Drummers Pathway Podcast – Détails, épisodes et analyse

This episode features my conversation with drummer, Gene Champagne.

Born and raised in Hamilton, Ontario, Gene is a founding member of the Juno award winning band The Killjoys. In 2016, he became the drummer for Canadian music icons, Teenage Head, a band that was very influential in his development years. Gene is also a singer and songwriter and currently is the frontman for his own project, Gene Champagne and the Unteens, who recently released their EP, “Let’s Jet.” In our conversation, we talk about his early musical influences and what it was like to grow up as part of the thriving Hamilton music scene. 

We also discuss his experiences recording and touring with The Killjoys and what his creative approach is as a songwriter. Follow Gene: Facebook - Gene Champagne Music https://www.instagram.com/genechampagne_official/

This episode features my conversation with drummer & motivational speaker, Angelo Pentaris. Based in Greece, Angelo was born with cerebral palsy and quadriplegia. At 4 months of age, the doctors said that he would not be able to move his arms and legs, therefore not allowing him to lead an independent life. Through the support of his parents and their belief that he would be capable of living a life without limitations, Angelo began a daily regiment of physio-therapy when he was 9 months old. 

It was through his perseverance, commitment to exercise  and physical movement, that Angelo was able to overcome his disability. 

He discovered the drums through his passion for music and went on to pursue a Bachelor Of Music degree at the Los Angeles College Of Music. After graduating, Angelo began a career as a professional musician and opened his own production studio.

He also established himself as a motivational speaker, who has inspired many others to not let limitations stand in their way, allowing them to face their fears and embrace their full potential. In our conversation, we talk about his diagnosis and how he was able to overcome the obstacles that he faced. We discuss why it’s essential to commit to doing the work that is required to achieve your goals and why it’s important to not allow other’s perceptions of your capabilities deter you from achieving your dreams. TED Talk - Moving From Fear To Faith Spotify Follow Angelo: https://www.angelopentaris.com https://www.instagram.com/angelopentaris/

This episode features my conversation with the legendary David Garibaldi.

Best known for his work with the iconic group Tower Of Power, David is one of the most influential drummers of our generation, and a renowned educator who inspires others to explore new concepts and embrace their own creative voice.

Follow David: https://www.facebook.com/davegaribaldi https://www.instagram.com/davidgaribaldimusic/

This episode features my conversation with drummer Aaron Spink.

Known for his versatility, Aaron is a freelance musician and educator based out of Ajax, Ontario.

After studying Jazz Performance at Humber College, Aaron embarked on a career that has seen him work with numerous artists in many genres in both live and studio environments. Aaron is also highly regarded as an educator and clinician and is currently on faculty at the Yamaha School Of Music. 

In our conversation, we talk about his experiences and lessons learned through his post-secondary education. We also discuss his philosophies and perspectives as an educator and what he considers to be some of the fundamentals for success.  Follow Aaron: https://www.facebook.com/aaron.spink.9 https://www.instagram.com/spinko84/ https://www.youtube.com/@AaronSpinkDrums https://www.tiktok.com/@spinko84

This episode features my conversation with drummer Allison Miller.

Based out of New York,  Allison is an award winning musician, composer and educator who is highly regarded for her jazz improvisational skills showcasing her versatility and dynamic approach to the drum set. 

Allison was named as a Rising Star Drummer in Downbeat magazine's 67th Annual Critics Poll and Best Jazz Drummer in Jazz Times’s 2019 Critics Poll. She is also the first recipient of the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation’s Commissioning Grant. The product of this commission is her immersive multi-media project, Rivers In Our Veins, dedicated to celebrating America’s waterways.  In our conversation, we talk about how sharing your own personal development can inspire others to overcome anxiety and embrace their own artistic voice. We also discuss her approach to composition and the creative process for “Rivers In Our Veins, and why it’s essential to follow your creative paths despite the life obstacles you may encounter. Follow Allison: https://www.allisonmiller.com https://www.instagram.com/alliboomboom/ https://www.facebook.com/AllisonMillerBoomTicBoom

This episode features my conversation with drummer Rob “ Beatdown “ Brown.

Based out of Toronto, Rob is a self taught musician who discovered his passion for drumming as a teenager and developed his skills by analyzing and playing along with the music that inspired him. 

After leaving a full-time retail job to pursue a career in music back in 2012, Rob quickly circulated through the local scene performing and recording with a wide variety of artists in the R&B, jazz, contemporary Christian, and pop country scenes. 

In 2017, Rob transitioned to full-time YouTube content creator. Since then, his educational drum channel has rapidly become one of the most recognized and popular channels on the platform with over 300,000 subscribers.

In our conversation, we talk about what it takes to develop and remain relevant to establish a successful presence on YouTube. We also discuss how sharing your own challenges and personal development can inspire others to embrace their own obstacles. Follow Rob: https://www.robbrownondrums.com https://www.youtube.com/@RobBeatdownBrown https://www.instagram.com/beatdownbrown7/ https://www.facebook.com/RobBrownOnDrums

This episode features my conversation with renowned drummer & educator Jim Riley. Originally growing up in Boston, Jim went on to study at the University of North Texas where he received his degree in Music Education.

In 1997, he moved to Nashville and established himself as one of the most respected and versatile drummers there. For 20 years, Jim was the drummer and bandleader for the multi-platinum group, Rascal Flatts and has worked with many established artists throughout his career. He is currently an Adjunct Professor of Drumset Studies at Belmont University. 

Jim is internationally recognized as a clinician and educator and in 2007, he established his Drum Dojo school where he inspires and teaches students of all levels to develop their skills and passion for music.  He is also the author of 3 books including the award winning method The Survival Guide For The Modern Drummer.

In our conversation, we talk about why it’s important to believe in your potential and not be afraid to face challenges.  We also discuss the value of a well rounded education and what the definition of success means to him. Follow Jim: https://jimrileymusic.com https://www.facebook.com/jimrileythedrummer https://www.instagram.com/jimrileymusic/

This episode features my conversation with drummer Davide DiRenzo.

Based out of Toronto, Davide is highly regarded as one of Canada’s most versatile and in-demand drummers. He has performed and recorded around the world with a wide range of artists including Cassandra Wilson, jackSoul, Tom Cochrane, Tomi Swick, Holly Cole, David Wilcox, Molly Johnson and many more.

In addition to his extensive studio experience working with some of the world’s top artists, Davide also works out of his home studio, where he records and sends drum tracks to artists and producers all over the globe.

In our conversation, we talk about the role positive studio etiquette plays assuring that each session runs effectively.  We also discuss why it’s essential to maintain a growth mindset and explore each new learning opportunity to let go of our own self doubt and embrace our potential.

This episode features part two of my conversation with drummer Nate Morton. 

On this episode, we continue our discussion about his experiences on The Voice and Rockstar series. We also talk about his perspectives around finding success in the music industry and working to find balance in your life.

If you haven’t had the opportunity yet, be sure to go back and check out episode 39 which features part one of our interview. Follow Nate: https://natemorton.com https://www.facebook.com/natemortondrums https://www.instagram.com/n8drumz/

This episode features part one of my two part conversation with drummer Nate Morton.

Based out of Los Angeles, he is the highly regarded drummer for the house band on NBC’s The Voice. Previously, Nate was the drummer for the reality series Rockstar:INXS & Rockstar: Supernova, and was also part of the house band for the Bonnie Hunt Show.

Nate has also worked with such diverse artists as Paul Stanley, Cher, Vanessa Carlson, Natalie Cole, Miley Cyrus, Madonna and many others.

As a graduate of the Berklee College Of Music in Boston, he has become a respected educator and loves to inspire others to find joy in the pursuit of music. 

In our conversation, we discuss how he found his passion for music early in life and how his determination to become a professional  musician has lead him along different paths that allowed him to establish a successful music career. 

We also talk about why it’s essential to value and find joy in the opportunities that are available to you.

Follow Nate: https://natemorton.com https://www.facebook.com/natemortondrums https://www.instagram.com/n8drumz/