220 – Harry McCarthy & Jon Hull: The Business of Drum Teching, Cartage, Professional Backline

Harry McCarthy has offered his technical skills­­ on the road and in the studio for major artists such as Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band, The Eagles, Eric Clapton, Neil Young, Mark Knopfler, Carly Simon, Hall & Oates, Michael McDonald, Madonna, Toto, James Taylor, Keith Urban and numerous others. He was raised in the same metro New York neighborhood as successful drummers, Rick and Jerry Marotta. In 1989, he established Drum Paradise Los Angeles, with partner Jeff Chonis.

Throughout the late 80s and early 1990s, Harry toured extensively with many high profile acts. In 1994, McCarthy relocated to Nashville and established Drum Paradise Nashville, Inc. Throughout his career, McCarthy has assisted legendary drummers, including Steve Gadd, Jeff Porcaro, Don Henley, Rick Marotta, Jerry Marotta, Max Weinberg, Richie Hayward, Bernard Purdie, Vinnie Colaiuta, Jim Keltner, Mitch Mitchell and many others.

Jon Hull was born and raised in Chillicothe, OH. He started playing drums at age 13. Thoughout high school and college he played and recorded in various bands, and marched indoor drum corps. After finishing college and relocating to Nashville, he began working as a drum tech both on tour as well as in the studio. He has since worked with such artists as Jason Aldean, Paramore, OAR, Young the Giant, Story of the Year, and others.

Harry and Jon’s latest venture is The Drum Pad, a new teaching facility for drummers of any age or skill level.

In this episode, Jon and Harry talk about: 

* What is involved in being a drum tech * The “Drum Pad” in Drum Paradise* The origins on Drum Paradise * How Jon got the job of drum teching for Rich Redmond* Dealing with emergencies * Harry’s experience working the Super Bowl halftime show with Bruce Springsteen * Importance of understanding technology * Harry’s tech work with Jeff Porcaro * Managing your time and expectations in the music business