Drummers on Drumming

Episode 6 of The Drum Panel This week's guests are two of my favorite drummers and people, Sarab Singh (MUNA) and Adam Christgau (Tegan and Sara). SUBMIT YOUR CONTROVERSIAL MUSIC OPINIONS HERE In this episode, we dive into: What’s the greatest compliment a drummer can get, and does it truly matter? How do others really describe your playing style—are you sure you'd agree? Should every drummer dive into jazz, or is it a skill only some truly need? Has the golden era of iconic bands come to an end, or is it just evolving? Are music schools churning out technical robots at the cost of creative souls? Is practicing on pillows with heavy sticks a hidden secret or just a myth? Are quintuplets and sextuplets essential or a complete waste of practice time? For more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram.

We’ve got another installment of Big Fat Five: a segment where I talk to drummers about the stories and records that shaped their sound. Today’s guest is Lucy Ritter, a New York/New Jersey native who picked up the drums at just 9 years old and was already landing professional gigs by 14. After three years at the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University, she made the bold decision to leave and join her first major tour: the Broadway musical An Officer and a Gentleman. That gig opened doors, eventually leading to her being offered the drum chair for the Grammy Award-winning musical Jagged Little Pill. These days, Lucy has stepped away from the Broadway scene and taken on an exciting new role as the drummer for one of today’s fastest-rising pop acts, Chappell Roan. We dig into how she landed that gig and explore the five records that have profoundly influenced her drumming style. This episode has been a long time coming, so let’s dive in. I hope you enjoy my conversation with the incredibly talented Lucy Ritter... cheers!

Episode 5 of The Drum Panel This week's guests are my co-host Eric Urrea (Marina City / Sessions) and good buddy Kris Mazzarisi (owner/founder of Big Fat Snare Drum). SUBMIT YOUR CONTROVERSIAL MUSIC OPINIONS HERE In this episode, we dive into: If you could reinvent one aspect of your drumming, what would it be, and why? What's the one piece of advice you wish you'd known as a young drummer starting out? How important is style to a drummer’s career—can visuals be as impactful as skill? What ingredients create a drum tone that stands the test of time? Have we lost the ability to have a hit song without the use of a click? With AI's influence growing, what do you think drumming will look like in the near future? Is the quest for 'perfect' recordings draining the soul out of live music? Why do so many drummers gravitate toward intricate playing—are we losing the groove? For more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram.

Today I’m joined by Jesse Boyle, my good buddy and the drummer for the boundary-pushing band Chase Atlantic. Known for blending genres like alternative, R&B, and electronic music, Jesse’s unique approach drives the pulse behind Chase’s immersive live soundscapes. We’ll dive into the top five influences that shaped his drumming and musical journey and we get into a newer career he’s started…all because he gave himself permission. I think it’s important for everyone to stay tuned through the end of the episode.  JESSE'S BIG FAT FIVE: - Album - Reggatta De Blanc Artist - The Police Release Year - 1979 Key Track(s) - Message in a Bottle, Walking On the Moon Drummer - Stewart Copeland - Album - By The Way Artist - Red Hot Chili Peppers Release Year - 2002 Key Track(s) - By the Way, Don’t Forget Me Drummer - Chad Smith - Album - Only by the Night Artist - Kings of Leon Release Year - 2008 Key Track(s) - Closer, I Want You Drummer - Nathan Followill - Album - The Colour and The Shape Artist - Foo Fighters Release Year - 1997 Key Track(s) - My Hero, Everlong Drummer - Dave Grohl / William Goldsmith - Album - TOTO IV Artist - TOTO Release Year - 1982 Key Track(s) - Rosanna Drummer - Jeff Porcaro For more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram.

Hey friends, Ben Hilzinger here. I wanted to take a few minutes to talk to you about a pretty exciting shift I’m making with this podcast. After much thought, I’ve decided to change the name of the podcast. Moving forward, it will be known as Drummers on Drumming. Let me tell you a little about how I got here. This whole thing started as The Big Fat Snare Drum Podcast, just a fun way to connect with drummers I admire—talking about stories, gear, grooves, and whatever else came up. It was a blast. But after a while, I wanted to dive deeper into the stories that shaped the way drummers think and play. That’s where the Big Fat Five concept came from: drummers sharing the five records or moments that influenced them the most. The Big Fat Five format really connected with people, and I loved it. But over time, I realized the name was becoming a little limiting. I’ve got so many ideas for other segments—like The Drum Panel, where multiple drummers join me for roundtable discussions—and I didn’t want to feel stuck in one format. I needed a title that gave me space to try new things and keep the podcast fresh. And honestly, if I want to keep doing this—and growing the show—I need to make sure it’s easy for new listeners to find. Big Fat Five isn’t exactly the most discoverable name if someone’s searching for “drumming podcasts.” So this rebrand to Drummers on Drumming not only reflects the direction I want to take, but it’ll also make the show more findable for people who haven’t discovered it yet. Now, here’s how the change will happen. Right now, the podcast is still called Big Fat Five, but I wanted to give everyone a heads-up before the switch. One week from today, both the name and the podcast icon will officially change to Drummers on Drumming. So, if you see the new name and artwork in your podcast feed next week, don’t worry—it’s still the same show you know and love, just with a new name and more room to grow. Oh! And speaking of exciting new things, I’ve been working on a book—also called Drummers on Drumming—and it’s almost ready! The book dives deep into the Big Fat Five concept, with insights from some truly amazing drummers. I’m currently wrapping up the book cover as I record this, and I plan to have it available by Black Friday. So keep an eye out for that—it’ll make a pretty sweet gift for the drummer in your life...or, you know, yourself. So there you have it—a new chapter for the podcast. It’s the same vibe, the same passion, just with a new name and more freedom to explore new ideas. I can’t wait to bring you along for this next phase. Thank you so much for listening, supporting, and being part of this journey. I’ll see you next time on Drummers on Drumming. For more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram.

Episode 4 of The Drum Panel This week's guests are my good buddies Kris Mazzarisi (owner/founder of Big Fat Snare Drum), and Mark Stepro (The Wallflowers, Butch Walker). SUBMIT YOUR CONTROVERSIAL MUSIC OPINIONS HERE In this episode, we dive into: If we could steal one drummers’s feel and add it to our own, who would it be? What is an example of a perfect drum take on record? What does “pocket” ACTUALLY mean? What is the role of drummers in songwriting credits? Does music theory really make one a better musician? What’s the first thing we notice about a drummer that makes them come across as “amateur”? Check out Steward Copeland on Drumeo HERE For more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram.

Our guest today is one of Berlin’s rising stars in the drumming world, Julian Wieder. At just 25, he’s already making serious moves across the RnB, Hip-Hop, and Indie scene, both on stage and in the studio. I first discovered Julian thanks to the algorithm gods on Big Fat Snare Drum’s Explorer page—and once I saw his playing, I knew I had to get him on the show. His feel is unreal, blending pocket grooves with a sense of freedom that feels completely natural and effortless. Plus, he’s not just a drummer…he’s an educator, and a bit of a clinic master in the making. In this episode, we’ll dive into the top records that shaped his sound, and he introduced me to a new favorite of mine that I can’t wait for you to hear. So I hope you enjoy the top records that helped shaped Julian Wieder into the drummer he is today.   JULIAN'S BIG FAT FIVE: - Album - The Joy Of Motion Artist - Animals as Leaders Release Year - 2014 Key Track(s) - The Woven Web, Tooth and Claw Drummer - Matt Garstka - Album - Continuum Artist - John Mayer Release Year - 2006 Key Track(s) - Waiting On The World To Change, Gravity Drummer - Steve Jordan - Album - Wallflower Artist - Jordan Rakei Release Year - 2017 Key Track(s) - Eye To Eye, Sorceress Drummer - Jim Macrae - Album - Chris Dave and The Drumhedz Artist - Chris Dave Release Year - 2018 Key Track - Whatever Drummer - Chris Dave - Album - Past Present and Futures Artist - Chick Corea Release Year - 2001 Key Track(s) - Fingerprints, Rhumba Flamenco Drummer - Jeff Ballard - Honorable Mentions: Nas - Illmatic Ghost Note - Swagism Yussef Kamaal - Black Focus For more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram.

Episode 3 of The Drum Panel This week's guests are my good buddies Gunnar Olsen (Puscifer, Carina Round), Neal Daniels (Matchbox 20, Liz Phair), Mike Robinson (Blame My Youth, Food On Tour Podcast). SUBMIT YOUR CONTROVERSIAL MUSIC OPINIONS HERE In this episode, we dive into: The value of high-end gear: Is it really worth the investment? The existence of drum heroes: Do they still inspire us today? Yes...we talk about Oasis... Insights from the guys on the current landscape of drum endorsements. For more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram.

Our guest today is Daniel Glass. Daniel is a renowned drummer, educator, and historian known for his deep expertise in the roots of American drumming, particularly in jazz, swing, and early rock 'n' roll. A member of the pioneering retro-swing band Royal Crown Revue, Glass has performed with a wide array of top artists, blending historical influence with modern flair. His passion for drumming history is reflected in his books, clinics, and instructional videos. The project that introduced Daniel to me was his three-hour documentary called “The Century Project” which explores the evolution of the drum set and drumming styles from 1865 to 1965. Glass is also celebrated for his dynamic, groove-focused playing and his ability to bridge the gap between past and present drumming traditions. Go check out all his happenings at danielglass.com, but for now, please enjoy the 5 records that helped shape Daniel Glass into the drummer he is today. Cheers! DANIEL'S BIG FAT FIVE: - Album - Made In Japan Artist - Deep Purple Release Year - 1972 Key Track(s) - Highway Star, Space Truckin', The Mule Drummer - Ian Paice - Album - Three Quartets Artist - Chick Corea Release Year - 1981 Key Track(s) - Quartet No. 1, Quartet No. 2, Part 2 Drummer - Steve Gadd - Album - Buffalo Artist - Frank Zappa Release Year - 2007 (from a 1980 live concert) Key Track(s) - The Torture Never Stops Drummer - Vinnie Colaiuta - Album - Lyric Artist - Billy Childs Release Year - 2005 Key Track(s) - In Carson's Eyes, Into the Light, Scarborough Fair, American Landscape Drummer - Brian Blade, Marvin "Smitty" Smith - Album - From Darkness Artist - Avishai Cohen Release Year - 2015 Key Track(s) - Beyond, Abie, C#-, From Darkness Drummer - Daniel Dor - Honorable Mentions: Album - Blue Artist - Joni Mitchell Release Year - 1971 Key Track(s) - All I Want, This Flight Tonight - Album - The Concert at Carnegie Hall Artist - Benny Goodman Release Year - 1938 Key Track(s) - Don't Be That Way, Honeysuckle Rose, Sing, Sing, Sing - Album - Drumsville Artist - Earl Palmer Release Year - 1961 Drummer - Earl Palmer - Album - Live at the Royal Festival Hall Artist - John McLaughlin Release Year - 1989 Key Track(s) - Mother Tongues Drummer - Trilok Gurtu - Album - Tiny Resistors Artist - Todd Sickafoose Release Year - 2008 Key Track(s) - Allision Miller Drummer - Everyone Is Going For more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram.

Episode 2 PART DEUX of The Drum Panel  Welcome to The Drum Panel—a segment where a rotating group of professional drummers engages in roundtable discussions on polarizing and controversial drum topics submitted by our listeners. Today's episode is the second half of a conversation between myself (Ben), my co-host Eric Urrea and special guest, Kris Mazzarisi (owner/founder of Big Fat Snare Drum & drummer for Winnetka Bowling League).   SUBMIT YOUR CONTROVERSIAL MUSIC OPINIONS HERE Today we discuss: If you're overly critical of gear, are you showcasing your lack of skill? Should snare drums and floor toms always between flat (Eric is surprisingly passionate about this subject)? If you don't know what the singer is singing, can your take still suit the song? We do it...we talk the world of endorsements. For more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram.

Our guest today is Taye Dever, a young drummer from North Carolina who recently came onto my radar and quickly grabbed my attention. Taye draws inspiration from a diverse range of genres, including R&B, Pop, Folk, Rap, Gospel, and more. While his musical style is eclectic, he seems to be a fresh face in the music scene. I’m honored if this is your first introduction to his work. We dive right in, so here are the records that have shaped Taye Dever into the musician he is today. Cheers! TAYE'S BIG FAT FIVE: - Album - Not Guilty Artist - The New Life Community Choir featuring John P. Kee Release Year - 2000 Key Track(s) - Rain On Us Drummer - Calvin Rodgers - Album - Thirsty Artist - Marvin Sapp Release Year - 2007 Key Track(s) - Praise Him In Advance Drummer - Calvin Rodgers - Album - Confessions Artist - Usher Release Year - 2004 Key Track(s) - "Caught Up" Aaron Spears' drum performance @ 2006 Modern Drummer Festival Drummer - Aaron Spears - Album - Pure Energy DVD Artist - Various drummers Release Year - 2009 Key Track(s) - Rekindled featuring Tony Royster Jr Drummer - Tony Royster Jr. - Album - Paramore Artist - Paramore Release Year - 2013 Key Track(s) - Ain’t It Fun?, Still Into You Drummer - Ilan Rubin For more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram.

