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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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28 episodes
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Avg 1 hr 24 min
English

Episodes 28

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May 7 · 1 hr 11 min
566 - Jon Radford: Playing with Sixpence None The Richer, Leading His Own Trio, DJ-ing and Vinyl Obsession
Jon Radford has been adding soul and rhythmic vibe to the Nashville music scene since 2005, when he first began visiting the city to pick up drum gigs. He would soon move to Nashville from his hometown of Clarksville, TN with his wife, acclaimed painter Kim Radford. After transitioning to Nashville full-time, Radford began touring across the US and Europe with Charles Walker & The Dynamites and Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors. When not touring, Radford could be found fulfilling a vital tradition for Nashville’s most talented, playing the lower Broadway honky-tonk bars on Sunday nights with The Don Kelly Band. In 2012, Radford helped found the critically acclaimed Luella and the Sun, a blues and gospel-tinged rock quartet. The band released a 10” single, Fly So Free, and toured for two years, performing at festivals such as Austin City Limits and Hangout Fest before disbanding. Also in 2012, Radford joined Justin Townes Earle’s touring band, performing on The Late Show with David Letterman. Radford’s uniquely soulful, powerful drumming style is influenced by the iconic session players of 1960s and 1970s, including Kenny Buttrey, Hal Blaine, Jim Gordon, Steve Gadd, and Al Jackson Jr. Radford’s extensive and ever-growing record collection is also a constant and evolving influence. In recent years, Radford has been an active session musician around Nashville, recording with producers such as Jacquire King, Brendan Benson, Paul Ebersold, and Jim Abbiss. Radford is also a regular member of the Nashville-based instrumental group Steelism. In this episode, Jon talks about How his vinyl obsession and his drum obsession feed each other Being willing to be a novice at something in middle age Being married to a fellow creative, painter and visual artist Kim Crawford, whose work can be seen around Nashville Recent renewed global interest in Sixpence None The Richer His early days in Nashville and gigging on the “old” lower Broadway Changes in the Nashville scene Here's our Patreon Here's our Youtube Here's our Homepage Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
April 30 · 1 hr 19 min
565 - Matthew Atkins part 2: Nurturing Life Long Careers in Music, Unique Challenges as a Canadian Musician, AI as a Threat?
Matthew Atkins is a celebrated veteran of the music industry. An honours graduate of the renowned Musician’s Institute in Hollywood CA, Matthew has worked in a wide array of genres and situations. Matthew is equally at home on a stage playing pop-country to a festival audience, jazz to an intimate venue, or top 40 dance music at a high-end corporate event, as he is playing as part of a drum line at a world class sporting event.With a large catalogue of recording sessions to his credit, Matthew is known to be a diverse, creative professional. Matthew has been recognized with honours and awards from groups such as the Alberta Recording Industries Association and the Canadian Country Music Association.Having lived and worked in Asia, Mexico, and most recently Vancouver, Matthew now makes his home in St Albert, Alberta. In this episode, Matthew talks about: The thought process while performing His early touring experiences with Canadian artists Favorite drummer verses biggest influence His take on the supposed threat of AI Experiencing of loss his wife to cancer Nurturing life long careers in music Unique dynamics in the Canadian music industry ⁠⁠⁠Here's our Patreon⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Here's our Youtube⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Here's our Homepage Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
April 23 · 1 hr 11 min
564 - Ryan Connors: MD'ing for Hozier, Finding Self-Acceptance as a Drummer, Loving the Rehearsal Process
Ryan Connors is a multi-instrumentalist, MD, songwriter, and producer based in Nashville. He is currently keyboardist, MD, and backup drummer for Hozier, and has also worked with many other artists and bands including Yola, Melinda Doolittle, and Dynamo. He also writes and produces his own original music. In this episode, Ryan talks about: How smaller college programs give you more opportunities to play The virtues of multiple disciplines vs. specialization Being able to “speak drum” as an MD and producer The benefit of closing some doors Getting to play with Gadd “Finding where it feels good and not leaving there” Loving the discovery and connection that happens in rehearsal Leading by example as an MD in any given situation Here's our Patreon Here's our Youtube Here's our Homepage Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
April 16 · 1 hr 33 min
563 - Matthew Atkins part 1: Drumming at The Mayfield Theatre, Charting at a Pro Level, Being Prepared
Matthew Atkins is a celebrated veteran of the music industry. An honours graduate of the renowned Musician’s Institute in Hollywood CA, Matthew has worked in a wide array of genres and situations. Matthew is equally at home on a stage playing pop-country to a festival audience, jazz to an intimate venue, or top 40 dance music at a high-end corporate event, as he is playing as part of a drum line at a world class sporting event.With a large catalogue of recording sessions to his credit, Matthew is known to be a diverse, creative professional. Matthew has been recognized with honours and awards from groups such as the Alberta Recording Industries Association and the Canadian Country Music Association.Having lived and worked in Asia, Mexico, and most recently Vancouver, Matthew now makes his home in St Albert, Alberta. In this episode, Matthew talks about: Understanding the importance of motion when playing His gig as a house drummer at The Mayfield Theatre Using drum charts on a pro level The power of being prepared Chart writing techniques Tapping into the most musical performances in the studio Taking direction with grace Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
April 9 · 1 hr 15 min
562 - Chaun Horton: Playing with Lauren Daigle, Family Life in Sweden and Work Life in Nashville, "Playing in the Crossroads"
Growing up in Rochester, New York, Chaun Horton was birthed into a love of music. Under the tutelage of his father, a church organist, Chaun first learned his craft by playing for local choirs, then events throughout the state. Chaun’s desire to expand on his work led him to LA, where he attended a camp held by the LA Music Academy College of Music. Chaun soon found himself enrolling in the school on a full scholarship, where he earned a Certificate of Completion. Chaun has had the privilege of sharing the stage with artist such as Macy Gray, Natasha Bedingfield, Israel Houghton, , Toni Braxton, Thundercat, Jessica Simpson, and many more. In this episode, Chaun talks about: Moving home base from LA to Sweden and establishing a “camp base” in Nashville How the Lauren Daigle gig came his way Learning not to “take advantage of music” - “you’ve gotta be interested in it” What it means to “play in the crossroads” Setting professional goals based on how you want to feel at work Learning how to have some stoic detachment when necessary Getting to have a “garage band experience” with Lauren Daigle Here's our Patreon Here's our Youtube Here's our Homepage Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
April 2 · 1 hr 14 min
561 - John Spittle: Drumming for Trace Adkins, Developing Pocket and Feel, Three Generations of Drummers
John Spittle has been the long-time drummer with Country icon Trace Adkins. John began his career on the drums in Southern California playing in bands and recording sessions since the age of 15. Since moving to Nashville, TN, in 1997, John has toured and recorded with various artists, including Sara Evans, Aaron Tippin, Chris Cagle, Kellie Coffey, Matt King, Paul Brandt, and more. When not on the road, John has a studio where he records drums on over 100 songs a year for producers/artists all over the world. TV credits include The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Conan O Brien Show, Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, ACM Awards, CMT Awards, Craig Ferguson Show, NYC New Year's Eve Bash, Ellen DeGeneres Show, NBC Country Christmas, Grand Ol Opry Live, Emeril Live, Miss America USA, and many more. In this episode, John talks about: Home studio work From John’s father to his son: Three generations of drummers Moving to Nashville from Southern California and the expectations Developing a pocket and good time feel Experiences before the Trace Adkins What Trace expects from his band members John’s new endorsement with Sonor drums ⁠⁠⁠Here's our Patreon⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Here's our Youtube⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Here's our Homepage Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
March 26 · 1 hr 30 min
560 - Bruno Esrubilsky: Playing with Mitzki, Supporting the Artist (not just the song), Letting His Brazilian Shine Through
Bruno is a Brazilian drummer and percussionist based in the Bay Area and the longtime drummer for indie rock icon Mitski. He graduated from Berklee College of Music in Boston, moved to New York in 2011 and to Los Angeles in 2020. Throughout the last 15 years, Bruno has toured every continent of the world, played drums on the hit Broadway show Hedwig and The Angry Inch (4x Tony Awards winner), appeared on many TV shows, and has performed at festivals such as Coachella, Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits, Bonnaroo, Java Jazz Festival (Indonesia), Fuji Rock Festival (Japan) and legendary concert venues such as the Hollywood Bowl, Radio City Music Hall (NYC), Red Rocks Amphitheater, Wembley Stadium, The Greek Theater, Ryman Auditorium, Kennedy Center, Central Park SummerStage amongst many more. Recording credits include records in the USA, Japan, Argentina and Brazil. In this episode, Bruno talks about: Recently moving from LA to the Bay Area, and throwing himself into the scene there Forming a global circle of friends through music The evolution of Mitzki’s creative output and artistic vision Not just supporting the song you’re playing, but supporting the artist/person you’re playing for How the theatricality of Mitzki’s performance shapes his playing Playing in Brazil’s #1 Dave Matthews tribute band Playing “Hedwig & The Angry Inch” on Broadway Here's our Patreon⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Here's our Youtube⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Here's our Homepage Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
March 19 · 1 hr 32 min
559 - Marc Slutsky: Drumming for Peter Murphy, Practicing at the Micro Level, Staying Curious
Originally from Merrick, NY, Marc Slutsky built his reputation as both a touring and studio drummer, working with a wide range of internationally recognized artists.  Marc first gained broader visibility performing with Splender, a late-1990s/early-2000s alternative rock band signed to Columbia Records. The bands first album “Halfway Down The Sky” was produced by Todd Rundgren. The group achieved chart success with their singles “Yeah, Whatever” and “I Think God Can Explain,” helping establish Marc as a solid and expressive drummer. Splender made a second album on Clive Davis’s J records “To Whom It May Concern” which featured Slutsky’s drumming further.  After Splender, Slutsky became a highly in-demand touring and session musician. Over the years he has performed, recorded, or toured with artists including: Peter Murphy, Bauhaus, Adam Ant, Puddle Of Mudd, Kylie Minogue, Delta Goodrem, The Calling, Sons Of Silver, Alexa Ray Joel, Tom Morello (RATM), Terri Nunn (Berlin), Lou Gramm (Foreigner), Hugo, Gavin Degraw In addition, Slutsky has appeared extensively on TV including shows such as X-Factor, The View, Good Morning America, Queen Latifah Show, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Last Call with Carson Daily, Late Show with David Letterman, Wendy Williams Show, 2010 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting (NBC) with Kylie Minogue, and Jimmy Kimmel Live. In this episode, Marc talks about: Unique challenges to touring internationally Making sure to play great every time, every gig Staying curious and always learning Practicing on things at the micro level Drumming for the legend Peter Murphy (Bauhaus) Playing as a member of the band Splender when he was young Working with Todd Rundgren as a producer Learning how to record from your peers ⁠⁠⁠Here's our Patreon⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Here's our Youtube⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Here's our Homepage Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Showing 21–28 of 28 episodes