Working Drummer

Latest Episodes:

097 – Billy Freeman: Drumming for Dustin Lynch, Facing Your Doubts and Fears, Discovering Drums from an Early Age Jan 04, 2017

Show notes

A Native of Garland Texas, Billy Freeman grew up around local Opry houses and by the age of 12 took over the job as house drummer for the Garland Opry and performed every Saturday night till the age of 18. In addition to the Opry gig, Billy stayed involved in every music activity he could throughout high school. Beyond high school, his passion for drumming continued.

(From the on-line publication – Nashville Three-Sixty) – By age 20, he was a proven player attracting attention. He did session work and played some gigs with LeAnn’s (Rimes) band members and spent a decade in the Dallas music scene networking and freelancing a burgeoning career. At one time, he was juggling playing with ten different artists. He met a lot of players during his years playing the club circuit and focused on building real relationships from his associations. Billy wasn’t content to be a casual bystander in the Dallas music scene. His intent was to be as present and vital as a pulse in his community, creating a body of work to further and sustain his musical growth.

This experience put Billy on the fast track to becoming an extremely competent player and in 2012 beat out over 5000 other drummers to make the Guitar Center Drum-Off grand finals. This led to his touring gig for a year with country legend, Neal McCoy. In 2013 he moved to Nashville after successfully auditioning for singer Dustin Lynch and has been touring with him ever since.

In this podcast, Billy talks about:

Learning from others while on tour

Discovering the drums at a very early age

Understanding subtlety in musical drummers at an early age

The Dallas music scene

Responsibilities of a musical director

What lead to the Dustin Lynch gig

Preparing for a future off the road

Facing your doubts and fears

Maintaining your chops while on the road

His responsibilities with Dustin’s gig

Billy endorses: Ludwig drums, Zildjian cymbals, Vic Firth sticks, Kelly Shu mic mounts and 1964 in-ears

This episode is sponsored by Sonor drums

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096 – Herman Matthews: Being a Feel Specialist, Giving Each Groove its Due, “Have Drums, Will Travel” Dec 28, 2016

Show notes

Herman Matthews has been an L.A. fixture for almost three decades and his resume includes names such as Tom Jones, Kirk Whalum, Tower of Power, and Hugh Laurie. Between the big gigs, his “have drums, will travel” attitude has always kept him working with other acts, either on smaller tours or playing locally in L.A. He is currently the touring drummer for Timothy B. Schmidt of The Eagles.

Herman grew up in Houston, TX, and began playing drums in his uncle’s blues organ trio at age 11. He moved to L.A. in 1987, when he was offered the drum chair in saxophonist Kirk Whalum’s band.

In this podcast, Herman talks about:

The challenge of diversifying your playing in a market full of specialists, and avoiding being seen as a one-trick pony

The experience of getting fired, along with the rest of the band, from the Tom Jones gig

His approach to navigating songs and the group dynamic when taking over for another drummer

Trends in drumming, and incorporating only the ones that fit his character

Why he prefers bigger drums and cymbals, and finding the drum sounds that compliment your particular tendencies as a player

His favorite bassists to play with

Knowing how to negotiate to stay busy

Herman Matthews endorses DW Drums, Sabian Cymbals, Remo Drumheads and Innovative Percussion

This episode is sponsored by Sonor Drums.

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095 – Garrett Goodwin: Drumming For Carrie Underwood, The Nashville Sampling Company, Less Than Conventional Set-up Dec 21, 2016

Show notes

While Garrett Goodwin began his career playing in the backdrop of worship movements across the country (Zoegirl, Jeff Deyo of Sonicflood, Lindell Cooley, two-time Dove Award winner By The Tree), he has since transitioned fluidly through the musical world. Most recently, Garrett has spent the last decade as the drummer for Carrie Underwood. He’s also performed live with Lindsey Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac and Steven Tyler of Aerosmith; on Saturday Night Live, Jimmy Fallon, The Grammy Awards, The American Music Awards, The People’s Choice Awards, Billboard Awards, among others.

Garrett resides in Nashville, Tennessee, where you’ll see him co-leading KMLM.org, a non-profit organization with the mission of sending bags that give hope to children in need. For every bag purchased, another bag full of educational materials is sent to a child.

Throughout his career, Garrett has played for over 1 million people… for each tour he’s been on, and was named #1 up and coming drummer in Modern Drummer Magazine in 2013. Just this year, (2016) Garrett was nominated for Country Drummer of the Year.

Garret has also shared the stage with Little Big Town, keith urban, Hunter Hayes, Vince Gill, Randy Travis, Brad Paisley, Miranda Lambert, Orianthi, Dolly Parton, Josh Turner, Craig Morgan, Billy Currington, David Cook, Bryan Adams, Sons of Sylvia.

Garrett has played at these notable places: Grand Ole Opry, Royal Albert Hall, Madison Square Garden, Hollywood Bowl, Sydney Opera House.

In this podcast, Garrett talks about:

Making good use of his downtime while on tour

What advice he gives to aspiring players

Using electronics on the Carrie gig

How the Carrie Underwood gig came about

His less than conventional set up

The Nashville Sampling Company

HIs Modern Drummer accolades

His non-profit organization – Know Me Love Me (KMLM.org)

What the future holds for Garrett

Garrett endorses: DW Drums, Sabian Cymbals, Remo Drumheads, Promark Sticks, DRUMTACS, BIG FAT SNARE DRUM

This episode is sponsored by Sonor Drums

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

094 – Larry Aberman: 13 Years with Zumanity on the Las Vegas Strip, Taking Direction, Navigating the Vegas Scene Dec 14, 2016

Show notes

Larry Aberman was handpicked to be the drummer for Cirque du Soleil’s Zumanity, a show specifically conceived to be featured in a 1,200 seat theatre at New York New York in Las Vegas beginning in 2003. Before that he spent time in LA and New York maintaining a busy touring and recording schedule, primarily with pianist Joe Sample. In 13 years with Zumanity, Larry has been involved in the show’s creative process, working with musical directors, composers and fellow musicians to help create and subsequently update the show.

In this podcast, Larry talks about

What it means to be a generous player

Working with different musical directors on Zumanity, navigating his role in the show, and knowing who is boss is

Networking in Las Vegas

Teaching at UNLV, and how the Las Vegas scene informs the curriculum there

How most auditions are designed to see how you perform under adversity

The trade-off of turning down work because of his commitment to Zumanity

His long-standing relationship with DW

The physical demands of playing ten shows a week in Vegas vs. five shows a week with a band on the road

Larry Aberman endorses DW Drums, Remo Drumheads, and Zildjian Cymbals & Drumsticks.

This episode is sponsored by Sonor Drums

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

093 – Steve Smith: Drum Legend, Touring Again with Journey, New Book: The Pathways Of Motion, Defining Drum Set Technique, Nashville Drummer Jam Tribute Dec 07, 2016

Show notes

Steve Smith‘s drumming, while always decidedly modern, can best be described as a style that embodies the history of U.S. music. His command of jazz, from New Orleans music, swing, bebop, avant-garde to fusion, is applied with his powerful rock drumming sensibilities and allows him to push the boundaries of all styles to new heights.

Originally from Massachusetts, Smith began studying the drums at age nine, in 1963. After high school, Smith studied music at the Berklee College of Music in Boston from 1972-76. There he received valuable instruction from such renowned teachers as Gary Chaffee and Alan Dawson.

Smith’s professional career began in full at 19 years old and began touring and recording right away with jazz artists like violinist Jean-Luc Ponty and rocker Ronnie Montrose. In 1978, Smith was asked to join the popular rock band Journey which brought his playing to the attention of a rock audience. In 1985 Smith left Journey to pursue his original passion, jazz, and to continue his developing career as a session player.

Steve began leading his own fusion band, Vital Information while still a member of Journey. The group recorded their first album in 1983 and continue touring and recording to this day. He has also maintained an extensive touring and recording career, appearing with many jazz luminaries such as Mike Mainieri’s group Steps Ahead. Other high profile jazz touring and/or recording gigs that have filled Steve’s schedule include such artists as Ahmad Jamal, Michael Manring, Stanley Clarke, Randy Brecker, Zakir Hussain, George Brooks’ Summit and the Buddy Rich Big Band.

As a drummer, Steve has worked for, and with, the best. He is consistently pushing the boundaries of creative drumming and constantly expanding his strong musical voice at the top of the international drumming community. As an educator, Smith is both the eternal student and perpetual teacher of the drums with many books and DVD’s to his credit including his latest book/DVD combo: The Pathways of Motion.

In this podcast, Steve talks about:

His touring schedule in 2016 and the variety of styles he covers

Mixing yourself and creating balance on the kit

Using in-ears for the first time with Journey

Preparing for the Journey tour

Creating a center of balance on the kit

His new book “Pathways Of Motion”

Defining “Drumset technique”

His lessons with Freddie Gruber

Learning to play the instrument in the information age

His art project: The Fabric of Rhythm – stevesmithdrumart.com

Steve endorses: Zildjian Cymbals, Remo Drumheads, Sonor Drums, Vic Firth Sticks, Puresound Snares, Sure Microphones, Cympad, Hudson Music

This episode is sponsored by Sonor Drums

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

092 – Jamison Ross: Combining His Drumming and Singing Roots, Leading a Band from the Drums, The Importance of New Orleans’ Drumming Lineage Dec 01, 2016

Show notes

Jamison Ross is doing what no drummer has ever done – drumming, singing, composing (music and lyrics), and bandleading, all from the front and center of the stage. He is the 2012 winner of the Thelonious Monk Jazz Competition. He won only as a drummer but at his showcase concert, he shocked the jazz world by singing as well. This set him on his current path bringing his unique concept to jazz which combines the influences of his church roots, his jazz drumming heroes, and the great voices of Soul and R&B.

Jamison grew up in Jacksonville, FL, graduated from Florida State with a degree in Jazz Studies, and went on to earn a master’s degree at the University of New Orleans. He has made his home in New Orleans since. Before entering the Monk Competition, he was already busy as a sideman with Ellis Marsalis, Carmen Lundy, Marcus Roberts and many others.

In this podcast, Jamison talks about:

Growing up in Jacksonville and being exposed to many different art forms from an early age

How the lineage of the drumset is tied to the lineage of jazz, and how funk, R&B, rock, and other styles can be traced back to jazz drumming

The experience of competing in and winning The Thelonious Monk Competition

His concept as a jazz artist and bandleader – bringing the blues and songwriting back to jazz

The intricacies of playing drums behind vocal jazz

The personal and musical factors that went into choosing his band

The importance of pre-BeBop jazz and jazz drumming, and of the New Orleans drumming lineage (Baby Dodds, Idris Muhammad, Zigaboo Modeliste, Smokey Johnson, Herlin Riley, etc.)

How he can lead his band from the drums in ways that other singers or instrumentalists can’t

Jamison Ross endorses Yamaha Drums, Sabian Cymbals, Remo Drumheads, and Vic Firth Drumsticks

This episode is sponsored by Mapex Drums

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

091 – Pete Parada: Drumming for The Offspring, Working with Legends like Producer Bob Rock and Rob Halford of Judas Priest, Studying at M.I. in L.A. Nov 23, 2016

Show notes

Shortly after high school, Pete Parada moved to the west coast to study at the Musicians Institute (MI) where he took classes with greats like Joe Porcaro, Ralph Humphrey, Chuck Flores and Efrain Toro. One teacher he clicked the most with happened to be Ray Luzier (drummer for Korn, David Lee Roth, Army of Anyone). They ended up being roommates for a few years and good friends.

Pete’s first big break came in 1998 when he was asked to join the punk rock group Face To Face. Over the next six years, he traveled the world and recorded four studio albums, three EP’s and a live record with the band.

During his tenure with Face To Face, Pete also had a four year run with Saves The Day, a highly influential band from the post-punk and hardcore scene. He spent two years juggling both group’s crazy schedules and at one point played seven shows in three days over one weekend in England. During his time with Saves the Day, Pete recorded two studio albums and an EP.

After Pete’s gig with Face To Face ended, a good friend recommended that he meet with The Offspring. In an instant they clicked both musically and personally. Pete says, “My passion for music was reignited and nearly a decade later I’m still just as excited. It has been a privilege to play the biggest stages in the world with them and record with legendary producer Bob Rock on the album “Days Go By” and the #1 rock single “Coming For You.” In addition to being a multi-platinum act, Dexter, Noodles and Greg K are three of the greatest guys I’ve ever known. I’m lucky to call them friends.”

Over the years, Pete also had the pleasure of working with a few of his all time favorite artists, including recording sessions with Rob Halford from Judas Priest, and Chris Shifflet from Foo Fighters, as well as tours with Devo, My Chemical Romance and Alkaline Trio.

In this podcast, Pete talks about:

Moving to Nashville and discovering the drumming community

The difference between L.A. and Nashville

Pete’s move to L.A. and his experience at M.I.

Touring experiences with The Offspring

Building his resume after M.I.

Getting the Face To Face

Juggling two road gigs

Dealing with aches and pains on the road

Filling in for Josh Freese (SP?) with Devo

Getting the gig with The Offspring

Working with producer Bob Rock in the studio

Pete endorses: Tama Drums, Zildjian Cymbals, Vater Sticks, Remo Drumheads, Yamaha Electronics, Latin Percussion, Sontronics Microphones

This episode is sponsored by Mapex Drums

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

090 – Nick Mancini: Managing Creativity and Business in the 21st Century, What a Music College Should and Shouldn’t Do, Crafting Your Expression Nov 16, 2016

Show notes

Vibraphonist Nick Mancini has lived in LA for a decade, and a decade in New York before that. Self-diagnosed with “musical A.D.D.,” he has constantly been involved in a huge number and a huge variety of groups. He never had any interest in being a hired gun for pop or commercial music, and has been at the forefront of creative projects on the LA jazz scene both as a leader and a sideman.

Nick is a graduate of the Manhattan School of Music and was voted “Best Jazz Percussionist” by DRUM! Magazine in 2014. He has released nine albums as a leader and had a hand in dozens of others as a producer and sideman. He is also on the jazz faculty at two California State University campuses, Northridge and Long Beach.

In this podcast, Nick talks about:

His new record, “The Long Game” with Hammond B3 organist Ty Bailie and drummer Tina Raymond

His college experiences, from starting out at a small community college in Schenectady, NY, to grad school the Manhattan School of Music

What a collegiate music program should do for you, and what you should do for yourself

Why he thinks jazz training produces the best musicians

How the experience of daily life in New York informed his musical experience there, and why LA’s jazz scene suits him better than New York’s

The Jennifer Keith Sextet and how playing jazz for dancers differs from playing for listeners

Nick Mancini endorses Majestic Percussion and Innovative Percussion

This episode is sponsored by Mapex Drums

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

089 – Michael Robinson: Vice President of Marketing for KHS America, Insight into the Retail and Production Side of the Music Industry, KHS’s Relationship with the Music Educator Community Nov 11, 2016

Show notes

Michael Robinson is the Vice President of Marketing for KHS America. He leads the Branding, Marketing Communications, Product Management, Marketing Communications, and Creative teams at KHS America. Michael makes significant contributions to the success of KHS America in the areas of leadership and team development, and in the establishment of customer-centric marketing principles that continue to differentiate the KHS family of brands within the market. These brands include: Jupiter Wind Instruments, Mapex Drums, Sonor Drums, NFUZD Audio, Hohner Harmonicas, Hohner Accordions, Hohner Airboard, Hohner Melodicas and Recorders, Sonor Orff Instruments, H. Jimenez, Lanikai and Kohala Ukuleles, A+ Guitars and Bluegrass Instruments, Hohner Kids and Greentones (both musical toy brands), Hercules and Nomad Stands, Majestic Concert Percussion, XO Brass, and Altus and Azumi Flutes.

In this podcast, Michael talks about:

The roll that KHS America plays from the manufacturer to the customer?

Marketing to different personality trates – “Brand Essence”

The difference in Mapex and Sonor from a marketing stand point

The origin and philosophy of KHS

Michael’s musical and drumming background

Michael’s introduction to the music industry

Rising through the ranks at D’Addario from the production line to R & D to marketing.

Advice for those who are interested in the music industry

Responsibilities as Vice President of Marketing for KHS America

This episode is sponsored by Mapex Drums

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

088 – Kent Aberle: Touring with Kristian Bush, Building Your Reputation in Cover Bands, Owning a Drum Shop Nov 02, 2016

Show notes

Kent Aberle has been touring and recording with Kristian Bush for two years. He attended Eastern Illinois University as a Special Education major and began playing in cover bands on the weekends. He has made his home in Atlanta since 2001.

After working his way through several cover bands and retail gigs, he got the opportunity to audition for Kristian Bush and won the gig. He also gained a unique perspective on the drum business and the Atlanta drumming community during his time as part owner of the ATL Drum Collective.

In this podcast, Kent talks about:

How losing weight in his 20’s caused a physical and mental shift from survival mode to productive/creative mode

His college experience as a non-music major, and how it differed from his music major peers

The welcoming nature of the Atlanta music scene

How cover bands serve as a crucial training ground, help you build trust among your colleagues, develop your “song learning muscle,” and set you up to be part of original projects

How he got in with Kristian Bush, and his process for learning Kristian’s songs quickly

The time he spent as part owner of The ATL Drum Collective

Kent Aberle endorses Gretsch Drums, Dream Cymbals, Aquarian Drumheads, Gibraltar Hardware, Vic Firth Drumsticks, Latin Percussion, Gator Cases, Audio-Technica, Porter and Davies, Big Fat Snare Drum, KBrakes, Gig Gear LLC, and Booty Shakers.

This episode is sponsored by Mapex Drums.

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

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