Episode 2 of The Drum Panel Welcome to The Drum Panel—a show where a rotating group of professional drummers engages in roundtable discussions on polarizing and controversial drum topics submitted by our listeners. For today's panel, we have my co-host Eric Urrea and special guest, Kris Mazzarisi (owner/founder of Big Fat Snare Drum & drummer for Winnetka Bowling League).   SUBMIT YOUR CONTROVERSIAL MUSIC OPINIONS HERE Today we discuss: does practicing to a click make your playing sterile? those who can't, teach. True or False? does using less drums/cymbals make you more creative? you should never put anything in your bass drum! True or False? do drum shells tune themselves? do you need to put a button at the end of every live song? are the most musical drummers...non-drummers? For more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram.

Today's guest is Philo Tsoungui, an independent drummer based in Berlin, Germany. Philo has played with many incredible artists both in Germany and internationally, including a recent stint with The Mars Volta. I can't praise Philo's playing enough; it just works. While it can be categorized as Hip Hop, it's so much more than any single genre, as you'll discover in this episode. Philo shares many incredibly valuable insights, and we actually kicked off our recorded conversation by discussing practice routines (in an ideal world). So, without further ado, please enjoy the top 5 influences that shaped the incredible Philo Tsoungui. Cheers! PHILO's BIG FAT FIVE: - Album - Black Orpheus Artist - Keziah Jones Release Year - 2003 Key Track - Afrosurrealismfortheladies Drummer - Joshua McKenzie / Jose Joyette - Album - The Bedlam in Goliath Artist - The Mars Volta Release Year - 2008 Key Track - Wax Simulacra Drummer - Thomas Pridgen - Album - Black Radio Artist - Robert Glasper Release Year - 2012 Key Track - Afro Blue Drummer - Chris "Daddy" Dave - Album - Omar Rodriguez Lopez Group: Live Los Angeles on Sept 14th, 2010 (video) Artist - Omar Rodriguez Lopez Group Release Year - 2010 Drummer - Deantoni Parks - Album - Zildjian K Custom Special Dry Performance  Artist - Lenny "The Ox" Reece & The Lesson GK Release Year - 2018 Key Track - The Weekend Drummer - Lenny "The Ox" Reece For more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram.

Today, my good friend and fellow professional drummer, Eric Urrea, and I are excited to launch the pilot episode of a new segment on our podcast, tentatively named “The Drum Panel.” Drummers are known for having strong opinions, and we aim to delve into many of these in a roundtable format. For this first recording, it’s just the two of us, but our vision is to feature multiple drummers from diverse backgrounds in each episode to foster engaging, relatable, and thought-provoking discussions. We invite you to join us on this journey. SUBMIT YOUR CONTROVERSIAL MUSIC OPINIONS HERE Today we discuss: are there too many rudiments? the hate towards Lars & Ringo are triggers cheating? virgin bass drums do drum shells actually matter? has social media ruined what it means to be a drummer?  For more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram.

This week’s guest is Adolfo Torres. Adolfo's musical journey started in Cali, Colombia, and from a young age, his passion for music was evident, leading his parents to enroll him in drum lessons. This early start paved the way for his education at the Drummers Collective in NYC and later at Berklee College of Music on an American Tour Scholarship. After his studies, Adolfo moved to Austin, TX, playing with artists like JT Coldfire and Jennifer B and the Groove Kings, where he learned about the life of a working musician. In 2013, he returned to Colombia, forming the band M.I.J.O, which blends Classic, Modern, and Progressive Rock. All that being said, I’ve been a big fan of his for a long time and go check out a few of his videos before you listen to our chat. It will set the stage for a lot of what we talk about. I hope you enjoy the five records that shaped Adolfo Torres into the musician he is today. Cheers! ADOLFO'S BIG FAT FIVE: - Album - The Inner Mounting Flame Artist - The Mahavishnu Orchestra Release Year f- 1971 Key Track(s) - The Noonward Race, Vital Transformation, You Know You Know Drummer - Billy Cobham - Album - Paranoid Artist - Black Sabbath Release Year - 1970 Key Track(s) - War Pigs, Rat Salad, Fairies Wear Boots Drummer - Bill Ward - Album - Red Artist - King Crimson Release Year - 1974 Key Track(s) - One More Red Nightmare, Starless Drummer - Bill Bruford - Album - Badmotorfinger Artist - Soundgarden Release Year - 1991 Key Track(s) - Rusty Cage, Slaves & Bulldozers Drummer - Matt Cameron - Album - Amputechture Artist - The Mars Volta Release Year - 2006 Key Track(s) - Tetragrammaton, Meccamputechture, Viscera Eyes, Day of the Baphomets Drummer - Jon Theodore - HONORABLE MENTIONS: Band of Gypsys - Hendrix  Presence - Led Zeppelin  Bridge of Sighs - Robin Trower  Tony Williams Lifetime: The Collection Master of Reality - Black Sabbath 10,000 Days - Tool  Deloused in the Commatorium - The Mars Volta Down on the Upside - Soundgarden  Gretchen Goes to Nebraska - King’s X For more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram.

Our guest today is none other than Jost Nickel, a renowned German drummer, composer, and educator. Jost is part of the golden generation of drummers from Germany, alongside his friends and fellow drumming legends Anika Nilles, Marco Minnemann, and Benny Greb. Currently, Jost keeps busy with Jan Delay and Disko No. 1, but his talent has graced many hit records both in Germany and beyond. He's also had the privilege of playing with jazz greats like Randy Brecker, Jeff Lorber, Jimmy Haslip, Barry Finnerty, and many more. In addition to his impressive performance career, Jost has authored four highly successful instructional books: Jost Nickel’s GROOVE BOOK, Jost Nickel’s FILL BOOK, Jost Nickel’s SNARE BOOK, and Jost Nickel’s BEGINNER BOOK. I absolutely love Jost’s playing. It's always so crisp, clear, snappy, and incredibly creative, yet it always feels good. Today, we're diving into the five records that have helped shape Jost Nickel into the phenomenal drummer he is today. Cheers!" JOST'S BIG FAT FIVE: - Album - The Dream of the Blue Turtles Artist - Sting Release Year - 1985 Key Track - Shadows in the Rain Drummer - Omar Hakim - Album - Master Plan Artist - Dave Weckl Release Year - 1990 Key Track - Tower of Inspiration Drummer - Dave Weckl - Album - True Colors Artist - Level 42 Release Year - 1984 Key Track - Kansas City Milkman Drummer - Phil Gould - Album - This Time Artist - Al Jarreau Release Year - 1980 Key Track(s) - Spain (I Can Recall) Drummer - Steve Gadd - Album - Synchronicity Artist - The Police Release Year - 1983 Key Track - King of Pain Drummer - Stewart Copeland  For more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram.

This week's guest is Nick Wilkerson. For the past decade, Nick has been the drummer for the critically acclaimed Louisville, KY rock band, White Reaper. Recently, he decided to embark on a solo journey as an independent artist, and I’m eager to see what he creates next. I always invite drummers on this show who truly move me with their playing. I discovered Nick’s videos on Instagram and was immediately impressed before I even realized he was the drummer for White Reaper, a band I really admire. Check out his videos, and you'll understand why. I was stoked to have this conversation with Nick, and it’s moments like these that make me love what I do. Now, enjoy as we explore the five records that helped shape Nick Wilkerson into the musician he is today. Cheers! NICK'S BIG FAT FIVE: - Album - Tony Hawks Pro Skater 3 Soundtrack Artist - Various Release Year - 2001 Key Track(s) - Boy Who Destroyed The World (AFI), If You Must (Del The Funkee Homosapien), Amoeba (Adolescents) Drummer - Various - Album - American Idiot Artist - Green Day Release Year - 2004 Key Track(s) - Jesus of Suburbia, St Jimmy, Homecoming Drummer - Tre Cool - Album - Bad Brains Artist - Bad Brains Release Year - 1982 Key Track(s) - Attitude, Banned in DC, Big Takeover Drummer - Earl Hudson - Album - Live At Leeds Artist - The Who Release Year - 1970 Key Track(s) - Heaven And Hell, Can’t Explain, Happy Jack Drummer - Keith Moon - Album - Wonderful Rainbow Artist - Lightning Bolt Release Year - 2003 Key Track(s) - Assassins, Two Towers, Crown of Storms Drummer - Brian Chippendale For more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram.

This week's guest is Isaiah Weatherspoon, a Philadelphia-based drummer who started playing at the age of four. He went on to graduate from Berklee College of Music in 2019 with a Bachelor's degree in Music Production and Engineering. Over the years, Isaiah has performed with an impressive roster of artists, including Lizz Wright, Greg Phillinganes, Lauren Talese, Leehom Wang, Justin Timberlake, Sister Sledge, and many more. I first noticed Isaiah when I saw a video on Instagram of him using one of our Big Fat Snare Drum Steve's Donuts on his floor tom during an outdoor concert. He was going crazy on the drums, and I was truly impressed. His positive energy and outlook made this conversation a real pleasure. Plus, we dive into a fascinating topic: synesthesia, a perceptual phenomenon that Isaiah proudly embraces. So, without further ado, here are the five records that have shaped Isaiah Weatherspoon into the musician he is today. Cheers! Check out his book: MUSIC IS COOL! Music Coloring Book for Kids ISAIAH'S BIG FAT FIVE: - Album - Not Guilty Artist - John P Kee Release Year - 2000 Key Track - Rain On Us Drummer - Calvin Rodgers - Album - Purpose By Design Artist - Fred Hammond and Radical For Christ Release Year - 2000 Key Track - Jesus Be a Fence Around Me Drummer - Marvin McQuitty - Album - In A Dream Artist - Gretchen Parlato Release Year - 2009 Key Track - Butterfly Drummer - "No drums on this record. But I believe Kendrick Scott plays on album" - Album - Ten Summoner's Tale Artist - Sting Release Year - 1993 Key Track(s) - Seven Days Drummer - Vinnie Colaiuta - Album - Choose Your Weapon Artist - Hiatus Kaiyote Release Year - 2015 Key Track - By Fire Drummer - Perrin Moss For more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram.

This week’s guest is Eric Somers-Urrea…a Chicago-based drummer, educator and producer who I very-much admire both on and off the kit. His main project is a band called Marina City and his sincerity / kindness as a person matches his incredible prowess on the drums. I just can’t say enough good things about him. This is a edited and re-airing of my conversation with Eric from a few years ago so some references are a little dated, but I'm pushing this to the top of the feed because I might be switching things up a bit and, to keep things cryptic, let's just say I want you to get to know Eric a little bit more. Stay tuned. Please enjoy our chat about the 5 main influences that shaped Eric into the drummer he is today, but first…we play a little game. Cheers! ERIC'S BIG FAT FIVE: Performance - Drum Corps International 2004 Finals Release Year - 2004 Artist - The Cavaliers Song Choice - https://youtu.be/KpUuMM1y2_o?t=140 (anywhere between 2:20-4:20ish) Drummer - The Cavaliers Drumline - Album - Quadrophenia Release Year - 1973 Artist - The Who Song Choice - The Real Me (1:30ish) Drummer - Keith Moon - Album - Deadwing Release Year - 2005 Artist - Porcupine Tree Song Choice - Glass Arm Shattering (3:30ish) Drummer - Gavin Harrison - Album - Mer De Noms Release Year - 2000 Artist - A Perfect Circle Song Choice - Judith (2:40) Drummer - Josh Freese - Album - With Teeth Release Year - 2005 Artist - Nine Inch Nails Song Choice - All the Love in the World Drummer - Dave Grohl/ Trent Reznor - HONORABLE MENTIONS: "Glass Prison" by Dream Theater "Heart Don't Stand a Chance" by Anderson .Paak (Tiny Desk Concert version 3:45) For more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram.

This week's guest is Megan Spencer, a talented young drummer and educator from just outside Los Angeles. Megan recently caught my attention with her amazing cover of Marques Murrey's Million Dollar Baby remix, and I was instantly drawn to her unique tones and vibe. So, I’m excited to have her on the show!  I'm always grateful for the opportunity to connect with new drummers who inspire ME and learn about the drummers who inspired THEM, in hopes of inspiring YOU. Thanks for hanging around. Today, Megan will share the five records that have significantly shaped her journey as a drummer. Enjoy the episode! Cheers! MEGAN'S BIG FAT FIVE: Album - Innervisions Artist - Stevie Wonder Release Year - 1973 Key Track - Higher Ground Drummer - Stevie Wonder - Album - Bad Artist - Michael Jackson Release Year - 1987 Key Track - Smooth Criminal, Bad, Dirty Diana, Man in the Mirror Drummer - John (JR) Robinson - Album - Ten Summoner’s Tales Artist - Sting Release Year - 1993 Key Track - Seven Days Drummer - Vinnie Colaiuta - Album - Alive in South Africa Artist - Israel Houghton & New Breed Release Year - 2005 Key Track - Turn it Around, Still Standing Drummer - Mike Clemmons - Album - Loopified Artist - Dirty Loops Release Year - 2014 Key Track - Hit Me, Rolling in the Deep Drummer - Aron Mellergard For more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram.