Working Drummer

With 500 episodes and counting, Working Drummer Podcast is the source for those interested in what it’s like to be a professional drummer. Hosted by Matthew Crouse and Zack Albetta, Working Drummer covers it all with a dynamic range of pro drummers who represent many different genres and scenes. Each weekly interview features a different performer, sometimes with a less recognizable name, but always with an impressive and distinct body of work. This unique approach has garnered a loyal audience hungry for unfiltered stories about making a living as a musician today.

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578 episodes
Updated Thursday
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Episodes578

Newest first

Jul 21, 2022 · 1 hr 41 min
378 - Brandon Draper: Touring with Drum Safari, A Wholistic Approach to College Music, An Evolving Role on the KC Scene
Brandon Draper has enjoyed a celebrated career as drummer, percussionist, producer, multi-instrumentalist and educator. He has been based in Kansas City for the last 15 years where he has led and played in an eclectic mix of projects from jazz to Turkish to electronic music, and runs the acclaimed children's interactive music program Drum Safari with his wife of 14 years Teryn. His extensive resume also includes performances with both the New Mexico and Santa Fe Symphony Orchestras and the Kansas City Symphony, Ottmar Liebert, DJ Logic, Donna Summer, Mose Allison, Steve Coleman, Dick Oatts, Bobby Watson, and Kevin Hays, and Particle. Draper was musical director and live drummer for Quixotic Fusion 2007-2012. He continues to write, consult and occasionally perform with the KC-based cirque group. Draper is on music faculty at the University of Kansas where he teaches jazz drums, world percussion, steel band and is the director of Music Enterprise certificate combining music business and entrepreneurship. In this episode, Brandon talks about: His entrance onto the Kansas City scene after grad school Drum Safari, a touring music education program for kids, which is becoming the family business His philosophy as an educator, and the drumset and music business/entrepreneurship programs he heads up at The University of Kansas Playing with his father, a B3 organist, from an early age How some tough love from Kevin Hays helped him find a more authentic voice How his place on the Kansas City scene has changed along with his identity and interests over the years Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jul 14, 2022 · 1 hr 43 min
377 - Mason Ingram: His Duo Slowave, Managing Technology to be Inspiring, Drumming on Broadway Shows in NYC
Mason Ingram is a composer, session drummer, and Ableton programmer, living in Nashville. He is one-half of ambient music group slowave, acting as writer and producer. He has been the drummer on Broadway's Kinky Boots, The Prom, and RENT (Off-Broadway). He has had the privilege of working with Bibi Bourelly, Angus & Julia Stone, Paul Baloche, The Discovery Channel, 070 Shake, Lewis Capaldi, NOTD, All These Small Moments, The Lone Bellow, Walking Shapes, Annaleigh Ashford, Shacks and Palaces, and Matt Doyle. He is a member of bands The Last Royals, Hundred Hounds, and Young Oceans, and has played on Broadway's The Lion King, The Waitress, Finding Neverland and Little Shop Of Horrors. Mason also loves working in Abelton Live, from programming, to writing, and recording. He has programmed backing tracks for Broadway shows and pop tours including the current production of Little Shop of Horrors, La Jolla Playhouse’s FLY, Pretty Woman London, Young Oceans, The Last Royals and many others. Growing up in Austin, TX, he spent 13 years in Brooklyn, before moving to Nashville, where he currently lives with his wife and son. He loves writing, producing, mixing, collaborating, learning of any kind, and finding out new ways of creative inspiration. He has appeared on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Late Night with Seth Meyers, The Late Late Show with James Cordon, The Wendy Williams Show, LIVE with Kelly and Ryan, and Live at Lincoln Center, along with countless US and European tours. In this episode, Mason talks about: Drumming on Broadway shows in New York City The importance of playing with confidence The why and how of the DAW Ableton His duo Slowave and the compositional process Prioritizing family Managing technology to be inspiring, not distracting Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jul 7, 2022 · 1 hr 14 min
