episode, Brody talks about

* The alchemy of playing, tuning, mic selection/placement, and mix he uses to get his unique sounds* A few of his favorite plugins* The non-musical responsibilities of running a brick-and-mortar business* Not getting caught up in the hustle, staying patient and focusing on the music and sounds he wants to make* The extensive process of shaping the acoustics in his studio’s rooms. * His social media approach – “do our thing, not just something,” both when it comes to content and followers* Why he generally avoids extensive touring

Brody endorses A&F drums and Meinl cymbals

This episode is sponsored by Sonitus.

Anthony Grimani has spent 28 years in the audio industry, is a highly respected expert in home theater acoustics and design and consults worldwide. He is responsible for several audio/acoustic patents. His experience includes positions at Dolby and Lucasfilm THX where he led the development of both Dolby and Lucasfilm THX Home Theater technologies. In 2013, CEPro Magazine named him one of the “Top 20 Most Influential People of the Past 20 Years.”

Check out Sonitus USA here

In this episode, Anthony talks about:

* A/B-ing Matt’s studio with the sound treatment* The strategic use of absorbers and diffusers * The benefits of sound treatment in small rooms* How drums “sit” in the mix* The positive visual element of treatment 

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This episode is sponsored by Sonitus USA

With a drumming pedigree from Berklee and a musical ethos from the eclectic creative community in The Berkshires where he grew up, Max MacVeety has been embedded in the LA scene, specifically Long Beach, for over a decade. He has toured and recorded with Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, Lyrics Born, DJ Williams, and many others. Prior to that, he was based in Oakland, primarily riding the drum chair for seminal west coast hip hop group Crown City Rockers. He also helms his own studio, Bunkhouse Recordings, where he does drum tracking, mixing, producing, and artist development.

In this episode, Max talks about:

* The unique experience of growing up in the Berkshires where his father was a musician* How studying jazz and world music at Berklee made him turn to more socially conscious types of music* How he overcame imposter syndrome in the hip hop world * Oakland’s rich history and thriving creative community* The various musical cultures and subcultures of L.A. * How he uses Tik Tok * His experience playing with Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe* His studio, Bunkhouse Recordings, and the blurred lines between engineering, mixing, producing, etc.

Max endorses Bosphorus Cymbals and Mono Cases

Dan Needham is recognized in Nashville as one of the top session and live drummers. Dan has performed and/or recorded with Michael McDonald, Amy Grant, Peter Cetera, Dave Barnes, Chaka Khan, Nathan East, Garth Brooks, Sara Bareilles, Phil Keaggy, Gino Vannelli, Al Green, Billy Preston, James Ingram, Steven Curtis Chapman, Kenny Loggins, Christopher Cross, Carole King, as well as many other amazing artists.

Besides being in the studio, Dan has appeared on several nationally syndicated television shows including Regis & Kathy-Lee and the Pat Boone Show.

In this episode, Dan talks about:

* The balance between live and studio work* “Reading the room” when recording * Being a chameleon in the studio* Working with Michael McDonald * Early and important lessons

Dan endorses, Yamaha drums, Paiste cymbals, VicFirth sticks, Remo drumheads and SlapKatz

Joe Montague graduated from the renowned Jazz Course at Leeds College of Music in 2011 before embarking on a career as a touring drummer. Spending the next few years playing with numerous theatre shows and original projects, touring all over the UK and Europe, Joe soon found his passion in faithfully recreating the music of The Beatles. Through his website and email list, Joe offers a recreation of Ringo’s drums free for anyone who is interested. Joe is also the host of a podcast called That 60’s Recording Podcast. 

Joe tours worldwide in the internationally acclaimed theatre show Beatlemania, and has performed at The World Famous Cavern Club with The Cavern Club Beatles and worked with West End theatre tour Let It Be.

Joe endorses Amedia Cymbals and Balbex Drumsticks

 Ben Hilzinger is a Los Angeles-based drummer and songwriter with 20+ years of performing, recording and teaching experience. 

Currently the drummer for Eve 6, Ben has also written, recorded, and/or toured throughout the USA/internationally with MXPX, Fitness, Mike Herrera, The classic crime, tapir, cannons, chevy mustang, Party Nails, We Shot The Moon, prxzm, Glorybots, Ever So Android, Jake Cummings, Josh Eacrett, rental 58, ray little, Jody ellen, young Professionals, Dave Cavalier, madhawkes and many more. 

In addition to performing and teaching, Ben is the Director of Artist / Client Relations for Big Fat Snare Drum and hosts the ‘Big Fat Five’ podcast. Before moving to Los Angeles in 2016, Ben also taught drums/percussion/music theory both privately and at Off The Wall school of music in Seattle, WA. 

In this episode, Ben talks about:

* Finding his voice during the shut down* The Big Fat Five podcast* Ben’s Big Fat Five* Ben’s role at BFSD* Setting time aside for yourself* Finding work in L.A.

Anthony Grimani has spent 28 years in the audio industry, is a highly respected expert in home theater acoustics and design and consults worldwide. He is responsible for several audio/acoustic patents. His experience includes positions at Dolby and Lucasfilm THX where he led the development of both Dolby and Lucasfilm THX Home Theater technologies. In 2013, CEPro Magazine named him one of the “Top 20 Most Influential People of the Past 20 Years.”

Check out Sonitus USA here

In this episode, Anthony talks about:

* Sound Isolation vs Sound Treatment * Why Sound Isolation * STC or Sound Transition Class* The “how to” of sound isolation with graphics* Isolating the floor and ceiling 

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This episode is sponsored by Shure Microphones. Check out the new Drummer Bundle Track Pack now on sale!

Before Covid, Josh was between three worlds – drumming (mostly gigging with his brother in a party band), comedy & improv (performing around New York and working as an intern at NBC), and French Literature (his college major). During Covid, he started making videos in which he played along with different comedians, as a way of combining two of his loves to study and get better at both. He posted them on Instagram, TikTok, and Youtube, where they quickly went viral, garnering him hundreds of thousands of followers and millions of views, culminating in an appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.

In this episode, Josh talks about:

* How he goes about creating his transcriptions and videos* The importance of delivery, in comedy and music* Always thinking of ways drumming can go beyond the drums* Drum legends whose playing had an inherent comedic side* Thinking of the drumset as an emotional communication device* How social media’s algorithms lead to a homogenization of content* Monetizing and further developing his concept

This episode is sponsored by Shure Microphones. Check out the new Drummer Bundle Track Pack now on sale!