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Working Drummer

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
  • Explicit

Episodes578

Newest first
  • Jul 18, 2024 · 1 hr 37 min

    478 - David Chiverton: Leading by Example, Double Drumming in the Band - Smoogies, Learning to Sound Like a Pro

    David Chiverton is a Miami Florida native who continues to work and live in south Florida. The cultural diversity in Miami as well as his upbringing in the gospel church both played a heavy role in shaping him into the musician he is today. He has toured internationally with various major talents such as Lauryn Hill, Jon Secada, Donnie McClurkin and Sheila E to name a few. His range of musical versatility includes Jazz, Gospel, Hip-Hop, R&B, Pop, and the ability to freestyle on cue. Not only does David teach as an Adjunct professor at University of Miami, He is also member of the group The Smoogies. The band leans into the diverse background of it’s members to influence its sound and direction. Also, David shares the stage with Harvel Nakundi, another drummer for a powerful double drumming sound. The “Chivertone Sessions” on YouTube showcases David’s diverse skill set. In this episode, David talks about: The mojo in south Florida Maintaining a forward momentum Learning to sound like a pro The business of endorsements in 2024 Double drumming in the band Smoogies Drumming with Sheila E Leading by example Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • Jul 11, 2024 · 1 hr 51 min

    477 - Charles Ruggiero: Playing Alongside Gadd, Maintaining Humanity and Individuality in the Digital Age, Sobriety and Creativity

    Charles Ruggiero has been active since the early 90s, cutting his teeth on the New York jazz scene and landing his first big gig with Chuck Mangione. His New York cohort included such future giants as Joshua Redman, Peter Bernstein, Jane Monheit, Brad Mehldau, and Chris Potter, to name a few. In addition to his jazz exlpoits, Charles found a home on the metal scene as a member of Slunt, and replacing Matt Sorum in the supergroup Circus Diablo. He relocated to LA in 2007 and didn't miss a step, performing with Larry Goldings, Eric Reed, Bob Sheppard, Bob Reynolds, David Ryan Harris, and many others. He has released multiple albums as a leader and performed as sideman on countless others, and also records for Loop Loft. In this episode, Charles talks about: Playing double drums with Gadd as the intro to his first big gig with Chuck Mangione Trying to serve the music through his artistry What a drummer timekeeping responsibility actually is His perspective on New York and LA, having spent big chunks of his career in both places His various side hustles, including teaching, mixing/producing, and creating album art Trusting his creativity and artistic identity after getting sober Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • Jun 27, 2024 · 1 hr 24 min

    475 - Josh Bailey: His New Touring Gig with Ben Platt, Running Tracks and Ears from the Drum Chair, Studying with Dafnis Prieto

    Josh Bailey has been in New York for ten years, with a wide variety of live and session work to his credit. He is on staff at Studio G (Brooklyn based recording studio), recording drums and percussion for industry and independent artists & producers, and is currently subbing on Broadway's & Juliet and The Outsiders. He has acted as music director and drummer for artists building, arranging & operating live backing tracks, running IEM mixes and contracting musicians. Josh was seen drumming on Saturday Night Live in a digital short with Kyle Mooney and Beck Bennet (2019). As music director and drummer for pop singers Erin Bowman, Josh performed on Good Morning America, and Live! With Kelly and Ryan (2017). In this episode, Josh talks about The healthy vibe on the tour that comes from the top down Posting only what you feel good about on social media, "posting with purpose" MD'ing from the drum chair Learning how to streamline track rigs and ears rigs for "skeleton crew" opening acts His work at Studio G in Brooklyn The idea of a "drum statement" and how it can flavor the song, show, and band Studying with Dafnis Prieto and serving as final editor for his book "A World of Rhythmic Possibilities" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • Jun 20, 2024 · 1 hr 20 min

    474 - Dre Energy: The Different Scenes in Las Vegas, Playing the Cirque du Soleil’s Quidam show, The Power of Relationships

    Dre Energy is a native of St. Louis MO, and was inspired a very early age by friends and family at his church to play drums. When the opportunity struck, he found his way to Las Vegas and began performing with Cirque du Soleil’s Quidam show where he held the drum chair from 2010 to 2016. During that time he learned so much about the industry and toured the world. Dre discovered an affinity for performing as a clinician which took them to many places around the world, including China, South Korea, England, and many other places Dre is also known as an entrepreneur with his own line of snare drums, practice pads and even drums shoes. He works closely with Samsun cymbals and he has his own signature line called Dre Energy signature remix line. In this episode, Dre talks about: Finding your people The power of relationships The variety of scenes in Las Vegas Playing the Cirque du Soleil’s Quidam show Touring China and other other unique locations Developing his own signature line of snares, shoes, cymbals Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • Jun 13, 2024 · 1 hr 21 min

    473 - Larry Aberman: Making a Late Move to Nashville, Ways to Stay Present, Getting Feel Right at the Source

    Larry Aberman has achieved in-demand status in New York, LA, Las Vegas, and Nashville recently moved to Nashville after a 12 year stint on the Cirque du Soleil show Zoomanity. Since moving, he has gotten busy playing with jazz, country, and everything in between, with Mandy Barnett, Pat Coil and others. In this episode, Larry talks about: How the time to leave his Zoomanity gig after 12 years became clear quickly What social context means in music Tools to make yourself present How Southern musicians and scenes are more groove and blues based Being conscious to not bring negative energy into a musical situation Adjusting to Nashville's needs in terms of tuning and groove Getting it right at the source with tone AND feel, so that grid correction is less necessary and less noticeable Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • Jun 6, 2024 · 1 hr 18 min

    472 - Bart van der Zee: Host of the Drum History Podcast, Connecting with the Drumming Community, Meeting Charlie Watts

    Drum History Podcast was created in October of 2018 and has been on a journey to document the history of the drums ever since. Topics range from the very early beginnings of man’s involvement with percussion up to modern day innovations that are changing the drum industry. The show has seen major growth since its launch and has become a resource for many drum historians and enthusiasts around the world. Bart van der Zee is a lifelong drummer with a deep passion for learning the full history of the drums. He has been a working musician for many years performing live and as a session drummer. Bart has worked as an audio engineer and has worked on a wide variety of projects including albums, commercials, TV and Film, and a number of podcasts. In this episode, Bart talks about: Work / family balance Drum History Podcast Inspiring the next generation The popularity of the “gear episodes” WW2 era drum manufacturing Meeting Charlie Watts Creative ways to stay connected to the drumming community Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • May 30, 2024 · 1 hr 8 min

    471 - Adam Marcello: The MD Role, His LA/Katy Perry Chapter, Splitting time between the US and Ireland, His New Teaching Role at Berklee

    Rhode Island native Adam Marcello is a professional drummer, music director, educator, clinician, and programmer most notably recognized for his work with singer Katy Perry. A graduate of Berklee College of Music, his performances range from multiple world tours, the Super Bowl XLIX Halftime Show, Saturday Night Live, and American Idol to recordings for numerous movies and TV shows including theme songs for Modern Family, Arrested Development, and Deadwood. As a clinician and artist for Roland Drums, he has helped to develop techniques and instruments for hybrid electronic/acoustic drumming as well as programming for drummers and percussionists. These versatile techniques can be applied to live performance and studio recording to help maintain musicality and creativity on the drums. In this episode, Adam talks about: Treating the different aspects of your playing like actors treat different characters Becoming Katy Perry's MD in the early stages of her career "out of necessity" Owning being a control freak and also sharing responsibility and trusting collaborators How to be manageable and coachable from the MD's perspective, How to have greater awareness of the song and the show as a whole His experience of living in Dublin, and living back in his hometown outside Providence Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • May 22, 2024 · 1 hr 34 min

    470 - Piero Perelli: Touring with The Swell Season and Glen Hansard, Growing up in a Small Town in Italy, Solo Record “Notte”

    Italian Drummer, Sound Explorer, music maker Piero Perelli is a musical maverick whose skills stretch from free improvisation to film scores, to performances with international artists and musicians, both live and in the studio. His original style is grounded in his journey as a musical explorer, touring around places like the United States, Europe, Africa and India. Engaged both in the service of songs and in experimentation, Perelli maintains the creative center of his activity in the Tuscan countryside, where he has also created his own personal laboratory-studio, the SoundSet Studio. As a drummer and percussionist, Piero has recorded with artists like Eddie Vedder, Glen Hansard, Cat Power as well as producers like Robin Hannibal (Kendrick Lamar, Little Dragon), Vinicio Capossela, Paul Savoy (A-Ha) Simone Giuliani (Andrea Bocelli, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra), Rodrigo DʼErasmo, Edoardo Bennato, Roberto Dell’Era, Niki La Rosa, Effenberg, Andrea Biagioni and many others, Piero has also recorded a library of their specific sounds and grooves and loops for the American That Sound made available to producers from all over the world. He has recently been touring with Glen Hansard and The Swell Season as well as the well respected Italian singer/songwriter Vinicio Capossela. His first solo album, Notte is a piece of work where Piero expresses his most intimate and experimental soul. In this episode, Piero talks about: Working and touring with The Swell Season and Glen Hansard His journey of learning music and drums in a small town in Italy Absorbing regional music throughout the world while touring Recording his solo record “Notte” Reacting to the acoustics in the space where you’re performing Recording on a movie sound track with Eddie Vedder, Cat Power and Glen Hansard Italian drummers that have inspired him The influence of Tony Allen (father of afro-beat drumming) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • May 16, 2024 · 1 hr 9 min

    469 - Brandon Combs: Playing with Leon Bridges, Studying with Ndugu Chancler, Nashville vs. LA

    Brandon Combs is a drummer, programmer, and producer hailing from Lansing, Michigan. Destined to be a great musician, Brandon has been involved with the Grammy Foundation since the young age of 15, attending their Grammy Camp programs in 2009 and 2010 via full ride scholarship. Now living in Nashville, Brandon recently obtained his BM in Popular Music Studies from the University of Southern California (2015). Currently on tour with Grammy Award-winning artist Leon Bridges, Brandon’s skill, versatility, and professionalism have also allowed him to work with many different world-renown artists across multiple genres such as Keith Urban, Raphael Saadiq, Moses Sumney, Lupe Fiasco, NIIA, Gallant, Chris Bullock of Snarky Puppy, and many more. Some of his most recently completed projects include recording drums on John Legend’s A Legendary Christmas album (2019) and the entirety of jazz-pianist Mark De Clive Lowe’s double album Heritage (2019). He’s also put his hands into music production, co-producing the song “Famous” off of The Internet’s Grammy-nominated album Ego Death (2016). In this episode, Brandon talks about: Covering the many vibes and sonic palates in Leon Bridges' evolving catalogue Getting on the same page about drum sounds with FOH sound people Archiving snare sounds in his studio Organic relationships leading to his best and biggest opportunities Studying with Ndugu Chancler and others at USC What it means to know a whole song His thoughts on Nashville vs. LA His outlook as he's about to become a dad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • May 9, 2024 · 1 hr 37 min

    468 - Justin Amaral: New Record: LIFE IN GROOVELAND - The Hymnal, Practicing Movement and Visualization as a Technique, Creating Opportunities

    Justin Amaral first made a name for himself touring the country in the jam band scene, leading to shows with Mike Gordon of Phish and a profile in Modern Drummer’s (April, 2004) “On The Move” column. After world tours with alt-country guit-steel legend Junior Brown, Justin relocated to Nashville and quickly became first call for many of Nashville’s finest players and songwriters including Paul Burch, Tim Carroll, Fats Kaplin, Jon Byrd, Charles Butler and the late, great David Olney. In addition, Justin has performed and recorded with Jim Lauderdale (Late Night with Conan O’Brien), Laura Cantrell, Michelle Wright, The Wild Iris Brass Band feat. Jeff Coffin, Dennis Crouch, Milan Miller, Mike Farris, Layton Howerton, Tommy Womack, Chris West and many more. Justin maintains an active performing and recording schedule working at some of Nashville’s most prestigious studios like Blackbird, Creative Workshop and the Hen House as well as venues like The Bluebird, The 5Spot, The Exit/In and Roberts Western World. In 2024 Justin released a collection of traditional hymns re-imagined as world beat instrumental duets called LIFE IN GROOVELAND - The Hymnal. Each track features a different instrumentalist. In this episode, Justin talks about: Heeding the call to do your own thing The origin of his new record: LIFE IN GROOVELAND - The Hymnal Creating your own opportunities Jump starting the creative process The inspiration of Drum and Fife Practicing movement and visualization as a technique Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • May 2, 2024 · 1 hr 23 min

    467 - Ty Bailie: B3 Organ and All Things Keys from Seattle to LA to Nashville, Buying Into an Artist's Vision, Being Musically Agnostic

    Ty Bailie is currently on tour with Mitski playing keys and organ. He moved to Nashville in 2021 after a stint in LA where his main gig was touring with Katy Perry. Since coming to Nashville, he has also performed with Joss Stone, Don Felder, Tanya Tucker, Wilder Woods, and his own group Uncle Bronco featuring Petar Jancic on drums and Adam MacPhail on guitar. In this episode, Ty talks about: Touring with Mitski, and buying into at artist's vision Being musically agnostic and seeing validity in all types music, musicians, and music fans What makes a good organ drummer - "don't panic" Moving from Seattle to LA to Nashville, and the differences between those scenes Finding different versions of yourself while still being yourself Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • Apr 25, 2024 · 1 hr 42 min

    466 - Finch: FDS Drum Services, Managing your Time as a Self Employed Person, Learning New Skills

    Born in Northern New Jersey, Finch grew up with an unwavering love for drums that shaped his life's path. Before his eventual move to Nashville Tennessee in late 2020, Finch spent time in the US Army as well as working in the insurance world. Shortly after his move to Nashville, his dream was realized by the founding of FDS Drum Services, a drum tech service that includes repairs, restorations, custom heads, tour teching & so much more. FDS quickly gained recognition through Finch’s dedication as well as the overwhelming support from the Nashville drumming community. Beyond providing professional drum services, he actively contributes to the community by hosting drummers' hangs, fostering networking, and uplifting fellow musicians. In this episode, Finch talks about: Managing your time as a self employed person Utilizing your network to get things done Always learning new skills Being ready when shit goes wrong on stage Reviewing five different drummers he’s teched for Creating financial security Focusing on physical and mental health Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • Apr 18, 2024 · 1 hr 26 min

    465 - Steve Picataggio: Straddling the Worlds of Jazz and Musical Theatre in NYC,

    Steve Picataggio has lived in New York for over a decade and has stayed busy on the jazz and musical theatre scenes there. He has toured with The Hot Sardines, The Four Phantoms, and others, and is active on the New York jazz scene playing everything from trio to big band. He is a graduate of University of North Florida where he studied with Danny Gottleib and Ulysses Owens Jr., and NYU where he studied with Billy Drummond. He is also active as an educator, with students from age 4 to adult as well as at the collegiate level. In this episode, Steve talks about: His fully remote college gig Touring with The Four Phantoms Why he loves rehearsing The mentorship and influence of Matt Wilson and Bill Drummond How cutthroat attitudes are mostly gone His love of accompanying singers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • Apr 11, 2024 · 1 hr 33 min

    464 - Yamil Conga: Playing with Artist Frank Ray, Diversifying your Portfolio, The Origin of the Conga in American music

    Yamil Conga is a percussionist and drummer with over 20 years of experience playing a vast array of musical genres in live venues, music videos and in the studio. A native of Puerto Rico and a current resident of Nashville, Yamil has benefitted from a vast array of musical influences. Salsa runs in Yamil’s blood due to his father, singer songwriter, Eladio Jimenez, who wrote and produced for several Latin giants. Knowing that music has no boundaries, Yamil’s mission is to make people fall in love with the art of live performance and foster a new generation of percussionists. Yamil tours nationally and internationally bringing educational lectures on the conga drum and salsa music. He is currently the percussionist and DJ for Country artist Frank Ray. Yamil rounds out his calendar performing with corporate bands as well as performing as a soloist as a drumming DJ. In this episode, Yamil talks about: Diversifying your "portfolio” Being proactive with your daily activities The evolution of the drumming/DJ thing Playing with artist Frank Ray Lecturing on the origin of the conga in American music The influence of his father’s legacy Percussion advice for drum set players Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • Apr 4, 2024 · 1 hr 12 min

    463 - Tom Jorgensen: Playing on the "Beetlejuice" Tour, Studying with Michael Carvin, A Sound-Oriented Approach