376 - Kris Myers: 20 Years with Umphrey's McGee, Coming Up in Chicago, Finding Where You Belong, Musically and Personally
Kris Myers began playing drums for progressive-rock band Umphrey’s McGee in 2003. Since then, the band has released eleven albums and maintains a rigorous touring schedule of over 100 live shows per year. Umphrey’s has performed at legendary festivals and venues such as Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits, Fuji Rock Festival, South by Southwest, Red Rocks Amphitheater, The Ryman Theatre, The Beacon Theatre and more. Myers attended Elmhurst College from 1995 – 1999 where he was a music major and the drummer in the Elmhurst College Jazz Band. Under director Doug Beach, the Elmhurst College Jazz Band played gigs in the U.S. and Internationally at events such as the Umbria Jazz Festival, Jakarta Jazz Festival and the Montreaux Jazz Festival. Myers has played with a variety of jazz artists such as Nicholas Payton, Diane Schuur, Randy Brecker, Dennis DiBlasio as well as local Chicago musician Mark Colby. In 2001 Myers enrolled in DePaul University where he earned his Master’s Degree in Jazz Drumming. Myers works as a studio musician in the Nashville for various projects. He continues to play with musicians such as Mike Keneally, Bill Evans, Jeff Coffin, and Billy Strings on a variety of projects in both the Nashville and Los Angeles area. In this episode, Kris talks about: Getting started around Chicago's network of educators, drum shops, and universities Umphrey's McGee's early jam/funk influences (Galactic, MMW, Lettuce, Bela Fleck etc.) His drumming influences - bringing an adventurous and active drumming presence to Umphrey's Finding a "give and take" band dynamic - giving a band what they need but being allowed to explore and be you Projects outside of Umprhey's he's been involved with along the way Moving from Chicago to LA in 2014, and ultimately settling in Nashville How where you live and whether it suits your personality/priorities is as important as any musical aspect of your life What he sees in the present and future of Nashville Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 30, 2022 · 1 hr 32 min
375 - Aaron Apter: Being the Best Version of Yourself, Load vs Capacity, PR3 Performance
Aaron Apter is a corrective exercise specialist and professional drummer based out of Nashville, TN. Having a uniquely specific education and professional credentials in both music performance and pain management, Aaron combines both practices in a way that directly addresses the needs of musicians who want to correct nagging injuries without impacting their career. He has worked with a wide variety of acts ranging from Cirque Du Soleil to the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra to War. In 2022, Aaron founded PR3 Performance, a company designed to help musicians resolve chronic pain without having to see a surgeon or miss a performance. In this episode, Aaron talks about: Both adapting to a scene and learning from an environment Prioritizing his health Surviving a serious bike accident that changed his life Aaron’s unique coaching practice - PR3 Performance Aaron’s work to build back Matt’s health with a focus on drumming Load vs Capacity Building a tolerance through recovery Being the best version of yourself Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 23, 2022 · 1 hr 9 min
374 - Joy Lapps: Exploring History, Community, and Expression Through the Steel Pan
Joy Lapps is a bandleader, composer, and educator based in Toronto. She was introduced to the steel pan through her church music program as a teenager, and soon started playing community and church events. This soon led to composing her own music and leading her own bands. Her latest release is Girl in the Yard, featuring her own compositions and arrangements, and her husband, Larnell Lewis on drums. The album reflects her exploration of the steel pan as a traditional folk instrument of resistance, but also as the vehicle for her original compositional ideas. In this episode, Joy talks about: The musical and geographic origins of the steel pan How Larnell encouraged her to compose, improvise, and take the steel pan beyond its traditional stylistic role How having a son with special needs has affected her relationship with music Leaning into her instrument's traditional identity vs. carving a new musical path for it How her relationship with Larnell has affected her relationship with the drums Working with her band to translate traditional Afro-Caribbean styles to a modern jazz format Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 16, 2022 · 1 hr 21 min
373 - Hubert Payne: Curiosity Over Judgement, Life and Performance Coaching in “The Space”, Touring with Little Big Town
Hubert Payne is one of the most sought after musicians in the Nashville music scene with a Performance Coaching skill set that’s a cross between ministry, life coaching, therapy and motivation. With over 20 years of performance experience in athletics and music, Hubert is widely recognized for his ability to ‘Unblock’ his clients so they are fully equipped to live from the best of themselves in every area of their lives. Hubert is a certified life coach, practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic-Programming and a Level 2 ISEP Experiential Coach. He is skilled in emotional wellness and performance after trauma and has worked with The NFLPA, The Green Bay Packers, Chick-Fil-A. Hubert maintains a roster of clients from NFL Coaches and players to real estate agents and musicians. Hubert is also the touring and recording drummer for National Country Music Artists, Little Big Town. When not on location at The Space (The mental gym he founded in Nashville, TN), you can find Hubert and his wife, Nicole, with their 5 children in Spring Hill, TN. In this episode, Hubert talks about: Using the concept of performance when navigating life Touring with Little Big Town and Miranda Lambert Double drumming with Miranda’s drummer Max Zemanovic Life and performance coaching in “The Space” Normalizing mental health and the help that’s available Becoming a compassionate witness to our own history Being able to manage your failings Choosing curiosity over judgement Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 9, 2022 · 1 hr 10 min
372 - Erik Aylesworth: Playing with Jet Black Roses, Recording at Ronnie's Place in Nashville, Thinking like a Producer
Erik Aylesworth is an Atlanta-based drummer who joined Jet Black Roses through remote recording during the pandemic. He attended Atlanta Institute of Music but cut his gigging teeth on the funk/R&B scene in Dayton Ohio. He returned to Atlanta in 2016 and got himself busy playing the usual combo of corporate, bar/restaurant, and church gigs. Jet Black Roses signed with N-Ovation Music Group in Nashville and just finished recording their debut album, with songs set to be release starting in late summer of 2022. In this episode, Erik talks about The recording process for Jet Black Roses at Ronnie's Place The band's unique strategy for releasing and publicizing their music, skipping a few of the usual steps Becoming a father during the pandemic How recording with guitarist Rob McNelly influenced his own approach as a drummer How the usual influences of Bonham, Colaiuta, and Peart combined with pocket influences like Prince and Lil' John Roberts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 2, 2022 · 1 hr 37 min
371 - Jerry Pentecost: Drumming for Old Crow Medicine Show, Dealing with Systemic Racism, Traditional Country Drumming and Serving the Song
Drummer and Nashville native, Jerry Pentecost has played with John Prine, Brent Cobb, Amanda Shires, Caitlin Rose, Aaron Lee Tasjan, and many others. In 2018 he became only the second drummer ever nominated for the Americana Music Association’s Instrumentalist of the Year award. Since around 2019, Jerry has been the drummer for the Grammy award winning group, Old crow Medicine Show. In this episode, Jerry talks about: Loyalty over pay when juggling multiple gigs Playing the Medallion Ceremony at the Country Music Hall of Fame honoring Eddy Bayers Drumming for Old Crow Medicine Show Covering many roles with OCMS including playing mandolin, bones and singing Recording the latest OCMS record, Paint This Town Two op-eds he wrote for the Tennessean focusing on Black History Dealing with systemic racism Traditional country drumming and serving the song Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 26, 2022 · 1 hr 18 min
370 - Eric Slick: Playing with Dr. Dog and Waxahatchee, Building Songs Around Drum Sounds
Eric Slick is a product of the Philly area where he began touring with Dr. Dog. After relocating to Nashville in 2018, he continued that gig until the band’s recent hiatus, and has gone on to perform with Waxahatchee and The Crooked Rhythm Band among others. He is also a singer, songwriter, and producer in his own right, his latest release as a solo artist is an album of ten original songs called Wiseacre. In this episode, Eric talks about His ongoing studio learning process The power of "no" - filling your schedule vs. being fulfilled Playing with the Crooked Rhythm band and digging into the Fela Kuti/Tony Allen stuff His interest in late 70s/early 80s drum machines and productions Wrestling with drums and mics vs. wrestling with the computer How Nashville is becoming a place for everyone, musically and otherwise His "jazz damage" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 19, 2022 · 1 hr 5 min
369 - Al Murray: The British Drum Company, His 2nd WW podcast: We Have Ways of Making You Talk
Al Murray is a Co-Founder and Managing Director of the British Drum Company He is also one of the UK’s most recognizable comedians! In his guise as the Pub Landlord he has played drums with the likes of Phil Collins and Queen as well as touring the world appearing on TV and radio. Al has published books and is planning a movie, but his first love is drums. A keen and enthusiastic drummer, Al has played since he was a kid, and is currently active in the band 'Fat Cops'. Lastly, Al and historian James Holland discuss all matters Second World War with their immensely popular podcast, We Have Ways of Making You Talk. The podcast is a bi-weekly show exploring the war in close up and James and Al have a stunning knowledge of the subject. In this episode, Al talks about: His podcast, “We Have Ways of Making You Talk” His interest in the 2nd World War The British Drum Company The variety of snare drums that The British Drum Company offers His full time gig as a touring comic act, the Pub Landlord How the history of drum manufacturing is also the history of manufacturing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 12, 2022 · 1 hr 13 min
368 - Danny Paschall: From Metal to Mainstream to Experimental, Playing with Col. Bruce Hampton and Brent Hinds
Danny Pachall has been active on the Atlanta scene for nearly 20 years with gigs ranging from the most precise metal to the most experimental improvisation. He toured with "blues surrealist" Col. Bruce Hampton and was part of the long-standing jam session hosted by bassist Kevin Scott. He has also toured and recorded with metal guitar heavyweight Emil Werstler, Zappa alum Ike Willis, tribute outfit Georgia Players Guild, and many others. He is currently in the house band for "Metalsome Mondays," a live band metal karaoke show, and most recently he was tapped to perform live and record for a new side project by Mastadon's Brent Hinds. In this episode, Danny talks about His view of the current metal landscape His "Jim Keltner" approach to Brent Hinds' project Recording and touring with Emil Werstler's metal project "Verlorener" The influence of bassist Kevin Scott, and the role Kevin's experimental jam session on the Atlanta creative scene Playing with Col. Bruce Hampton Being capable of the precision of metal and the freeness of experimental music, sometimes simultaneously Getting over imposter syndrome - being a jack of all trades vs. needing a musical home Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 5, 2022 · 1 hr 22 min
367 - Jim Brock: Developing Your Own Voice with Percussion, Recording in the Pre-Digital Era
Jim Brock has proven to be an innovator in the world of drums and percussion. Within his forty five year career he has appeared on literally hundreds of recordings with artists such as Joe Walsh, Joan Baez, Kathy Mattea, Joe Cocker, Janis Ian, River Phoenix, and James McMurtry. With five solo recordings and a DVD entitled The Nature Of Drumming, Jim Has traveled the world extensively with performances on The Tonight Show, A Prairie Home Companion, Good Morning America, MTV, and multiple appearances on The View, just to name a few. Among these include a concert at the White House for President Clinton in 2000. In 2007, Jim was asked to compose the music for the documentary "The Spirit of Sacajawea". For this work he is the recipient of the prestigious Telly award, and was nominated for an Emmy award in the category of Composer/Arranger. In this episode, Jim talks about: Learning to develop his own voice with percussion When and when not to use traditional patterns and feels Recording with Joe Walsh Recording in the pre-digital era Living and working in Charlotte NC The recording scene in Charlotte The rhythm of life itself Recording with Steve Gadd, Alex Acuna, Mel Lewis and others Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Apr 28, 2022 · 1 hr 12 min
