Working Drummer

Latest Episodes:

267 – Jordan Rose: Movement and Touch, Overcoming Hearing Loss, Making Your Sound Fit Anywhere Apr 30, 2020

Show notes

A native of Houston, Texas, drummer Jordan Rose has performed at festivals and venues throughout the US, Canada, Europe, Mexico, Asia, and the Middle East. From 2012-2014 Jordan toured extensively with multi-Grammy award winner Joe Louis Walker. He now resides in Brooklyn, New York where he’s had opportunities to collaborate with Charlie Puth, Jeff Coffin, Nona Hendryx, Bakithi Kumalo, Louis Cato, and many others. Recently, he has toured with Theo Katzman and Corey Wong of Vulfpeck, The Blues Brothers, and Caleb Hawley.

In this episode, Jordan talks about:

* How his style of movement behind the kit developed* Using a lighter touch in a smaller recording space * Learning recording techniques from Aaron Sterling and Dan Bailey* Relying on touch and feeling when he couldn’t trust his hearing* Growing up in Houston, and how the music scene there shaped him* Merging generations and genres in instrumental music, and different band leadership styles between them* His first touring gig after college with blues man Joe Louis Walker, and how it helped set him on a path of roots/groove-based drumming

LA Fonda Theatre. Photo: Dara Munnis. @daramunnisLA Fonda Theatre. Photo: Dara Munnis. @daramunnisLA Fonda Theatre. Photo: Dara Munnis. @daramunnis

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

266 – Louis Newman: Adapting to Change, Drumming for Gretchen Wilson, Son of Famous English Rock Drummer Apr 23, 2020

Show notes

Louis Newman was born in London England as the son of famous rock drummer Tony Newman and moved to Nashville at a very early age of two. Louis moved back to London at age fifteen to pursue a career as a session drummer before finally settling back in Nashville in his early 20’s.

Louis is the current touring drummer for country singer Gretchen Wilson. Louis’ wife Gwen Sebastian performed on The Voice which lead to touring work with Blake Shelton and currently Miranda Lambert. Before this time, Louis performed a variety of roles from manager, to drummer.

(side note)****If you have questions about finances during this time, we recommend you get in touch with Michael Mercurio at Michael@SandAWealth.com or request contact through http://www.sandawealth.com

In this episode, Louis talks about:

* How he’s making the most of the covid-19 shutdown* Taking stock of years of experiences* Studio lessons from Aaron Sterling* Being the son of a famous English rock drummer, Tony Newman* Drumming for Gretchen Wilson* Band leading and drumming for his wife Gwen Sebastion

Louis endorses Pearl Drums, Paiste Cymbals, Promark sticks, JH Audio and SKB Cases

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

265 – Steve Hass: Finding Success in NYC then LA, Identity vs. Versatility, The Setup/Motion/Sound Connection Apr 16, 2020

Show notes

Over his multi-chapter career, Steve Hass has found success on both coasts playing with Ravi Coltrane, Richard Bona, and John Scofield, and The Manhattan Transfer among others. He has recently launched a new Patreon endeavor which combines some playing-based lessons with “behind the scenes” info from gigs he’s been on over the years.

In this episode, Steve talks about

* How being versatile can make it hard to find your own identity* Finding your “local flow”* The LA scene being a bit less welcoming to new voices than New York, although that’s changing* How to behave when bandleaders don’t set you up to succeed* Physical issues (pain, numbness, etc.) that are tied to set-up issues, which are sometimes tied to vanity* How finding your motion will help you find your sound* Making a couple easy choices go a long way in capturing multiple vibes on a single gig

Steve Hass endorses Yamaha drums, Sabian cymbals, Vic Firth sticks, Evans drumheads, and GonBops

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

264 – Kari Paavola: Living and Drumming in Vienna, Budapest, London and Helsinki, Providing Valuable Information for Freelancers Apr 09, 2020

Show notes

Kari Paavola is a freelance drummer who started his career in the club scene in Helsinki, Finland. Kari studied at the Musicians Institute in Los Angeles before moving to London.

After two years in London, Kari joined the band Cinerama, an international touring act, and toured across US four times as well as shorter tours of Europe and UK. In addition, he did the Womack and Womack UK tours in 2006 and 2008. In 2009 he toured with Womack and Womack again as the drummer and Musical Director.

During his time in London, Kari recorded albums and demos and appears on 17 internationally available albums including a Top-40 hit in the UK when The Wedding Present song I am from further north than you entered the charts.

Kari currently lives and works in his home town of Helsinki, Finland and offers a masterclass / seminar on important aspects of working as a freelance musician.

******If you have questions about finances during this time, we recommend you get in touch with Michael Mercurio at Michael@SandAWealth.com or request contact through http://www.sandawealth.com

In this episode, Kari talks about:

* Dealing with the Covid-19 situation* His time working in London* Living and working in Vienna, Budapest, and Stockholm* Lessons learned after losing a gig * Kari’s masterclass on freelancing * Organizing tours and bands for American artists

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

263 – Quarantine Roundtable with Nick Ruffini: Resources for Musicians, Ways to Use the Downtime, Finding Your Voice Apr 02, 2020

Show notes

Our annual chat with Nick Ruffini of Drummer’s Resource happens to coincide with pretty much the weirdest and most challenging time most of us will go through. We discuss some ways freelancers can get help, the pandemic’s implications for the future of the music industry, and what we’re all using this time to focus on.

HERE ARE SOME RESOURCES FOR MUSICIANS:

https://www.grammy.com/musicares

https://www.sweetrelief.org/

https://www.usa.gov/unemployment

https://cityofbostonartsandculture.submittable.com/submit/162763/boston-artist-relief-fund

https://www.unitedwaynashville.org/

COVID-19 Emergency Funding and Artist Resources

https://musicunitesus.bandzoogle.com/home?fbclid=IwAR2yQ57t3hm69Yw0GCbbIijA6uzlZhKdu89A5-i4zNeQm71br5TmzJNO1Ik#financial-assistance

In this episode, Matt, Zack, and Nick talk about

* Organizations musicians can turn to for help* Nick’s reignited passion for drumming after years of focusing on producing podcasts* Getting in touch with how you really want to sound – whatever you play, MEAN IT. * Ways drummers can set themselves apart in the remote tracking market * What we’re watching on TV

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

262 – Jimmy Paxson: Drumming for the Dixie Chicks, Stevie Nicks, Ben Harper, Lessons Learned from Veterans like Waddy Wachtel & Joe Sample Mar 26, 2020

Show notes

Jimmy Paxson has toured, performed and/or recorded with Stevie Nicks, The Dixie Chicks, Alanis Morissette, Idina Menzel, Ben Harper, Ellen Harper, Charlie Musselwhite, Eikichi Yazawa, Edgar Winter, Ronnie Montrose, Stanley Clarke, Rod Stewart, Joe Sample, Randy Crawford, Robben Ford, Philip Sayce, Waddy Wachtel, Keiko Matsui, Sophie B. Hawkins, Sub.bionic, Lady Antebellum, Don Henley, Steve Vai, Sheryl Crow, Roy Gaines, Rick Derringer, Ravi Coltraine, Jerry Goodman, Dave Stewart, Mike Campbell, Johnny Rivers, A Fine Frenzy, Anna Nalick, Adam Levine, Vanessa Carlton, Lili Haydn, Annie Clark (of St. Vincent), Larkin Poe, Ladies of the Canyon, Abandon Jalopy with Brad Smith of Blind Melon, Shy Carter, Batture Boys with Tommy Malone and Ray Ganucheau, Jenni Alpert, Andra Day, Sunnie Paxson, Cagnet, Barbara Morrison, Bernard Fowler, Julian Coryell, Rachael Spector, Elizavetta, Ray-J. and Giorgia. His organ trio “The Casualties of Jazz” (with bassist Chris Golden and Matt Rohde on B3 Hammond Organ) recorded a critically acclaimed record of Black Sabbath songs performed as organ jazz called Kind of Black.

He is the son of Philadelphia Jazz musicians – Drummer Jimmy Paxson Sr. and Pianist Sunnie Paxson.

In this episode, Jimmy talks about:

* How the music community is dealing with the health emergency* Drumming for the Dixie Chicks* Lessons learned from Waddy Wachtel during his Stevie Nicks gig* What Jimmy learned from his parents who were pro musicians * Being creative in the studio with everything from trashcans and suitcases * Studying with Murray Spivack in L.A.* Sheet music software Aero Drums

Jimmy endorses: C&C Drums, Zildjian Cymbals, Earthworks, Dunnett Snares, DW Hardware and Innovative Percussion Sticks

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

261 – Khari Parker: Chicago Born & Bred, Playing with George Benson and Destiny’s Child, The Importance of Playing in a Room with People Mar 19, 2020

Show notes

Khari Parker has spent his entire life in Chicago. He began playing drums in church and became interested in jazz and fusion during his high school and college years. He left college to gig full time and hasn’t stopped since, remaining in high demand by acts spanning jazz, rock, R&B, and gospel. He gained notoriety playing with Destiny’s Child in the late 90’s and is currently the touring drummer for George Benson.

In this episode, Khari talks about:

* Going to a small regional college rather than a huge program* How he would construct a college drumming curriculum * The driving musical forces of the Chicago scene* How remote tracking lacks the critical elements of in-person collaboration and in-the-moment invention* Managing his energy during shows when he began playing arenas with Destiny’s Child* The lineage of George Benson drummers (Gadd, Mason, et al)

Khari endorses Yamaha drums, Vic Firth sticks, and Sabian cymbals.

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

260: – Kip Allen: Cultivating Your Own Voice & Sound, Working with Producer Jay Joyce, Building a Strong Instagram Following, Drumming for Devin Dawson Mar 12, 2020

Show notes

Kip is the touring and recording drummer for Nashville artist Devin Dawson. Drumming for Devin allowed Kip the opportunity to work in the studio with award winning producer Jay Joyce.

Kip is known throughout the drumming community for his well produced and insightful video clips on Instagram that has garnered a sizable following.

Originally from Dallas, Texas, Kip Allen moved to Nashville, Tennessee to attend Belmont University to study commercial percussion. During his time in and around his time at Belmont, Kip traveled, and playing drums, with Devin Dawson, Paul Childers and the Black Tie Affair, Forest Fire Gospel Choir, and Baylor Wilson just to name a few.

In this episode, Kip talks about:

* Setting aside practice time to work on recording techniques * The importance of finding space in your playing * Cultivating your own voice and sound* Working with producer Jay Joyce in the studio* Kip’s effective use of Instagram * The use of samples in recordings

Kip endorses: Dw Drums, Pedals and Hardware,Drumtacs & Madbox Cajons

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

259: Matt Brennan – Author of “Kick It: A Social History of the Drum Kit” Mar 05, 2020

Show notes

Matt Brennan is an author, musician, and researcher. His creative practice as a musician informs his teaching and research process, which also draws from historical, sociological, business, and ethical approaches to understanding music in society.

At the University of Glasgow he is Director of the Interdisciplinary Music Industries Research Group (IMIRGe) and Convenor of the MSc Music Industries degree.

He has served as Chair of the UK and Ireland branch of the International Association for the Study of Popular Music (IASPM), and held a Leverhulme Early Career Fellowship and Chancellor’s Fellowship at the University of Edinburgh prior to taking up his current post as Reader in Popular Music.

Matt has authored, co-authored, and edited several books in the field of popular music studies. His latest book, Kick It: A Social History of the Drum Kit (Oxford University Press 2020), establishes the drum kit’s central role in shaping the history of music over the last 150 years.

BUY THE BOOK HERE – for 30% off, enter promo code AAFLYG6 at checkout

In this episode, Matt talks about:

* Why the drums have been simultaneously maligned and indispensable for so long* How negative views of drummers and drumming are rooted in the slave trade and racism* The history of solidarity among working drummers* The role the drums and drummers played in the birth of many musical genres* How The Beatles and Ringo made the drum industry global

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

258 – Creighton Doane: Drummer, Mutli-instumentalist and Producer, A Drummer’s Sensibilities when Arranging and Writing Feb 27, 2020

Show notes

Creighton Doane’s musical life began at a young age in a household where music formed the heart and soul of the home. A mutli-instumentalist and talented producer, Creighton has played drums and toured the world with artists like Allah Myles, Harem Scarem and sister Melanie Doane. He has and performed with some of Canada’s best-know artists in a variety of genres. Moving his talents to the studio, Creighton brings a wealth of knowledge to a diversity of projects – from writing custom music for advertising and TV; to composing for film and theatre; to songwriting and record production; while continuing to push the envelope behind the kit.

In this episode, Creighton talks about:

* Sound design in theatres* The advantage of a drummer’s sensibilities when arranging and writing * His transition from playing live to studio work* Modern recording applications* Creating situations that build upon your experiences * “Faith” as a part of your business plan

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

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected