Working Drummer

This episode features six amazing drummers with a wide range of experience, discussing the many unique aspects of gigging in Nashville's downtown tourist district known as lower Broadway. Some have referred to it as "The Honkytonk Industrial Complex". This scene is not for everyone but, for those who are willing to slug it out in the trenches of lower Broadway and perform for a mostly over served audience, the money can be good, great music can happen and important connections can be made. In this round table discussion, the group talks about:  Explaining what the lower Broadway scene is The pros and cons of gigging on lower Broadway in Nashville  The unique skill set that’s needed to play lower Broadway  Advice for the player that wants to break in to the scene  Essential gear to carry with you when playing lower Broadway 

As the touring drummer for Childers, Rod Elkins is the heartbeat of a rhythm section that includes Elkins’ high-school friends and college bandmates who’ve been playing together for the past 10 years. That band, The Food Stamps, has performed sold out concerts around the world, including a headline debut at Red Rocks Amphitheater, concerts at the Ryman Auditorium, The Grand Ole Opry, Mountain Stage, and festivals around the world including Bonnaroo, Stagecoach, Lollapalooza. The band also appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and has opened for everyone from Willie Nelson and The Raconteurs to Guns N’ Roses. Rod still lives in his hometown of Huntington, West Virginia, where the band was formed. In this Episode, Rod talks about: How his existing band became the backing band for Tyler Childers, and how they caught the attention of Sturgill Simpson What he learned from the Nashville musicians who have recorded Childers' albums Finding ways to create variety in songs with th

Blake Fleming is a percussionist known for his involvement with several influential experimental bands and has recently written his first book, The Book of Rhythm, an unprecedented collection of 5,096 meticulously organized rhythms for all instruments. His drumming has been written about in such major publications as The New York Times, NPR.com, Spin, Rolling Stone, MOJO, Modern Drummer, DRUM!, Dangerous Minds, and Pitchfork. He was included in SPIN’s 100 Greatest Drummers of Alternative Music and has recorded and toured extensively, working with luminaries in the jazz, rock and avant-garde worlds. Alongside a variety of studio work, he also enjoys teaching students worldwide with live online lessons and is an adjunct professor at The State University of New York at Oneonta. In this episode, Blake talks about: Quality over quantity  A homogenization of music and drumming  Early experimental bands His book: The Book of Rhythm Asking yourself “Why?” And being self aware

Joe Bergamini maintains a diverse career as a drumming performer and educator. Joe is constantly behind the kit for everything from prog rock to Broadway to his touring gig, The Doowop Project. He stays equally busy as the drum editor for Hudson Music, where he has overseen the creation and production of countless books and videos featuring many of the world's greatest drummers. He is also an author in his own right, having authored or coauthored over a dozen books. In this episode, Joe talks about: How to demonstrate that you "know the job" and instill trust in those you're working with What a drum editor does, and how he came to that job with Hudson Music His latest book, The Working Drummer's Chart Book Collaborating with Steve Gadd on Gaddiments His relationship with Neil Peart which began as a professional collaboration and evolved into a friendship

Stephen Bidwell was born in Washington, DC and grew up in nearby Reston, Virginia. Since being first handed drumsticks in the late 80s he has studied and lived in West Virginia, Pittsburgh, New Orleans, and New York but has called Austin, Texas home since 2005. Somewhere in those travels he earned a Bachelors degree in classical percussion and a master’s degree in jazz studies. Since early 2018 he has been the drummer for the Grammy nominated Black Pumas, a psychedelic soul group known for incendiary live shows. When not on tour with Black Pumas, Stephen plays in several diverse projects (Hard Proof, The Calm Blue Sea, Azmaris, the Mood Illusion), works in any genre you can think of as a sideman, and teaches lessons at his home studio in Austin. In this episode, Stephen talks about: How Johnny Vidacovich trained him to rely on instinct, not charts The sustaining gigs he did during his first few years in Austin How a prior ongoing relationship with Austin guitarist, producer, and Black Pumas founder Adrien

