376 - Kris Myers: 20 Years with Umphrey's McGee, Coming Up in Chicago, Finding Where You Belong, Musically and Personally

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