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Working Drummer
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With close to 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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Brandon Green is a biomechanics specialist, fitness educator, gym owner and drummer. Brandon’s online presence, often recognized as “Drum mechanics”, explores educational biomechanics perspective on fitness, drums and life. Brandon provides a series for all called the "Drum Ergonomics Blueprint" as well as his "Drum Forever Fitness Community".
In this episode, Brandon talks about:
The Drum Ergonomics Blueprint
Physical demands of drummers in the modern age
Understanding your range of motion and working within that
Brandon’s podcast: The Drum Mechanics Podcast
Hacks for setting up backline kits consistantly
The importance of recovery & being able to interpret sensation(s)
https://www.youtube.com/@brandondrummechanics
https://www.instagram.com/drummechanics
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Aaron Redfield grew up in San Diego and started his career on that scene. In addition to his long tenure as the drummer for The Greyboy Allstars, he has compiled a long list of touring and recording credits including Elton John, Ceelo Green, and Foster the People. After 15 years living and working in LA, he has moved is family back to San Diego and operates from there.
In this episode, Aaron talks about:
The new Greyboy Allstars record and how it came together
The musical meaning and history of the word Boogaloo
The San Diego scene and how it shaped him
His non-profit that pairs professional producers and artists with aspiring teenage musicians
The powerful negative effects of isolation
The three A’s: Affable, Able, Available
Relocating from LA to San Diego
Finding world-class musicians and studio spaces in San Diego
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Martina Barakoska is a drummer and musician who in her considerably short career has gained notable achievements. Deep and thoughtful yet energetic and playful, her style reflects her love of modern music and her fascination with the power of the drums. Throughout the years, she has maintained continuous growth of success preaching individuality, quality, and persistency.Winning an award for the best drummer at “T’k Tak” drum competition when she was only 17 was followed by many successful music projects. She is actively involved in North Macedonia's music scene, currently working and touring with Funk Shui. She's also worked with artists like Swindle, Emmy Meli, Luboyna, Vladimir Chetkar, MPNG, Efterklang, Duper, Luboyna, Vladimir Chetkar, etc. Her projects have taken her on tours across Europe and the Balkans.In 2022 she released her second solo album named "Sunrise” and took part in the “Yamaha Drum Days” Festival in Paris. She was also a part of the line-up at the workshops in Salzgitter Drum Meeting 2022, Berlin Drum Days 2023 and Dresden Drum and Bass Festival 2024. Martina is also featured in the newly released Yamaha documentary “Way Up House - Portugal”.
In this episode Martina talks about:
◦ The power of meditation
◦ Touring southeastern Europe
◦ Using social media to connect with musicians, not impress drummers
◦ Diving deep into Ringo’s drum parts to better understand his musicality
◦ Fine tuning and cultivating creativity
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Caleb Whitlock grew up in Charlotte and has been based there for two years after having attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He tours nationally with singer/songwriter Ethan Regan, plays locally with a variety of acts, records in his home studio, and also works as a post-production engineer.
Making part of his living doing post-production and editing, and how that differs from mixing
How doing post production on acapalla vocal music has influenced how he hears and records drums
Neutralizing his room acoustically rather than try to make it sound amazing
The Charlotte scene and how he returned to it after college, a couple years of work in "The Triangle" (Raleigh/Durham Chapel Hill), and a few months in a Catholic monastary.
Being clear-eyed about finances, how much different types of work earn, and saying yes and no to gigs according to your lifestyle goals
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Chad Wackerman’s professional career began in 1978 with the Bill Watrous Refuge West Big Band. Since then he has amassed a remarkable body of work including a seven year association with Frank Zappa, with whom he toured the USA and Europe and recorded 27 albums including the London Symphony recordings.
He has also recorded 8 albums and toured with guitar legend Allan Holdsworth, played on the ‘One Voice’ album and video with Barbra Streisand, and recorded albums and toured with artists as diverse as James Taylor, Steve Vai, Andy Summers, Steven Wilson, Men At Work, Ed Mann, Albert Lee, Colin Hay, Dweezil Zappa, Pasqua/Holdsworth/Haslip/Wackerman Group, Terry Bozzio, Carl Verheyen, David Garfield,John Patitucci, Jennifer Batten, Joe Sample, Robbie Kreiger, Banned From Utopia and The World Drummers Ensemble (Bill Bruford, Luis Conte, Dou Dou Ndiaye Rose and Chad Wackerman) .
