Working Drummer

 Ben Hilzinger is a Los Angeles-based drummer and songwriter with 20+ years of performing, recording and teaching experience.  Currently the drummer for Eve 6, Ben has also written, recorded, and/or toured throughout the USA/internationally with MXPX, Fitness, Mike Herrera, The classic crime, tapir, cannons, chevy mustang, Party Nails, We Shot The Moon, prxzm, Glorybots, Ever So Android, Jake Cummings, Josh Eacrett, rental 58, ray little, Jody ellen, young Professionals, Dave Cavalier, madhawkes and many more.  In addition to performing and teaching, Ben is the Director of Artist / Client Relations for Big Fat Snare Drum and hosts the ‘Big Fat Five’ podcast. Before moving to Los Angeles in 2016, Ben also taught drums/percussion/music theory both privately and at Off The Wall school of music in Seattle, WA.  In this episode, Ben talks about: * Finding his voice during the shut down* The Big Fat Five podcast* Ben’s Big Fat Five* Ben’s role at BFSD* Setting time aside for yourself* Finding work in L.

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: * Sound Isolation vs Sound Treatment * Why Sound Isolation * STC or Sound Transition Class* The “how to” of sound isolation with graphics* Isolating the floor and ceiling  FIG 1FIG 2FIG 3FIG 4FIG 5FIG 6FIG 7 This episode is sponsored by Shure Microphones. Check out the new Drummer Bundle Track Pack now on sale!

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 furth

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 b

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

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 cr

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 Pac

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 recorde

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 wha

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

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 over

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.[

Mike Zimmerman is a drummer and producer in Nashville Tennessee. Mike started playing drums at age 14 after playing the guitar for a year. Drums appealed more to Mike probably due to his mother being a rhythm player in the traditional Serbo-Croatian folk scene in the Cleveland area. This atmosphere rubbed off on Mike to seek out the uncommon, yet traditional sounds in the music around him. After years of playing in the Cleveland music scene, Mike decided to uproot his small family and move to Nashville to give it a real go. After getting to know the landscape, Mike landed his first artist gig with Doug Stone. He then had the great opportunity to play with other artists such as Earl Thomas Conley, Tracy Byrd and Jamie O’Neal. Years of touring, sessions and odd-jobs finally led to a gig with legendary singer Kenny Rogers. This also led to opportunities to play with other artists such as Linda Davis, Billy Dean and even Lionel Richie! Mike has had the honor and pleasure of playing all over the world. In th

Peter Erskine is a drumming legend and a friend of WDP. He has appeared on WDP more than any other drummer, and for good reason. As we near the end of 2020, Peter shares how the year has affected him as a performer and educator. On November 21 and 22, he’ll be performing a livestream concert as part of Drumhead Live https://live.champion.biz/. In this episode, Peter talks about * How he adapted his home studio into a multi-cam, multi mic teaching suite* Using the virtual platform to help his students up their audio game* Things he misses and doesn’t miss about pre-COVID times* The psychological shift he made partway through the pandemic * His upcoming livestream performance for Drumhead Live https://live.champion.biz/* Improving through subtraction rather than addition* An engineer’s mixing trick * His new Tama signature snare Peter endorses Tama drums, Zildjian cymbals, Vic Firth sticks, Remo heads, Roland V-Drums, Meinl percussion, and Zoom recorders This episode is sponsored by Shure Microphon

Miles McPherson moved to Nashville in 1986, when his father, Jerry, relocated the family there so he could work in the studios as a session guitarist. When he was still touring, Miles played with Kelly Clarkson, Paramore, Tonic, and Better Than Ezra. In 2013, he came off the road to pursue being a session drummer full time. In the studio Miles has worked notable artists such as Reba McEntire, Rascall Flatts, Chris Young, Kelly Clarkson, Tyler Farr, Lee Brice, Chase Rice, Jeremy Camp, James Otto and many others. In 2017 he was awarded drummer of the year by the Academy of Country Music. In this episode, Miles talks about: * Building a usable sound library from unconventional things* Staying busy during the Covid crisis* Growing up with a father who was a professional session guitarist * Touring with Paramore and Kelly Clarkson* Surviving a horrific golf cart crash This episode is sponsored by Shure Microphones. Check out the featured mic bundle DMK57-52 Miles endorses: Yamaha drums, Meinl Cymba

Tony Coleman has played with Blues and Soul legends such as B.B. King, Bobby Blue Bland, Buddy Guy, Albert Collins, and many, MANY others. Over his long career, Tony has lived in Chicago, Memphis, and Texas, and the succession of artists and regions he’s gone through have made him a unique authority on many sub-styles of blues and soul drumming. In recent years, he has also toured with country artist Jamey Johnson. In this episode, Tony talks about: * The importance Black culture places on arranging a show, not just songs* How exhibitionism detracts from music* Looking down on the Blues in his younger years, and how B.B. King changed his mind* Some of the differences in Blues and shuffle styles between Chicago, Memphis, and Texas * Understanding a culture in order to master its musical styles Tony endorses Mapex drums, Sabian cymbals, Remo drumheads, Vater drumsticks, Audix mics, Gon Bops percussion, Jerry Harvey in-ears, and DW pedals.

As an entertainment journalist for more than 40 years, Robyn Flans has worked for such diverse publications as People Magazine, In Touch, Mix, Modern Drummer, Country Weekly and a daily newspaper. She has authored four music books, written numerous bios, electronic press kits, including cut by cuts for artists, and album liner notes. She has a new book about Jeff Porcaro that only someone as close to Jeff as she was could write. Links to Robyn and the book: Robyn Flans Drummer Interviews Robyn Flans Media Jeff Porcaro Book In this episode, Robyn talks about:  * Her early days at Modern Drummer* Her book about Jeff Porcaro* Getting Jeff on the cover of Modern Drummer* Jeff’s influence on music today* The sadness of finishing the book

Andrew Atkinson’s drumming draws on the seductive beats of his native Jamaica, the percolating rhythms of his childhood home Miami, and the world of jazz that has beckoned and captivated him in all his travels. Highlights of his resume include guitarist Oz Noy, vocalist Gregory Porter, and steel pan player Othello Molineux. After graduating high school, Atkinson would find himself becoming one of the most in demand young drummers in Miami, playing with every type of band imaginable. With reggae-ska band The Monjees, Atkinson got his first taste of life on the road by performing on the 2002 Warped Tour and opening for James Brown at the 2002 Sunfest. Of course, he stuck close to jazz, his first musical love, and wound up doing gigs with luminaries such as Randy Brecker, Arturo Sandoval, Danilio Perez, and Donald Harrison. Andrew moved to New York in 2011, where he has played with many of the biggest names in jazz, subbed on Broadway musicals including “Hamilton” and “Ain’t Too Proud,” and will be the ful

Michael Dawson is a New Jersey–based drummer, educator, and clinician and is currently managing editor for Modern Drummer, the world’s most widely read magazine exclusively for drummers. Dawson produced and co-hosted the industry-leading weekly podcast, The Modern Drummer Podcast With Mike and Mike, along with renowned online educator/clinician Mike Johnston. 2020 is bringing a new, interview based podcast called The Modern Drummer Podcast. Additionally, Mike serves as book editor for Modern Drummer Publications, with most releases including Progressive Drumming Essentials by drummer/educator Aaron Edgar, Rhythm and Chops Builders and Stick Technique by rudimental specialist Bill Bachman, and Exercises in African-American Funk by top touring drummer Jonathan Joseph and University of Miami faculty member Steve Rucker. In the pages of MD, Michael has authored dozens of artist features, educational columns, and product reviews. Dawson has a bachelor’s degree in music education from West Virginia University

Billy Brimblecom’s career has taken him from drumming to philanthropy, and from his hometown of Kansas City to Nashville, and back to Kansas City. Over his 25 year career, Billy has manned the drum chair for Blackpool Lights, The Start, The Creature Comforts, and Summer Breeze. In early 2005 Brimblecom learned he a form of cancer in his leg called Ewing’s sarcoma.[2] This resulted in his left leg being amputated above the knee. After 13 rounds of chemotherapy and a few months of rehab, Brimblecom re-joined Blackpool Lights and returned to touring ( with a prosthetic leg) in March 2006. Brimblecom and the band did extensive tours of the U.S., Canada and Japan as well as support slots for Social Distortion, Anberlin, Angels and Airwaves. Brimblecom relocated to Nashville in 2009 where he did session work with producer/songwriter Don Chaffer (of Waterdeep) and Greg LaFollette. During this time, he also founded the Steps of Faith Foundation, which helps amputees get the prosthetics they need. Billy and h