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

Feb 29, 2024 · 1 hr 32 min
458 - Richard Martinez: The Wilson/Spivack Method, Adapting to the Ever Changing L.A. Scene
Richard Martinez grew up in Los Angeles, CA and has performed around the world. He has studied privately with Chuck Flores, Larry Troxel, and for 12 years with Richard Wilson. Richard’s television credits include The Dolly Parton Show, Baywatch Nights, The Joan Rivers Show, and Seinfeld. He has performed with Sam Harris, Keb’ Mo, Allen Frew and with Tony Award winners Linda Hopkins, Betty Buckley, Bebe Neuwirth & Roger Rees. He has recorded with Julian Lennon, Mighty Mo Rodgers, Christoph Bull and with Grammy Award winners Dan Hill, John Jones, and Rick Nowels. He has also written four articles for Modern Drummer’s Strictly Technique section. In this episode, Richard talks about: Working with a conductor Opportunities for performance in the non-profit world Adapting to the ever changing L.A. scene How Richard Wilson changed his life The Wilson/Spivack method The practice pad: a rarified environment https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHg598jGIStR8y5gDV_w4ZQ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Feb 22, 2024 · 1 hr 25 min
457 - Dave Elitch: His New Course (Not Just for Drummers), Avoiding Compartmentalization, Good vs. Better (Not Right vs. Wrong)
Dave has been teaching privately for over 20 years and has developed a reputation as the technique/body mechanic specialist for drum set. He has helped many of the world's best players as well as top educators "get out of their own way" by being as efficient as possible in regards to conservation of motion and energy. He has toured and/or recorded with Weezer, Miley Cyrus, Justin Timberlake, The Mars Volta, and many others. The importance and benefits of a full-body warm-up How to literally cool down after playing What “mobility” means from a fitness and drumming perspective Why compartmentalization is usually bad thing, in fitness and music The importance of strength training in addition to body work Creative development alongside physical development His take on the role of rudiments in modern drumming Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Feb 15, 2024 · 1 hr 32 min
456 - Emmanuel “E-MAN” Cervantes: Inspiring the Next Generation, Drumming for Andy Grammer, Creating a Loop Library
Emmanuel “E-MAN” Cervantes is a Los Angeles based drummer who discovered his calling when he first picked up a pair of drumsticks at age three and later booked his first major studio session at the age of 12. E-MAN is currently touring with pop singer Andy Grammer. He has had the privilege to work with a wide range of artists such as Gwen Stefani, Lukas Nelson, Cody Simpson, Cameron Rafati, Elan, Son of Levi, Tyrone Wells and many more. EMAN played on a record with Joseph Williams, who is the singer of Toto, who enlisted some of his band mates to also play on that record like Steve Lukather. He’s made multiple appearances on TV shows that include SNL, The Today Show, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Ellen DeGeneres Show, David Letterman and Americas Got Talent. In this episode, Emmanuel “E-MAN” Cervantes talks about: Inspiring the next generation to find their own voice Lessons learned through home recording What he’s learned from his brother the engineer Working with pop singer Andy Grammar Bringing your best self to every gig/rehearsal Creating opportunities for yourself Creating a loop package “Drum Away Loops” Being at peace with what the future holds Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Feb 8, 2024 · 1 hr 23 min
455 - Rob Perkins: From Touring Drummer to Music Contractor, The Best Ways to Say Yes and No, Studying with Ndugu Chancler, "You're In the People Business"
How he got into the booking game through the USC music school as a freshman Struggling with the decision to ramp down performing/touring and ramp up booking Seeing the opportunity to improve stability in live music Bridging the gaps and establishing trust between musicians and the people who hire them How to make the most out of a $50 gig offer, no matter where you are in your career Making your interactions about the relationship first and the gig second Studying with Ndugu Chancler Michael Carvin, and Terri Lynn Carrington Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Feb 1, 2024 · 1 hr 55 min
454 - Matt Iceman: Working with David Nail, Home Recording Techniques, Expanding Your Skillset
Matt Iceman is currently the touring drummer and band leader with Grammy nominated country artist David Nail. He has toured/performed/recorded in the past with artists such as Eric Paslay, Francesca Battistelli, Shelly Fairchild, Lizzy McAvoy, Timothy Paul, T.J. Hitt and Tom Schreck, and bands such as BlackJack Billy, Spyderwulf, The Chris Weaver Band, and Liquid Earth. In this episode, Matt talks about: What he’s been up to since we last spoke in 2015 New responsibilities as band leader for his gig with David Nail Building a clientele for home studio recording Home recording techniques Hanging out with Shannon Forrest and lessons learned Seeking out lessons and new ways to grow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jan 25, 2024 · 1 hr 29 min
453 - Davide DiRenzo: Working with Larry Klein, Staying Open When Collaborating, The Conundrum of In-Ears
Davide DiRenzo is one of the most versatile and in-demand drummers in Canada, with an equally strong profile in the jazz, rock, pop and R&B scenes coast-to-coast and beyond. With years of studio experience under his belt working with some of the world’s top artists, Davide is now also working as a producer out of his home studio (Studio 86) in Toronto, Ontario. From there, he also records and sends drum tracks to artists and producers all over the globe. Davide has performed and recorded extensively around the world with a wide range of artists including two time Grammy award-winning Cassandra Wilson. Other acts he’s performed and recorded with include Chaka Khan, Mariah Carey, Holly Cole, Feist, Kevin Breit, and just recently recorded and co-wrote three songs on Molly Johnson’s new album, “Meaning To Tell You” where he had the pleasure of working with multi grammy award-winning and internationally celebrated producer/musician, Larry Klein. He has won six Juno awards to date, including two in 2007: one as a member of jackSoul (Best R&B Recording) and one as a band member with Tomi Swick (Best New Artist). He also received a National Jazz Award nomination the same year for Jazz Drummer of the Year. In this episode, Davide talks about: How he creates dialogue with audio engineers Deciding how many options to provide in terms of mics/tracks How in-ears have affected how we experience our own playing Finding the volume where your drums and cymbals start sounding bad Working with producer Larry Klein on Molly Johnson’s record I Been Meanin’ to Tell Ya Submitting to the collaborative process and letting go of some control Collaborative producers vs. impresario producers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jan 18, 2024 · 1 hr 33 min
452 - Brian Doherty: Drumming For They Might Be Giants, Pre-Social Media “Networking”, Cymbal Hacks for the Studio
Brian Doherty is best known as a drummer for groups like They Might Be Giants, RCA Recording artists, The Silos, XTC, Freedy Johnston, and Ben Folds In the early 90s, Brian was recruited by They Might Be Giants. For three years Brian and TMBG recorded albums, wrote songs, and relentlessly toured the world. In 2001, Brian went back to graduate school and became a New York City school teacher as part of the New York City Teaching Fellows program. As well as teaching, he remains professionally active as a drummer recording in the studio and performing on a variety of gigs that includes Broadway shows. On Broadway, Brian has performed in productions of RENT, Hairspray, The Times They Are A Changin’, Waitress and Little Shop of Horrors. In this episode, Brian talks about: Growing up close to NYC and it’s musical influence Early professional experiences Pre-social media “networking” that still works One gig leading to another, leading to another and so on Cymbal hacks for the studio Touring and recording with They Might Be Giants Transitioning to public school teaching and drumming on Broadway in New York Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jan 9, 2024 · 1 hr 15 min
451 - Ulysses Owens Jr.: His New Jazz Drumming Course on Drumeo, Jazz Representation on Social Media
In this episode, Ulysses talks about: Relocating back to his homestate of Florida after 20 years in New York How he moved from his gospel roots to jazz as a teenager, and the commonalities and differences between the two His Drumeo video playing Nirvana's "In Bloom" His jazz drumming video on Drumeo unpacking the nuts and bolts of jazz drumming The various misrepresentations of jazz drumming His philosophy for learning jazz drumming, and why he believes it's best to start at the beginning of its history and move forward in time The most essential skill in jazz drumming - "making the ride cymbal dance" Subtlety and stealth in big band drumming Representation in drum media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jan 4, 2024 · 1 hr 42 min
450 - Dan Shinder: Drum Talk TV, The Challenges of Content Creating, Upcoming “Brilliance” Platform
In 2013, Dan Shinder started Drum Talk TV, an online experience that has brought drummers, musicians, and music lovers together. Drum Talk TV is an online show showcasing insightful interviews in the world of drumming. These unique interviews from all over the drumming world feature all genres and cultures. They talk with live and session masters, legends, educators, hidden gems, prodigies, drum heroes, fitness experts, techs, producers, manufacturers, and more. Drum Talk TV also provides a series called "Perspectives" where they talk with other musicians ABOUT the drummers they work with. In this episode, Dan talks about: The challenges of content creating Building a support team The origins of Drum Talk TV "Hidden Gems” - Showcasing relatively unknown players Dan’s interview style Producing documentaries Upcoming “Brilliance” platform Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 21, 2023 · 1 hr 28 min
449 - Davide DiRenzo: What "Presence" Really Means, Opting Out of Social Media, Reconnecting with Toronto,
Davide DiRenzo is one of the most versatile and in-demand drummers in Canada, with an equally strong profile in the jazz, rock, pop and R&B scenes coast-to-coast and beyond. With years of studio experience under his belt working with some of the world’s top artists, Davide is now also working as a producer out of his home studio (Studio 86) in Toronto, Ontario. From there, he also records and sends drum tracks to artists and producers all over the globe. Davide has performed and recorded extensively around the world with a wide range of artists including two time Grammy award-winning Cassandra Wilson. Other acts he’s performed and recorded with include Chaka Khan, Mariah Carey, Holly Cole, Feist, Kevin Breit, and just recently recorded and co-wrote three songs on Molly Johnson’s new album, “Meaning To Tell You” where he had the pleasure of working with multi grammy award-winning and internationally celebrated producer/musician, Larry Klein. He has won six Juno awards to date, including two in 2007: one as a member of jackSoul (Best R&B Recording) and one as a band member with Tomi Swick (Best New Artist). He also received a National Jazz Award nomination the same year for Jazz Drummer of the Year. In this episode, Davide talks about: Making professional and personal choices based on knowing “where you’re at” Thinking of time as your most precious resource Why he has opted out of social media since its inception Being present in relationships and in music, and how they’re the same Reconnecting with Toronto music and musicians, especially the club/bar scene Making yourself available to connect with audience members Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 14, 2023 · 1 hr 29 min
448 - Ra Kalam Bob Moses: Getting Beyond Your Tendencies and Patterns, His Documentary, Reconciling His Own Legacy
Ra Kalam Bob Moses spent his youth growing up in New York City and living in the same building as Art Blakey, Max Roach, Abbey Lincoln, Elvin Jones, Rahsaan Roland Kirk. This early experience had a profound effect on this young musician. Ra Kalam would go on to work with jazz luminaries such as Gary Burton, Pat Metheny, Steve Swallow, Jack DeJohnette, Tisziji Muñoz and many others. He was also a member of the group The Free Spirits in the 1960’s, considered one of the first Jazz rock bands ever. Many were introduced to Ra Kalam’s drumming by way of Pat Metheny‘s very first solo record Bright Size Life in 1976 with Jaco Pastorius on bass. Ra Kalam is also a composer and leader on many recorded projects, going back decades. In this episode, Ra Kalam talks about: His thoughts on the documentary being made about him Growing up in the same building as Art Blakey, Max Roach, Abbey Lincoln, Elvin Jones, Rahsaan Roland Kirk in New York Getting beyond your tendencies and patterns His relationship with teacher and musical collaborator, Tisziji Muñoz The origin of his name “Ra Kalam” Reconciling his own legacy Upcoming recordings Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 7, 2023 · 1 hr 18 min
447 - Terence Clark: Playing with Keith Urban, His New Improvised Duets Project, Staying Rooted in Memphis
Terence F. Clark is a Memphis based drummer, producer, composer, artist and overall creative. He has played with a huge variety of artists from different regions and genres, Keith Urban being the most recent. Known for his impeccable and soulful performances, professionalism and discipline of craft, Terence has traveled the world building relationships with and through music. As Terence finds inspiration in his travels and engaging other cultures, he always lends inspiration with his unique brand of performance, solid groove, creativity, musical knowledge and excellence. It's always been more than “just about the music”, for Terence; it's about serving the artist, creating the very best and discovering a community of artists with which to learn from and create with along the way. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 30, 2023 · 1 hr 38 min
446 - Caleb Crosby: Tyler Bryant and the Shakedown, Capturing the Moment in the Studio, Building a Record Label
Originally from a small town in Kentucky, Caleb Crosby moved to Nashville to study music at the Belmont University. In a short amount of time, Caleb met a young Tyler Bryant, and they form what’s now known as Tyler Bryant and the Shakedown. The group has released an impressive one body of work since they began recording around 2011. There’re touring credits include opening and being direct support for groups like AC/DC, Guns N’ Roses, Jeff, Beck, ZZ Top, Aerosmith, and Lynyrd Skynyrd. Caleb splits his time between the band, their new record label, freelance drumming and raising a young family. Just recently, Caleb was the drummer with Dolly Parton during her halftime show at a Dallas NFL game. In this episode, Caleb talks about Capturing the moment in the studio The power of positive energy Tyler Bryant and the Shakedown Being in a band and freelancing Playing with Dolly Parton Building a record label Creating parts in the studio Family Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 16, 2023 · 1 hr 8 min
445 - Adam Deitch: His New Quartet Record, His 20-year Connection with John Scofield, Lettuce's New Live Approach, The Denver Scene
Adam Deitch is the centerpiece of the instrumental funk juggernaut Lettuce, and is also a beatmaker, producer, and sideman for a wide range of projects. On the heels of Lettuce’s latest release entitled Unify from 2022, Adam is out with “Roll The Tape” a new record featuring his own quartet and special guest John Scofield. He also operates the Deitch Academy, an online drumming course. In this episode, Adam talks about: His new quartet record and the soul jazz icons it harkens back to The value of using professionals to record, mix, and master, as opposed to DIY Including solo drumming and brushwork on the record The influence and mentorship of John Scofield How IEMs have made for a more connected and intimate live experience Why he calls Denver home, and a snapshot of the scene there Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 9, 2023 · 58 min
444 - Brandon Green: Drum Mechanics, Combining Fitness and Drumming, Exercises that Specifically Benefits Drumming
Brandon Green is a biomechanics specialist, fitness educator, gym owner and drummer. Brandon’s online presence, often recognized as “Drum mechanics”, explores educational biomechanics perspective on fitness, drums and life. In this episode, Brandon talks about: Combining his passions of fitness and drumming Future plans for more online educational content Seat hight the works for you and your body type Exercises that specifically benefits drumming Active stretching vs passive stretching Defining post-activation potentiation (PAP) and its benefits https://www.youtube.com/@brandondrummechanics https://www.instagram.com/drummechanics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 2, 2023 · 1 hr 22 min
443 - Pepe Jimenez: Coming to Vegas from Puerto Rico, Playing with Lady Gaga and The Raiders Band
Jose “Pepe” Jimenez has played drums professionally since the age of 16 and is known for his versatility in different musical styles. He’s product of the Escuela Libre De Musica (Puerto Rico Performing Arts School), Musicians Institute and the Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music. Pepe has played with Lady Gaga, Santana, Giovanni Hidalgo, Jerry Gonzales, Mark Anthony, and The Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra to name a few. Recordings include Ricardo Arjona, Olga Tanon, Armando Manzanero, Elvis Crespo, Ilan Chester, and Glenn Monroig among others. Since movingh to Las Vegas in 2002, he has worked in various production shows and bands including Storm, Mamma Mia, Cirque du Soleil Zumanity, Criss Angel Believe, The Lion King, Latin Grammys, Santa Fe and the Fat City Horns, Pop Evolution Orchestra and his solo project The Groove Culture. In this episode, Pepe talks about: Getting handpicked by Lady Gaga to be part of her Vegas orchestra, and what that show entails How to make the click your friend Playing with the Raiders Band - a different kind of stadium gig The developing scene for jazz, Latin, and independent music in Vegas Instilling good technical foundation in all his students Defining his drum identity not by genre or style of playing, but his respect and love for the role Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 26, 2023 · 1 hr 54 min
442 - Paul Eckberg: Skills to Being a Great Sideman, Realities of the Music Business, Faith Guiding Life Decisions
Paul Eckberg has drummed for Owsley, Danielle Bradbery, Jana Kramer, Amy Grant, Jars of Clay, Whitney Duncan, Andrew Peterson, and many other Nashville-based artists. He spends most of his time recording in Nashville. In this episode, Paul talks about: Growing up in Minneapolis MN The realities of the music business Human interaction, not “networking” Skills to being a great sideman Having a strong count-off game Life decisions being informed by his faith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 19, 2023 · 1 hr 19 min
441 - Mark Pardy: From England to New York to Vegas, Touring with "Moulin Rouge," Making Gigs You're Right For Come To You
In this episode, Mark talks about: What he finds rewarding about musical theatre Other Vegas-specific gigs he’s done over the years Touring heavily at age 55 and staying connected to home life Using gear that suits you as a player but also fulfills the needs of the show you’re on Staying engaged by being detail oriented Having your boss’s trust The virtue of contentment Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 12, 2023 · 1 hr 41 min
440 - Martin Lynds: Drumming with Chuck Mead, The Hidden Beauty of Traditional Country Drumming, Exploring Styles Outside Your Comfort Zone
Martin Lynds is a musician and editor who tours most often with Chuck Mead and His Grassy Knoll boys but has stayed busy performing and/or recording with many others, including Cheap Trick’s Tom Petersson, Kevin Gordon, Marah, Bobby Bare, Rodney Crowell and Marty Stuart. In this episode, Martin talks about: Exploring styles outside your comfort zone Finding your people without being concerned with the hustle His experiences living in Washington D.C. Finding a “clubhouse” to meet other musicians and create experiences His gig with Chuck Mead Backline nightmares The hidden beauty of traditional country drumming Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 5, 2023 · 1 hr 4 min
439 - Danny Banks: Playing with Nicole Atkins, Being Part of Howard Grimes' Legacy, Being a Memphis Drummer by Choice
Danny is originally from the Boston area but has called Memphis home for the last decade, where his main gig is touring with Nicole Atkins. He has toured with John Paul Keith and John Nemeth, and is active in Memphis’s many recording studios. In this episode, Danny talks about: Being an opening act for major headliners How Memphis provides ample opportunities to record in proper studios, so Danny hasn't set up a home rig How he was able to keep gigging remotely during Covid Mentoring under Howard Grimes and his contribution to the Memphis sound His appearance on Letterman as an 11-year-old prodigy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices