Drummer's Weekly Groovecast

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Episode 106 - Managing Social Media Jul 23, 2018

Show notes

Keeping tabs on social media use is now something all responsible people must do. Naturally we think that most of the problems generated by Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, come from the original poster. Sometimes that is correct. However with the omnipotence of technology and its accompanying social media, savvy users have to be equally careful simply being onlookers. In this episode Phil and Jon discuss the proliferation of several social media platforms and the benefits they offer. Likewise we dive into the worm hole of exactly what can go wrong when social media use goes awry. We cover issues like: bad posting etiquette, problems arising from overconsumption, loss of productivity, addiction, and anxiety resulting from social media overexposure. We then discuss proven, practical ways to loosen the grip of social media and get you back on the road to productivity. We also talk about our recent inclusion in Drum Magazine's top drumming podcast's list. We are humbled and honored to be listed with such wonderful people and podcasts. If you would like to see what was said about us click this link: http://drummagazine.com/streaming-the-beat-top-drumming-podcasts-right-now/ We also discuss a recent article written by listener Kyle Edmonston. His paper is about 'Time' and he cites episode 37 of the Drummer's Weekly Groovecast as one of his primary sources. Thanks Kyle and tremendous work! You can read Kyle's article by clicking this link: https://kyleedmonster.wordpress.com/2018/07/17/time/ Finally, we get another tip from Jon during our visit to the Drummer's Weekly Groovecast Garage. If you have broken or partially operational snare stands this segment is for you. Special thanks once again goes to everyone who has ever listened to the show. It means more to us than you'll ever know. If you haven't left a review for the show please swing by our page in Itunes and leave us a short review. We'll never ask you for money so if you have a few minutes to leave us a five star review we'd be very grateful. It helps us reach a bigger audience for people who are looking for our type of show. If you'd like to listen to any back episodes, view our videos, visit our social media, or get in touch with us go to our website at: www.drummersweeklygroovecast.com

Episode 105 - Stage Bullies Rebroadcast Jul 16, 2018

Show notes

Two years ago we ventured into the podcast arena with a topic that resonated with thousands of musicians. This week we revisit the original episode that started it all. Stage bullies come in all shapes, sizes, and volumes! Some musician bullies like to exercise their control when in leadership positions. Others are micro managers and like to dictate everything you play and do. Some leaders are nervous, snippy yellers who don't know how to deal with high pressure situations. You may also run into the ego maniac who likes to demean others and force his will onto the music and everyone at the gig. Conversely you may run into the brooding, passive aggressive player who sneers and gives condescending looks or comments. Those types of 'stage bullies' are only the most common! There are a myriad of others. Let us help you deal with them. If you haven't heard this original broadcast give it a listen. If you have heard it, check it out again. In this inaugural episode Phil and Jon sit down and discuss this negative aspect of performing by relating their own experiences and how they got past the problems. If you listen to our show on your Iphone or directly in Itunes please leave us a review! Simply click a 5 star review on our Itunes homepage. It helps us tremendously and allow people looking for shows of our type find us that much easier. Join us every week for brand new shows. Head over to our website at: www.drummersweeklygroovecast.com. There you'll be able to interact with our social media, view our videos, listen to all our shows, and contact us through our email form. You can also subscribe to the show on Itunes, Google Play Podcasts, Stitcher, Podbean, and everywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts. Subscribe today!

Episode 104 - The Two Year Anniversary Show Jul 09, 2018

Show notes

This week's show is dedicated to our listeners! Episode 104 officially marks the two year anniversary of the podcast and we celebrate with news, listener questions, two year statistics, favorite guests, favorite show moments, and more. We start the episode with Phil and Jon discussing the benefits of hosting the show by recently being invited to two major concert events. We then tackle a few listener questions. If you've ever experienced what you believe is carpal tunnel symptoms make sure you listen closely. We also cover the nebulous topic of shuffle differentiation. In particular we answer the question: "What is the difference between the Texas Shuffle and the Chicago Shuffle"? We then give our appreciation to the listeners who've supported the show for the past two years. We talk about the continual growth of the show and then play a 'stats game'. We go over podcast stats for several topics including: the most listened to show, top countries who listen, top non-English speaking countries, top US states, top US cities, top referring web sites, and much more. During the past two years we've experienced some memorable shows and guests. Phil and Jon reflect back to the creation of the show and ultimately how it led to their first episode, "Stage Bullies". They discuss how that initial topic resonated with many people and ultimately established their listener base from the beginning. The topic of favorite guests is then addressed. We go over our first interview, road trips, our first remote interview, the creation of the advisory board, and ultimately the lasting friendships that have resulted from this podcast. Special thanks once again goes to everyone who has ever listened to the show. It means more to us than you'll ever know. If you haven't left a review for the show please swing by our page in Itunes and leave us a short review. It helps us tremendously. If you'd like to listen to any back episodes, view our videos, visit our social media, or get in touch with us go to our website at: www.drummersweeklygroovecast.com

Episode 103 - The Adler Technique with Ted Mackenzie Jul 02, 2018

Show notes

For this episode we welcome back to the show author/educator/performer, Ted Mackenzie. In a previous show Ted spoke about his relationship with master teacher, Henry Adler, and how his knowledge of Adler's method led to him to be chosen to revise the popular book, "Buddy Rich's Modern Interpretation of Snare Drum Rudiments". In that show we discussed how he revised the book, his lessons with Adler, the publication process, and his companion methods that followed. Listener response to that particular show was tremendous. However there were several listeners who wished that we had discussed the actual Adler method and how it is applied to the book. We do just that in this show. Ted takes the time to discuss Adler's thoughts on grip (both matched and traditional), stroke motion, stroke heights, accepting the rebound, accents, non-bounce vs bounce strokes, wagging the brush, and more. Here you'll get the 'flyover' concept of Henry Adler's famous method. We also touch on how the Adler technique relates to other popular methods such as Moeller and Gladstone. We also discuss why the Adler method is not quite as prevalent as other techniques due to its perceived difficulty and depth of study. He also mentions a few teachers that he knows are qualified to teach the Adler method. Aside from Buddy here are few of Adler's higher profile students: Ed Shaughnessy, Louide Bellson, Charlie Perry, Sonny Igoe, Sonny Payne, Kenny Clare, Jack Sperling, Bobby Morris, Alvin Stoller, and Doug Allen. To see Ted explain and demonstrate some of the Adler concepts click on the links below. There you'll be taken to Ted's web site, his Amazon store, and video links for visual demonstration. Ted's website: www.tedmackenzie.com Resistance training: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZHThqTbp4g&feature=youtu.be Development of Hands and Wrists: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awZq8jgRRMw&feature=youtu.be Traditional Grip (Bounce): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSWDdjBHRoM&feature=youtu.be Ted's Amazon page: https://www.amazon.com/default/e/B00J3333UO/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1?redirectedFromKindleDbs=true Ted is also aware of three instructors that are qualified to teach the Adler Method. These teachers are: Nat Oliveri in North Carolina, Walt Heitner in Long Island, NY, and Christopher in Shaw in England. Contact Ted via his website for direct contact information to these teachers. The Drummer's Weekly Groovecast needs some help! We're calling upon our loyal listening audience to help us find an intern. We need someone who is well versed in website creation, search engine optimization, social media promotion, and research. If you or someone you know would like to be a part of our show please reach out to us. Send us a message on social media or an email from our website: www.drummersweeklygroovecast.com You do not have to live in Atlanta to be our intern. If you have skills and a reliable internet connection you will certainly be given full consideration. Join us every week for brand new shows. Head over to our website at: www.drummersweeklygroovecast.com. There you'll be able to interact with our social media, view our videos, listen to all our shows, and contact us through our email form. You can also subscribe to the show on Itunes, Google Play Podcasts, Stitcher, Podbean, and everywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts. Subscribe today!

Episode 102 - Surviving Outdoor Gig Season Jun 25, 2018

Show notes

Every year professional musicians brace themselves from April to October. That six to seven month span encompasses outdoor gig season. In this episode we welcome David Freeman, saxophonist/keyboardist of the Yacht Rock Revue, to the show. He's a long time, power listener and part time drummer. In his decades of performance experience Dave has had hundreds of performances during shed season. Aside from giving our personal stories about perfect outdoor gigs versus nightmare outdoor gigs Phil and Dave give a host of practical tips that will prepare you for anything that comes your way. We spend some time talking about listing and packing specialized equipment that will protect your gear and survive the rigors of the elements. In particular we talk about several different ways to protect your electronics from rain, humidity, and moisture. We give tips about self-preservation including different items to bring for personal comfort (insect repellent, sun block, cooling towels, etc.). We then cover the best and lightest ways to load and transport gear to keep you as fresh as possible during times of oppressive heat. If you have ever considered contracting outdoor events there are many aspects that differ from traditional, indoor gigs. Dave and Phil run through a list of requests that are mandatory when considering an outdoor gig. We cover everything from staging, to food and beverage needs, to case storage and miscellaneous rider inclusions. Finally we give you practical, on-the-job tips that can make a potentially bad situation tolerable if not enjoyable! Don't forget that the Drummer's Weekly Groovecast is looking for an intern. We need someone who is well versed in web site design, SEO, social media, promotion and creative writing. If you are interested or if you know someone who might be interested please go to our website: www.drummersweeklygroovecast.com and drop us a line. We can help you achieve college credit if you need it. Thanks to all of our listeners who have continually supported the show. We appreciate you very much. If you subscribe to the show using Itunes please stop by our page and leave us a short Itunes review. It helps our show grow organically by making us show up higher in searches where musicians are looking for our type of podcast.

Mini-Episode 12 - Flip-It Jun 21, 2018

Show notes

For this mini-episode of 'Accountability Thursday' we'll take a look at the companion piece to last week's show solo "Trip-It". "Flip-It" authored by Herman Wiegman is a traditional solo written in two-four with a couple interesting twists. At the start of the solo we roll off with a traditional, ternary seven stroke roll. However when we get to the first ending and prepare for the repeat we notice there's no seven stroke roll! This can be interpreted literally where upon repeat we'd play a single stroke on the downbeat of the first bar. However I took the liberty to 'correct' what could be a misprint and played the traditional seven stroke roll that would finish the first ending and lead back to the top (like the introductory roll off). Ultimately do whatever feels best for yourself but always remember that certain interpretation liberties can be used on these old solos. The next interesting twist is found at the beginning of the second half of the solo. The author writes the Lesson 25 rudiment three times in a row but forces us to alternate the rhythm when it is traditionally played all on one hand. Again practice these stickings exactly as written since they affect everything that is played afterward. Finally in the last two measures the author writes two separate sets of sixteenth note triplets that are connected with binary sixteenth notes. Play the binary sixteenth notes as a right handed paradiddle so that it will 'flip' the second set of sixteenth note triplets to lead with the left hand. Make sure you visit this link to see the YouTube video: You'll be able to view the sheet music as well as see a performance of "Flip-It". We want you to practice this solo and post your videos on our social media. Make sure you tag the show in your description. Also head over to our web site at: www.drummersweeklygroovecast.com You can subscribe to the show, listen to all our episodes, see our performance videos, interact with our social media, and get in touch with us there as well. We'll see you in a couple of weeks with our next mini-episode and every Monday with our full length feature shows.

Episode 101 - The Picks Show with author Jake Brown Jun 18, 2018

Show notes

We begin our show this week asking our audience for a little help. No, it's not for money! Rather we are in the market for an intern! That's right. We need some help in the I.T. department and feel sure that there's a student or professional musician out there that would love to help us. If you are familiar with social media promotion, web site design, SEO, and don't mind helping answer and send a few emails than you might have yourself a gig (or some college credit). Head on over to our website at: www.drummersweeklygroovecast.com and drop us a line. Before we get to our main topic of the day Phil breaks the news that he's had an article published in the July issue of Percussive Notes magazine. We also discuss the passing of drumming legend, DJ Fontana. We also talk about his contributions to rock and roll and his lesser known role as a Nashville studio drummer. This week Phil and Jon step outside the lines and do a show recommending some of their favorite things. We intentionally stay away from genres that we've picked in our recurring segments and choose things that inspire us when we're away from the drums. Phil's picks: 1) www.trello.com 2) http://vetrafitness.com 3) Karl Ove Knausgaard Amazon page: https://www.amazon.com/Karl-Ove-Knausgaard/e/B00NS0C37C Jon's picks: 1) http://www.kentvilledrums.com.au/ 2) http://thedrummershort.com/ We finish up by visiting with author, Jake Brown. Jake is the author of the book, "Beyond the Beats". His book is a collection of print interviews from 1980s arena rock drummers. He talks about how he started writing, the process of this book, and his future books highlighting different types of drummers. Join us every week for brand new shows. Head over to our website at: www.drummersweeklygroovecast.com. There you'll be able to interact with our social media, view our videos, listen to all our shows, and contact us through our email form. You can also subscribe to the show on Itunes, Google Play Podcasts, Stitcher, Podbean, and everywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts. Subscribe today!

Episode 100 - Interview - Rod Morgenstein Jun 11, 2018

Show notes

Rod Morgenstein is one of the preeminent musicians of our time. He is known for being in one of the most important fusion bands (Dixie Dregs) in history, one of the most popular hard rock bands (Winger, also known for their individual musical virtuosity as well) of the 80s, and a legendary educator (author of several popular method books, hundreds of pedagogical articles, and a twenty year stint at the Berklee College of Music). Fresh from an extensive North American tour with the Dixie Dregs, Rod was kind enough to join us from his home in New York to chat about drums, his education, performing, the music business, and his passion for writing and teaching. We discovered during our chat that Rod has connections with DWG guest and advisory board member, Tom Brechtlein. Both drummers studied under Ronnie Gould while attending Nassau Community College. Rod then transferred to the University of Miami where he befriended Danny Gottlieb, graduated with his music degree and ultimately formed the Dixie Dregs with Steve Morse, Andy West, Allen Sloan, and T Lavitz. We then discussed the music business and what it means to be a full member of a working band. Rod details the pros and cons along with how it sometimes pays to be a side man in certain situations. Winger happened just at the right time after the Dixie Dregs went on hiatus and Rod relocated to New York to find work. Rod tells us how a chance meeting turned into his lifelong dream of playing in a successful arena rock band. We finish up with Rod detailing how he was hired on a temporary appointment to teach at the Berklee College of Music. Ultimately it turned into a twenty year association with the school having Rod commute 240 miles (one way) each week during his tenure there. Finally we put Rod to the test with the DWG Rorschach test! You can visit Rod at his website: www.rodmorgenstein.com You can visit Rod's Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/rod.morgenstein Rod's books are available here: https://online.berklee.edu/store/product?product_id=11333&usca_p=t&offer_code=5610 Join us every Monday for brand new episodes. We can be found on Itunes, Google Play Podcasts, Stitcher, Podbean, Soundcloud and everywhere you listen to your favorite show. Also please visit our web site at www.drummersweeklygroovecast.com. Aside from accessing all our shows you can also view our videos, manage your subscription, access our social media, and email us using our contact form. Please share our podcast with your friends and leave us a review if you subscribe using Itunes.

Mini-Episode 11 - Trip-It Jun 07, 2018

Show notes

As we move into the month June and close in our 100th feature episode we continue pushing forward in the NARD book. This Thursday we'll be looking at the solo, "Trip-It". It'll be our second solo composed in six-eight hence the solo's name. Like most of our traditional rudimental solos this piece is felt in two but with a triplet undercurrent. Another facet of this solo that lends to its name is the author's use of triplets in the second half. One thing to watch out for is his use of triplets leading into paradiddles at the end of the third and fourth lines. In both cases he uses the triplet to turnaround the stickings forcing us to play three notes on one hand. That sticking is crucial to the feel and execution of the rudiments that follow those measures. Also pay particularly close attention to the crescendos that occur in the second half. They add texture and excitement to the solo since there are no other dynamic markings written aside from accents. Lastly, play the accented triplet rhythms (at the start of the fifth line and in the penultimate measure) with alternating stickings. Don't drag! Make sure you visit this link to see the YouTube video: https://youtu.be/dk47ewHgonU You'll be able to view the sheet music as well as see a performance of "Trip-It". We want you to practice this solo and post your videos on our social media. Make sure you tag the show in your description. Also head over to our web site at: www.drummersweeklygroovecast.com You can subscribe to the show, listen to all our episodes, see our performance videos, interact with our social media, and get in touch with us there as well. We'll see you in a couple of weeks with our next mini-episode and every Monday with our full length feature shows.

Episode 99 - Interview - Sam Fogarino Of Interpol Jun 04, 2018

Show notes

The North Georgia country side doesn't normally evoke the thought of rock stars. However Interpol drummer, Sam Fogarino, doesn't particularly care to live up to stereotypes. He's experienced the city life and finds himself quite comfortable living miles away from the rat race. Recently Sam invited me to his home and we set up shop in his guest house turned studio. We discussed the local music scene and his recent move just before the mics were turned on. Once we began our conversation flowed freely and easily. Sam discussed growing up in west Philadelphia and how he started playing drums. He navigates through his learning process and how his curiosity and spirit of investigation led him during his formative years. After several relocations Sam took a chance and moved to New York City with the hopes of finding like minded musicians to form a new band. While working in a clothing store (which sold vinyl as well) and contemplating the woes of the music business he was invited to watch a friend's band play. Ultimately it was the start of his relationship with Daniel Kessler and Paul Banks from Interpol. During a first for the DWG Phil and Sam listen to the Interpol song, "Obstacle 1" while Sam analyzes the song in real time! Listen closely to really get inside the creation and recording of this Interpol favorite. From there Sam tells us about a day in the life of an Interpol tour, his gear, the upcoming album release and tour, and the band's appearance on the Late Show with Stephen Colbert (Friday, June 8th). Finally we finish the show with a run through the gauntlet that is the DWG Rorschach Test. You can visit Sam and Interpol at their website: www.interpolnyc.com Join us every Monday for brand new episodes. You can subscribe to the show in Itunes, Google Play Podcasts, Stitcher and everywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts. Please visit our website at www.drummersweeklygroovecast.com. There you'll find every episode, all our videos, manage your subscription, access our social media, and contact us through our email form. Please share our show with your friend and co-performers! Also, if you subscribe in Itunes please take a moment and review our show with five stars. We'd greatly appreciate it!

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