    Tom Jorgensen is an active and highly-requested drummer, session musician, composer, and mixing engineer based in New York City, currently on the first national tour of the Beetlejuice Broadway musical. Tom is a graduate with a BFA from The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music in NYC, where he studied with jazz legends such as Reggie Workman, Charli Persip, and privately with Master Drummer Michael Carvin, with whom a mentorship continues to this day. Tom frequently performs with the internet sensation Post Modern Jukebox, having toured with the group extensively in the United States, Canada, Europe, New Zealand, and Australia. His career has also taken him abroad throughout Europe, South America, French Polynesia, and the Caribbean while acting as Music Director onboard Holland America Cruise Line. In this episode, Tom talks about: The broad range of genres and drumming styles in the “Beetlejuice” show Auditioning for a Broadway tour vs. being offered the gig outright The “authenticity meter” in relationship building What it means to have a sound-oriented approach His experience studying with Michael Carvin at The New School in New York What good relationships look like - if one person wins, we all win “Go, do, be, have” in that order Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • Mar 28, 2024 · 1 hr 2 min

    462 - Matt Muckle: Drumming for Kingdom Come, Shedding Negative Energy from your Life, Finding Your Own Voice

    Matt Muckle is a Pittsburgh based drummer who has worked with and toured with acts such as Paul Gilbert, Lynch Mob, Buckcherry, John Waite and many others. He is currently recording with and preparing to tour with the band Kingdom Come. This legendary rock band formed in the late 80’s and with Matt as their new drummer, continues to entertain their committed and string fan base. In this episode, Matt talks about: Who inspired him to pursue a career in music Working and recording with Kingdom Come Shedding negative energy from your life His experience in Los Angeles Teaching and producing in a mentorship style Finding your own voice Being proactive for your career Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • Mar 21, 2024 · 1 hr 42 min

    461 - The Hampden Brothers, Iajhi and Brevan: Their Parents' Musical Legacy, Playing in the Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill "Triangle," Iajhi's LA Chapter, Brevan's Neurodivergent Journey

    In this episode, Iajhi and Brevan talk about: Their parent's musical legacy Growing up in the Triangle area in North Carolina, and the music scene there Attending North Carolina Central University, an HBCU and the only college in the state that offered a jazz degree at the time The ill-fated gig that brought Iajhi to LA Brevan's experience with being diagnosed as neurodivergent, and how that has changed how he approaches life and music Creating structure for yourself to avoid getting "emotionally disregulated" Iajhi's long-standing jam session at The Federal in North Hollywood, and the art and science of curating a good jam. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • Mar 14, 2024 · 1 hr 25 min

    460 - Miles Stone: Drumming for Cody Johnson, Balancing Life at Home and on the Road, Getting the Big Gig

    Hailing the small south Texas town of Poth, Miles was destined to drum. His mama felt him moving to the music before he was even born. At three years old he sat behind his first drum kit, and by age 5 he was banging out some version of "Under The Bridge" by TheRed Hot Chili Peppers. In junior high he joined the school band and began to study percussion formally. From marching band to snare drum solos, Miles took any and every drumming opportunity. He turned that into an affinity for marching, and a gold metal for every snare drum solo he ever played while in school, from a Junior High level solo all the way to "Africa Hot" by John Wooton. Along with other members of the high school drumline, this quickly let to garage bands. I was clear that drumming and taken a strong hold on Miles. After high school, he headed for College Station and Texas A&M University, and he certainly didn't leave his drums behind. While earning a BS in Horticulture, Miles spent time playing in around Texas and surrounding states with a few bands. During that time he made friends with Cody Johnson. Fast forward a few years, Cody asked Miles to come on the road with him as his permanent drummer, which he has been for at least 10 years now. When he isn't out on the road with the Cody and The Rockin' CJB, Miles enjoys spending time with his wife Samantha, their son Noah & their daughter Riley, watching football, woodworking, hunting and fishing. In this episode, Miles talks about: Playing a sold out show at Bridgestone arena in Nashville Balancing life at home and life on the road Key components to getting the big gigs Establishing trust with the artist/band/singer Drumming for Cody Johnson Recording for Cody in Nashville studios Bringing your live energy to a recording session Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • Mar 7, 2024 · 1 hr 5 min

    459 - Obed Calvaire: Playing with Wynton Marsalis & The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Commemorating Max Roach, Expressing His Hatian Heritage on His New Record

    Since 2021, Obed Calvaire has been in the drum chair for Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz At Lincoln Center Orchestra, with whom he recently curated and directed a series of concerts celebrating the centennial of the great Max Roach. His New York jazz career spans over two decades and includes jazz legends such as Dave Holland, Kurt Rosenwinkle, The Mingus Big Band, Joshua Redman and many others. His new album, “150 Million Gold Francs” will be released April 12th and draws heavily on his Haitian heritage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices