Working Drummer

Latest Episodes:

307 – Josh Harmon: Drums & Comedy, TikTok for Drummers, Communicating Who You Are Through the Drums Feb 25, 2021

Show notes

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!

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306 – Room Treatment for Home Studios with Anthony Grimani – Sonitus USA Feb 18, 2021

Show notes

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:

* His transition from electronics to the science of acoustics* The distinction between sound treatment and sound proofing * Differences between diffusers and absorbers * How to treat a room and avoid a “boxy” sound from your drums* What Sonitus offers* Treating a mixing room

Fig #1Fig #2Fig #3 The Left wall or hi-hat sideFig #4 – front wallFig #5 – Right side wallFig #6 – the back wallFig #7 – The ceilingSonitus PremiumSonitus StandardSonitus UltraFig #8

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

This episode is also sponsored by Airgigs. Check out our Patreon page to get early access to our 7-part conversation with CEO David Blacker about how to build a profile and clientele on Airgigs.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

305 – Jay “J-Zone” Mumford: “Time is the Scariest Thing” Feb 11, 2021

Show notes

J-Zone spent the first chapter of his music career as a Hip hop DJ, but eventually burned out on various frustrations with the music business. His reentry into music began with reconnecting with the funk, soul, R&B, and jazz he grew up on, and an unexpected gift from his father, a cheap Sonor drumset. Obsession and instinct drove him further and further into the world of drumming, and what started as a mid-life hobby evolved into a drumming career.

He has released a series of solo breakbeat records, been sampled by Madlib, Prince Paul, Alchemist, Marco Polo, and recorded for Danger Mouse, Broken Bells, Lord Finesse, Pharoahe Monch, Karen O, Michael Kiwanuka, DJ Nu-Mark and many more. He is also the drummer and cofounder of instrumental funk outfit The Du-Rites.

In this episode, Jay talks about:

* His unconventional entry into drumming resulting in his instinctual non-“drummy” style and lack of drummy ego* How his producing background made him obsessed with the sounds of drumming* Discovering that his cred in the hiphop world meant little to nothing in the drumming world * “Convincing people that what you do can work for them” rather than changing what you do to suit everyone* The importance of restraint, whether in what to pursue or what you play* His experience interviewing legends like Purdie, Garibaldi, Greg Errico, and many others* The festival experience that showed him how all drummers are on the same team

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

This episode is also sponsored by Airgigs. Check out our Patreon page to get early access to our 7-part conversation with CEO David Blacker about how to build a profile and clientele on Airgigs.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

304 – Brian Czach: Finding and Creating the Work You Want, Building a Patreon page, Miles Davis Tribute: MILEStones Feb 04, 2021

Show notes

Brian Czach (pronounced “Zack”) is currently playing sessions and live shows around Nashville. Czach has devoted his life to being as creative and versatile anyone with a pair of sticks could hope to be. Born in Schenectady NY, he has experience playing in every imaginable musical setting, from the filthiest rock club, to the swankiest hotels, film & TV scores, artist sessions, tours, dance bands, and live theater, Brian’s musical experience is vastly extensive.

Brian leads a tribute to Miles Davis called MILEStones which plays monthly at Rudy’s Jazz Room in Nashville. He has toured/performed/recorded with: Reggie Wooten, Jimmy Castor & The Bunch, Clayton Anderson, Rick Monroe, Joshua Jones (Steel Magnolia), Dalton Gray, Scott Van Zen, Tony DeSare, Joe Piscopo, Martin Nievera, Clint Holmes, Rick Faugno, Zach Ryan, Amelia Eisenhauer Band, & Brynn Marie among many others. Production credits include: Mannheim Steamroller, Australian Bee Gees Show, You’ve Got A Friend, & Pin Up, as well as recording Film/TV credits “Gigolo” on Showtime Network & “I Am Rebel” on NGC.

Click here for Brian’s Patreon page

In this episode, Brian talks about:

* Providing regular content for his new Patreon page* Brian’s new home studio rebuild and sonic improvements* Working on cruise ships and Las Vegas and lessons learned* Band leading and creating your own work environment * Shifting gears between traditional live acts and heavily produced shows

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

This episode is also sponsored by Airgigs. Become a patron of the show on our Patreon page to get early access to our 7-part conversation with CEO David Blacker about how to build a profile and clientele on Airgigs.

Brian endorses: Istanbul Agop cymbals, Canopus snare drums & snare wires, Aquarian drum heads, Innovative Percussion drum sticks, Prologix Percussion Drum Pads, & Humes & Berg cases

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303 – Luke O’Kelley: Building an Airgigs Presence, Valuing Relationships Over Platforms, The Mind Game of Tracking Jan 28, 2021

Show notes

Based in Athens, GA, Luke O’Kelley has quietly built a long resume or live work and a large portfolio of session work ranging across pop, rock, country, and folk/singer/songwriter genres. His transition from marketing work to full time music coincided with joining Airgigs, which has been integral in Luke’s remote recording income. Artists he’s played with include Matt Papa, The Welcome Home, Son and Thief, The Tuten Brothers, Zach Seabaugh, Grant Cowan, Oak House, Andrew Brantley, and more.

In this episode, Luke talks about:

* What makes the Athens music scene special* Avoiding imposter syndrome, but also avoiding truly getting in over your head* How setting a low session rate might attract more clients, but more low quality clients* Luke’s article on getting more remote session work* Aaron Sterling’s dirty secret* Valuing personal relationships over digital contacts* Not psyching yourself out when tracking

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

302 – Josh Day: The Importance of Listening, Working with Sara Bareilles and John Oates, Real and Organic Relationships in Music Jan 21, 2021

Show notes

Nashville drummer Josh Day, has recorded and performed with top acts ranging from Sara Bareilles to John Oates, Jennifer Nettles and Brandy Clark.

Josh attended Appalachian State University and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education. After an additional year of post graduate at ASU for Musical Performance, Josh made the move to Los Angeles, where he attended the Musician’s Institute and graduated with honors in 2003.

Most recently, Josh has spent a considerable amount of time recording and performing with John Oates of the famed Hall & Oates, where he is a member of John Oates and The Good Road Band. He has also spent time performing with country singer-songwriter Brandy Clark. Josh is also a member of The Contenders, an original duo project with singer-songwriter-guitarist, Jay Nash. When not touring, Josh likes to spend time in his own recording/production studio, where he writes and records songs for film and TV, and also teaches lessons.

Throughout his career, Josh has also recorded and performed with many other artists, such as Carrie Underwood, Maroon 5, The Secret Sisters, Brent Cobb, The Kruger Brothers, Meiko, Jay Nash, and many, many others.

In this episode, Josh talks about:

* Staying productive during the shut down in 2020* Being efficient in your home studio* The importance of listening * The differences between what you learned in school and the real world* The influence of folk and bluegrass on Josh * Working with Sara Bareilles and John Oates

Josh endorses, Gretsch, Big Fat Snare Drum, Zildjian and Vic Firth

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

301 – Dan Bailey: Home Rig Practicality, Building Relationships (not contacts), Demystifying the Skillset and Process of Recording Drums – It’s a Job Jan 14, 2021

Show notes

Dan Bailey is a veteran musician/engineer based in Southern California.

He’s been Father John Misty’s drummer since 2014 and music director since 2017. With 20 years of studio experience, he records remote record drums and creates educational materials at my studio Trackland II.

In addition, he’s contributed to the live performances and recordings of, First Aid Kit, Reignwolf, Onerepublic, Aaron Lee Tasjan, Johnathan Wilson, Everest, Gambles, Pacific Air, Anderson East, Jon Foreman, B.o.B, Sean and Sara Watkins, Christina Aguilera and Escondido, among others.

In this episode, Dan talks about:

* Compartmentalizing your various duties when recording yourself (setting up mics/tracks vs. playing vs. editing, etc.) * The all-purpose beauty of the SM-57, and when/why to invest in high-priced studio gear* How to prioritize sound treatment in your space * Not thinking of session work vs. touring work as very different in terms of playing or relationships* How people’s perception of you is shaped by what you continue to say yes to, and having to say no to change that* Why “networking,” “hustle,” and “grind,” are the wrong terms for what musicians need to do to build a career* What playing with Father John Misty has taught him about constructing drum parts

Dan endorses Canopus Drums, Istanbul Agop cymbals, and Vic Firth sticks

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

300 – Our Favorite Moments from our Least Favorite Year, Fifteen Former Guests Featured Jan 07, 2021

Show notes

The last year has affected our lives, careers, relationships, and lives behind the kit in ways we never could have imagined. We’ve all lost work, but this time has also provided opportunities to learn, improve, and grow, musically and otherwise. So for our 300th episode, we want to highlight some of our most memorable interviews of the last 100 episodes. We’re going to hear from a handful of former guests who we feel best articulated ideas that kept coming up – obviously the various ways covid was affecting the lives and careers of our guests, but also the intersectionality of the music industry and the racial justice movement, concepts around technique and technology that drummers have been exploring at home during this time, and the psychological reckoning many of us have been going through, taking stock of what really matters to us and what our priorities should be moving forward.

In this Episode:

* Recording techniques with Kip Allen (260), Jordan Rose (267), Grady Saxman (272), and Eric Darken (279)* Physicality and performance with Dave Weckl (269), Todd Sucherman (232), Jimmy Paxson (262), and Steve Goold (250)* Racial justice and music with Otis Brown III (276), Derrek Phillips (274), Peter Retzlaff (275), and Matt Brennan (259)* Real life priorities with Beth Goodfellow (280), Steve Sinatra (212), and Christopher Allis (284)

Watch this episode here on YouTube:

This episode is sponsored by Shure Microphones. Check out the featured mic bundle DMK57-52

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

299 – Dave Elitch: Helping Pros Overcome Physical/Mental Barriers, On-line Course “Getting Out of Your Own Way – Redux” Dec 17, 2020

Show notes

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:

* Treatments and techniques that treat and prevent “drumming injuries”* Finding a balance between productivity and self care * Teaching players like Gregg Bissonette and Chris McHugh* The origin story of his teaching method* Helping people to overcome their physical/mental barriers* Important reads* His online teaching program “Getting Out of Your Own Way – Redux”

This episode is sponsored by Shure Microphones. Check out the featured mic bundle DMK57-52

Dave endorses: DW drums, Remo drumheads, Sabian Cymbals and Vic Firth sticks

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

298 – Randy Cooke: A Self-Imposed Freeze on Live Gigs, The Influence of an Approach, The Live Gig Hustle vs. the Session Gig Hustle Dec 10, 2020

Show notes

Influenced by his drummer father, Cooke picked up the drums as a child, learning and playing as part of a local drum corps in Toronto before starting his own bands as a teenager.[1] After high school, he took his talents to the recording studio and the national stage, recording and/or touring with the likes of FM, Lee Aaron, Strange Advance, Marc Jordan, Rik Emmett, Amy Sky, Sass Jordan, Kim Mitchell, Alannah Myles, and Alanis Morissette, and quickly emerged as one of Canada’s top session musicians.[2]

In 2004, Cooke relocated to Los Angeles and has since worked with some of music’s biggest names. Shortly after his move, he was selected to record and tour with Dave Stewart of Eurythmics. Impressed, Stewart recommended Cooke to Ringo Starr, who was looking for a band to back him up as he began the promotional circuit for his solo album, Liverpool 8. Cooke got the spot and would accompany Starr on drums on The Rachel Ray Show and at the European Capital Of Culture Celebration, among other major appearances.[1] Since moving to the US, he has also toured and/or recorded with Five for Fighting, Kelly Clarkson, Hilary Duff, Natasha Bedingfield, Colin Hay (of Men at Work), Pointer Sisters, Mick Jagger, David Archuleta, Mandy Moore, and Taylor Hicks.[3] He has also appeared on Jay Leno, David Letterman, Regis & Kelly, A&E Private Sessions, Larry King, CBS Early Show, The View, and Martha Stewart.

In this episode, Randy talks about:

* Getting video of EVERYTHING he does in the studio* His criteria for returning to travel work* The lasting influences of Stewart Copland and Steve Gadd* Getting multiple mini-lessons out of learning one short groove or fill* Habits from live playing that don’t serve you in the studio* Why LA was the place for him * The separate worlds of networking for live work vs. session work

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