Drummer Jim White is an active performer and educator. His first musical experiences took place in his hometown of Atlanta, Georgia, where he studied percussion with Paul Yancinch, Mike Cebulski, Sonny Emory, and Jeff Sipe. He holds a Master of Arts degree in Jazz Studies/Composition from Middle Tennessee State University, and a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of North Texas.  While a student at the University of North Texas, White performed with the renowned “One O’clock Lab Band” for three years. In 1992, Maynard Ferguson recruited White for his “Big Bop Nouveau” band with which he toured internationally. White is featured on Ferguson’s recording, Footpath Cafe. In 1995, White moved to Nashville, Tennessee where he remains active as a performer and studio musician. His versatility and unique sound have been r featured on many jazz, pop, and country recordings. White’s performance and recording credits feature a diverse array of artists including J.D. Souther, Alison Krauss and Union Station, Cr

Once a year, we sit down with our buddy Nick Rufinni of Drummer’s Resource to shoot the shit. Each of our careers and podcasts are always on the move, heading in different directions with different challenges, and it’s good to unpack things and talk about what’s coming at us and how we’re moving through it. In this episode, Matt, Zack and Nick talk about * Social media strategies* Re-entering gig life* How remote recording does and does not deliver a fulfilling musical experience* Answering the question “why does this feel good?” when listening to other drummers* Recalibrating priorities and ambition as we come out of the pandemic This episode is sponsored by Sonitus. Keith Dudek Recovery Fund

Originally from a small town in Long Island, New York, Jeff Fabb made the move to Los Angeles shortly after high school at the age of 18. Jeff moved to L.A. looking for more opportunities in music and that’s just what he found. The journey was slow, answering classified ads—everyone that placed ads said they were going to be the next big thing, but he just wanted to get out there and play. After a few years playing the L.A. club scene, Jeff came into contact with members of female-fronted metal/rock band – In This Moment, including guitarist Chris Howorth and former Five Finger Death Punch bassist Matt Snell, who had a project together. Around the end of 2011 and three records later, Jeff decided to move on from ITM. Other bands and artists he found himself working with include James Durban (American Idol), Sixx:A.M. (with Nikki Sixx) and Filter. Jeff is currently the drummer for Black Label Society. In this episode, Jeff talks about: * Overcoming physical issues* Questions by Nashville drummer Danny

A Grammy-nominated and studied musician of several decades, Dena’s versatility has afforded her opportunities to play in a variety of settings – from arenas to rock clubs and Broadway to recording studios. She has been highlighted in several drum publications, including the September 2018 issue of Modern Drummer Magazine. Dena has held the drum chair for several Broadway and Off-Broadway productions including Little Shop of Horrors, Kristin Chenoweth: For the Girls, and Head Over Heels. In addition to her 20 years with Antigone Rising (Lava/Atlantic), she has performed with Rob Thomas, Bernie Worrell (Parliament Funkadelic, Talking Heads), The Go-Go’s, Anita Cochran and Williams Honor. Other past projects have included studio sessions with Lisa Loeb and Robert Randolph. In this episode, Dena talks about: * Developing a virtual clinic during the pandemic* The years she spent doing bus and van tours with Antigone Rising* The show that brought her to Broadway, and why her pedigree was the perfect fit for i

Mark Stepro is a Los Angeles-based musician originally from Galion, Ohio. He is currently performing and recording with singer-songwriter-producer Butch Walker (Dangerbird Records), with whom he has been working since 2011, as well as singer-songwriter Brett Dennen (Elektra Records). He recently recorded the upcoming album by the Wallflowers, “Exit Wounds,” their first release in ten years.  Since 2010, Stepro has performed and recorded with singer Mary McBride under the auspices of the U.S. Department of State as a Cultural Ambassador, presenting a program of American music overseas. The group has logged performances in twenty-three countries including Russia, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Indonesia, appearing in schools, hospitals, prisons, women’s shelters, orphanages, and places of worship. He has also performed or recorded with Leon Bridges (including a European slot opening for The Rolling Stones), Panic! At The Disco, Gavin DeGraw, Jewel, Keith Urban, Rob Thomas of Matchbox 20, Brian Fallon of The

Ross Pederson has been in New York for over a decade after going through the famed North Texas program and studying with Ed Soph. He tours and records with a number of notable New York based acts including Grace Kelly and Manhattan Transfer, and records, mixes, and produces at his home studio in Brooklyn. In this episode, Ross talks about: * Moving into a new house and starting a home studio from scratch* Being married to bassist Julia Adamy* His biggest takeaways from North Texas and Ed Soph* The musical families both he and Julia come from * Starting with Grace Kelly as a hired gun sub, and growing into a trusted collaborator Ross endorses Meinl Cymbals This episode is sponsored by Sonitus. Keith Dudek Recovery Fund Hxa6VowqKJwu4NstUlX8

A professional musician since 1972, Doane Perry has been called one of the most prolific and versatile drummers in contemporary music. His career spans over 28 years with the internationally acclaimed progressive rock band Jethro Tull, incorporating 18 world tours, countless records, videos, and DVDs, and a Grammy. As a performer, composer or producer, he has appeared on more than 100 records to date, many of which have attained gold or multi-platinum status, and also on numerous #1 records in multiple genres. He has worked in the recording studios of New York, Los Angeles, Sydney, and London. And as an author, he has been a featured writer for musical magazines, anthologies, book publications, websites, CD liner notes, Jethro Tull concert programs.  He attended Browning, St. Bernard’s and Collegiate Schools in New York City. Later he briefly attended New York University and extension programs at The New School, Rutgers, and Juilliard, followed by extensive private musical study in jazz and orchestral p

A professional musician since 1972, Doane Perry has been called one of the most prolific and versatile drummers in contemporary music. His career spans over 28 years with the internationally acclaimed progressive rock band Jethro Tull, incorporating 18 world tours, countless records, videos, and DVDs, and a Grammy. As a performer, composer or producer, he has appeared on more than 100 records to date, many of which have attained gold or multi-platinum status, and also on numerous #1 records in multiple genres. He has worked in the recording studios of New York, Los Angeles, Sydney, and London. And as an author, he has been a featured writer for musical magazines, anthologies, book publications, websites, CD liner notes, Jethro Tull concert programs.  He attended Browning, St. Bernard’s and Collegiate Schools in New York City. Later he briefly attended New York University and extension programs at The New School, Rutgers, and Juilliard, followed by extensive private musical study in jazz and orchestral p

After years of steady touring and teaching, Steve set about cultivating a Youtube audience. In hundreds of videos, Steve analyzes drummers and drum parts from every imaginable genre and era, deconstructing the techniques and musical concepts that make them great. At 36,000 followers and over 6 million views, his channel’s popularity as a Youtube resource is on the rise and not looking back. In this episode, Steve talks about: * Why he started Junk Drummer TV and how it differs from other “react” videos* His pre-pandemic touring and teaching life* Building his playing and videos around what he really likes and cares about * How various types of Southern music and culture shaped him as a musician * The legacy of his hero, Levon Helm This episode is sponsored by Sonitus.

Jack was born and raised in the Boston, Massachusetts area. Influenced by a musical family, he started playing drums at the age of nine and was playing in rock bands by the time he was twelve.  He’s toured and recorded with many different artists over the course of his career including Joe Cocker for 20 years, recording and playing on all Tina Turner tours for 28 years, as well as tours with Elton John, Richard Marx, Peter Frampton and Taj Mahal.   He’s currently playing with Texas blues great Delbert McClinton. In This episode, Jack talks about:  * Getting the gig with Tina Turner* Touring eastern European countries in the 1980’s* Drumming behind singers* Changes in tech over the years * Filling in on an Elton John tour and how it came about* Moving Nashville and working with Delbert McClinton This episode is sponsored by Sonitus.

Brody Simpson lives and works in Perth, Australia, where he is the co-owner of Underground Sounds, a full service tracking and production house. As a drummer, engineer, and producer, he is becoming known for a unique set of sounds influenced by Boom Bap, Drum & Bass, 808s, and other electronic genres. In this episode, Brody talks about * The alchemy of playing, tuning, mic selection/placement, and mix he uses to get his unique sounds* A few of his favorite plugins* The non-musical responsibilities of running a brick-and-mortar business* Not getting caught up in the hustle, staying patient and focusing on the music and sounds he wants to make* The extensive process of shaping the acoustics in his studio’s rooms. * His social media approach – “do our thing, not just something,” both when it comes to content and followers* Why he generally avoids extensive touring Brody endorses A&F drums and Meinl cymbals This episode is sponsored by Sonitus.

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: * A/B-ing Matt’s studio with the sound treatment* The strategic use of absorbers and diffusers * The benefits of sound treatment in small rooms* How drums “sit” in the mix* The positive visual element of treatment  Fig #5 – Right side wallFig #4 – front wallFig #7 – The ceilingFig #6 – the back wallFig #3 The Left wall or hi-hat sideFig #2Fig #1 This episode is sponsored by Sonitus USA

With a drumming pedigree from Berklee and a musical ethos from the eclectic creative community in The Berkshires where he grew up, Max MacVeety has been embedded in the LA scene, specifically Long Beach, for over a decade. He has toured and recorded with Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, Lyrics Born, DJ Williams, and many others. Prior to that, he was based in Oakland, primarily riding the drum chair for seminal west coast hip hop group Crown City Rockers. He also helms his own studio, Bunkhouse Recordings, where he does drum tracking, mixing, producing, and artist development. In this episode, Max talks about: * The unique experience of growing up in the Berkshires where his father was a musician* How studying jazz and world music at Berklee made him turn to more socially conscious types of music* How he overcame imposter syndrome in the hip hop world * Oakland’s rich history and thriving creative community* The various musical cultures and subcultures of L.A. * How he uses Tik Tok * His experience playing

Dan Needham is recognized in Nashville as one of the top session and live drummers. Dan has performed and/or recorded with Michael McDonald, Amy Grant, Peter Cetera, Dave Barnes, Chaka Khan, Nathan East, Garth Brooks, Sara Bareilles, Phil Keaggy, Gino Vannelli, Al Green, Billy Preston, James Ingram, Steven Curtis Chapman, Kenny Loggins, Christopher Cross, Carole King, as well as many other amazing artists. Besides being in the studio, Dan has appeared on several nationally syndicated television shows including Regis & Kathy-Lee and the Pat Boone Show. In this episode, Dan talks about: * The balance between live and studio work* “Reading the room” when recording * Being a chameleon in the studio* Working with Michael McDonald * Early and important lessons Dan endorses, Yamaha drums, Paiste cymbals, VicFirth sticks, Remo drumheads and SlapKatz

Joe Montague graduated from the renowned Jazz Course at Leeds College of Music in 2011 before embarking on a career as a touring drummer. Spending the next few years playing with numerous theatre shows and original projects, touring all over the UK and Europe, Joe soon found his passion in faithfully recreating the music of The Beatles. Through his website and email list, Joe offers a recreation of Ringo’s drums free for anyone who is interested. Joe is also the host of a podcast called That 60’s Recording Podcast.  Joe tours worldwide in the internationally acclaimed theatre show Beatlemania, and has performed at The World Famous Cavern Club with The Cavern Club Beatles and worked with West End theatre tour Let It Be. Joe endorses Amedia Cymbals and Balbex Drumsticks