Working Drummer

For more than 35 years, Dave Weckl has developed and maintained a reputation among fans, peers, and the international music community, as one of the great living drummers. His contributions to iconic music, music education, and the gear that drummers use, are many. Modern Drummer magazine has inducted Weckl into their Hall of Fame (2000) and named him “one of the 25 best drummers of all time.” He’s perhaps most well known for his ongoing tenure with the Chick Corea Elektric and Akoustic Bands, as well as side man duties for Michel Camillo, Mike Stern, Oz Noy, and many others. Weckl’s solo career began in 1990 with the release of Master Plan. In 1998, Weckl realized his long-time goal of forming a world-touring band. The Dave Weckl Band released five studio records, including: Rhythm Of The Soul, Synergy, Transition, Perpetual Motion, and Multiplicity. The band also released a hot live album, LIVE (And Very Plugged In) plus a compilation of DWB and instructional videos entitled The Zone. Instructional vi

Originally from Alberta, Canada, drummer Joel Stevenett spent over ten years in Nashville before his eventual move to Salt Lake City where he currently lives and works as a first call session drummer. During his years in Nashville, Joel found himself on the road with such acts as JoDee Messina, The Wilkinsons, and SHeDAISY, among others. His recording credits include the recording of Sony Playstation, X-BOX and Nintendo Wii video game soundtracks, including popular titles like Twisted Metal Head On, Dance Dance Revolution, and Disney’s Ultimate Band. Joel’s inventive and physical flair can be heard on numerous TV theme songs such as the NBA and The Today Show as well as movie soundtracks like Meet Joe Black, August Rush and Along Came Polly. In this episode, Joel talks about: * The work and attraction of Salt Lake City* Being proactive in seeking work* Film score and video game sessions* Finding common ground when networking* Reflecting on Neil Peart’s life and his influence * Preparing for a tribute

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

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 W

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

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@SandAWe

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 sou

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 criti

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.

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 a

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%

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 

Chris Brady has been in charge of Artist Relations at Aquarian for 23 years. He also has a hand in marketing, product development, and whatever else he needs to do for the company to grow and thrive. Chris began his playing career in Southern California, a contemporary of Gregg Bissonette and others. Handpicked by Roy Burns to join Aquarian, he made the jump to the product side of the music business and hasn’t looked back. Roy died in 2018, but Chris and the Aquarian team are carrying on with the love for music and musicians that Roy instilled in the company. In this episode, Chris talks about: * The last round of NAMM* His criteria for taking on endorsers* His early gigging life in SoCal* How and why he chose a career path on the product side * Aquarian’s products and “kick and snare” ethos* Roy Burns’s “music first” approach

Steve Brewster has lived and worked in Nashville as a session player for over 20 years. A native Tennessean, Steve attended MTSU on a full music scholarship and studied jazz at UT-Knoxville. He moved to Nashville in 1988, after touring early on with country artist, Janie Fricke, and CCM artist, Michael W. Smith. Shortly after moving to town, Steve was embraced by the Nashville studio community and developed a steady and high-profile studio career, which he has maintained to this day. His passionate and creative musical approach, combined with his diverse, eclectic taste have afforded him the opportunity to contribute in a wide range of musical situations ranging from Rock to Pop, to Country, Contemporary Christian and Gospel. Steve has recorded with artists including Bob Seger, Jewel, Deirks Bentley, Chicago, Michael W. Smith, Faith HIll, Sara Groves, Amy Grant, and Richard Marx. He is a devoted husband and father, and, along with a busy studio schedule, he enjoys a strong family life. In addition to being in

Cole’s style ranges from Neo Soul to 70’s inspired yacht rock. His journey as a musician started as a drummer. Attending Georgia State University, Cole studied 5 years towards a degree in Jazz Studies. Cole quickly became a well known drummer in Atlanta, playing with artists such as The Shadowboxers, Kenny Loggins, Larkin Poe, Faye Webster, ATL Collective, and more. He has also appeared on stage with Justin Timberlake, Chris Stapleton, Maren Morris, Little Big Town, Reba McEntire, Hunter Hayes, Phillip Phillips, and Lucie Silvas. He spent five years in based in Nashville, touring and recording with The Shadowboxers. The band recently decided to relocate to LA, but Cole chose to move his family back home to Atlanta where he can focus on his new creative goals, including making groove-driven Christian music with a more personal message. In this episode, Cole talks about: * Being in Nashville, but dedicated exclusively to the Shadowboxers* Opening for Justin Timberlake on the Man of the Woods tour* The

Wherever Neil Peart ranks in your list of drumming greats, it’s safe to say that he has influenced more drummers and musicians than just about any other drummer in modern history. The ripple effect of his passing can be felt across the drumming community in a way not experienced since Buddy or John left us. Neil not only inspired many to pickup the sticks, he made it made it cool to be smart and well read. He made us want to ride our bikes, write lyrics, go on hikes, use big words unabashedly and pursue all things with integrity. Many of us ask ourselves, “What’s the most excellent thing I can do today?” That’s what Neil asked himself every day.

Harold Brown is a drummer/producer from Atlanta, GA. He is originally from Savannah, GA but relocated to Atlanta in September of 2012. Harold has been playing drums professionally for over 12 years with various artists and music groups such as Phil Kaeggy, Jacob Banks, Chris Tomlin, David Crowder, and Housefires among many others. Harold is currently touring with U.K. singer and songwriter Jacob Banks as his drummer. While touring full time with Jacob Banks, Harold enjoys producing and playing studio sessions remotely and off the road locally. In this episode, HB talks about: * His activity in the CCM world before joining Jacob Banks’ band* The value of recording an album as a band, all in the same room* Playing with Atlanta bassist and producer Robby Handley* Lowering the dynamic ceiling* His “less is more” approach to drumming, arranging, and production HB endorses SE Electronics Microphones, Alclair Ear Monitors, Vater drumsticks, and Shy Baffles 

Matt Starr is a drummer, singer, producer, career coach and public speaker. As a drummer, Matt has built a reputation for working with some of rock’s most influential musicians including Ace Frehley (KISS), Joe Lynn Turner (Rainbow), Kevin DuBrow (Quiet Riot)and most recently alongside Billy Sheehan and Paul Gilbert in Mr. Big.  He has also worked with members of Guns ‘n Roses, Bon Jovi andWhitesnake.   In the studio Matt has recorded with producers Jimmy Bralower (VP A&R Atlantic Records, Madonna, Mick Jagger, Joan Jett), Toby Wright (Metallica, Alice In Chains, Korn), Mike Chapman (Blondie, The Knack, The Sweet), Dave Bianco (AC/DC, Tom Petty, KISS), Anthony Focx (Aerosmith, Foreigner) and Warren Huart (Aerosmith, The Fray). His workshop Turning Passion Into A Career has taken Matt around the world speaking to musicians and non-musicians in both academic and corporate settings. Matt endorses, Ludwig Drums, Paiste Cymbals, DW hardware, Vater sticks and Remo drumheads

Southpaw drummer Eric Kalb is a versatile musician who enjoys playing groove based music. A devotee of R&B and Soul drumming, his improvisational aesthetic is colored by sudden bursts of rock aggression. Based in Brooklyn, New York, Eric is a multi-faceted studio and touring drummer whose “energetic and exhilarating style” (Jazz Times) keeps him in constant demand. Over the course of his twenty-year career Kalb has taken to both studio and stage with a dazzling cavalcade of influential and innovative artists. He’s laid it down hard for the supernatural force of Miss Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, the seven-string guitar wizardry of Charlie Hunter, jazz guitarist John Scofield and living organ Legend Dr. Lonnie Smith; to name but a few. In this episode, Eric talks about: * How he got into Soul and R&B music* Being part of the Sharon Jones “machine”* John Scofield’s “hands-off” style of bandleading* Making Southpaw, his first record as a leader* The many ways success can be defined Er

Steve Goold plays drums in recording studios and on live stages as well as working as the Lead Music Director at CCV in Phoenix AZ, where he lives with his wife and daughters. Steve also runs a drum lesson website called The Drum Library. As of 2019 Steve works regularly with Nashville-based artists Ben Rector and Mat Kearney, and occasionally with other artists like Cory Wong, Joel Hanson, Cody Fry, and Sara Groves. In the past, Steve has performed and/or recorded with Owl City, Sara Bareilles, Paul Baloche, Marc Martel, Caitlyn Smith, Yam Haus, Carly Rae Jepsen, Jason Gray, The Blenders, Michael Tait, The Honeydogs, Yuna, Cloud Cult, Go Fish, Larnelle Harris, and many others. Check out this 2015 recording of Steve on this indie recording project that was completely improvised under the band name MaSSs (How I Killed a Bear) In this episode, Steve talks about:  * Identifying weaknesses and tackling it* Prepping for gigs* The unique demands of a church drummer* The ability to perform without a good m