366 - Brian Steever: Finding and Exploring His Unique Voice in Kansas City, Letting Sounds and Ideas Guide The Way
Brian Steever is a drummer on a mission to inject joy into every musical situation that he finds himself. One of the most in-demand drummers on the Kansas City scene, the drums have been his passion since he was born. He began his studies with Loyd Warden in Columbia Missouri and is an alumnus of UMKC where he studied with Doug Auwarter, Brandon Draper, Curtis Lundy, Michael Carvin and Bobby Watson. Brian enjoys many performance opportunities in the Kansas City area and beyond. He can be seen around town with Mike Metheny, Matt Otto, Bob Bowman, Jeff Harshbarger, and Hermon Mehari. Brian has also had opportunity to play with musicians from all over the world including Ben Allison, Javon Jackson, Deborah Brown, Bob Sheppard, Tony Tixier, Shunzo Ohno, and Sam Newsome among others. In this episode, Brian talks about: Having the three strong influences of a mentor, a peer, and a community all before he left high school How the Kansas City jazz scene is supportive of everyone's unique voice His experience at University of Missouri-Kansas City The influence of Matt Wilson - being effortless and intentional Exploring sounds and ideas vs. practicing drums The never-ending matched vs. traditional conundrum Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Apr 21, 2022 · 1 hr 43 min
365 - Shannon Forrest: Performing With Spirit and Intent, The Confidence of Jeff Porcaro, Staying in Contact With Your Muse
As a session drummer, Shannon Forrest has contributed to the work of many well-known artists, including Brooks & Dunn, Taylor Swift, Rascal Flatts, Carrie Underwood, Mary Chapin Carpenter, The Chieftains, Willie Nelson, Ricky Skaggs, Trisha Yearwood, Lee Ann Womack, Jerry Douglas, Merle Haggard, and many others. Shannon is also a producer and engineer. Born in Easley, South Carolina and now living in the countryside just outside of Nashville, Shannon's recording career is unparalleled. In his twenty-plus years as one of Nashville’s top session drummers, he's constantly in demand for practically every top artist that town produces. The list includes mega stars Brooks & Dunn, Taylor Swift, Rascal Flatts, Carrie Underwood, Toby Keith, Faith Hill, Sugarland, Tracy Lawrence, LeAnn Rimes, The Chieftains, Michael McDonald, Willie Nelson, Alabama, Art Garfunkel, Ricky Skaggs, Trisha Yearwood, Blake Shelton, Martina McBride, Lee Ann Womack, Gretchen Wilson, Merle Haggard, Trace Adkins…and countless others. Shannon Forrest is a recipient of the Academy of Country Music’s Top Drummer/Percussionist Of The Year. In this episode Shannon talks about: The confidence of Jeff Porcaro The “inter-dynamics” of the Rosanna shuffle What separates the “session musician” from others The intent of building his own studio The production of the Tom Bukovac record - Plexi Soul Performing with spirit and intent Developing a good working relationship with the click Recent recording project - Judson McKinney and the Wanderers Shannon’s YouTube channel Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Apr 14, 2022 · 1 hr 7 min
364 - Corey Fonville: The "SuperBlue" Project with Kurt Elling & Charlie Hunter, Playing with Butcher Brown, Evolving Through Self-Acceptance
After spending the first part of his career in the New York-based jazz world, Corey Fonville has evolved into playing and producing more groove-based music. With his band Butcher Brown and most recently with Charlie Hunter and Kurt Elling on new album SuperBlue, Corey is exploring playing and tones that are firmly in the supporting role rather than the more explosive/interactive jazz role. Corey is the product of a couple of non-traditional educational environments; The New School in New York and the Dave Brubeck Institute in Stockton, CA, and his jazz resume includes Christian Scott, Nicholas Payton, Jacky Terrasson and many more. But he has found himself moving past that world in search of drumming and music that's more true to his musical identity and values. In this episode, Corey talks about: How the SuperBlue project came about, and how Charlie and Kurt turned to him to help shape it Being a bridge between Kurt's energy and Charlie's energy Being influenced by Kareem Riggins, Kendrick Scott, Obed Calvaire, and other New York jazz drummers How sounding like other drummers is a step in the journey to sounding like you Ways he's thinking about combining his new musical identity with the jazz world he used to inhabit, and approaching jazz with a production mindset How turning something down or moving away from a certain music requires self-acceptance Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Apr 7, 2022 · 1 hr 34 min
363 - Nate Felty: Being Yourself on the Session or Gig, Seeking Out New Music and Experiences, Teaching and Learning
Originally from Syracuse, New York, Nate Felty is an experienced live/session drummer and educator who enjoys performing a wide range of musical styles. Nate has been living and working in Nashville, Tennessee since 2012 and earned his Masters in Commercial Music at Belmont University in 2014. Nate is the drummer for Nashville-based, nationally touring country/roots artist, Kelsey Waldon. With Waldon, he has shared the stage on tour with Grammy Award-winning artists such as Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder, Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives, and John Prine. Since his arrival in Nashville, Nate has performed and recorded with notable touring bands from Nashville. Among these are The Amanda Broadway Band, Abby Anderson, Devon Gilfillian, Dan Smalley, Marquee Mayfield, and a 9-piece funk/fusion group Dynamo. While with Dynamo, the group earned Nashville Industry Music Awards (NIMA's) in 2015 for "Best Funk/Fusion Band" and "Album of the Year" for their 2015 release, Find Your Way. When not on tour, Nate is an adjunct professor of drum set at Sewanee University of the South. Nate continues to make his imprint on Nashville's local music community, performing with notable musicians such Roy Agee (Prince), Jeff Coffin (Dave Matthews Band), Micah Hulscher (Margo Price), Jay White (Amos Lee, Cory Henry), Mike Hicks (Rascal Flatts), David Rodgers (Keb Mo), De Marco Johnson (Marc Broussard) and Paul Horton (Alabama Shakes). In this episode, Nate talks about: Being yourself on the session or gig while paying reverence to the genre/style His early influence and exposure to jazz Following his “North Star” and seeking out new music and experiences Playing in the house band for “The Pitch Meeting” Understanding musical references when creating parts His award winning band Dynamo Teaching and learning Recovering after snapping a tendon in his left hand Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mar 31, 2022 · 1 hr 10 min
362 - Jordan Perlson: An East Coaster Finding His Way in Nashville, Being Intentional About Saying Yes or No,"Async" Drum Coaching
Jordan Perlson has spanned about as wide a stylistic reach as one can imagine. Be it with jazz legends Seamus Blake and Gary Burton, folk heroes Alison Brown and Missy Raines, reggae giants Matisyahu and Trevor Hall, cutting edge music innovators like Becca Stevens, Snarky Puppy, and Jeff Coffin, progressive innovators Adrian Belew or Kaki King, or fusion megastar Hiromi, Jordan has become a known force in these many circles. With credits on 100+ recordings, including national and international ad campaigns, Jordan is as at home in the studio as he is on stage. Having taught at prestigious institutions such as Berklee College of Music, New York University and masterclasses all over the world, Jordan is a passionate educator. An author of 2 books for Mel Bay publishing, Jordan’s books have been translated into several languages and are used the world round by teachers and students of many levels. In this episode, Jordan talks about: Why he moved to Nashville after 12 years in New York Curating musical situations that line up with momentum in a direction, even if the end goal is abstract Being more intentional about not just what he says yes to, but why he says yes How New York shaped his personality, and how that shapes his musical identity Trusting that his instincts and intentions will make good music, even if the execution isn't quite perfect His "asynchronous" drum coaching approach to private teaching Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mar 24, 2022 · 1 hr 46 min
361 - Michael Bland: The Demands of Working for Prince, The Power of Mentorship, Drumming for Soul Asylum
At age sixteen, Michael Bland won the "twin cities' best drummer" contest and was the beginning of a rewarding career. With his recognition as a prodigy, Michael was actively sought by many local acts. At seventeen, Hiram Bullock snagged him up, and took him to Pittsburgh and New York to do some one-nighters. That same year, he joined Dr. Mambo's Combo, a house band at Bunker's Music Bar and Grill, a local club where many Minneapolis musicians cut their teeth. Bunker's is where Prince first spotted Michael, Michael joined prince in 1989 and he toured, recorded, and performed with the new power generation for the next seven years. In 1996, immediately after his tenure with Prince, Michael went on tour with Paul Westerberg, which led to tours and recordings with other national acts, such as Chaka Khan, Maxwell, Dionne Farris, George Benson, Phil Upchurch, Howard Hewitt, and many others. Since 2005, Michael has been a member of the band Soul Asylum. In this episode, Michael talks about: The demands of working for Prince How he got the gig with Prince The podcast, MUSIPOLITIX he ran during the pandemic Drumming for Soul Asylum The power of mentorship Stories of working for Chaka Khann, Madonna Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mar 17, 2022 · 1 hr 16 min
360 - Quinton "Q" Robinson: Touring with "Ain't Too Proud," Making a Career Transition into Musical Theatre, A Different Kind of Musical Fulfillment
Over the last decade plus, Quinton "Q" Robinson developed a busy and sustainable career drumming with Gospel and R&B acts such as Avery Sunshine, Peebo Bryson, and Anthony David, and recording in his home studio. But he got interested in musical theatre and started spending time in New York meeting Broadway drummers, musical directors, and contractors, and playing readings and off-Broadway productions. He also got in with the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta played a litany of shows there. That legwork has culminated in Q landing the drum chair for the touring production of "Ain't Too Proud," the Tony-winning Temptations musical. In this episode, Q talks about: The process of getting on the radar of decision makers in the musical theatre world His experience at The Alliance Theatre in Atlanta How he got on Clayton Craddock's radar, and how Clayton came to recommend him for "Ain't Too Proud" The intricacies of the show The qualities required of a musical theatre drummer His goals for the new studio he's about to build Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mar 10, 2022 · 1 hr 26 min
359 - Clifford Koufman: Studying Drumming in West Africa, Completing the Cycle of Music Through Sharing, "Clif Chats" Interview Series
Clifford Koufman is a Nashville-based, award-winning drummer who founded Sound & Rhythm Drumming School in 2000. With over 20 years of experience, Clifford carries a world of experience to every scenario, whether creating music, performing or teaching. He's honored to be the recipient of multiple grants, the Thrive award to build community through community drumming classes, performances, and drum circles, and the Regional Arts & Culture Council professional development grant to study music in Guinea, West Africa. He's toured internationally, throughout the US, and in Alaska. Clifford has spent time living and learning from master musicians in Ghana and then Guinea, West Africa, and has performed, taught, and worked with thousands of people as well as working with numerous bands, songwriters, and composers throughout the United States. In an effort to share in his musical experience, inspiration and to connect with creative people through conversation, he began "Clif Chats" where he's has conducted over sixty interviews of creative people at the top of their fields. Clifford teaches people in Nashville as well as traveling to schools, colleges, and universities as well as teaches internationally online. He creates play-along tracks for drum circle facilitators as well as making music for licensing. Clifford embraces the spirit of collaboration in Nashville, performing and recording and writing, collaborating with songwriters, bands and composers. He is continually experimenting with a hybrid drum set, incorporating percussion and drum set elements with various hand drums. He facilitates leadership development events using the drum circle as the vehicle. Clifford continues to teach students all over the world and is excited to collaborate with songwriters, bands, and composers. He continues Clif Chats and is always looking to geek out about people living creatively, drums, art, and music. In this episode, Clifford talks about: His journey into hand drumming Studying and adventures in Ghana and Guinea, West Africa Completing the cycle of music through sharing Building a teaching practice Clifford’s interview series: Cliff Chats Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices