Working Drummer

Latest Episodes:

247 – Jerrod Sullivan: Playing with The 4 Korners, Studying at the Atlanta Institute of Music Dec 05, 2019

Show notes

“J-rod” isn’t your typical product of a family of musicians; rather, he grew up in a family who loved listening to music, and exposed him to Gospel and R&B. Through church and school he worked on his music, participating in bands and teaching himself bass guitar, keyboard, and music production. By 2006 he began posting drum cover videos to YouTube, the base of his ever-growing social media following, currently totaling 103K followers on Facebook and Instagram, not to mention his 43K YouTube subscribers.

After graduating from the Atlanta Institute of Music (studying music performance), J-rod joined The 4 Korners in 2013. As well as The 4 Korners, J-rod also drums for Alex Bugnon and Byron Cage. Besides being a full time performing musician, he continues to program live shows and produce for different artists under his business name: J-rod Sullivan Productions, LLC. J-rod has worked with the likes of Jidenna, Seven Streeter, Xscape, Bebe Winans, Everette Harp, Nick Colionne, Kenny Latimore, Chantae Cann, Avery Sunshine, Byron Cage, Alex Bugnon, Ronnie Laws and appeared in films such as BET’s ‘Being Mary Jane’, VH1s ‘Single Ladies’, Oprah’s ‘Greenleaf’, and BET HER.

In this episode, Jerrod talks about:

* The 4 Korners – formation, influences, and writing process* Setting himself apart from his peers with dynamics and touch* His experience in the Atlanta Institute of Music’s one-year performance program* Strategies for increased comfort behind the kit* His clothing company Got Pocket* How he has amassed over 100,000 social media followers

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246 – Matt Tecu: Playing “Ideas” in Sessions, Drumming in the Echo In the Canyon Documentary Nov 28, 2019

Show notes

Matt Tecu is a Los Angeles based studio and live touring drummer. Originally from St. Louis, Missouri. Matt has played on hundreds of recordings and thousands of live concerts world wide throughout the years. He has recorded and/or performed with such artists as Jakob Dylan, Cat Power, Neil Young, Brian Wilson, Stephen Stills, Nora Jones, Beck, Regina Spektor, Stephen Stills, Roger McGuinn, Daniel Lanois, Fiona Apple, Jackson Browne and Sam Morrow to name a few. He presently can be seen and heard in the new documentary/concert film ‘Echo In The Canyon’, as the house drummer for the whole project.

Matt lives in Los Angeles and continues to record and perform with some of musics legends as well as new up and comers like Sam Morrow. He also has taught private drum lessons for years.

In this episode, Matt talks about:

* Serving the song* Playing “ideas” in sessions* Echo and the Canyon documentary * The importance of Ringo* Matt’s journey

Matt endorses: Paiste cymbals, Pork Pie drums, Aquarian heads and Innovative Percussion

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245 – Mark Cobb: Playing with Yacht Rock Revue, Combining Clean Craft and Bombastic Showmanship Nov 21, 2019

Show notes

As the drummer in Atlanta’s ’70s juggernaut Yacht Rock Revue, Mark Cobb performs for thousands of rabid fans every week. From the Irving Plaza in Manhattan to the Playboy Mansion in Los Angeles, he brings to life the sounds of the most iconic studio drummers of all time — the Purdie shuffle, Russ Kunkel’s artful tom fills, Jeff Porcaro’s relentless grooves, Steve Gadd’s perfect precision — with stunning accuracy.
He’s performed at the Rose Bowl, the College Football National Championship, the NCAA Final Four, for 35,000 fans on the 4th of July at Turner Field, and on music cruises with Kid Rock, Weezer, KISS, Train, Zac Brown Band, Dinosaur Jr., Emmylou Harris and Heart.
Mark’s infectious enthusiasm for music and drumming was heightened during his time at the prestigious Indiana University School of Music. However, it was not until after he received his degree and spent a year in Los Angeles that he grew into the seasoned player he is today.
In this episode, Mark talks about:
* The good, bad, and ugly of social media* Building a tribute band around a concept rather than an individual artist* Getting era-specific sounds out of backline kits * Combining the styles and sounds of the era’s drummers into one setlist* How the rise of Yacht Rock Revue and the genre’s rise in popularity have fed each other
Mark endorses Vic Firth sticks, Porter & Davies, and Big Fat Snare Drum

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244 – Zack Stewart: Creating the Kind of Work You Want, Parallels Between Karate and Music/Drumming, Touring with Country Singer Jerrod Niemann Nov 14, 2019

Show notes

Nashville drummer Zack Stewart was born in Owensboro, KY. Zack began playing drums at the age of 10 when his parents bought him a snare drum and soon found himself playing in local bands and participating in his school’s music program. After high school Zack went on to attend the University of Kentucky and then the Percussion Institute of Technology in California. At PIT, Zack had the opportunity to study with some of the best players and teachers in World. While at PIT he was offered a full-time touring position with The Van-Dells. This led to him relocating to Nashville in the spring of 2005. Since coming to Nashville, Zack has gone on to work with many different artists including Josh Thompson, Rick Monroe, Sean McConnell, Josh Gracin, Lindsey Ell and has toured all the over the US, Europe, and parts of South America. Currently Zack tours with country singer Jerrod Niemann. When he’s not on the road Zack maintains a busy teaching schedule as well as conducting clinics and master classes throughout the South and Mid-West. In 2013 Zack became the Percussion Coordinator for the 24-time State Champion McGavock High School Band Program. Zack also is the owner and head karate instructor at Traditional Karate Nashville.

In this podcast, Zack talks about:

* Endorsements in the 21st century* Clinic information that’s useful* Working out musical parts* The parallels between karate and music/drumming* Creating the kind of work you want * Preparing for a 60 minute set in less than 24 hours

Zack endorses: Sonor Drums, Zildjian Cymbals, Humes & Berg, Remo Drumheads, Prologix Percussion and Vic Firth Sticks

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243 – Andres Forero: Original Drummer for Hamilton Nov 07, 2019

Show notes

TONY, GRAMMY and EMMY award winning Andrés Patrick Forero is the original drummer for the Broadway production of Hamilton, and is considered to be one of the best “crossover” drummer/percussionists in the industry. In 2002, Andrés connected with Tony award winning composer-lyricist Lin Manuel Miranda and Grammy award winning composer Alex Lacamoire. Andrés played a key role in the development of the drum book for In the Heights. Andrés can be found on the original cast recording that was released in 2008. This amazing musical partnership would be rekindled a few years later when Andrés was asked to join Lin and Alex again in the musical development for another Tony Award nominated musical; Bring it On.

In 2015 Andrés joined Lin and Alex during the development of Hamilton, An American Musical where he spent several months with the company during its off Broadway run. In 2016, Hamilton won the Grammy for Best Original Cast Recording and has since been certified Triple Platinum. The musical also set a record with 16 Tony nominations and took home 11.

In this episode, Andres talks about

* His early musical influences, from Bach to the Ohio Players* How music gave his childhood some direction and purpose* Playing with Ringling Bros. Circus* Understanding the elasticity of jazz* The physical and emotional stamina Hamilton requires* Constantly finding nuance in a musical

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242 – Personal Finance For Musicians: Financial Expert Michael Mercurio, Myths and Misconceptions of Personal Finance, Q & A from a Live Audience Oct 31, 2019

Show notes

Michael Mercurio is the Vice President, and a financial advisor for Stephen and Associates Financial Planning, with offices on Music Row in Nashville, TN and in West Palm Beach, FL. Michael works with clients in almost all financial stages of life throughout the country to create strategies that protect and maximize assets, retirement income, estate, and financial opportunities.

Michael works with clients in almost all financial stages of life throughout the country to create strategies that protect and maximize assets, retirement income, estate, and financial opportunities. Michael believes and has proven time and again that virtually everyone has substantial growth potential that they are not even aware of. He has helped numerous clients grow and protect their wealth throughout his years as a financial strategist.

People can get in touch with Michael at Michael@SandAWealth.com or request contact through http://www.sandawealth.com

In this episode, Michael talks about:

* Myths and misconceptions of personal finance * Understanding where your cash is going and why* How compound interest works when investing * The four basic rules of business* The importance of protecting your assets * Good debt * Different types of financial planning * Questions and answers from our audience

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241 – Mike Levesque: “Playing Drums Like a Songwriter,” Blues and More in Boston, “Buckabeat” Loops Oct 24, 2019

Show notes

Mike Levesque has spent his career in the Boston area. His touring and recording experience includes David Bowie, Seven Mary Three, Natalie Imbruglia, Susan Tedeschi, and many more. He plays on approximately one original record per month and fills out the rest of his schedule with 150-200 live dates per year, still saying yes to almost everything and preferring to be out playing than sitting at home on a given night. He is also currently in the process of launching Buckabeat, using the huge archive of material he’s recorded over the years with producer Sean McLaughlin, and a new model for selling samples and loops.

In this episode, Mike talks about:

* Still saying yes to almost every gig* The producers and studios in Boston he’s forged relationships with over the years* “Playing drums like a songwriter”* His recent fascination with Reggae drumming* His thoughts on the great shuffle debate* Building a new business and a new business model with “Buck-a-Beat”* Why he prefers doing sessions in person with artists and rather than remotely

Mike endorses Vater Drumsticks.

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240: Dave Stark – Defining Success in the Music Business, Working as a Clinician & Author, Parallels Between Drumming & Yoga Oct 17, 2019

Show notes

Dave Stark is a highly in demand session and touring drummer, as well as one of the world’s top drum instructors and clinicians. He’s been playing music since the age of 5 and drums since the age of 7. Born and raised in New York, Dave studied with legendary teachers Dom Famularo, Jim Chapin, Al Miller, Frankie Malabe, Gary Chaffee and an abundance of other great drummers.

After attending Berklee College of Music on a scholarship, Dave’s career took off quickly back in NYC where he became a first call session artist. He also started a teaching career which to this day, has many top drummers seeking out his advice and guidance. For over 25 years, Dave has traveled around the world doing clinics for Zildjian, Yamaha, and ddrum/clavia.

In this episode, Dave talks about:

* Defining success in the music business* Important teachers for Dave like Dom Famularo and Jim Chapin* Being prepared when work is scarce * His involvement in PAS* Parallels between drumming Yoga

Dave endorses GMS drums, Zildjian Cymbals, Vic Firth Sticks, Drum Muffs, Evans Drumheads, Tru Tuner and Soloman Mics

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239: Pudge Tribbett – Touring with Anita Baker, Tye Tribbett & Greater Anointing, “The Philly Sound” Oct 10, 2019

Show notes

Leonard “Pudge” Tribbett is currently the touring drummer for R&B legend Anita Baker. Pudge hails from the Philadelphia area, where he came up in the family business of Gospel Music under the leadership of his cousin Tye Tribbett and Greater Anointing. After attending college on a football scholarship, Pudge went straight into full-time playing and hasn’t looked back. In addition to Anita Baker, Pudge’s resume also includes Roberta Flack, Ray Chew, Regina Bell, and Sheila E, and he is also part of the creative team behind Soul Surplus sample packs.

In this episode, Pudge talks about

* Anita Baker’s “in the moment” approach to live shows* Getting involved in Greater Anointing as a teenager, and the foundation it laid for his career* Splitting time in college between football, academics, and music* What he learned on a tour opening for Don Henley* “Don’t play what’s in front of you, play what’s in you” * The mentorship of fellow Philadelphian Brian Frasier Moore* His relationship with gear

Pudge Tribbett endorses DW Drums, Sabian Cymbals, and Remo Drumheads

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238 – Jay Tooke: Drumming and Producing, Touch and Tone, Working with The Steel Woods and Life after the Band Oct 03, 2019

Show notes

Originally from Saskatchewan, Canada Jay Tooke grew up playing bass, drums, guitar, and piano. Before his eventual move to Nashville, TN he spent 15 years dividing his time between traveling the world playing and singing with many artists like Michelle Wright, Chad Brownlee, Doc Walker, Dean Brody, Jodi King and One More Girl as well as writing songs and honing his craft of producing records.

Looking to expand his musical horizons and opportunities, Jay eventually made Nashville TN his permanent home around 2012 where Jay continued to produce as well as build upon his reputation as a solid, tasteful drummer. All of this lead to a 3 1/2 year relationship with the band The Steel Woods. During the week of this podcast recording, Jay announced his decision to leave the band. With recording and producing projects on the horizon, Jay will stay busy expanding his roles in music all while leaving room for growth in an ever changing industry.

In this episode, Jay talks about:

* Building relationships and comradery on the road * Touch and tone * His tenure in Winnipeg, Canada and what he learned* Challenges to immigrating to the U.S.* Recording and touring with The Steel Woods* Pursuits after The Steel Woods* The current climate of endorsements

Jay endorses Pearl Drums, Innovative Percussion Sticks, JH Audio and Aston Mics

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