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

Sep 28, 2023 · 1 hr 44 min
438 - Brian Tichy: Touring with the Dead Daisies, Great Playing Over Good Networking, Adapting to the Gig
Brian Tichy is one of the most in demand performers today. Brian studied music at, and has a degree from, the prestigious Berklee College of Music. Brian has performed and recorded with artists: Billy Idol, Foreigner, Whitesnake, Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Ozzy Osbourne, WASP, Don Felder, B'Z, Lynch Mob, Vinnie Moore, Michael Schenker, Seether, Velvet Revolver, Zakk Wylde's Pride & Glory, The Dead Daisies, Glenn Hughes, Slash's Snakepit and is also the founder of the popular celebration events, Bonzo Bash and Randy Rhoads Remembered. In this episode, Brian talks about: Drummers that connect with the people Touring with the Dead Daisies Being able to adapt on sessions Different tours/sessions and managing it all Playing with Don Felder Recording the album Pride and Glory w/ Zakk Wylde Great playing over good networking Hand and feet exercise for desks and floors only : 0 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sep 21, 2023 · 1 hr 14 min
437 - Allison Miller: DC Roots, Connecting Her Drumming to Dance, Playing with Dr. Lonnie Smith, Her New Album
Allison Miller is a New York-based drummer, bandleader, educator, and producer. She studied with Michael Carvin and Lenny White and went on to play with Dr. Lonnie Smith, Ani DiFanco, Brandi Carlisle, and many others. She's active as an educator in many capacities including at The New School in New York, and her new album, Rivers In Our Veins is out now. In this episode, Allison talks about: Getting started with big bands in DC, and studying classical percussion in college The role that traditional bepop vocabulary plays in developing a modern jazz drumming voice The importance of experiencing jazz in a live setting Her new record and raising awareness about the role and health of America's rivers How her jazz credentials and experience led to pop opportunities Playing with Dr. Lonnie Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sep 14, 2023 · 1 hr 13 min
436 - David Garibaldi: Creating Art, Being Yourself, The Early Days of Recording with Tower of Power, His Latest Book: DG’s Notebook
David Garibaldi has became one of the most influential drummers of his generation and became known as an innovator in funk drumming. As a writer and performer David has worked with such artists as Patti Austin, Natalie Cole, Mickey Hart's Planet Drum, Boz Scaggs, The BBC Orchestra, Gino Vannelli, Talking Drums, The Buddy Rich Orchestra, Ray Obiedo, Wishful Thinking, and many others. David is once again performing and recording with the Tower of Power. David was Modern Drummer Magazine - readers Poll Winner "R&B/Funk" category six times. Five consecutive years from 1980-1985, and again in 2003. His name now permanently resides in that polls honor roll category for his lasting contributions to the percussive arts. David's first book, "Future Sounds", was rated one of the 10 greatest drum books by Modern Drummer Magazine (August 1993) In this episode, David talks about: The importance of good overall health The early days of recording with Tower of Power Creating art and being yourself Adjusting his approach over time Getting hit by a train and the recovery His latest book: DG’s Notebook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sep 7, 2023 · 1 hr 16 min
435 - Couples Counseling: Partners' Perspectives on Doing Life with a Drummer
This week we’re joined by Christina Albetta (Zack's wife), Liz Shadbolt (Matt's wife) and Kevin Leon, drummer for St. Paul & The Broken Bones and his wife Erin Johnson. Over the years Matt and Zack and many guests have talked about life partners and balancing relationships with our music careers, and we thought it was high time to hear from the other side of this equation about what it’s like to do life with a drummer. A long term committed relationship with a musician or any type of creative presents some unique challenges in terms of money, time, kids, trust, and so much more, and Christina, Liz and Erin offer some valuable perspective on all of it. In this episode, the couples talk about: How finances and other responsibilities in a relationship are never 50/50 Being willing to do whatever you have to do to support kids Creating your own traditions and celebrations on your own schedule How you can support your drummer without feeling obligated to come to every single gig Trusting your partner during time apart Normalizing therapy/counseling for individuals and couples Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Aug 31, 2023 · 1 hr 44 min
434 - Danny Douchette: Managing Forks Drum Closet, The Underground Nature of Metal, Local Events that Connect Musicians
Danny Douchette is one of the rare Nashville Tennessee natives living and working in his home town as a musician. He has been working at Fork’s Drum Closet since 2005 and currently manages the legendary drum shop. Known as a skilled metal drummer, Danny can be seen around music city performing at one of the many community supported events like “Rare Hair”, “Industrial Night” and “The Rock and Roll Residency” just to name a few. In this episode, Danny talks about: Local events that connect musicians with each other Growing up with a parent who was a professional musician The underground nature of metal Managing Forks Drum Closet in Nashville, TN The challenges of maintaining an original band Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Aug 24, 2023 · 1 hr 16 min
433 - Mike Dillon: His "Punkadelick" Trio, Rooting the Avant Garde in the Traditional, Making Creativity More Intentional
Mike Dillon's decades-long career as a vibraphonist, percussionist, and drummer has included work with Ani DiFranco, Les Claypool, Stanton Moore, Rikki Lee Jones, and many others. He has also led bands in his own right, the latest of which is Punkadelick, with Brian Haas on keys and Nikki Glaspie on drums. Their new record is called Inflorescence. When not on the road, Mike splits his time between New Orleans and Kansas City. In this episode, Mike talks about: His new trio, Punkadelick with Brian Haas on kers and Nikki Glaspie on drums Finding his place at North Texas as a percussionist rather than a drumset player Committing to mastering the blues and jazz harmony in the improvisatory context The influence of Johnny Vidacovich as an improvisor How the scenes of Kansas City and New Orleans have shaped him How his wife, visual artist Peregrine Honig, has influenced his art and creative process Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Aug 17, 2023 · 1 hr 7 min
432 - Jon "Ginger" Hamilton: Drumming for Sam Smith, Preparing for the Gig You Want, Touring in the 21st Century
Originally from South East London and currently residing in Nashville, TN, Jonathan 'Ginger' Hamilton developed his love for music growing up in church. By age fourteen was holding it down for the UK's leading worship leaders and groups. A few years later, he made his Pop music debut and has gone on to work with artists like, Jessie J, Olly Murs, Lianne La Havas, N Dubz, JLS and Westlife. Since 2017, he has been the touring drummer for Sam Smith. *** Use code: JGHDRUMS15 for 10% off at hyperice.com In this episode, Jon talks about: Managing drumming and repetitive stress injuries Acclimating to Nashville, TN from London Influence of Caribbean and African music in gospel music in the UK Bringing positivity to every situation and gig Preparing for the gig you want Drumming for Sam Smith The touring rig for the 21st century Mentorship His clothing line, Drum and Drummer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Aug 10, 2023 · 1 hr 11 min
431 - Tina Raymond: Her New Record, Running a College Jazz Program, Setting Boundaries
Tina Raymond is an accomplished drummer, composer, bandleader, and educator based in Los Angeles, CA. A unique voice in the contemporary improvised music scene, Raymond blends traditional jazz vocabulary with African polyrhythm and classical percussion technique. She is the Director of Jazz Studies at Cal State Northridge, and her new trio album Divinations will be released October 6th. In this episode, Tina talks about: Creating a jazz program where students don’t feel like they’re in competition with each other Putting boundaries around her professional life, whether it’s as an educator or a performer How she tries to help her students become well rounded people, not just good jazz musicians Her new record “Divinations” and its tarot theme Building drum solos around accompaniment Making her record “drums forward” both in performance and mix Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Aug 3, 2023 · 1 hr 20 min
430 - Chris DiGirolamo: Two of the Show Media, Diverse Opportunities in the Industry, Responsibilities of a Publicist
Chris DiGirolamo has been the owner and operator of Two of the Show Media since 2006. Chris started studying drums at the age of five and still performs to this day. From his time at Berklee College of Music, to his tenure at the well known Systems Two Recording Studio in Brooklyn, NY, to engineering at the legendary Record Plant Recording Studio in California, music has always been number one. When Chris started Two for the Show Media, a private music publicity firm in Queens, NY, the mission was to provide hard work, honesty, trust, and guidance to the independent musicians of today. With two Grammy wins and over thirty nominations, Chris has fulfilled his goal times ten. A fraction of the clients he has worked with include: Dafnis Prieto, Jamie Wollam, Cindy Blackman Santana, Simon Phillips, George Coleman Junior, JR Robinson, Bobby Sinabria, Steve Gadd and Manu Katche. In this episode, Chris talks about: The benefits of technology with PR Responsibilities of a publicist Artist development Carlos Santana and the thank you letter Marketing instruments like A&F Drums Meeting Bill Kreutzmann from The Grateful Dead as a kid Diverse opportunities in the music industry Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jul 27, 2023 · 1 hr 17 min
429 - Lucy Ritter: Touring with "Jagged Little Pill," Moving to LA, Followers vs. Relationships on IG
Lucy Ritter grew up in New Jersey with a good dose of NYC. She attended music school at Indiana University where Steve Houghton encouraged her to focus on drumset rather than classical percussion or music education. She left school to join the first national tour of the musical An Officer and a Gentleman, and followed that up with the first national tour of Jagged Little Pill. She recently decided to leave that tour and move to LA full time. In this episode, Lucy talks about Following through to make IG connections IRL Learning how to record audio and video for college during COVID How Steve Houghton encouraged her to focus on drumset rather than classical percussion and music education How different types of music come with different lifestyles/subcultures All the different ways professionalism has to be present in how you present yourself. Seeking out female mentors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jul 20, 2023 · 1 hr 6 min
428 - Jody Stephens: Drumming for Big Star, Those Pretty Wrongs, Ardent Studios and it's Rich History
Jody Stephens is a drummer based in Memphis, Tennessee, who has played in Big Star and is the last surviving original member. Along with his over three decades working at the historical Ardent Studios in Memphis, he continues to record and tour with groups like Golden Smog (with members of the Jayhawks and Wilco) and Those Pretty Wrongs with Luther Russell. In this episode, Jody talks about: Meeting his hero, Ringo Ardent Studios in Memphis and it’s rich history The importance of building relationships in the industry What he learned during the recording of the first Big Star record His work with Golden Smog Playing music for fun not money His duo Those Pretty Wrongs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jul 13, 2023 · 1 hr 13 min
427 - Petar Janjic: Hitting His Stride in Nashville with Cory Wong, Uncle Bronco, and More
Petar Janjic is best known for playing with Cory Wong these days, but stays busy playing live and recording with many other Nashville artists. Petar's journey in music began with a solid educational foundation in his hometown of Kraljevo, Serbia . He pursued his passion by moving to the United States and earning both a Bachelor's and Masters degrees from McNally Smith College of Music in St. Paul. He moved to Nashville in 2019. With his expertise and versatile skills, Petar Janjic continues to captivate audiences worldwide with his dynamic drumming and unwavering dedication to his craft. His contributions to the music industry and collaborations with esteemed artists have solidified his reputation as a true force to be reckoned with in the realm of percussion. In this episode, Petar talks about: How the old guard of Nashville studio drumming has influenced his approach How the Cory Wong gig has fun/goofy aspects, but also takes preparation and quality control very seriously The Minneapolis approach to time and groove that he and Cory both come from Releasing an online drum course with Cory, and his "overtone control" cymbal dampeners Playing with Victor Wooten Uncle Bronco, his trio project with organist Ty Bailie and guitarist Adam McPhail Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jul 6, 2023 · 1 hr 23 min
426 - Dr. Charlie Kautz and Dr. Shayan Ghaffari: The Fine Tune Clinic, Parallels Between Athletes and Musicians, Using Education to Solve Physical Issues
At the Fine Tune Clinic, Dr. Charlie Kautz and Dr. Shayan Ghaffari are a licensed Chiropractors providing state-of-the-art techniques that directly treat specific muscles to relieve pain symptoms and improve range of motion. After years of observing and working with musicians, they provide a unique combination of advanced myofascial and Chiropractic techniques to address underlying causes of repetitive stress injurys. In this episode, Dr. Charlie Kautz & Dr. Shayan Ghaffari talk about: Parallels between athletes and musicians Matt’s personal work with Dr. Shayan Dr. Charlie meeting John Densmore, drummer for the Doors Active Release Technique (ART) Problems with “drummers posture” Using education to solve physical issues Things that we do that sabotages our health and mobility How supplements optimize recovery Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 29, 2023 · 1 hr 28 min
425 - Mike Malone: Gigging Around Northeast Wisconsin, His Youtube Channel, The Virtues of Smaller Markets
Mike Malone is a performer and educator based out of Oshkosh, Wisconsin. He attended University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire to study classical and jazz percussion. In 2013 Mike was invited to join The Glenn Miller Orchestra's national tour. After returning to UWEC to finish his degree in 2014, Mike began touring with groups including jazz vocalist, Ray Brown Jr, and vocal jazz group, Five By Design. As a recording musician Mike can be heard on dozens of albums as both a supporting musician and leader. His diverse skillset has allowed him to be featured musically across numerous styles and settings, and led him to be named "Drummer Of The Year" by the Wisconsin Area Music Industry (WAMI) Awards in 2021. Mike currently maintains a regular performing schedule and manages a private teaching studio with students of all ages and experience levels. Mike is a performing artist for Bosphorus Cymbals. In this episode, Mike talks about Why he decided to make his home and career in Oshkosh How church gigs taught him to convey respect as a performer, which he takes into all performances Touring with the Glenn Miller Orchestra, and the challenge of playing true old school big band style with no bebop How tech has changed how we prepare for gigs, for better or for worse The genesis and scope of his youtube channel Being able to anticipate what content might be popular, i.e. manufacturing a viral video Tech tips to improve the audio and video quality of your online presence Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 22, 2023 · 1 hr 28 min
424 - John "JR" Robinson: The Down Beat is WORD, SRT: Vanguards Of Groove, Recording #1 Hits
World-renowned, Grammy-winning musician John "J.R." Robinson is widely considered the most recorded drummer in history, playing on albums that have sold well over 500 million copies. He is the drummer on 20 number-one pop songs by artists such as Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Lionel Richie and Steve Winwood, and has been the drummer on more than 100 Grammy-winning tracks. Rolling Stone Magazine featured J.R. in their list of The Top 100 Drummers of All Time. J.R. is the drummer on many other Top-40 hits with artists such as Madonna, Lady Gaga, Diana Ross, Daft Punk, David Lee Roth, Rufus & Chaka Khan, The Pointer Sisters, Wilson Philips, Peter Cetera, George Benson, and Quincy Jones. In this episode, John talks about: The down beat is WORD Being able to groove without a click His new trio SRT: Vanguards Of Groove Working on his book that is coming out in 2024 Hi-Hat technique Breaking down the session with Steve Winwood Recording with Daft Punk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 15, 2023 · 51 min
423 - Joe Farnsworth: "Just Play Time"
One of the most highly regarded jazz drummers on the scene today, Joe is known for his blazing speed, precision, musical, and melodic playing. Born in South Hadley, Massachusetts in 1968, Joe grew up in a musical family; his father was a music educator and he has four older brothers, two of whom became professional musicians. He studied with Alan Dawson and Arthur Taylor prior to attending and graduating from William Patterson College in New Jersey in 1994. Upon moving to New York City, he led the weekend jazz combos at Augie’s (now Smoke Jazz & Supper Club). He performed with Junior Cook, Cecil Payne, John Ore, Big John Patton, Harold Mabern, Eddie Henderson, John Jenkins and his brothers, John and James. Joseph’s career includes recording over 100 CD’s as leader and side-man, jazz festivals and world tours with Pharaoh Sanders, Horace Silver, Harold Mabern, McCoy Tyner, Cedar Walton, Diana Krall, Benny Golson, George Coleman, Johnny Griffin, Lou Donaldson, Benny Green, Curtis Fuller to name a few. In this episode, Joe talks about: Studying with Alan Dawson How he arrived at his "just play time" identity as a jazz drummer the centrality of the ride cymbal in all jazz drumming The difference between playing with someone and playing for them Why he chooses to almost always perform in a suit and tie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 8, 2023 · 1 hr 34 min
422 - Mark Poiesz returns: His online program: The Big 3: Steps to the Big Stage, The power of curiosity, Becoming a Professional Certified Coach
As a drummer, Mark Poiesz has performed in front of millions of people on five continents with artists including Tyler Farr, Lindsay Ell, Mitchell Tenpenny, Chuck Wicks, Jon Secada, Lita Ford and Ghost of Gloria. As an alumnus of the University of Miami's prestigious Frost School of Music with a Bachelor of Music degree in Studio Music and Jazz, Mark's career has spanned nearly every conceivable genre of music as he brings his signature energy to each moment. His current role as drummer, bandleader and programmer with multi-platinum country music artist Tyler Farr has involved nearly a decade of touring, major network television appearances and the Super Bowl LI pre-game show. As an ICF Professional Certified Coach, Mark holds the gold standard credential for coaching. He has built real-world experience not just with individuals in the entertainment industry, but also with leaders and high performers at companies such as AT&T, IBM, Boeing, Capital One, Warner Bros. Discovery, HelloFresh, The US Department of Defense and more. In this episode, Mark talks about: Getting out of his comfort zone The power of curiosity His online program: The Big 3: Steps to the Big Stage When you say no to something, you are saying yes to something else. Having a clear objective when practicing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 30, 2023 · 1 hr 5 min
421 - George Coleman Jr.: Musical DNA from New York, Memphis, and Cuba, "Taking Care of the Listener",
George Coleman Jr. was born into a musical family. As a drummer, producer, composer, filmmaker, and son of two musical jazz greats, saxophone legend George Coleman Sr. and organist, composer and vocalist, Gloria Coleman, he was seven when master drummer Max Roach gave him his first set of drums. George studied with master teachers including Sam Ulano, Michael Carvin and Billy Higgins. In 2019, George took on the role of film producer and released a documentary entitled “Another Kind of Soul: The Coleman Family Legacy”. The film chronicles his family’s personal and musical histories and includes concert footage as well as interviews with his family and other iconic jazz figures including Branford Marsalis. Another Kind of Soul is available on various streaming services including Amazon, iTunes, Google Play, and Tubi TV. He has also released a new record as a leader entitled Resurgence. In this episode, George talks about His dad's jazz legacy that began in Memphis The influence of his mother who was a bassist and organist Being surrounded by Latin music in his childhood neighborhood in the Upper West Side Making his album a culmination of all his mentors What he learned about music from his dad vs. his mom What he learned and continues to learn from Michael Carvin How music has served as a between him and his dad later in life Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 25, 2023 · 1 hr 29 min
420 - Andy Hull: Relationship Building in the Session World, Drumming for Clint Black, Finding Inspiration from his Son
Andy Hull is a drummer and a seasoned veteran of the Nashville music scene. He has toured and recorded with many artists including Billy Dean, Ty Herndon, Jaimie O’Neal , Collin Raye, Lee greenwood and is currently on tour with country music super star Clint Black. In this episode, Andy talks about: Dealing with last minute gigs and sessions The psychology of working with others Drumming for Clint Black Relationship building in the session world Be prepared to be uncomfortable on the gig or session Home studio recording Lessons and inspiration from his son Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 18, 2023 · 1 hr 13 min
419 - Nasheet Waits: Playing with Christian McBride's "New Jawn," Freedom vs. Responsibility, Studying with Michael Carvin
Nasheet Waits, drummer and music educator, is a New York native. His interest in playing the drums was encouraged by his father, legendary percussionist, Frederick Waits, who played with such legendary artists as Ella Fitzgerald, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Sonny Rollins, Lee Morgan, Max Roach, Cecil Taylor, McCoy Tyner, and countless others. While attending Long Island University, Nasheet studied privately with renowned percussionist Michael Carvin. Carvin’s tutelage provided a vast foundation upon which Waits added influences from his father, as well as mentor Max Roach and percussionist Fred King. It was Max that first gave Nasheet’s formidable talent international spotlight, hiring him as a member of the famed percussion ensemble M’BOOM. One highlight of Nasheet’s tenure with M’BOOM was the live concert performance of M’BOOM with special guests Tony Williams and Ginger Baker. Nasheet’s recording and performing discography is a veritable who’s who in Jazz. Waits has boasted stints with jazz notables Antonio Hart, Jackie McLean, Wadada Leo Smith, Dave Douglas, Mark Turner, Bunky Green, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Eddie Gomez, Steve Coleman, The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, Greg Osby, Wallace Roney, Jacky Terrason, and The Mingus Big Band. Waits has recorded and toured extensively in Africa, Europe, Japan, Canada, South America and the United States. In this episode, Nasheet talks about: Learning from Christian McBride's "played with everybody" experience, and high level consistency as a performer The early influence of his father, musically and culturally How friends and colleague of his father like like Michael Carvin and Max Roach stepped in to mentor him after his father died Lessons from Carvin His experience attending an HBCU in Atlanta Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices