With 500 episodes and counting, Working Drummer Podcast is the source for those interested in what it’s like to be a professional drummer. Hosted by Matthew Crouse and Zack Albetta, Working Drummer covers it all with a dynamic range of pro drummers who represent many different genres and scenes. Each weekly interview features a different performer, sometimes with a less recognizable name, but always with an impressive and distinct body of work. This unique approach has garnered a loyal audience hungry for unfiltered stories about making a living as a musician today.
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485 - Sam Merrick: Playing "& Juliet" on Broadway, Touring with Jalen Ngonda and Celisse, Splitting Time Between New York and Nashville
Episode 485
Thursday, September 5, 2024 • Duration 01:03:16
Sam Merrick is a Nashville based drummer, currently holding the drum set chair at & Juliet on Broadway at the Sondheim Theater in New York City. Previously, he spent nearly five years and played over 1200 performances with the national tour of Hamilton: An American Musical.
He has also recorded and/or performed with Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, Toots and the Maytals, Jalen Ngonda, Saun & Starr (Daptone Records), The Denver Symphony, People's Champs, Kendra Morris (Colemine Records), and many more. Commercial clients include HBO, Levi Strauss, Chase, AT&T, and This American Life Podcast Network.
In this episode, Sam talks about:
Balancing maintaining a Broadway chair with other musical opportunities
Relearning how to trust his instincts outside the highly controlled environment of a Broadway show
Moving from the note-for-note specificity of Hamilton to the longer leash of & Juliet
Working with producer Max Martin
Maintaining a "healthy ecosystem" of subs
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484 - Joel Rothman: Legendary Author of Drum and Percussion Method Books, Using Humor when Writing, Connecting with Teachers
Episode 484
Thursday, August 29, 2024 • Duration 01:04:23
Joel Rothman is the renowned author of almost 100 drum and percussion method books, many of which are among the most popular books used by teachers in private music studios as well as schools and universities worldwide.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Joel studied drums and percussion, as well as piano, with well-known teachers such as Sam Ulano, Ed Shaughnessey, Jim Chapin, Joe Morello, Saul Goodman, and others. He first opened his own private drum studio, then later, after graduating from university, he taught in the New York City school system for many years. During that time Joel was a free-lance drummer playing with various bands and orchestras at private functions, nightclubs and musical shows.
Writing his first book at fifteen, Joel also established his own highly successful publishing company JR Publications, which has been going for over half a century.
In this episode, Joel talks about:
The inspiration for writing drum books
Using humor when writing
Joel’s System(s) for teachers to use
How he started
Studying with Ed Shaughnessy
Connecting with teachers
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475 - Josh Bailey: His New Touring Gig with Ben Platt, Running Tracks and Ears from the Drum Chair, Studying with Dafnis Prieto
Episode 475
Thursday, June 27, 2024 • Duration 01:24:33
Josh Bailey has been in New York for ten years, with a wide variety of live and session work to his credit. He is on staff at Studio G (Brooklyn based recording studio), recording drums and percussion for industry and independent artists & producers, and is currently subbing on Broadway's & Juliet and The Outsiders. He has acted as music director and drummer for artists building, arranging & operating live backing tracks, running IEM mixes and contracting musicians. Josh was seen drumming on Saturday Night Live in a digital short with Kyle Mooney and Beck Bennet (2019). As music director and drummer for pop singers Erin Bowman, Josh performed on Good Morning America, and Live! With Kelly and Ryan (2017).
In this episode, Josh talks about
The healthy vibe on the tour that comes from the top down
Posting only what you feel good about on social media, "posting with purpose"
MD'ing from the drum chair
Learning how to streamline track rigs and ears rigs for "skeleton crew" opening acts
His work at Studio G in Brooklyn
The idea of a "drum statement" and how it can flavor the song, show, and band
Studying with Dafnis Prieto and serving as final editor for his book "A World of Rhythmic Possibilities"
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385 - Dez Davis: Drumming for Hunter Hayes & Mickey Guyton, Promoting His Brand “BlackDrumHippie”, Using Faith as a Guide
Episode 385
Thursday, September 8, 2022 • Duration 01:20:28
Desmond Davis the “BlackDrumHippie”, is a Dove Award, Stellar Award & Ascap Rhythm & Soul Award winning, Grammy nominated musician, producer and writer hailing from the west side of Chicago where he honed his skills in the Baptist church playing gospel music however; he is well-rounded with the ability to play various genres including but not limited to; rock, pop, country, hip-hop, jazz, R&B, reggae, funk, and blues .
The BlackDrumHippie’s talent and tenacity has afforded him various endorsements and the opportunity to play a variety of tours, festivals, tv appearances and concert venues.
With growing notoriety, Desmond has played for decorated artists such as: Donald Lawrence, Johnathan McReynolds, Sir the Baptist, Todd Dulaney, Byron Cage, Bri Babrieaux, Hunter Hayes, Mickey Guyton & many more.
Desmond’s hard work and forward thinking has allowed BlackDrumHippie to transcend music as it has grown into a brand that provides customizable Levi denim jackets, t-shirts and other merchandise.
In this episode, Dez talks about:
Moving to Nashville in 2019 with a gig with Hunter Hayes
Affordable home studio options for outboard gear
Growing up and performing in many churches in the west side of Chicago
Trusting in his faith to be a guide
His experience with songwriting yet staying focused on live performance and sessions
Promoting his brand
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384 - Larry Florman: Fronting Them Vibes, Collaborating with Maggie Rose, Traditional Percussion vs. Pop Percussion
Episode 384
Thursday, September 1, 2022 • Duration 01:27:52
Larry Florman is a drummer, percussionist, vocalist, and front man for the Nashville-based band Them Vibes. Also known as Brother Love, he fronted numerous bands in New York before relocating to Nashville. Them Vibes has put out numerous singles and EPs since 2013, and became the opener and backing band for Maggie Rose, with whom they co-wrote and toured. Larry is also married to Nashville drummer Sarah Tomek.
In this episode, Larry Talks about:
Joining forces and later parting ways with Maggie Rose
How his musical life came to encompass drumset, percussion, and vocals
Learning traditional African and Latin percussion in New York with Babatunde Olatunji and other masters
Traditional Afro-Cuban conga playing vs. the American soul tradition
How he and Sarah interact musically
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383 - Nick Raskulinecz: Producing Rush, Foo Fighters and Others, Loving Drums and Producing Drummers, Reflections on Taylor Hawkins
Episode 383
Thursday, August 25, 2022 • Duration 01:08:47
Nick Raskulinecz is a record producer who has produced a Grammy-winning album for Foo Fighters, a #1 rock album for Alice In Chains, a #1 rock album for Rush, a #1 Billboard album for Evanescence, a #1 UK album for Stone Sour, and many more.
Neil Peart writes:
"Nick was best known for his highly successful work with the Foo Fighters, but before that he had a long history as a musician, engineer and producer. He had started out in Knoxville, Tennessee, and more-or-less worked his way west, studio by studio. When we met Nick, we all liked his youthful, unbridled enthusiasm, but at 36, he was also experienced enough to have a strong background in music and recording."
Of the recording sessions with Nick, he writes: "I have never enjoyed the recording process so much, nor been so satisfied with the results."
Geddy Lee from Rush also writes praise about working with Nick, saying "There's no point in hiring a producer who's not going to speak his mind, but it's a tall order to find someone who can hear Neil's playing, amazing as it is, and still say, 'Maybe you should try going in this direction...' It was a pleasure to be challenged [by Nick]. That's really what a band like us needs."
In this episode, Nick talks about:
Moving to Nashville from Los Angeles
His studio in Nashville “Rock Falcon Studio”
What he’s learned from drum techs over the years
Studio hacks when tracking drums as well as an “anti-hack”
What a producer really does
Producing the last two Rush records
Nick’s hands on approach to producing drummers
Reflections on Taylor Hawkins
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382 - Tommy Crane: His New Solo Album, His Journey from New York to Montreal, from Jazz to Ambient, and from Acoustic to Electronic
Episode 382
Thursday, August 18, 2022 • Duration 01:32:31
Tommy Crane is a NYC and Montreal based musician. Crane has recorded and performed with Ambrose Akinmusire, Melissa Aldana, Briars of North America, The Mingus Big Band, Linda Oh, Thus Owls, Aaron Parks, Richard Reed Parry, Logan Richardson, Bing and Ruth, Becca Stevens, Half Waif, Port St Willow, and Wood River.
In 2017 Crane was commissioned by the Lincoln Center, NY, to create a multimedia piece titled "Preservation" in collaboration with filmmaker Tracy Maurice. Crane's composition was performed live and released as a full-length album in 2019. In addition to Crane, the recording features performances by Colin Killalea (Albert Hammond Jr.), Eliot Krimsky (Here we go magic), and Greg Chudzik (Steve Reich).
In 2017/2018, Crane toured extensively with Melissa Aldana and recorded the Grammy Nominated album "Visions" with the band. Crane is also a core member of Aaron Parks's "Little Big" (whom he met and befriended at a jazz camp in NYC when they were both 15 years old). Crane also taught improvisational ensembles at the Accademia Nazionale del Jazz - Siena Jazz in Italy (2019-2020). He contributes original compositions to various WNYC and NPR podcasts and is also a Sunhouse artist.
In this episode, Tommy talks about:
The process of recording his album, almost entirely on his own at home
How he uses Sunhouse products
His early days in New York attending the New School and immersing himself in jazz
Playing with the Mingus Big Band
Getting burned out by life in New York, musically and otherwise
Prioritizing projects, bands, and his own music over the "hired gun" life
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381 - Adam Box: Recording and Touring with Brothers Osborne, His Home Studio: Gilded Palace, Experiencing the Grammys
Episode 381
Thursday, August 11, 2022 • Duration 01:32:29
Adam Box is the touring and recording drummer with the country duo, Brothers Osborne.
Adam grew up in Mississippi where with the support of family, friends and his church community, helped to develop the skills he needed to be a world class musician and drummer. This community and environment lead to Adam meeting legendary bass player Chris Ethridge, member of the Flying Burrito Brothers. Chris became a mentor to Adam and was an important figure in the early days of Adam’s career.
Shortly after Adam moved to Nashville, his talents we’re quickly realized and this lead to him joining the group Brothers Osborne.
He has also played on recordings by Chase Bryant, Lucie Silvas, Sonlite Band, Jeremy Lesley, Kristy Lee Cook and many others. Adam also produces and records out of his home studio, Gilded Palace.
In this episode, Adam talks about:
Useful application in his home studio
Humble beginnings in Nashville
Adam’s snare tone(s)
Geeking out on studio tech
An inspiring in-ear mix for live performance
Working with Producer Jay Joyce
Experiencing a performance on the Grammys
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380 - Will Kennedy: His Yellowjackets Legacy, His Educational Mission, His Bay Area Roots
Episode 380
Thursday, August 4, 2022 • Duration 01:04:58
Will Kennedy's musicality and finesse are legendary in the jazz world and beyond, performing with luminaries such as Yellowjackets, Herbie Hancock, Chaka Khan, Snarky Puppy, Bobby McFerrin, Esperanza Spalding, George Benson, and Lee Ritenour. His career is marked by pushing musical boundaries and a desire to be inspired yet be an inspiration. As a longstanding member of the Yellowjackets, the celebrated jazz quartet that includes fellow USC Thornton faculty members Bob Mintzer and Russell Ferrante.
Kennedy played percussion and began private lessons with teacher Bill Nawrocki throughout his school years. He also studied under professor and mentor Bill Bell, performing with him in San Francisco. Kennedy quickly became a fixture in the Bay Area scene as a teenager, and was introduced to legendary steel pan virtuoso Andy Narell with whom he recorded and toured Europe.
Joining the Thornton faculty in Fall 2018, Kennedy took over the duties of drumset instruction for Ndugu Chancler, longtime faculty member and one of the founders of the Popular Music program.
In this episode, Will talks about:
His early teachers and influences in the Bay Area, from groove with Willie "Wild" Sparks to jazz with Tony Williams
Playing on daytime talkshow, movie soundtracks, and other studio word during his hiatus from Yellowjackets
His approach to teaching pop drumming at USC
His physical approach and how he uses and teaches rudiments
What it means to play with your body vs. against your body
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379 - Ryan Brown: Drumming for Dweezil Zappa, Living and Working in Los Angeles, Channelling Zappa's Drummers
Episode 379
Thursday, July 28, 2022 • Duration 01:45:39
Ryan Brown is a professional drummer and percussionist in Los Angeles, California. In addition to his gig as the drummer for Dweezil Zappa, he plays with Los Angeles-based bands The Young Royals, Black Belt Karate, SexTapes, AM/FM, The Fuxedos and Madras, and in the bands of artists Arrica Rose, Karem Malicki-Sanchez, Colin Armstrong, Josh Canova, Space Oddity and rapper J Naugh-T.
He has toured with Taiwanese pop star Chyi-Chin and L.A. bands OWL and Ultraviolet, performed on “Last Call with Carson Daly” with Ingrid Michaelson and played the Bern Jazz Festival in Switzerland with R&B artist Niki Haris. He has recorded tracks and albums with producers Marti Frederiksen, Mark Hudson, Mikal Reid, Russ Irwin, Rob Seals, Glen Laughlin, Rob Shrock, Brian Dobbs, Klaus Derendorf, Brian Paturalski, Billy Morrison, Larry Crane and David Weisberg, including the hit single “The Real Thing” from Bo Bice.
Ryan can also be heard on releases by Foreigner, Circus Diablo, Hannah Montana, Clay Aiken, Cassie Davis, Nick Lachey, Jesse McCartney, Heather Graham, Suzie McNeil (Rock Star INXS) and Stephanie McIntosh, as well as on the movie soundtracks for Ice Age: Continental Drift (Adam Schlesinger), Kung Fu Panda (Hans Zimmer and John Powell) and The Dark Knight (Hans Zimmer). He’s performed on recordings with Alex Lifeson, Earl Slick, Elliot Easton and Rudy Sarzo.
Ryan has also appeared as a sideline musician in numerous TV shows and movies, including Pirates of the Caribbean 3: At World’s End, Desperate Housewives, Jag and Samantha Who?. He plays all styles of music, including rock, R&B, jazz, ska, funk, blues, folk and country. He is on the drum faculty at Musicians Institute in Hollywood, Calif., and teaches private lessons as well. A native of Denver, Colorado, he has played drums and percussion since he was 11 years old. Ryan graduated from Indiana University with a degree in jazz studies and percussion.
In this episode, Ryan talks about:
Why he chose Los Angeles
Teaching and mentoring
Growing his network in LA
The audition for Dweezil’s gig
Channeling Zappa’s drummers on the gig
Working with Alex Lifeson
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