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In episode 95, we dive right into the multifaceted career of Miami-born drummer, producer, and songwriter, Armando Baeza. From drumming at age 13 to recording friends in GarageBand, Armando moved to Nashville with an intent to learn, and an eagerness to make great music with great friends...and he's doing just that. We discuss why drummers often make the best producers, the challenges of producing and songwriting in Nashville, and how he manages engineering and producing, often from behind the drums. We cover Armando's personal artist project (Mandy), his Cuban heritage and Latin percussion influence, and Nashville's “10-year town” mindset of staying, working, and developing relationships. We break down creative content strategies and social media as a tool, nerd out on home studio mic setups, and compare favorite Nashville dive bars. We hope you enjoy!
Chapters: 0:00 Intro 2:01 Breakfast Routine Talk 4:03 Habits and Creativity 5:39 Cuban Roots, What's In a Name? 10:26 Mandy Artist Project 12:11 Moving to Nashville to Produce 15:01 Challenges as a Producer 19:56 Producing While Drumming 25:54 Drum Box (Sponsor) 26:36 Influences and Latin Percussion 32:35 Percussion Layers and Overdubs 33:58 Drum Supply (Sponsor) 34:58 Nashville Music Community 37:27 10-Year Town 42:26 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor) 43:08 Social Media & Content Creation 50:13 Arts School 55:44 Rezo Custom Drum Heads (Sponsor) 56:47 Videos & Self-Promotion 1:10:43 Future of Music & AI 1:14:28 Buy Us A Coffee! 1:15:23 Home Studio Mic Setups 1:21:49 Non-Country In Nashville 1:23:36 Music City Audiology (Sponsor) 1:24:19 Rapid Fire Questions 1:32:33 Outro
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2026 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
Milo Simpson: On Tour w/ Ashley Anne, Relationships & Community, Serving the Artist, Vintage Kits, Horror Movies & Tattoos
23 Sep 2026
01:34:40
Welcome, Milo Simpson! Having recently made the move from northeast Iowa to Nashville in 2025, Milo has quickly made a name for himself as a trustworthy, go-to drummer for a variety of up-and-coming country singer-songwriters, most notably touring with 22-year-old Ashley Anne. Milo shares his path through the Visible Music College in Memphis, his early influences (like Twenty One Pilots), and his approach to learning songs quickly under pressure. He shares the story of eventually joining the Ashley Anne camp, from a last-minute stripped-down gig to playing his first arena in Norfolk opening for Zach Top. We chat touring hangs, favorite Nashville local spots, working odd jobs (including Chuck E. Cheese and a cemetery), vintage kits and Facebook Marketplace, and of course, horror movies and Tim Robinson. We hope you enjoy!
Chapters: 0:00 Intro 0:56 Nashville Chow Mein Debate 2:03 Turning 24 4:25 Moving to Music City 5:03 Memphis Music College 8:19 Relationships Open Doors 9:39 Landing the Ashley Anne Gig 15:21 Learning Songs Fast 21:52 Tim Robinson 23:39 Drum Box (Sponsor) 24:20 Vintage Kits and Marketplace Trade 28:08 Chuck E. Cheese Days 31:06 Serving the Artist 32:37 First Arena Show 40:16 Country Music Roots 41:24 Drum Supply (Sponsor) 42:21 Alt Rock Influences 43:22 Tattoo Tour Stories 50:02 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor) 50:43 Cemetery Job Tales 57:35 Rezo Custom Drum Heads (Sponsor) 58:39 Hobbies and Walking 1:06:10 Waffle House Lore 1:14:11 Meeting Drum Heroes 1:18:24 Music City Audiology (Sponsor) 1:19:06 Gigs w/ Brooke Lee 1:31:13 Horror Movies and Tattoos 1:32:18 Outro
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2026 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
Weston Blatz: From Canada to Nashville, On Tour w/ Emily Ann Roberts, Career Milestones, Burnout & Anxiety
07 Sep 2026
01:38:43
Welcome our first Canadian guest, Weston Blatz! Weston is the touring drummer for rising country artist Emily Ann Roberts. We dive into Weston's musical upbringing in Canada and the winding road that would eventually land him the gig with Emily, including a milestone-packed year performing at both the Ryman and the Grand Ole Opry. We discuss learning songs exactly like the record, memorizing without charts, plus the mental pressures of touring, and why being a good person and a good hang matters most. We hope you enjoy!
Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:13 Welcome, Weston! 4:16 Canada Day and Surviving the Dream 7:55 Growing Up on Country and Rock 12:04 Learn the Record 15:08 Memorizing Without Charts 18:04 Why Nashville 22:05 Drum Box (Sponsor) 22:46 Landing the Gig w/ Emily Ann Roberts 23:11 Meeting Tracy Broussard 25:49 Losing the Audition 37:11 Drum Supply (Sponsor) 38:10 Broadway Grind 47:18 Burnout and Anxiety 57:13 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor) 57:55 Opry and Ryman Milestones 1:06:55 Imposter Syndrome 1:09:55 Goals and Self-Talk 1:11:25 Rezo Custom Drum Heads (Sponsor) 1:12:26 Being A Good Hang 1:15:02 Confidence vs Ego 1:16:07 Tracks and Ableton Setup 1:20:43 K-WAT Drum Co. (Sponsor) 1:21:31 Tour Cities and Hobbies 1:24:25 First Drum Kit 1:26:58 Gear and Endorsements 1:37:31 Outro
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2026 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
Kyle Wilkerson: On Tour w/ Jordan Davis, Golf & Sports, Routines & Professionalism, Career Longevity & Family
24 Aug 2026
01:51:12
Welcome North Carolina native, Kyle Wilkerson! Kyle is the touring drummer for multi-platinum, award-winning country artist Jordan Davis. We dive straight into Kyle's career, discussing family life, golf-centered touring routines, and memorable courses and markets like Europe and Australia. Kyle recounts moving to Nashville in 2010 after Appalachian State, leaving education and classical percussion plans to focus on drum set, beginning his Nashville career through radio tour with Maddie & Tae, later joining Michael Ray, and subbing for Jordan Davis in 2020 before joining full-time in 2021. He shares pragmatic advice on evaluating gigs, professionalism, and relationships, plus views on Broadway, changing Nashville, and the importance of learning Ableton/playback. He outlines gear, endorsements, and emphasizes staying healthy, present as a parent, and taking action without waiting. We hope you enjoy!
Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:06 Welcome, Kyle! 1:17 Morning Routines 2:41 Golf and Drumming 5:02 Favorite Courses 6:01 Move to Nashville in 2010 7:46 Jordan Davis Early Years 9:39 COVID-Era Gigs 10:44 "Buy Dirt" Breakthrough 12:19 Maddie & Tae Radio Tour 19:53 Switching Gigs 28:52 Drum Box (Sponsor) 29:34 Touring Europe and Australia 32:10 Linkin Park Night Off 33:05 Band Life and Festival Season 34:03 Playback, Tech, & Ableton 45:24 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor) 46:05 Early Influences and Jazz 51:11 Finding Your Passion 54:21 Drum Supply (Sponsor) 55:18 Classical Percussion Carryover 59:56 Nashville Then vs Now 1:13:19 Family Doubts and Validation 1:15:08 Raising a Family 1:20:41 Rezo Custom Drum Heads (Sponsor) 1:21:45 Career Milestones and Venues 1:24:30 Relationships and Rates 1:27:25 Keeping the Show Fresh 1:31:42 Festival Sets & Country Covers 1:34:51 Endorsements 1:40:57 Career Longevity 1:43:40 Rapid Fire Food Talk 1:45:27 Spurs Fandom and Soccer 1:47:29 IG Handle Story 1:49:50 Outro
Music Featured in this Episode: "Tucson Too Late" - Jordan Davis & NEEDTOBREATHE (Live at CMT Crossroads) "Next Thing You Know" - Jordan Davis (Live at CMA Fest 2024)
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2026 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
Mace Santa Maria: On Tour w/ 76th Street, Tornsey, Brooke Alexx, LGBTQ+ Community, Avoiding Burnout
03 Aug 2026
01:42:29
Welcome Arizona native, Mace Santa Maria! We cover Mace's move from Phoenix to Nashville four years ago, following a formative year at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts. She discusses learning the drums at age 10, major influences like the Jonas Brothers' drummer Jack Lawless (whom she recently met), and how Broadway demands fast adaptation through cues, band-specific arrangements, and on-the-fly decisions. Mace breaks down her unique Pelican-case rig, Nashville do's and don'ts, and opportunities for live streaming and subscription-based content. She details touring with indie-pop artists Brooke Alexx, 76th Street, and Tornsey, building Ableton show transitions, maintaining health and alone time on the road to avoid burnout, and the importance of LGBTQ+ community and representation in her career. We hope you enjoy!
Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:53 Welcome, Mace! 4:31 Broadway Connections 6:48 What's for Breakfast? 9:52 From Phoenix to Nashville 12:48 Early Drumming Roots 16:21 Meeting A Childhood Hero 19:35 Broadway Survival Skills 28:49 Rezo Custom Drum Heads (Sponsor) 29:53 Broadway Rig Rundown 37:35 TikTok vs Instagram 42:07 Drum Box (Sponsor) 42:49 Queer Pop Tour Scene 53:50 Ableton Show Builds 56:29 Staying Healthy On Tour 1:01:24 Birthday Plans 1:03:55 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor) 1:04:37 Pizza/Candy Debate 1:10:54 Drum Supply (Sponsor) 1:11:52 Tour Highlights and Burnout 1:16:57 Music City Audiology 1:17:39 Charting and Music Education 1:29:09 Groove MPL (Sponsor) 1:30:20 Home Studio and Iron Maiden Mic 1:35:05 Tattoos and Hobbies 1:41:09 Outro
Interviews 0:00 Intro 3:33 Kris Mazzarisi - Story Behind Big Fat Snare Drum 17:15 Derek Lee (Beat Note) - "Combining Passions" 24:48 Daniel Hegerle - "Favorite Event of the Year" 28:27 Taylor Morgan - "One Year in Nashville" 30:38 Alex Mortem - "Play Hard, Play Fast" 34:36 Shawn Tracht - "The Great American Drum Shop Road Trip" 57:26 Mace Santa Maria - "Girls Stick Together" 1:03:43 Majo Herrera - "Enjoying the Process" 1:06:17 Christian Gendics - "Welcome to Town" 1:07:38 Ryan Whitt - "Keeping Things Rolling" 1:10:02 Ed Bettinelli - Thumb Thang 1:15:07 Ory Brochet - "Orybon Drums: Sound Different" 1:21:24 Josh Blount - Lucky Drums 1:24:00 Matt Bover - "Best Pizza in Nashville?" 1:30:34 Greg Hersey - "Innovation in Percussion Setups" 1:35:22 Jacob Robinson - "Learning by Doing"
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2026 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
Luke Zajdel: On Tour w/ Walker Montgomery, Posture, Professionalism, & Peart
06 Jul 2026
01:23:00
Welcome Pittsburgh native, Luke Zajdel! Luke is currently the touring drummer for country artist Walker Montgomery. A lifelong Rush fan, Luke shares why Clockwork Angels is his favorite record, memories of seeing Neil Peart play 5x, and his emotional reaction to Rush’s return announcement. He explains adapting the note-for-note prog mindset to Nashville’s more flexible country and session culture, learning charting after a last-minute Whiskey Jam call, and developing stage presence by loosening up. Luke shares how important mentors and teachers have been in his development, specifically studying with Mark Poiesz, who has helped with stage presence, mindset, and meditation. We touch on other influences like David Garibaldi, Morgan Rose, and Danny Carey, touring routines, fitness, meditation, home recording, and of course, Luke's seemingly perfect posture behind the kit. We hope you enjoy!
Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:17 Welcome, Luke! 2:23 On Tour w/ Walker Montgomery 5:39 PPG Arena Homecoming 5:52 Rush Roots and Favorite Album 12:23 Six Months To Obsess 13:53 Garibaldi Rabbit Hole 15:09 Rock Showmanship Chops 17:24 Seeing Neil Peart Live 18:25 Nashville Grind and Purpose 26:38 Rezo Custom Drum Heads (Sponsor) 27:38 Looking the Part 30:23 Move to Nashville 31:52 Early Gigs and First Kit 34:50 Drum Box (Sponsor) 38:39 Rush to Country Mindsets 44:29 Mentorship & Meditation 49:24 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor) 50:06 Touring Habits and Fitness 54:09 Perfect Posture 59:58 Lesson Routine and Teachers 1:00:38 Overqualified For The Gig 1:03:34 Tour Culture and Temptations 1:09:36 Drum Supply (Sponsor) 1:10:33 Home Recording Goals 1:13:42 Rapid Fire Questions 1:21:22 Outro
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2026 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
Wesley Bourque: On Tour w/ Logan Crosby, Industry Insights, Saturation & Storytelling, Noble & Cooley Drums
15 Jun 2026
02:16:09
Welcome Massachusetts native, Wesley Bourque! Wes is currently the touring drummer for rising country singer/songwriter Logan Crosby. In addition to gigging and recording, he serves as Artist Relations for NY-based distributor/record label United Masters. In this wide-ranging conversation, Wes shares his journey from small-town New England to the move to Nashville in 2014. We dive into his early years working day jobs at well-known coffee shops, building relationships, and his thoughts on navigating perception and identity. He shares lessons from Broadway, prepping for fill-in gigs with and without charts, and high-stress playback realities including redundancy and backup plans. Wes dives into Noble & Cooley’s history and his personal connection to the company, plus touring highlights and challenges with Logan (including a van fire) and why story, narrative, and platform-specific content matter in today’s saturated music landscape. We hope you enjoy!
Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:51 Welcome, Wes! 2:17 Broadway Connections 9:10 Ableton/Playback Stress 18:24 Noble & Cooley Origins 29:13 Unexpected Event Planning 30:14 Full Circle Maddie & Tae 33:03 Rezo Custom Drum Heads (Sponsor) 34:07 Networking & Coffee Shops 36:08 Breaking Out Of Labels 39:31 Artist Relations and Marketing 45:28 Saturation and Storytelling 50:28 Drum Box (Sponsor) 51:11 Marketing For Musicians 55:46 Subbing Prep (Charts vs Memorization) 1:00:37 Japan Fly-Date Story 1:07:45 Iconic Fills and Pranks 1:09:58 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor) 1:11:12 NAMM Lessons and Trade Shows 1:24:04 Drum Supply (Sponsor) 1:25:06 Landing Logan Crosby Gig 1:29:13 Tour Life and Van Fire 1:37:31 Advice for Younger Drummers 1:44:48 Whiskey Jam Wobble 1:48:44 Platform Content Strategy 2:00:20 Handling Mistakes During a Show 2:03:34 Music City Audiology (Sponsor) 2:04:25 Guitar Hero Drum Lore 2:05:42 Rapid Fire Questions 2:14:52 Outro
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2026 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
Aksel Coe: A Career in Home Recording, Gear Talk, Sample Packs, Avoiding Burnout, Springsteen Movie
01 Jun 2026
02:21:32
Welcome multi‑platinum Nashville session drummer, Aksel Coe! Since moving to Nashville in 2018, Aksel has quickly made a name for himself as one of the city's most sought-after session drummers, having recorded on many of today's top country, pop, and indie tracks. Recent recording credits include Ella Langley (ACM Song of the Year 'Choosin' Texas'), Role Model, Holly Humberstone, Zach Bryan, Sierra Ferrell, Willow Avalon, K. Flay, Margo Price, Orville Peck, Sasha Alex Sloan, Cody Jinks, Sam Barber, Wyatt Flores, and Joshua Bassett, among many others. We dive right into Aksel's diverse musical upbringing and his journey from the West Coast to Nashville. Aksel shares invaluable advice and perspective on the home recording process — from creating efficient workflows on and off the drums, when and when not to cheap out on gear, and how to create and effectively market your own sample or loop pack. We discuss avoiding burnout, Nashville's shifting studio landscape, and of course, his acting debut in the 2025 biopic 'Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere.' We hope you enjoy!
Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:45 Welcome, Aksel! 5:25 Breathwork For Drummers 10:54 Engineer vs Drummer Hat 14:07 Practice? 16:55 Early Life and First Kit 25:46 Buy Cheap Or Buy Twice 27:52 Too Many Snares? 28:44 Session Preset Workflow 29:46 Rezo Custom Drum Heads (Sponsor) 30:49 First Drum Kit 33:23 Mentors and Vintage Pearls 37:42 Drum Box (Sponsor) 38:23 Vintage vs Modern Recording 39:23 Recording Trends 40:33 Burnout and Identity 42:10 Tracking 537 Songs 49:15 Live Band vs Studio Players 55:32 Free Jazz Influence 57:35 Recording As Improv 1:07:53 Session Nightmares 1:20:42 Splice Packs Strategy 1:25:26 Sample Packs Explained 1:34:15 Record Yourself More 1:35:06 Flaws vs Tendencies 1:40:40 Overdubbing Cymbals 1:43:31 Session Communication Skills 1:47:44 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor) 1:48:25 Home Studio vs Commercial Rooms 1:55:19 Scarlett vs Apollo Debate 2:02:47 Drum Supply (Sponsor) 2:03:44 Aksel's Acting Debut (Springsteen Movie) 2:11:32 Music City Audiology (Sponsor) 2:12:48 Rapid Fire Questions 2:20:37 Outro
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2026 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
Aaron Paulsen: The Art of Content & Creativity, One-Man Band, Skillmaxxing, Social Media Trends
18 May 2026
02:14:46
Welcome Chicago drummer, musician, and entertainer, Aaron Paulsen! Amassing over 4.6 million followers across social media platforms, Aaron has taken his generation by storm with his unique video creations that blend extreme musicianship, storytelling, and undeniable humor. We dive into Aaron's upbringing as a classical percussionist from Chicago, dropping out of a percussion performance scholarship during COVID to pursue content full-time, and the eventual move to Nashville. Aaron breaks down the genesis of his one-man-band setup and other rhythmic gag videos, and his shift from short-form to long-form content. The conversation covers mental health and social media trends, martial arts training and other hobbies, skepticism around traditional industry endorsement models, how to be your most creative self, and fulfilling your true purpose. We hope you enjoy!
Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:51 Welcome, Aaron! 3:43 Chicago Roots 8:16 One-Man Band Origins 10:14 Musical Family and Influences 14:53 Comedy Influences 19:53 Martial Arts And Drumming 31:48 Rezo Custom Drum Heads (Sponsor) 33:03 Move To Nashville 40:18 Nashville vs LA Culture 49:11 Content Creator Breakdown 52:19 Authenticity vs Polished Content 1:05:45 Dropping Out, Mental Health 1:08:44 Drum Box (Sponsor) 1:09:36 Social Media Comparison 1:15:09 Be the Trend 1:16:15 Skillmaxxing 1:21:03 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor) 1:26:14 Shorts to Long-form Content 1:30:54 Building a Brand 1:36:10 Defining Success and Purpose 1:43:47 PASIC and Percussion Culture 1:48:40 Navigating Endorsements as a Creator 2:07:52 Drum Supply (Sponsor) 2:08:59 Advice for Young Creators 2:13:22 Outro
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2026 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
Brian Czach: Building a Professional Career, Playing with Orchestras, Art of Adapting, Healthy Habits, Home Recording
04 May 2026
02:08:43
Welcome Brian Czach! Described by some as “Nashville’s greatest secret,” Brian moved to town in late 2015 and continues to find success as an in-demand freelance drummer, both live and in the studio. Known for his ability to adapt to a variety of musical settings at a high level, we dive into his musical upbringing in upstate New York, early influences (including Phil Collins), formal lessons, reading skills, and what led him to adopting traditional grip. He details warmup routines, fitness and hydration habits, and the value of recording gigs to improve feel and self-awareness. Brian explains how he began working with the Nashville Symphony and touring symphonic pops shows around the country, plus highlights like West Side Story and The Lion King. He covers his original Miles Davis tribute band MILEStones, how he built a pro-level home studio, the challenges of marketing and subscription platforms, Broadway logistics, and important mindsets for building a sustainable career. We hope you enjoy!
Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:49 Welcome, Brian! 4:56 Nashville Greatest Secret 7:22 Early Drumming Roots 8:40 First Kit and Phil Collins 11:52 Healthy Habits and Warmups 17:48 Rezo Custom Drum Heads (Sponsor) 18:53 Influences and Formal Lessons 23:49 Switch to Traditional Grip 38:05 Drum Box (Sponsor) 38:49 Getting Symphony Calls 52:43 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor) 53:25 MILEStones (Miles Davis Tribute Band) 58:33 Patreon Burnout 1:03:26 Nashville Jazz Scene 1:11:34 Building A Home Studio 1:21:07 Singing While Drumming 1:24:08 Drum Supply (Sponsor) 1:30:21 Social Media, Perception & Feedback 1:41:40 Broadway Realities 1:57:02 Music City Audiology (Sponsor) 1:57:58 Rapid Fire Questions 2:07:13 Outro
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2026 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
Jeffrey Adami: On Tour w/ Jordan Feliz, Burnout, Mental Health, Faith, and Identity Beyond Music
10 Apr 2026
01:47:17
Today is a special episode as we welcome back our first-ever featured guest on the show - Jeffrey Adami! We first got to know Jeffrey back in October 2021 (see Episode 3) at a time when he was 'foot on the gas' in his career, playing for multiple artists a week, networking, meeting new friends, and ultimately laying the groundwork for a successful future as a pro-level touring drummer. Fast-forward to 2026, and he has completed 8 tours with Dove Award-winning, RIAA Platinum-selling Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) pop Artist, Jordan Feliz. Reflecting on his six years in Nashville, Jeffrey describes shifting from intensive Broadway work to freelancing, and then landing the gig with Jordan after a 2023 audition. He opens up about therapy, diagnoses, and stress management, his take on social media as a “business card,” gratitude, and building an identity beyond music. We hope you enjoy!
Chapters: 0:00 Intro 2:05 Welcome back, Jeffrey! 3:02 Couch Stories, Sleepers and Snorers 7:35 First Guest Callback 9:48 Jeffrey's Background 13:17 On Tour w/ Jordan Feliz 31:52 Faith and Serving the Song 34:13 Drum Box (Sponsor) 34:55 Burnout From Saying Yes 37:51 Tim Robinson 41:24 Burnout Hustle Year 53:11 Identity Beyond Gigs 56:31 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor) 57:12 Social Media Pressure 58:03 Posting Like a Pro 1:04:27 Trends and Authenticity 1:07:04 Instagram vs Websites 1:13:28 Inspiring Next Generation 1:18:02 Drum Supply (Sponsor) 1:18:58 Therapy and Diagnosis 1:24:14 Identity Beyond Gigs 1:28:01 Gratitude and Present Joy 1:32:11 Tour Life and Mental Health 1:35:17 Road Hobbies and Future Plans 1:38:13 Jeffrey's Mystery Bag 1:42:22 Rapid Fire Questions 1:45:59 Outro
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2026 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
Dango Cellan: On Tour w/ Hawthorne Heights, Career in Versatility, Home Studio, Content, Branding, & Keeping Endorsements
27 Mar 2026
01:49:01
Welcome Dango Cellan! A professional drummer for over 20 years, Dango is currently on tour with Emo legends Hawthorne Heights. We dive right into Dango's extensive and versatile career as a touring drummer, studio musician, educator, and family man. He reflects on saying yes early, not letting one gig define you, and the juggling act of balancing your time, money, career values, and family priorities. Dango shares upcoming Hawthorne Heights 20th-anniversary touring plans, his Warp Tour nostalgia with Amber Pacific, and how his approach to playing has matured toward professionalism and consistency. He recounts growing up as a pastor’s kid in Wisconsin, knee and heart health challenges that redirected him to Belmont, mentorship from Chester Thompson and Brian Fullen, and the importance of community. We also cover the building of his 'Beat Lab' home drum studio out of an Airbnb, the importance of mental health, therapy, rest, and fitness, and his proactive approach to landing and keeping endorsements. We hope you enjoy!
Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:18 Welcome, Dango! 2:21 Typical Week as a Working Drummer 7:57 Choosing Gigs Wisely 11:38 Skills from Broadway 15:32 Warped Tour (Full Circle) 22:20 Rezo Custom Drum Heads (Sponsor) 23:24 Early Years & Church 26:03 Sports Injuries, Attending Belmont 32:34 Teaching and Community 36:47 Drum Box (Sponsor) 37:29 Mental Health, Burnout, and Rest 40:17 Post-Pandemic Studio Build 43:18 Fitness and Longevity 45:03 Punk Influences 52:29 Dango's Beat Lab 1:01:29 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor) 1:02:10 Content That Converts 1:08:52 Drum Supply (Sponsor) 1:09:51 Endorsement Playbook 1:14:09 Loyalty Over Deals, Learn Your Gear 1:21:20 Music City Audiology (Sponsor) 1:22:59 Practice Goals and Technique 1:25:39 Recording and Mic Choices 1:32:50 Social Media Era for Drummers 1:35:46 Touring and Family Balance 1:40:24 Rapid Fire 1:47:35 Outro
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2026 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
Andrew Bone: Crossroads of Life, High-Level Touring, Know Your Worth, Building a Home Studio
13 Mar 2026
02:13:26
Welcome Kansas City-native Andrew Bone! Andrew opens up about the changing chapters of life and his shift in career focus. Recently married, he discusses the intentionality of stepping back from the grind of 6–7 days a week on Broadway, while aiming to get back to higher-level touring and more fulfilling gigs. We discuss the realities of post-COVID pay, knowing your worth, professionalism and reliability as a sub, and handling playback/Ableton, IEMs, and onstage failures. We delve into charting vs memorization, learning large volumes of material, working respectfully with a crew, using AI tools for admin and career planning, building a home studio identity, and early influences from KISS to music academia. Andrew also reflects on moving from Kansas City, his brief experience at Berklee, and why relationships, preparation, and good conduct matter more than chops. We hope you enjoy!
Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:44 Welcome, Andrew! 3:08 Life Crossroads and Marriage 3:56 Broadway Grind 9:49 Pay Reality Post-COVID 11:42 Subbing w/ Nate Smith 16:20 Ableton and Show Design 19:32 Charts vs Memorizing 32:10 Kids, Sticks, and Joy 41:09 Rezo Custom Drum Heads (Sponsor) 42:10 Broadway Burnout Plan 43:46 ChatGPT Career Reset 51:04 Coffee & Hands Crew 54:58 Drum Box (Sponsor) 55:59 Playing Stadiums 1:03:34 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor) 1:04:40 Gear Fail Lessons 1:09:05 Audio Nerd to Drum Pro 1:20:18 Home Studio 1:32:04 Drum Supply (Sponsor) 1:33:01 Kansas City Roots and KISS 1:39:17 Music City Audiology (Sponsor) 1:43:31 Time at Berklee 1:48:24 Move to Nashville 2:00:11 Broadway Material 2:08:05 Rapid Fire Questions 2:12:00 Outro
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2026 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
NDP PANEL: Breaking into Broadway (2/16/26)
02 Mar 2026
02:19:04
Ever wondered what it really takes to play Lower Broadway in Nashville? This live roundtable discussion pulls back the curtain on one of the most competitive and fast-paced live music scenes in the country.
Featuring Nashville’s most in-demand drummers — both in-town and out on tour — join us for an honest, behind-the-scenes conversation about breaking into the Broadway scene and building a sustainable career.
Moderated by NDP Co-Hosts Dan Ainspan and Nate Sletner, this interactive session gives attendees the chance to ask questions in real time and learn directly from the players who have been there, done that, and still doing it…
Chapters: 0:00 Intro & Welcome 0:21 Meet the Panelists 4:25 First Broadway Shift Stories 20:42 Drum Box (Sponsor) 21:24 What Makes a Drummer Broadway Ready? 23:37 Charting vs Memorizing 30:25 Playing Like the Record 33:06 WFL III (Sponsor) 34:03 How to Get Gigs 35:25 What Not To Do 39:19 Respecting The Gig 45:07 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor) 45:49 A Day In The Life 48:29 The Gear You Need 50:31 Get A Cart 1:00:56 Play The Room 1:04:44 Avoiding Burnout 1:08:10 Gig Triangle Mindset 1:13:08 Skills On Tour 1:19:04 Sub Out the Right Way 1:26:00 Music City Audiology (Sponsor) 1:26:42 Recording Gigs For Content 1:31:33 Wild Broadway Stories 1:39:19 From Covers To Originals 1:42:46 Broadway Pay Reality 1:44:53 Requests vs Setlists 1:47:15 Rezo Custom Drum Heads (Sponsor) 1:48:17 Q&A 1:48:24 Breaking into the Scene 1:50:15 Broadway Circuits Explained 1:51:37 Cajon Gigs and Auditions 1:53:48 The Future of Broadway 2:01:50 Singing Drummer Advantage 2:05:44 Clicks and Open Mics 2:12:47 Arranging Modern Tracks 2:16:38 Wrap Up and Thanks 2:17:48 Outro
Music Featured in this Episode: "Beef Stew" - Too Hot For Leather
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2026 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
Tom Kinka: Persistence & Idiocy, On Tour w/ Lecade, Stick Trick Mastery, Drum Lessons & Mentors
27 Feb 2026
01:31:57
Welcome Philly-native Tom Kinka! Tom is currently the touring drummer for up-and-coming country artist Lecade. Growing up in a music-heavy family shaped by Rock Band, Blink-182, and country music in his mom’s car, Tom's passion for music and the drums was developed at an early age. Tom shares how a serious car accident and coma at 17 sharpened his focus on music, leading to a fearless, “persistence and idiocy” approach. He discusses leaving a jazz program at Temple for media production, navigating Philly’s DIY pop-punk scene, moving to Nashville during COVID, learning country on the fly for Broadway, seeking lessons directly from his heroes like Josh Manuel and Luke Holland, and landing the Lecade gig—plus touring highlights, onstage gear fails, evolving drum setups, and his obsession with stick tricks and community. We hope you enjoy!
Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:09 Welcome, Tom! 4:34 Music Family Roots 10:57 Blink-182 and Green Day Obsession 12:29 Near-Death Accident 17:27 Broadway Rookie Mistakes 18:15 Rezo Custom Drum Heads (Sponsor) 19:18 Quitting Jazz at Temple 20:44 Philly DIY Pop-Punk Scene 23:57 The Move to Nashville 30:46 Studying w/ Luke Holland 32:32 Drum Box (Sponsor) 33:13 Broadway vs Touring Life 36:58 Meeting Lecade 50:00 Rig Rundown and Gear Changes 53:27 Stage Style and Band Vibes 57:32 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor) 58:14 Moments from Tour 1:03:36 Drum Supply (Sponsor) 1:04:35 Mastering Stick Tricks 1:15:19 Music City Audiology (Sponsor) 1:16:01 Nashville Drum Community 1:25:47 Rapid Fire Questions 1:30:10 Outro
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2026 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
Billy Joe Freeman: On Tour w/ Dustin Lynch, Professional Sideman, Texas Roots, Gig Triangle, Home Recording
13 Feb 2026
02:15:18
Welcome Billy Joe Freeman! Billy is the touring drummer and music director for country artist Dustin Lynch. A Garland, Texas native, Billy began his professional career at just 12 years old, playing in Texas' longest-running Opry House. In 2012, he landed a spot at the Guitar Center Drum Off grand finals, leading to a tour with country legend Neil McCoy. Billy moved to Nashville in 2013, and has been with Dustin Lynch ever since. In this candid conversation, Billy discusses professionalism on and off stage, how to best serve the song and the artist, the value of expanding your setup, the 'gig triangle' - when to say yes or no to a gig, how to balance home recording with live performance, and the ever-changing Nashville music scene. Billy also shares some fascinating stories and insights from his career, including his encounter with Virgil Donati at PASIC. We hope you enjoy!
Chapters: 0:00 Intro 2:15 Welcome, Billy! 6:31 Is Nashville Still a 10-Year Town? 18:49 The Evolution of Touring 24:23 Growing Up in the Texas Opry Scene 34:28 Rezo Custom Drum Heads (Sponsor) 36:38 Expanding the Kit, Industry Trends 47:42 The Role of Electronics in Live Shows 51:05 Drum Box (Sponsor) 51:57 Becoming MD for Dustin Lynch 56:43 Value of Taking Broadway Gigs 1:00:57 Social Media's Impact on Musicians 1:01:22 Early Career and Influences 1:23:23 The Dallas Music Scene and Snarky Puppy 1:33:14 Home Recording 1:37:44 Balancing Family and Music 1:43:46 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor) 1:51:18 Drum Supply (Sponsor) 1:52:18 Career Highlights and GC Drum-Off 1:58:04 Music City Audiology (Sponsor) 1:58:47 Career Outlook 2:06:08 Bacon, BBQ, & Coffee 2:14:00 Outro
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2026 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
Jordan Carter: From Cleveland to Nashville, Embracing Musical Growth, the Power of Community, Role of a Music Director
30 Jan 2026
01:52:52
Welcome Cleveland-native Jordan Carter! A conversation full of laughter, good hangs, and true words of wisdom, join us for Ep. 80 as we dive deep into Jordan's unique journey to Nashville as a professional drummer and music director. Hailing from small-town Cleveland, Jordan followed his passion for the drums from a young age, pursuing higher education at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he would live and work for the next 12 years playing with artists such as Oompa, Sing, Lisa Bello, Louie Bello, Marcela Cruz, among others. Jordan moved to Nashville in 2022 and currently plays for artists such as Kaylee Rose, Slim Gambill, and Aveva. Jordan reminisces about influential figures from his time at Berklee and discusses the importance of community, patience, and self-discovery. Jordan offers insights into the role of a music director, the importance of effective communication, and the challenges of adapting to Nashville's diverse and talented pool of musicians. We hope you enjoy!
Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:13 Welcome, Jordan! 2:46 From Cleveland to Nashville 3:26 Relearning the Drums: Challenges and Growth 23:11 Drum Box (Sponsor) 23:53 Boston Days at Berklee 40:15 Discovering Nashville's Music Scene 57:08 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor) 57:53 Finding the Right Gig 1:03:43 Drum Supply (Sponsor) 1:04:43 Memorable Shows and Venues 1:12:16 Drumming Influences 1:24:08 The Role of a Music Director 1:33:32 Therapy and Self-Improvement 1:40:19 Music City Audiology (Sponsor) 1:41:02 Madden, Harry Potter, Closing Questions 1:51:23 Outro
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2026 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
Collin Dobbs: On Tour w/ The Bellamy Brothers, Preparing for the Big Gig, AI & Social Media, Landing Endorsements
16 Jan 2026
01:28:39
Welcome Georgia-native Collin Dobbs! Collin is the touring drummer for legendary country duo, The Bellamy Brothers. We delve into Collin's fascinating journey to Nashville - starting from his Georgia roots and Florida upbringing, Collin shares his quick rise in the music industry, the importance of being prepared and professional, tips on tuning and technique, and the value of networking and social media in landing a dream gig. The episode touches on the importance of diversifying skills, embracing various music genres, staying humble, and using AI to your benefit. We hope you enjoy!
Chapters: 0:00 Intro 2:37 Welcome, Collin! 11:44 Early Life and Musical Beginnings 23:08 How to Prepare Like a Pro 27:06 Drum Box (Sponsor) 27:48 Love Your Sound Engineers 34:33 Tuning Techniques and Tips 40:18 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor) 41:00 Joining the Bellamy Brothers 43:15 Influences and Early Inspirations 48:35 Mountain Biking 51:07 Gig Security 55:03 Drum Supply (Sponsor) 56:02 Drumming Identity 59:03 Social Media & Content Creation 1:09:17 Lucky Drums (Sponsor) 1:10:16 Endorsements and Gear 1:15:38 Using AI to Your Benefit 1:18:18 Groove MPL (Sponsor) 1:19:29 Closing Questions 1:24:27 Memorable Gigs and Touring Experiences 1:27:11 Outro
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2026 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
Tim Carman: On Tour w/ Parlor Greens & Canyon Lights, Musical Mileage, Drumming Identity, Hockey Crossover, Work-Life Balance
26 Dec 2025
01:31:08
Welcome Nashville newcomer Tim Carman! An international touring musician, session drummer, educator, and five-time published author, Tim currently records and tours extensively with Parlor Greens—a soul-jazz trio consisting of Tim on drums, Jimmy James on guitar, and Adam Scone on organ—and Canyon Lights, a garage rock group formed with singer/guitarist Pat Faherty, formerly the lead singer of GA-20. Tim also leads two of his own projects: Tim Carman & The Street 45s — a world-groove inspired funk band—and the Tim Carman Trio—a vintage organ jazz trio (à la Jimmy Smith) nominated for “Jazz Act of the Year” in 2022, 2023, and 2024 by the Boston Music Awards.
In this episode, we dive deep into Tim's diverse musical upbringing in Boston, his approach to absorbing musical vocabulary and the importance of studying music history, and his time spent in LA, Denver, and the eventual move to Nashville. We discuss how he manages multiple original projects, work-life balance, his joy for hockey, and his approach to networking, social media, and landing endorsements. We hope you enjoy!
Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:43 Nashville's Best Chicken 9:19 Tim's Education Books 17:45 Boston Punk Upbringing 22:48 Drum Box (Sponsor) 23:31 Hockey Crossovers 28:31 Parlor Greens Formation 30:44 Fuji Rock Festival in Japan 32:11 Balancing Multiple Projects 33:12 Switching Between Genres 35:16 Work-Life Balance 37:22 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor) 38:04 Nashville's Scene 41:02 Punk Rock Influences 47:43 Networking and Opportunities 58:14 Drum Supply (Sponsor) 59:14 Social Media for Musicians 1:05:25 Memorable Concerts 1:09:29 Bucket List Venues 1:14:04 Groove MPL (Sponsor) 1:15:16 Endorsements and Gear Talk 1:23:17 Music City Audiology (Sponsor) 1:24:12 Closing Questions 1:29:43 Outro
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2026 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
Andrew Besl: Lessons in Gratitude & Forgiveness, Relationships & Self-Discovery, Music City Mayhem, Role of a Studio Drummer
08 Dec 2025
01:46:38
Welcome, Andrew Besl to the podcast! Andrew is a Nashville-based drummer currently playing with Artists Noah Floersch, Neon Child, Pink Bubba, and Bee Kelly, among others. When he’s not on the road, he’s behind the kit as the in-house session drummer at Last Dollar Studios. In this candid conversation, Andrew shares valuable life lessons on gratitude and forgiveness as he details his journey from a self-taught musician to a sought-after working drummer in Nashville, both live and in the studio. Andrew touches upon his experiences with different bands, winning the Lightning 100's Music City Mayhem Competition with Bee Kelly, the significance of being a 'good hang,' and the importance of honest communication. Andrew's insights on life, music, and personal growth give us a compelling story of perseverance and self-discovery. We hope you enjoy!
Chapters: 0:00 Intro 2:16 Andrew's High School Journey 5:56 Learning Drums Through Rock Band 23:01 Drum Box (Sponsor) 23:44 College Life, Belmont 28:21 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor) 29:03 Balancing Music and Day Jobs 37:38 The Big Decision: Tour or Puerto Rico? 41:05 Lessons from 1st Tour Experience 48:54 Drum Supply (Sponsor) 49:54 Music City Mayhem Competition 1:02:57 Groove MPL (Sponsor) 1:04:08 Post-Win 1:08:53 Noah Floersch 1:16:35 A Great Camp 1:21:49 Music City Audiology (Sponsor) 1:22:31 The Role of a Studio Drummer 1:33:37 Last Dollar Studios (Sponsor) 1:34:32 Closing Questions 1:41:24 The Power of Gratitude and Forgiveness 1:45:32 Outro
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2026 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
Dan Rubin: On Tour w/ Gavin Adcock, From Punk Roots to Country Stages, Experiencing Culture, Embracing Challenges
14 Nov 2025
02:12:25
Welcome, South-Florida native Dan Rubin! Dan is currently the touring drummer for rising country Artist Gavin Adcock. From Dan's DIY humble beginnings in punk bands to headlining sold-out stadiums, Dan's journey is both inspiring and relatable. We dive into how he landed the gig with Gavin and has had to adapt and embrace the ever-changing dynamics of a fast-paced tour life. Dan shares tactics for learning songs quickly and the importance of continually pushing yourself on the instrument, and his favorite food finds and moments from tour. We hope you enjoy!
Chapters: 0:00 Intro 2:40 Welcome, Dan! 7:38 Landing the Gig w/ Gavin Adcock 28:20 Balancing Tour and Personal Life 33:01 Drum Box (Sponsor) 33:44 On Tour w/ Gavin 37:52 The Band's Chemistry and Flexibility 38:28 Journey to Nashville 52:17 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor) 52:58 Adapting Quickly 1:08:16 Nashville Gig Connections 1:16:21 Drum Supply (Sponsor) 1:17:42 Nashville Food Scene 1:20:49 Pho, Traveling, and Experiencing New Cultures 1:39:00 Groove MPL (Sponsor) 1:40:11 Dreaming of Playing in Japan 1:45:37 Keep Pushing Yourself 1:49:10 Networking and Community 1:51:07 Music City Audiology (Sponsor) 1:56:12 Balancing Practice and Performance 2:10:52 Outro
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2026 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
Ryan Beydler: On Tour w/ Maddox Batson, Learning from the Masters, Studio Recording, Violin Roots, Foodie Adventures
17 Oct 2025
01:48:35
Welcome, Memphis, TN native Ryan Beydler! Ryan is currently the touring drummer for 15-year-old rising country Artist Maddox Batson. In this episode, we cover Ryan's wide range of experiences in the music industry, as well as invaluable lessons from legendary drummers Ryan has been lucky enough to study with, including John "JR" Robinson, Shannon Forrest, and Zoro. Ryan takes us through tour life with Maddox and the band, including his techniques for integrating electronics into a hybrid setup, bucket list venues, and of course, Ryan's passion for finding the best food spots while on the road. Learn about Ryan's musical beginnings, the mentorships that shaped his career, and his thoughts on achieving balance and avoiding burnout in the competitive Nashville drumming scene.
Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:58 Welcome, Ryan! 2:20 On Tour w/ Maddox Batson 12:35 Implementing Electronics 20:36 Drum Box (Sponsor) 21:18 Ryan's Musical Beginnings 31:03 Belmont University & Mentorships 34:58 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor) 35:40 Studying w/ John JR Robinson 36:57 Gaining Confidence and Mastering Time 39:56 Influences and Inspirations 42:01 Nashville Drumming Community 48:18 Balancing Identity and Adaptability 52:35 The Art of Subbing and Respecting the Gig 53:42 Drum Supply (Sponsor) 54:42 Violin Roots 58:58 Groove MPL (Sponsor) 1:02:01 Personal Life and Hobbies 1:13:19 Favorite Food Spots on the Road 1:17:40 Music City Audiology (Sponsor) 1:18:22 Lessons from Touring 1:27:19 Working at Apple During COVID 1:38:11 Bucket List Venues 1:42:05 Closing Questions 1:46:48 Outro
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2026 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
Jordan Arnold: On Tour w/ Noah Hicks, Stick Tricks & Style, Mentors & Endorsements, How to Be a Good Hang
19 Sep 2025
01:43:01
Welcome Athens, GA native Jordan Arnold! Jordan is the current drummer for rising country artist Noah Hicks. Jordan shares his journey into his passion for music and the drums, starting from his early days inspired by Def Leppard, to his special relationship with his father both on and off the stage. Jordan stresses the value of important relationships within the music industry and shares insights and fun stories from life-long mentors and drumming legends Rich Redmond and Gregg Bissonette.
Jordan takes us through life on the road with Noah, including automating an entire set in Ableton, to how to be nimble and cope with high-pressure situations. We delve into Jordan's brief stint teching for drummer and close friend Eric Pritchard (Megan Moroney), how to pull off the perfect stick tricks, and ways you can become both a great player and a great hang! We hope you enjoy.
Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:56 Welcome, Jordan! 3:06 Father-Son Musical Bond 5:54 Balancing Multiple Gigs 10:11 Ableton and Automation 15:51 Drum Box (Sponsor) 16:33 Noah Hicks & Career Trajectory 29:50 Mentor Rich Redmond 36:48 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor) 37:29 Gregg Bissonette & Dixon Drums 41:51 Broadway Gig Adventures 48:12 Dixon Drums & Gear Talk 56:06 Networking vs Making Friends in Nashville 1:00:30 Teching for Eric Pritchard, Drum Tuning Insights 1:07:41 Drum Supply (Sponsor) 1:08:42 Dream Gigs and Def Leppard 1:13:02 Memorable Gigs and Stories from Tour 1:22:45 Playing for the Military and Secret Service 1:31:28 Groove MPL (Sponsor) 1:32:39 Wrap-Up Questions 1:41:29 Outro
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2026 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
Kirby Bland: Professional Traveler, Game Footage, Route 91 Harvest Festival, Day Jobs, Identity & Nashville Community
05 Sep 2025
01:40:05
Welcome Arkansas native and Nashville mainstay Kirby Bland! Kirby is best known as the drummer for country rock artist JD Clayton and has become a familiar face in the Nashville music scene over the past decade. Kirby shares his unique perspective on life as a “professional traveler,” reflecting on his musical journey, the importance of community, and the lessons learned from both the stage and the road.
From his early days growing up in Arkansas and discovering his love for drumming, to building a career in Nashville’s vibrant music community, Kirby opens up about the realities of balancing day jobs with gigging, the camaraderie of long-term bandmates, and the joy of performing live. He discusses his passion for travel, photography, and the creative process behind recording and reviewing live shows—plus, he shares memorable stories from the road, including the impact of the Route 91 Harvest Festival tragedy that took place in Las Vegas in 2017.
Kirby discusses overcoming self-doubt, finding his lane, and the value of authenticity in both music and life. The episode wraps with Kirby’s favorite Nashville food spots, his love of tattoos, and a reminder to embrace gratitude and community. We hope you enjoy!
Chapters: 0:00 Intro 2:58 Welcome, Kirby! 6:45 Flexible Day Jobs for Musicians 8:22 Kirby's Early Days in Nashville 12:35 Drumming for JD Clayton 15:16 The Joy of Playing Live 19:03 The Game Footage 28:08 Challenges of Playing to Click Tracks 33:33 New York City Adventures 35:05 Turning 30 and Embracing Change 35:46 Finding Identity in Music 39:01 Drum Box (Sponsor) 39:43 Professional Traveler 46:53 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor) 47:34 Route 91 Harvest Festival in Las Vegas 59:36 Drum Supply (Sponsor) 1:00:35 Photography - Behind the Lens 1:05:06 Groove MPL (Sponsor) 1:06:16 Early Musical Inspirations 1:18:47 Nashville Gig Scene 1:23:00 Balancing Social Life and Music 1:28:20 Tattoo Stories and Personal Expression 1:32:50 Favorite Nashville Spots 1:38:30 Outro
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2026 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
Donnie Marple: Drum-Off Champion, Drum Solo Mastery, On Tour w/ Lee Brice, Staying Present, Family & Personal Growth
15 Aug 2025
01:32:22
Welcome Keyser, West Virginia native Donnie Marple! Donnie is best known as the full-time drummer for American country music singer and songwriter Lee Brice. He’s also the 2007 Champion of the storied Guitar Center Drum-Off.
Starting from his early love for drumming inspired by his musical family and church, Donnie describes his rise through the competitive ranks, from local area competitions to competing nationally in the Guitar Center Drum-Off and eventually performing a solo at the prestigious Buddy Rich Memorial Concert - where he would share the stage with legends like Neil Peart and Chad Smith. Donnie discusses the evolution of his career with Lee Brice, his continual efforts to improve, and his experience balancing fatherhood with a demanding touring schedule. He also reflects on his passion for golf and reading, and offers insights into overcoming overthinking and focusing on mental health. The episode wraps as Donnie emphasizes the importance of humility, gratitude, and balancing professional success with personal fulfillment. We hope you enjoy!
Chapters: 0:00 Intro 2:08 Welcome, Donnie! 3:42 Lee Brice Audition 18:50 Mental Health and Overcoming Challenges 28:53 Golf and Drumming: Finding Balance 31:55 Learning from Other Drummers 37:14 Drum Box (Sponsor) 37:57 Early Beginnings 43:36 Guitar Center Drum-Off 57:19 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor) 58:38 Buddy Rich Memorial Concert 1:07:10 Reflecting & Inspiring the Next Generation 1:10:35 Drum Supply (Sponsor) 1:18:08 Gear Talk and Endorsements 1:24:31 Sonique Drums (Sponsor) 1:28:43 Balancing Family and Career 1:30:50 Outro
Interviews (in order of appearance) 00:00 Intro 0:11 Welcome 2:02 Matt Bover 5:04 Joel Edward McCoy 7:44 Don Orrell 11:01 Lillian Stegen 12:14 Dave Brandwein 14:45 Lleyton Brainard 16:21 Jake Robinson 18:05 Laurel Knopf (Roadkill Drums Podcast) 23:05 Jim Wagy 26:11 Brian Leszczynski 28:48 Mitch Zlotnik (Audimute) 33:10 Landon Hall 36:07 Josh Blount (Lucky Drums Co.) 37:56 Brendan Golden 39:40 Sully 41:23 Joe Hamm 45:00 Damon Hope 47:24 Outro
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2026 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
Jay Weinberg: A Life in Creativity | On Tour w/ Suicidal Tendencies, Artistry & Perfectionism, Nashville Community & Charity Work, Brand Collaborations
18 Jul 2025
02:12:42
Welcome New Jersey-native and acclaimed drummer Jay Weinberg! Voted 4x "Best Metal Drummer" and "#1 Rock Drummer" in Modern Drummer Readers Polls, Jay Weinberg is known as the current drummer for American thrash groups Suicidal Tendencies and Infectious Grooves, and past tenure with the heavy-metal band Slipknot from 2014-2023. This episode dives deep into the intersection of art, music, and community. Having just wrapped support on Metallica's M72 World Stadium Tour, Jay recalls stories from the road and his approach to high-level performing. We learn the genesis of Jay's visual art career and his unique approach to balancing perfectionism and artistry. Jay discusses his important work with the Best Buddies of Tennessee, his approach to drum clinics and education, and his cherished collaborations with brands including SJC Drums, Zildjian, and Mixwave. We hope you enjoy!
Chapters: 0:00 Intro 2:10 Welcome, Jay! 2:49 Nashville's Evolving Drum Community 10:15 Hockey & Injury 13:13 Reflecting on Life's Decisions and Creativity 22:21 Touring with Metallica: A Dream Come True 33:29 Drum Box (Sponsor) 34:11 Jay Weinberg: The Visual Artist 36:44 Early Years: Jay' Father Max Weinberg, Bruce & the E Street Band 37:27 Balancing School and Touring 43:57 Exploring Visual Art and Oil Painting 46:48 The Intersection of Music and Art 53:50 Perfectionism & Patience 1:04:55 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor) 1:05:36 Collaborations and Custom Drum Kits 1:19:35 Mixwave Virtual Drums 1:23:36 Zildjian Signature Bell 1:26:09 Drum Supply (Sponsor) 1:27:09 Best Buddies of Tennessee 1:35:36 SJC Drums (Sponsor) 1:36:25 Drumming Accolades 1:38:47 Music City Drum Show (2025 Clinic) 1:46:55 Sonique Drums (Sponsor) 1:47:35 Show Prep: Rituals and Routines 1:51:47 The Physicality of Drumming 2:01:17 Closing Questions (Tattoos, Coffee, & Food) 2:11:13 Outro
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2026 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
Jordan Perlson: The Art of Communication, Mastering Versatility, Fitness for Drummers, Drum Lessons & Home Recording
20 Jun 2025
01:56:28
Welcome drummer, percussionist, producer and educator Jordan Perlson! Jordan's career has spanned about as wide a stylistic reach as one can imagine. Be it with jazz legends Seamus Blake, Gary Burton, folk heroes Alison Brown and Missy Raines, reggae giants Matisyahu and Trevor Hall, cutting-edge music innovators like Becca Stevens, Snarky Puppy, Banda Magda and Jeff Coffin, or progressive music with Adrian Belew, Echolyn or Kaki King. Jordan has credits on 100+ recordings, including national and international ad campaigns for Powerade, Netflix, The NY Rangers, Buick and more. Jordan is a passionate educator, having authored 2 books for Mel Bay publishing which have been translated into several languages and are used around the world by teachers and students of many levels.
This episode covers a wide range of topics, including physical fitness for drummers, the balance of life as a father, and Jordan’s extensive career—from studying at Berklee and playing with the Blue Man Group to becoming a published author. Jordan shares his methods for continuous self-improvement and offers advice for other drummers looking to expand their skillsets and land the gigs they truly want. We hope you enjoy!
Chapters: 0:00 Intro 2:42 Welcome, Jordan! 3:07 Dad Life 11:09 How to Pursue a Gig 20:21 Drum Box (Sponsor) 21:04 Jazz Influence 45:23 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor) 46:05 Navigating the New York Music Scene 49:48 Blue Man Group 57:04 Drum Supply (Sponsor) 58:04 Fitness for Drummers 1:05:12 Balancing Family and Career 1:13:16 Sonique Drums (Sponsor) 1:13:56 Publishing Drum Books 1:19:26 Remote Recording Trends 1:28:57 Music City Audiology (Sponsor) 1:32:21 Influences and Inspirations 1:51:09 Closing Questions 1:54:56 Outro
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2026 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
Andrew Nesbitt: Body Awareness, Crafting Your Sound, Breaking into Broadway, Navigating the Music Industry
06 Jun 2025
02:03:01
Welcome to the show Wisconsin native Andrew Nesbitt! In this wide-ranging interview, Andrew shares his journey through the music industry, the challenges and opportunities of breaking into the Nashville drumming scene, and his innovative approach to creating custom percussion accessories. Andrew recalls his time at Berklee College of Music studying under legendary drummer Mike Mangini, and his transition from the small town of Sturgeon Bay to NYC, and eventually to Nashville. We hope you enjoy!
Chapters: 0:00 Intro 2:16 Welcome, Andrew! 3:30 Making Percussion Accessoroies 11:47 Playing to the Click 15:18 Body Awareness and Posture 22:08 Drum Box (Sponsor) 22:48 Meeting on Broadway 28:49 Growing up in Wisconsin 37:11 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor) 37:53 School and Early Years 40:35 Navigating the Music Industry 41:31 Breaking into Broadway 50:10 Josh Freese and The Foo Fighters 54:30 Drum Supply (Sponsor) 55:26 The Impact of Music Education 1:17:57 Sonique Drums (Sponsor) 1:18:37 Transitioning Between Cities and Music Scenes 1:22:29 What to Do During Slow Season 1:24:19 Groove MPL (Sponsor) 1:25:28 Snacks and Gig Essentials 1:27:52 Dreadlocks and Tattoos 1:29:36 Music City Audiology (Sponsor) 1:30:19 Andrew's Cat 'Pandora' 1:34:40 Influential Guitarists and Drummers 1:56:23 Closing Questions 2:01:37 Outro
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2026 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
Branndon Center: Behind the Lens | Video Content at Meinl Cymbals, Nashville's Metal Scene, Developing Groove and Feel, the Future of Music, Gardening Tomatoes
23 May 2025
01:40:25
Today we welcome to the show talented drummer, videographer, and Nashville-native, Branndon Center. Starting in the warehouse at Meinl Cymbals, Branndon would soon move into the Artist Relations / Media & Content Producer role, a position he's held for over 7 years. Branndon gives us a peek 'behind the lens' into his day-to-day where he's running professional video shoots with some of the biggest names in drumming across the Meinl roster. In addition to production and drum content, we cover some really interesting topics including the future of music in the AI era and the globalization of drum education. We learn of Brandon's extensive experience in drum corps and his practice of 'un-learning' to adapt as a modern player, and his current gig as the drummer for Nashville metal group, Yugen. Branndon discusses the nuances of maintaining a balanced life amidst a high-pressure job, the challenges and opportunities in Nashville's evolving music scene and communities, and his love for gardening. We hope you enjoy!
Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:52 Welcome, Branndon! 3:06 Video Production for Meinl Cymbals 22:51 Drum Box (Sponsor) 23:33 The Overhead Shot, Drum Content & Social Media 28:10 The Future of Music and AI 34:50 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor) 35:32 Branndon's Upbringing 41:43 High School Band Experience 48:04 College and Drum Corps 50:08 Developing Groove and Feel 1:02:49 Groove MPL (Sponsor) 1:04:02 Joining Yugen and Nashville's Metal Scene 1:11:12 Drum Supply (Sponsor) 1:12:12 Nashville's Venues, Changing Landscape 1:28:50 Sonique Drums (Sponsor) 1:29:30 Gardening and Tomato Season 1:32:58 Favorite Food and Coffee Spots in Nashville 1:38:41 Outro
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2026 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
Brian Russell Collins: Beating Cancer & Overcoming Loss, Community through Charity, Meeting Huey Lewis, Jelly Roll Arena Tour
01 May 2025
01:43:50
Welcome to the show Wilmington, NC native Brian Russell Collins! Having been in Nashville for over a decade, Brian is a familiar, friendly face in our community who has endured more than most of us ever will in a lifetime. We dive into Brian’s journey of perseverance and heartbreak, including beating cancer multiple times and the recent loss of his mom and sister - experiences that have greatly impacted his outlook on music and life. He reminisces on meeting his musical heroes Huey Lewis and Garth Brooks, shares tales from tour opening for Jelly Roll, and stresses the importance of advocacy, charity, and being there for others. Join us for an inspiring and engaging conversation filled with resilience, community, and rock and roll. We hope you enjoy!
Chapters: 00:00 Intro 1:31 Welcome, Brian! 5:34 On Tour Opening for Jelly Roll 11:27 Take the Audition 20:05 Gear Talk and Drum Tuning 25:59 Drum Supply (Sponsor) 26:59 Watching Cody Ash 37:39 Meeting Huey Lewis: A Lifelong Inspiration 44:34 Charity Events and Community Impact 44:53 Drum Box (Sponsor) 45:36 Battling Cancer, Personal Loss, Hosting Charity Events 1:05:24 Supporting the Next Generation of Drummers 1:10:56 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor) 1:11:37 Impacting Others 1:19:40 Tour Bus Tales and Night Terrors 1:23:32 Groove MPL (Sponsor) 1:24:44 Chick-fil-A and Celebrity Encounters 1:35:26 Sonique Drums (Sponsor) 1:36:06 Closing Questions 1:42:17 Outro
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2026 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
Matt Nolan: Drummer for Lainey Wilson, From New Orleans Jazz to Country's Biggest Stages, Sobriety and Mental Health, Studio Recording, The Importance of Listening
11 Apr 2025
02:37:01
We’re excited to welcome Matt Nolan to the podcast! Since 2020, Matt has been the touring drummer for Lainey Wilson, in addition to working with artists including Maggie Rose, Them Vibes, Brandon Whyde, The Morrison Brothers Band, and Rude Music - a rock and roll group led by Matt and his brother Kevin. In this wide-ranging interview, Matt shares his unique musical journey from studying Jazz in New Orleans to moving to Nashville and eventually landing the gig with Lainey Wilson. Matt shares valuable insights on handling moments of pressure, playing bigger stages, supporting your bandmates, touring sober, and the importance of listening. We hope you enjoy!
Chapters: 00:00 Intro 2:26 Welcome, Matt! 8:52 Behind the Scenes: CMA Awards 27:56 Drumming Influences 35:23 Drum Box (Sponsor) 36:08 Early Musical Influences and Upbringing 39:01 Getting Booed at Your 1st Gig 55:08 Drum Supply (Sponsor) 56:11 Goals in High School 1:00:11 Johnny Vidacovich and New Orleans Jazz 1:10:32 Discovering Country Music 1:21:48 Dealing w/ Competition & High-Stakes 1:24:44 The Drummer's Role 1:26:59 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor) 1:27:37 Playback & Tracks 1:42:48 Groove MPL (Sponsor) 1:44:06 Recording Lainey's 3rd Studio Album 1:55:48 Touring Sober and Band Dynamics 2:00:37 Mental Health on the Road 2:04:39 The Importance of Listening 2:10:23 Pre-Show Rituals and Techniques 2:14:39 What Makes a Successful Show? 2:29:30 Music City Audiology (Sponsor) 2:30:13 Closing Questions 2:34:47 Outro
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2026 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
Raven Pfeiffer: On Tour w/ Girl Named Tom, Choosing the Right Gigs, Mastering Ableton, Living Healthy & Landing Endorsements
28 Mar 2025
01:43:41
Hailing from Charlotte, NC, Raven Pfeiffer moved to Nashville in 2021 where she currently performs, co-writes, and tours with several artists across different genres, most notably with American folk sibling trio, Girl Named Tom. A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Raven studied under renowned performer, composer, and producer, Rick Dior (James Taylor, Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles), and earned a B.A. in Music with a concentration in percussion and a B.A. in German Translation.
In this conversation, we discuss the importance of committing to gigs that push you to learn new skills, like mastering Ableton, and dive into an emotional discussion about physical health as Raven opens up about her intense health scare in 2017. From battling illness to thriving on stage, her story is a testament to resilience and dedication. We also explore her musical influences, from Jen Ledger of Skillet to jazz greats like Elvin Jones and Dave Weckl, and her experience in landing endorsements, including Doc Sweeney Drums and Paiste Cymbals. We hope you enjoy!
Chapters: 00:00 Intro 2:13 Welcome, Raven! 8:39 Forensic Anthropology, Early Years 15:24 College Years and Musical Growth 20:17 Drum Box (Sponsor) 21:00 Studying German Translation 26:42 Drum Supply (Sponsor) 27:42 Choosing Nashville Over Academia 42:49 Groove MPL (Sponsor) 44:00 Musical Inspirations and Influences 55:48 Raven's Favorite Crayon 1:00:47 Endorsements and Networking 1:08:29 Marketing & Social Media for Musicians 1:13:59 Sonique Drums (Sponsor) 1:14:38 Health Journey, Diet & Lifestyle Changes 1:30:22 Music City Audiology (Sponsor) 1:32:40 Learning Songs Quickly 1:38:34 Favorite Local Spots in Nashville 1:42:07 Outro
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2026 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
Grace Goodman: Belmont Grad to Touring Drummer, Supporting Women in Music, Nashville Indie Rock, Professionalism & Showmanship
14 Mar 2025
01:19:43
Grace Goodman is a Nashville-based drummer known for her dynamic performances and versatility across a wide range of musical genres. A recent graduate of Belmont University (Class of 2024), we dive into Grace's rapid transition from college to professional touring into Nashville's indie rock scene. Since graduating, Grace has toured with Odie Leigh, opening for Shakey Graves, and recently wrapped up a three-month headlining tour across the United States and Canada. Over the past year, she has also performed at prominent festivals such as Treefort Music Fest, Shaky Knees Festival, Kilby Block Party, Calgary Folk Festival, Hinterland Music Festival, and Outside Lands Music Festival. Grace shares insights on her drumming techniques, the significance of inclusivity in the music industry, and memorable moments from tour. We discuss topics essential for aspiring drummers, such as professionalism, stage energy, showmanship, and the importance of following your Plan A. We hope you enjoy!
Chapters: 00:00 Intro 1:46 Welcome, Grace! 2:39 Graduating from Belmont 6:03 On Tour w/ Oston and Knox 17:26 Touring While in College 21:00 Early Life and Musical Influences 32:13 Drum Box (Sponsor) 32:55 All-Female Bands and Empowerment 40:00 Women Supporting Women in Music 42:07 Finding Community in Nashville 43:33 Drum Supply (Sponsor) 44:32 'Bro Really Went Flying' (Showmanship) 52:14 Groove MPL (Sponsor) 53:25 Learning Music Without Charts 1:05:57 Sonique Drums (Sponsor) 1:06:55 Closing Questions / Tattoo Stories 1:18:24 Outro
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2026 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
Ethan Harb (2025 Interview): Viral Bonk Fame, On Tour w/ Trey Lewis, Camaraderie, Consistency, & Personal Loss
28 Feb 2025
01:12:42
In this special episode of the Nashville Drummers Podcast, we welcomed back our good buddy Ethan Harb. Since his first appearance on the show back in Ep. 5 (Dec. 2021), Ethan's career has quite literally exploded, most recently through his viral social media video series of 'How to Get Fired from a Gig', amassing over 112 million views on one video alone, 450K followers on Instagram and 170K followers on TikTok. Ethan shares insights on the importance of consistency when building a social media presence, why you should record every gig, and how to balance being a professional musician with band camaraderie and humor. We learn how Ethan landed the touring gig with Trey Lewis, and he opens up about his journey dealing with the loss of his father.
**BONUS: get an inside view into Ethan's complete setup on tour w/ Trey Lewis in our NDP Backstage Rig Rundown! Available exclusively to Patreon, Buzzsprout, and Apple Podcast Subscribers.
Chapters: 00:00 Intro 3:27 Welcome back, Ethan! 5:26 The Viral Bonk Backstory 14:24 Impact of Social Media on Your Career 20:51 Skylines & Satellites, Silly Goose Hours 29:00 Drum Box (Sponsor) 29:43 Career Growth, On Tour w/ Trey Lewis 35:00 Drum Supply (Sponsor) 36:00 Original Music & Band Camaraderie 38:19 Groove MPL (Sponsor) 39:19 Record Every Gig 42:49 Sonique Drums (Sponsor) 43:47 Dealing with Personal Loss 46:49 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor) 47:31 Reflection, Praise & Gratitude 1:00:08 Social Media and Consistency 1:08:05 Closing Questions 1:11:24 Outro
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2026 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
Aaron Chase: Lost Stars, Building Community, Recording & Content Creation, Taking Risks, Mental Health Challenges
10 Feb 2025
01:43:43
Welcome Harrisburg, PA native Aaron Chase to the show! Well-known as the drummer for Nashville pop duo Lost Stars, Aaron shares his journey to Nashville as a session drummer and content creator, including stories from his early drumming days, the challenges and benefits of recording at home, and the impact of running on his physical and mental well-being. Aaron hosts the 'Musicians Should Hang Out', a monthly coffee hang to foster community among local musicians. The conversation also delves into topics like mental health challenges, dealing with negative self-talk, and balancing marriage life with a drumming career. We hope you enjoy!
Chapters: 00:00 Intro 2:21 Welcome, Aaron! 4:38 Musicians Should Hang Out 11:14 Early Drumming Years 27:50 YouTube and Content Creation 34:55 Drum Box (Sponsor) 35:37 Social Media in 2025 37:12 Drum Supply (Sponsor) 40:22 Mental Health and Overcoming Challenges 51:37 Groove MPL (Sponsor) 52:38 Move to Nashville 55:11 Networking 59:15 Joining Lost Stars: The Audition 1:00:40 The Importance of Versatility 1:16:25 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor) 1:17:07 Balancing Personal Life and a Drumming Career 1:22:34 Favorite Drummers and Influences 1:29:23 Closing Questions 1:42:27 Outro
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2026 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
Cody Ash: Drummer for Jelly Roll, Metalcore to Country, Chasing Your Dreams, Art of the Drum Solo, Competitive Mindsets
24 Jan 2025
02:47:54
We're super stoked to welcome Cody Ash to the studio to help us kick off 2025! In this raw and honest 3hr interview, Cody shares his unique journey from a small-town upbringing in Kentucky through his challenging high school years and various musical phases including joining metalcore bands Sylar and O'Kingdom. Cody recounts the pivotal experiences that led him to Nashville and meeting Jelly Roll, his evolution into country music, overcoming the challenges of learning new material under pressure, and his approach to drum solos. Cody reflects on the competitive spirit within the drumming community, his recent accolades; including nominations for Drumeo Country Drummer of the Year and the Modern Drummer Reader's Poll, and landing endorsements with DW Drums and Remo. This episode dives deep into Cody's passion for music and his philosophy of relentless hard work and community support. We hope you enjoy!
Chapters: 00:00 Intro 3:28 Welcome, Cody! 11:13 High School Struggles and First Bands 15:33 Joining O'Kingdom and Touring 18:14 Transition to Professional Drumming 21:21 Joining Sylar 29:47 Drum Supply (Sponsor) 31:54 Rediscovering Country Music 39:02 Transition to Nashville 43:32 Drum Box (Sponsor) 44:13 Meeting Jelly Roll 48:20 The Phone Call 53:12 1st Gig w/ Jelly Roll 1:07:55 Zildjian Factory Tour 1:09:45 Local Scenes, High School Band Memories 1:13:01 College and Music Theory 1:27:51 Groove MPL (Sponsor) 1:29:49 2025 NYE Performance (Nashville's Big Bash) 1:41:49 Mentorship and Giving Back 1:43:41 Hometown Memories and Inspirations 1:44:58 Buc-ee's & Food On Tour 1:54:49 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor) 1:55:31 The Art of the Drum Solo 2:04:19 Beer Smashing on Stage 2:15:28 Music City Audiology (Sponsor) 2:16:10 Gratitude for the Crew 2:16:39 2024 Accolades and Reflections 2:18:02 Competitive Drive in Music 2:26:52 DW Drums Endorsement 2:32:38 Closing Questions 2:43:32 The PORKCHOP Nickname 2:46:28 Outro
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2026 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
Joel Mevis: On Tour w/ Filmore, Building Playback Rigs, Mastering Ableton, the Art of Show Preparation, Redesigning Nashville's Airport
22 Nov 2024
01:42:29
Today we welcome to the show Nashville-native Joel Mevis! Joel is currently the drummer for Tyler Filmore - a Nashville-based artist blending pop and electronic elements with earnest country. Dubbed as "the most interesting person we've had on the show," we learn Joel's journey through the music industry, his experience with Ableton, Filmore tour stories with Pitbull, and how his detail-oriented nature has contributed to his success. Joel shares valuable insights on managing stress during performances, the importance of fitness in a musician's life, and his diverse work and skillsets beyond music, including being a security contractor and the voice of Nashville International Airport's parking system. We hope you enjoy!
Chapters: 00:00 Intro 1:52 Welcome, Joel! 4:48 Nashville Native, Church Story 19:14 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor) 23:08 Building In-Ear Rigs 29:20 Fixing Ethan's Computer 33:00 The Importance of Ableton for Drummers 39:33 Building and Managing Live Shows 49:15 Drum Supply (Sponsor) 50:12 Touring with Fillmore and Pitbull, Gatekeeping 1:02:24 Groove MPL (Sponsor) 1:03:24 Early Influences and Paramore 1:11:33 Home Studio and Practice Kits 1:14:41 Drum Box (Sponsor) 1:15:41 Full-Time Day Job, Balancing Multiple Roles 1:17:05 Voice of the Nashville Airport 1:21:04 How to Prepare for the Gig 1:23:49 Remo vs Evans Heads, Drum Gear 1:27:33 Music City Audiology (Sponsor) 1:31:23 Closing Questions 1:41:13 Outro
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2026 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
Kyle Law: On Tour w/ Tim Montana, Broadway vs Artist Gigs, Work-Life Balance, Choosing Subs, Microscoping & Learning Complex Parts
08 Nov 2024
01:46:49
Today we welcome to the show Georgia-native Kyle Law, a Nashville-based live and session musician currently touring with hard-rock country artist Tim Montana. Kyle shares his insights on prepping for Broadway gigs versus artist gigs, work-life balance, how to keep gigs and choose subs, and his method for learning complex drum parts, including his time with Nashville-based Tool cover band, Rosetta. Kyle talks about his experiences on the road, his transition from country rock to hard rock, and the importance of camaraderie among band members. Amid the usual banter and shirtless antics, we touch on mental health challenges, the importance of having multiple skills in the industry, and Kyle's recent endorsement with WFLIII Drums. We hope you enjoy!
Chapters: 00:00 Intro 2:10 Welcome, Kyle! 3:49 Broadway Shifts 7:12 Tour Life with Tim Montana 15:14 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor) 20:53 Work-Life Balance 31:15 Broadway vs Artist Gigs 35:38 Microscoping for Artist Gigs 37:46 Drum Supply (Sponsor) 38:46 Balancing Multiple Gigs and Mental Health 54:01 Drum Box (Sponsor) 54:41 Learning Complex Drum Charts 1:03:17 Session Work and Studio Life 1:11:20 1st Kit Memories 1:14:19 Influences and Inspirations: From Hip Hop to Prog Rock 1:22:20 Garden Groove (Sponsor) 1:36:15 WFLIII Drums Endorsement 1:40:48 Kyle's Tattoos 1:45:09 Outro
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2026 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
Christian Delzoppo: On Tour w/ Knox, Self-Care & Sobriety, How to Network, Practice Routines & Staying Motivated
09 Oct 2024
01:56:50
Today we welcome Christian Delzoppo to the podcast, currently on tour with Nashville-based indie pop artist Knox Morris (Knox). Christian opens up about his struggles with alcohol and the path to sobriety, which allowed him to reignite his passion for drumming. He speaks to the transformative power of self-care and connections between mental and physical health, while emphasizing the importance of genuine relationships when it comes to networking and landing gigs. We gain insights into his early influences, practice routines, aspirations, and what it's like being a pop drummer in Nashville. We hope you enjoy!
Chapters: 00:00 Intro 18:56 Networking and Building Relationships 28:12 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor) 28:54 College Days and Music Struggles 43:50 Drum Lessons and Inspirations 1:02:12 Sobriety, Motivation and Personal Growth 1:08:05 Transition to Nashville and Career Shifts 1:13:48 Drum Supply (Sponsor) 1:14:48 Pop vs. Country Scenes in Nashville 1:28:10 Music City Audiology (Sponsor) 1:28:52 Touring with Knox 1:36:01 Garden Groove Nashville 1:37:08 Wrap-Up Questions 1:37:17 Practice Routines and Techniques 1:42:29 Life or Death: Potato vs. Straw 1:45:54 Cleveland Sports Fandom 1:52:00 Fine Dining in Nashville 1:55:37 Outro
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2026 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
Stefan Chippeaux: Pro Drum Tech | On Tour w/ Bailey Zimmerman, Resilience, Mastery, & Lifelong Learning
25 Sep 2024
01:20:51
Today we welcome Stefan Chippeaux to the podcast, currently on tour as the drum tech with young American country phenom Bailey Zimmerman. Stefan recalls his compelling transition from a drummer in Tampa, FL to an accomplished tech and performer in Nashville. We learn the skills and mindsets necessary to be a pro tech in today's industry, emphasizing adaptability, proactive problem-solving, teamwork and dedication to high standards. In this episode, Stefan shares valuable insights on resilience, mentorship, and memorable tour experiences, as well as lighter discussions on his favorite movies, tattoos, and personal milestones. We hope you enjoy!
Chapters: 00:00 Intro 1:38 Welcome, Stefan! 3:16 Landing the Bailey Zimmerman Gig 5:32 The Life of a Drum Tech on Tour 10:33 Drum Paradise: The Foundation of Excellence 17:30 The Importance of Adaptability and Preparation 21:50 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor) 25:57 Staying Current with Drum Gear 32:10 Drum Supply (Sponsor) 33:47 Musical Beginnings: From Church to Theme Parks 43:22 Drum Box (Sponsor) 44:02 Nashville Beginnings and Networking 46:29 The Call from Jim Riley 55:50 Building a Home Studio 1:06:10 Tattoos, Movies and Hobbies 1:13:45 Wrap-Up Questions 1:18:47 Outro
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2026 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
Corey Boise: March to Your Own Beat | Titans Blue Crew Drumline, Nashville Punk Rock, Auditioning for Blue Man Group, Building Mental Resilience
06 Sep 2024
02:03:00
Today we welcome drummer and educator Corey Boise to the podcast! Having moved to Nashville in 1993, Corey is an experienced player and drum corps vet with his hands in many facets of the industry, including performing, recording, and touring. Corey is currently the drummer for Nashville-based punk bands Digital Brains and Critter Brain. When he's not teaching, drumming, or making drumsticks, he takes the field with the Blue Crew Drumline, the official entertainment drumline for the Tennessee Titans, of which he's beginning his 9th season while co-managing the group.
In this honest and wide-ranging interview, Corey shares his unique experiences within the industry, including growing up in the punk-rock era of Nashville in the early 90s, and his extensive background with drum corps and atypical approach to learning music. Corey provides valuable insights on the realities of the industry, stressing the importance of professionalism, handling pressures, and having backup plans. We hope you enjoy!
Chapters: 00:00 Intro 2:17 Welcome, Corey! 2:35 Nashville in the 90s 8:11 Punk Rock Beginnings 15:41 Marching Band & Drum Corps 26:10 Transition to Professional Drumming 30:24 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor) 31:57 Getting Outside Your Comfort Zone 37:49 Learning Drums Without Reading Music 49:02 Making Custom Drumsticks 54:56 Drum Supply (Sponsor) 55:55 Titans Drumline: Then & Now 1:22:29 Drum Box (Sponsor) 1:23:09 Auditioning for Blue Man Group 1:36:29 Nashville Music Scene & Identity 1:40:28 The Harsh Truths of the Music Industry 1:50:39 Fear-Setting and Building Mental Resilience 1:55:25 Sonique Drums (Sponsor) 1:56:22 Wrap-Up Questions 2:00:46 Outro
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2026 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
Garrett Tyler: For King & Country, Drum Corps Legacy, Versatile Artistry, the Strength of Relationships & Collaboration
23 Aug 2024
01:49:34
Today we welcome Artist, Drummer, Musical Director, Producer, Multi-Instrumentalist, and Educator, Garrett Tyler to the podcast! Garrett is currently the Bandleader & Drummer for multi grammy award-winning pop duo, For King & Country. Garrett shares his inspiring journey from a small town in Arkansas to performing with the prestigious Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps, and eventually gracing the cover of Modern Drummer magazine. We explore the impact of relationships and community on his career, his diverse musical influences, and his disciplined approach to drumming. We touch on Garrett’s meaningful tattoos, his debut solo album 'New Normal', and reflections on growth, creativity, and the dynamic changes in Nashville. A rich and heartfelt conversation about dedication, growth, creativity, and the love of music. We hope you enjoy!
Chapters: 00:00 Intro 2:36 Welcome, Garrett! 3:19 Discovering Golf and Parallels to Drumming 9:43 Warm-Up Routines and Techniques 14:42 Growing Up in Arkansas 22:19 Joining the Blue Devils Drum & Bugle Corps 27:14 Blue Devils International and Representing the U.S. 38:35 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor) 39:18 Music School and Mentorship at Belmont 55:40 Gospel Influences 1:02:13 Drum Supply (Sponsor) 1:03:17 For King & Country 1:08:46 Modern Drummer Feature 1:15:03 Nashville's Changing Landscape 1:15:55 Drum Box (Sponsor) 1:16:36 Garrett's Tattoos 1:25:15 Music City Audiology (Sponsor) 1:25:57 'New Normal' and Collaborative Projects 1:41:54 Sonique Drums (Sponsor) 1:43:37 Closing Questions 1:47:09 Outro
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2026 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
Tyler Bronson Smith: Finding Your Sound, Nashville’s Evolving Scene, Embracing Versatility & the Importance of Listening
09 Aug 2024
01:49:42
Today we welcome veteran Nashville drummer Tyler Bronson Smith to the show! This wide-ranging interview spans Tyler's extensive career in the industry - from his small-town upbringing in North Carolina to studying at the Musicians Institute in Los Angeles and eventually moving to Nashville, Tyler shares personal anecdotes, the significance of authentic connections, and tips for overcoming professional challenges. He discusses the joys and challenges of Nashville's modern scene, including notable gigs, networking, and the significance of maintaining a good reputation. Tyler emphasizes adaptability, authenticity, and the blend of simplicity and technicality to find your own unique sound. We hope you enjoy!
Chapters: 00:00 Intro 1:54 Welcome, Tyler! 2:37 Growing Up and Early Influences 13:20 Musical Journey and Inspirations 27:46 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor) 28:27 Moving to Nashville 34:42 The Fishbowl Analogy: Growing Beyond Small Towns 37:25 Memorable Encounters with Legends 39:45 Evolution of Music and Technology 51:04 The Reality of Gig Life 1:14:33 Unexpected Gigs 1:20:59 The Importance of Reputation 1:26:34 Drum Supply (Sponsor) 1:27:34 Vegas Gig, Navigating Broadway 1:32:07 Drum Box (Sponsor) 1:33:43 Session Work and Live Performances 1:41:42 Sonique Drums (Sponsor) 1:42:39 Nashville Food & Coffee 1:47:32 Outro
Interviews (in order of appearance) 00:00 Intro 0:17 Welcome 1:49 John Crocken Persimmon Drumsticks 5:05 Vladimir Gutsman - Tonewings 8:50 Rich LeRoy - RL Drums 11:48 Sean Andres - Taproot Drums 14:06 Reagan Kimsey 16:19 Gavin Gillette 18:16 Liz Ficalora - Drum Chart Builder 21:53 Dr. Shayan Ghaffari - The Fine Tune Clinic 27:46 Sam Roberson 29:48 Derek Lee - Beat Note 33:03 5 Core 35:00 Juan Avalos 37:05 April Samuels - Breast Cancer Can Stick It! 39:59 Timothy Roberts - Reverie Drum Co. 43:21 Jake Sommers (Luke Combs) 47:51 Outro
------ Interviews by: Dan Ainspan, Nathan Sletner Recorded live at the Music City Drum Show in Nashville, TN
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2026 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
Molly Rose: From TikTok to Tour | Social Media Stardom, Touring w/ Upchurch, Self-Identity & Country Music, How to Land Endorsements
12 Jul 2024
01:29:25
Today we welcome to the podcast NorCal native Molly Rose, currently on tour with American rapper and country artist Upchurch. Molly shares her inspiring journey to Nashville, revealing her early love for country music and the pressures she faced as a young drummer. Molly recounts her experience at the Musicians Institute in LA, and how by simply trying something new during the pandemic would lead her to social media stardom, now having amassed over 4.2M likes on TikTok and over 100K followers on both Instagram and YouTube.
Molly recalls her time on the 'Hit Like a Girl' competition and most recently the TV show 'Banded', the challenges and triumphs of being a young drummer in Nashville, and shares practical advice for aspiring musicians, including the importance of building authentic relationships in the industry. We close the convo delving into Molly's personal tastes, including favorite food, coffee spots, and tattoos. We hope you enjoy!
Chapters: 00:00 Intro 2:10 Welcome, Molly! 5:47 NorCal / Musician's Institute 11:48 Early Years & Country Music 15:28 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor) 19:30 High School, Drummer Influences & Self-Identity 28:04 Drum Supply (Sponsor) 29:04 Social Media Stardom 45:58 TV Show 'Banded' 53:46 Drum Box (Sponsor) 54:27 On Tour w/ Upchurch 59:17 Music City Drum Show 2024 59:50 Current Gear 1:09:44 Sonique Drums (Sponsor) 1:10:42 Endorsements & Relationships 1:13:51 Greg Bissonette Clinic (Drum Supply) 1:14:39 Noodles, Coffee, & Tattoos 1:27:10 Outro
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2026 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
Lou Vecchio: On Tour w/ Alexandra Kay | How to Nail the Audition, NY Pop-Rock Roots, Social Media for the Modern Musician, Recording as a Live Band
28 Jun 2024
01:46:31
Welcome Long Island, NY native Lou Vecchio to the podcast! Lou is currently the drummer for country artist Alexandra Kay and Danish-American rock band New Politics. In this episode, we learn of Lou's transition from New York's vibrant rock scene to Nashville's country music arena. Lou discusses his mindset during auditions that helped him land the gig with Alexandra, the impact of COVID on his career, and his lifelong passion for drumming inspired by his father. Lou also sheds light on his admiration for performance-driven drummers like Tommy Lee, his versatile approach to music and genres, and the evolving importance of social media for modern musicians. We dive into his touring experience, what it's like recording and touring with the same band, drum gear and endorsements, and his love for tattoos and horror movies. We hope you enjoy!
Chapters: 00:00 Intro 1:51 Welcome, Lou! 6:10 The Audition Process 7:56 Brooklyn to Nashville 11:35 Adapting to Country Music 19:39 Recording & Live Performance 21:00 The Importance of Versatility 22:54 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor) 36:36 Drum Supply (Sponsor) 37:40 Early Musical Influences 39:48 Lou's Natural Talent 41:47 Navigating High School and Musical Identity 45:09 Hip Hop and Breakdancing 47:05 Discipline and Entertaining 51:54 Drum Box (Sponsor) 1:01:48 Sonique Drums (Sponsor) 1:02:45 Social Media for the Modern Musician 1:15:13 Music City Audiology (Sponsor) 1:17:57 First Arena Show at MSG 1:23:22 Drum Gear and Endorsements 1:32:10 Tattoos, Noodles, and Moment of Zen 1:44:15 Outro
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2026 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
Chris Rayner: Living the Dream - From RVs to Drums | Horizontal Integration, Touring w/ Clayton Mullen, Nashville Sessions & Drum Covers
07 Jun 2024
01:34:25
Welcome to the podcast St. Petersburg, Florida-native Chris Rayner! Currently drumming for 23-year-old country artist Clayton Mullen, Chris shares with us his 17-year journey to achieving his dream of touring. We highlight his unique path involving starting a mobile RV business and how it unexpectedly opened doors in the music industry. Key topics include the significance of horizontal integration, networking, Chris’ 1st Nashville session with a legendary songwriter, drum covers, and the relentless pursuit of one’s goals. This conversation offers valuable insights for musicians balancing passion with diverse career paths. We hope you enjoy!
Chapters: 00:00 Intro 2:01 Welcome, Chris! 9:18 On Tour w/ Clayton Mullen 21:11 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor) 21:53 Broadway Music Scene 30:51 Drum Supply (Sponsor) 31:54 Balancing Music and RV Work 35:50 Meeting a Legendary Songwriter 38:58 First Session Experience 41:38 Learning the Nashville Number System 48:11 Networking & Horizontal Integration 53:04 Navigating the Nashville Music Scene 53:50 Drum Box (Sponsor) 1:07:09 Creative Drum Setups 1:08:45 Influential Drummers 1:10:03 Sonique Drums (Sponsor) 1:12:25 The Underdog Approach to Drum Covers 1:23:45 Music City Audiology (Sponsor) 1:24:28 Closing Questions 1:32:14 Outro