122 – Sarah Tomek: Drumming with Steven Tyler, Defying Skeptics, Taking Chances, “Drum ID’s”

There are drummers and there is Sarah Tomek. With the rumbling authority of a John Bonham and the razor precision of a Keith Carlock, she has become one of the most in demand drummers today. Currently playing for Steven Tyler, Gretchen Wilson and the fast rising Americana band Loving Mary, Sarah Tomek commands a front row seat in the new class of top tier musicians.

Born and raised in Asbury Park, New Jersey, Sarah found herself behind the kit at an early age. Her father, Joe Tomek, a formidable drummer in the New York 70’s rock scene, inspired and shaped her natural talents. By her early teens, she was a club staple at world famous venues throughout NYC and NJ. By the time she was 20, she began making her name as a session player. Her precocious ability to play a multitude of genres with effortless pocket and feel made her the easy choice for many producers; recording for Maggie Rose, Glen Burtnik, Gedeon Luke, Lance Larson and Jon Bon Jovi, to name a few.

Sarah has been featured in Modern Drummer magazine and currently uses Ludwig drums, Paiste Cymbals, Vic Firth Sticks and Kelly Shu drum mounts.

In this podcast, Sarah talks about:

The many projects Sarah is involved with

The reason she moved to Nashville

The influence of her father’s drumming on her

The idea of “drum ID’s” and adopting them in your playing

Positive attitude

The joy of proving skeptics wrong who doubt the abilities of a female drummer

Touring with Steven Tyler and Gretchen Wilson

Staying healthy on the road