As a band leader and composer Chad has five critically acclaimed CDs: ‘Forty Reasons’, ‘The View’, ‘Scream’, ‘Legs Eleven’ and his latest release, ‘Dreams Nightmares and Improvisations’. Chad has written music for the television show ‘The Dennis Miller Show’, as well as composing music for Allan Holdsworth’s ‘Secrets’, ‘Wardenclyffe Tower’ and ‘Sixteen Men of Tain’ CDs. His trio has a performance DVD, ‘Hits Live’.
In this episode, Chad talks about:
Working with Allan Holdsworth
The amazing story behind recording Allan’s record “Road Games”
“Improvising at the highest level sounds like composition”
Interpreting charts efficiently
Auditioning for Frank Zappa
How to make a band sound better
Learning from Murray Spivack
Figuring out what’s important for each gig and artist
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John R. Beck, Professor of Percussion at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, also teaches at Wake Forest University. He is the principal percussionist of the Winston-Salem Symphony and is a member of the Greensboro Symphony, Brass Band of Battle Creek, and the Philidor Percussion Group. A former member of the United States Marine Band, for 10 years he performed regularly with the National and Baltimore Symphonies, Washington and Baltimore Operas, and the Theater Chamber Players of the Kennedy Center. Beck has toured the United States as a xylophone soloist with the Jack Daniel's Silver Cornet Band, Brass Band of Battle Creek, and the New Sousa Band. John is a Past President of the Percussive Arts Society and presents clinics endorsing Yamaha percussion instruments, Zildjian cymbals, Innovative mallets, and is a Remo Endorsed Drum Circle Facilitator in the Health and Wellness community.
In this episode, John talks about:
What it means to play credibly
How his thoughts on versatility vs. specialization have evolved
Questioning the relevance of knowing how to read a big band chart
How getting good at drumset gives percussionists a better sense of internal time
The advantages and baggage that came with being John Beck’s son
Valuing sound over everything, regardless of instrument or genre
His time as president of PAS and helping the organization become more inclusive and outward-looking
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As a performer, session player, instructor, producer and clinician, Matt Crowning is more than a "drummer's drummer.” He is a "musician's drummer" that brings a wealth of talent, experience, and style to each situation. Matt's diverse performance background ranges from Country, Pop, Rock, Big Band, Jazz and R&B. His work includes performances with various Curb Records, Disney Records / Disney Channel artists, Love and Theft, College 11, Kiki Sanchez, Vanilla Monk, Matt Farr and Kerrie Roberts. Currently, Matt is performing with Country Artist, Amber Leigh, on tour and in the studio. These shows include support act performances with Kenny Chesney, Trace Adkins, Lady Antebellum, Gloriana and many others.
In this episode, Matt talks about:
Navigating the remote tracking world
Buying a house with a home studio built in
Playing drums with his wife Amber Leigh
Maintaining a family/work balance
Making a good impression as a sub
Running tracks in a live show
Using traditional grip
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Originally from the Bay Area, Martin Diller spent over a decade on the LA scene, touring, recording and playing locally with a wide range of acts including Post Modern Jukebox and his own quartet. Over the pandemic, he went back to school and became a licensed therapist, and returned to the Bay Area where he still maintains an active performance schedule alongside his therapy practice.
In this episode, Martin talks about:
The 7-day-a-week grind of freelancing in LA
Playing with Post-Modern Jukebox and other LA artists
How his career shift coincided with a desire to relocate back home to the Bay Area
How he incorporates music and drumming into his therapy practice
Developing intentional ways of maintaining mental health and balance as a musician, especially on the road
World-renowned, Grammy-winning musician John "J.R." Robinson is widely considered the most recorded drummer in history, playing on albums that have sold well over 500 million copies. He is the drummer on 20 number-one pop songs by artists such as Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Lionel Richie and Steve Winwood, and has been the drummer on more than 100 Grammy-winning tracks. Rolling Stone Magazine featured J.R. in their list of The Top 100 Drummers of All Time.
J.R. is the drummer on many other Top-40 hits with artists such as Madonna, Lady Gaga, Diana Ross, Daft Punk, David Lee Roth, Rufus & Chaka Khan, The Pointer Sisters, Wilson Philips, Peter Cetera, George Benson, and Quincy Jones.
In this episode, JR talks about:
His new book “King of The Groove”
Reflecting back on his previous episode #424
The process of writing the book
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Born and raised in Georgia, Marlon Patton is a New York-based drummer and music producer/engineer. Hailing from a long line of drummers dating back to his grandfather, Phil Patton who played in the Chicago big band circuit, Marlon keeps his schedule interesting and packed full of all types of music. He is the first call for so many musicians not just because of his impeccable time, but because of the incredible musicality of what he delivers. He plays within a huge dynamic range, making him the perfect match for quiet piano jazz performances to hard- hitting rock gigs. He can play with everything from precision to reckless abandon and make it truly his own. He currently is a member of Kenosha Kid, Weisshund, Nelson Patton, Lonnie Holley, The Trey Wright Trio and The Mace Hibbard Quintet.
He has toured, performed and/or recorded with Liv Warfield, The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Jim White, Larkin Poe, Lonnie Holley, Jeff Coffin, Shahzad Ismaily, Col. Bruce Hampton, John Patitucci, Randy Brecker, Rufus Reid, Marcus Printup, and Wycliffe Gordon. He has recorded for labels such as Sony, Universal, Jagjaguwar, RH Music, Yep Roc, Ropeadope plus many more independent releases. His drumming has been in soundtracks on Adult Swim, ABC, and HBO.
In the studio, Marlon has carved a name for himself recording, mixing, and producing. Some recent projects he's worked on are Lonnie Holley’s MITH, Liv Warfield’s Live at Cafe Wha, Jim White's Where It Hits You, Leah Calvert’s Satellite, Daniel Clay's 10,000 Things, Kenosha Kid's Fahrenheit 451, ILL's Gotten Gains, and Blair Dunlop/Larkin Poe's Killing Time.
In this episode, Marlon talks about:
Being willing to abandon "correct" technique in favor of a sound, feel, or idea
How New York has changed his musical priorities and identity
What true collaboration really means
Improvising vs. "composing in the moment"
Moving away from Atlanta with the goal of expanding, personally and musically
Tapping into old relationships in a new place
Sharing studio space with Jordan Rose and mixing Liv Warfield's latest record
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Ken Coomer is a producer best known for his drumming in Uncle Tupelo and later Wilco. He was the drummer and co-founder of the Nashville-based band, Clockhammer, in the late 1980s/early 1990s. As a member of Wilco, Coomer has performed on A.M., Being There, Summerteeth, and Yankee Hotel Foxtrot.
Ken has also played on or produced albums by Steve Earle, Frontier Ruckus, Arlo McKinley, Sons of Bill, Tim Finn, Will Hoge, Jars of Clay, Emmylou Harris, Toy Horses, Malcolm Holcombe, Josh Hoyer and Soul Colossal and Shaver.
In this episode, Ken talks about:
Drumming skills that hold value in the studio
Why drummers can make great producers
Touch and feel over fancy gear
How he started producing
Working with latin artists
Mixing remote tracking with in-person recording
Staying focused on the future
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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
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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Dave Brandwein is a drummer, originally from Chicago, who spent 4 years in Los Angeles, CA and has now relocated to Nashville, TN. Dave's current main gig is with pop artist Forest Blakk (drums/playback) with whom he played a 2022 theater run supporting Dean Lewis, various fly dates/festivals throughout the same year, and headlining US/Canadian tours in 2023. Dave has also spent the last 12 years playing drums, running playback, and doing session work for various other artists. Dave teaches private lessons to students of all ages, and does session work, tracking remotely from his studio in Nashville or in-person at studios around the country.
How playing for great songs usually means you can do less
Coming up in Chicago, spending some time in LA, and ultimately landing in Nashville
The pros and cons of his collegiate jazz experience
The first eight years of his career after college, on the grind in Chicago
When and why he started to think and look beyond the Chicago scene
His experience in LA, and the difference between posing and assimilating
The song-learning value in wedding gigs, and treating those gigs like “going to the gym”
Being in a relationship with another musician and how that’s only right for some musicians
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Chuck Fields launched his musical career playing rock, blues, and R&B all while studying jazz at the University of Memphis. In the early 90’s he moved to Nashville and landed his first touring gig with Paul Brandt. Through the years Chuck has toured with several of Nashville’s recording artist such as, Martina McBride, Keith Anderson, Michelle Wright, Mark Selby, Johnny Reid and Terri Clark.
In this episode, Chuck talks about:
Touring Canada
Putting your own stamp on the artist music
Being able to write and read charts
Touring routine
Traditional grip
Drumming for country superstar, Terri Clark
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Kent Aberle is a first call drummer from Atlanta, GA. Kent is currently performing with Blackberry Smoke. He has previously recorded and toured with Kristian Bush of Sugarland , James Hall (Pleasure Club, Marry My Hope), R.A.H. and numerous other artists. Kent has over 25 years touring experience both in the US and Internationally including China, Japan, Australia, Taiwan, Canada, and others. Kent has performed on The Conan O’Brien Show, The Today Show with Kathy Lee and Hoda, The Talk, and has performed numerous times at the Grand Ole Opry as well as the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville and major festivals around the world.
In this episode, Kent talks about:
The old school guitar-driven American rock band that it Blackberry Smoke
Having long-standing relationships with the band and its individual members
Teching and subbing for Brit Turner after Brit got sick
The idea of someone's drumming matching their personality
Being welcomed into the band by members and fans alike
Investing heavily and committing exclusively to one gig
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Dennis Holt is one of Nashville's most gifted musicians, whose drumming abilities cross nearly every genre from Americana to Country to Rock, Jazz, Ambient and R & B. Seasoned global performer, Dennis’ diversity has proven itself in recording with Taylor Swift, AD/Kansas, Emmylou Harris, Trisha Yearwood, and Deniece Williams to name but a few.
Dennis, a first call drummer for top tier artists while living and working in both LA and Nashville, has played and toured the globe and literally performed and recorded on thousands of songs.
When it comes to production, Dennis’ knowledge and experience from years in the studio will help you achieve the best results possible. Dennis leads with soul and always strives for perfection. He is an innovator as he looks for new ways to push creative boundaries. Music,drumming and producing is Dennis’ driving force as he brings a wealth of experience and unparalleled enthusiasm and energy to each and every project.
In this episode, Dennis talk about:
Remote tracking
His formative years
Staying active
Surviving a bad bicycle accident
Negotiating the work load when remote tracking
The importance of maintaining your gear
Recording and performing with Kerry Livgren from the band Kansas
Being able to read anyones chart style
Jamie Eblen is currently on the new hit Broadway musical The Outsiders, which just won the Tony award for best new musical. He also originated the drum chair for the smash hit Dear Evan Hansen, which also won best new musical Tony as well as the Grammy for best original cast recording. He has collaborated with acclaimed artists such as Jason Robert Brown and Pasek & Paul, as well as The RT’s and Mike Tedesco. Jamie began playing drums at the age of 10 in Los Angeles, where he was born and raised. Since moving to New York, Jamie has recorded four Original Broadway Cast albums in addition to a wide variety of session work and live performances throughout the U.S., Europe and Asia.
In this episode, Jamie talks about
Going from doing anything and everything to committing more heavily to more specific gigs/playing
Shedding the impulses of gig envy and "grass is greener" syndrome
The Outsiders, the new Broadway musical he's on which just won the Tony Award for Best Musical
Playing off-Broadway shows such as The Connector, and being part of the development process on a show moving towards Broadway
The aspects of The Outsiders that are not the typical Broadway m.o. in terms of playing, mic'ing, and more
How Broadway and the shows that occupy it are essentially "in the real estate business"
David Chiverton is a Miami Florida native who continues to work and live in south Florida. The cultural diversity in Miami as well as his upbringing in the gospel church both played a heavy role in shaping him into the musician he is today. He has toured internationally with various major talents such as Lauryn Hill, Jon Secada, Donnie McClurkin and Sheila E to name a few. His range of musical versatility includes Jazz, Gospel, Hip-Hop, R&B, Pop, and the ability to freestyle on cue.
Not only does David teach as an Adjunct professor at University of Miami, He is also member of the group The Smoogies. The band leans into the diverse background of it’s members to influence its sound and direction. Also, David shares the stage with Harvel Nakundi, another drummer for a powerful double drumming sound.
The “Chivertone Sessions” on YouTube showcases David’s diverse skill set.
In this episode, David talks about:
The mojo in south Florida
Maintaining a forward momentum
Learning to sound like a pro
The business of endorsements in 2024
Double drumming in the band Smoogies
Drumming with Sheila E
Leading by example
Charles Ruggiero has been active since the early 90s, cutting his teeth on the New York jazz scene and landing his first big gig with Chuck Mangione. His New York cohort included such future giants as Joshua Redman, Peter Bernstein, Jane Monheit, Brad Mehldau, and Chris Potter, to name a few. In addition to his jazz exlpoits, Charles found a home on the metal scene as a member of Slunt, and replacing Matt Sorum in the supergroup Circus Diablo. He relocated to LA in 2007 and didn't miss a step, performing with Larry Goldings, Eric Reed, Bob Sheppard, Bob Reynolds, David Ryan Harris, and many others. He has released multiple albums as a leader and performed as sideman on countless others, and also records for Loop Loft.
In this episode, Charles talks about:
Playing double drums with Gadd as the intro to his first big gig with Chuck Mangione
Trying to serve the music through his artistry
What a drummer timekeeping responsibility actually is
His perspective on New York and LA, having spent big chunks of his career in both places
His various side hustles, including teaching, mixing/producing, and creating album art
Trusting his creativity and artistic identity after getting sober
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