Corey Friedlander is a New Zealand-based drummer known for his work in the metal and rock music scenes. He gained recognition as a highly skilled and technical drummer and he is now a producer and co-owner of the production studio and music label BEATSPUN.

Corey has played with several bands, most notably City of Souls, In Dread Response, Mark of Man, 8 Foot Sativa, and more. He has also been involved in various other musical projects and collaborations, further establishing himself as a respected figure in the New Zealand music community.

During this korero we discussed his early life, meeting his heroes, his creative process, mental health, creating BEATSPUN and more. This was a conversation I truly enjoyed as it was amazing to reconnect with old friends who are also immensely talented.

Timestamps & Moments
(02:06 ) - ❤️ Falling in love with music

(09:52 ) - 🤘 Metallica - What was that?

(10:42 ) - 🔉 My parents asked me to turn it down a bit…

(11:26 ) - 🎸 Nu-Metal - The Groove

(13:30 ) - 🤔 It’s noise. Wait? It’s not.

(15:43 ) - 😲 Dude, you have met some crazy people.

(16:20 ) - 🗺️ Where are you from BTW? Playing in bars underage. Eden’s Bar.

(17:30 ) - 🥁 How I started getting into technical drumming

(18:41 ) - ✈️ They hire me, then travel to the US to record with the producer of Tool.

(20:45 ) - 🏫 What did you learn teaching?

(22:10 ) - 💼 I want to become a businessman. Swizl Jager Shout!

(23:05 ) - 🤝 @swizljager - New collaboration coming soon

(24:50 ) - 🇳🇿 NZ Music scene is small. That’s why you can’t be a dick.

(25:32 ) - ❓ What happened with City of Souls?

(28:30 ) - 🎶 What makes the NZ scene tough for musos?

(33:15 ) - 😕 The problem with the scene in New Zealand is…

(34:30 ) - 🔑 YOU HAVE BAD MANAGEMENT! Management is everything

(36:05 ) - 🔥 Metal is getting popular again… Vibe > Words

(37:30 ) - 🎤 Opening for Bring Me The Horizon - Weird Moment.

(39:54 ) - 🚫 Do opening acts get less lights, volume and quality for their performance?

(44:35 ) - 🎧 BEATSPUN

(45:45 ) - 🌟 Nathan Grey is super talented - Keep an eye on this guy.

(47:12 ) - 💔 Letting go, Toxic Relationship, Mental breakdown, A Friend, Social Media, Cops

(50:55 ) - 🍔 Who is DJ Scissorhands? - Burger Fuel Partnership & more

(54:17 ) - 🎚️ Did you have any background as producer? Also what about money?

(59:07 ) - 🏷️ Becoming a label. Realising all the ins and outs of the music industry. Wow.

(1:01:02 ) - 🎧 Where was DJ Scissorhands when we wanted a DJ for our Nu-Metal band.

(1:02:47 ) - 🧠 The Mental Breakdown - What did you learn?

(1:05:59 ) - 🧘 “Every thought has energy” - Breathing, DMT (Ayahuasca) & Psychedelic Experiences, Sensory Deprivation Tank.

(1:10:33 ) - 🧑‍⚕️ Get Therapy. The Song “Letting go”

(1:15:30 ) - 🎨 Creative Process

(1:17:35 ) - 🤖 Artificial Intelligence in The Music Scene

(1:21:29 ) - 🎛️ THE SOUNDBOARD

(1:25:43 ) - 🎙️ “Hi ChatGPT 4o, You are live, ask something”

(1:27:32 ) - 🏁 Leave us with…

(1:29:25 ) - 💧🏋️✌🏾

Attire by:
⛑️ https://www.instagram.com/cloudworldwide/
🥋 https://www.instagram.com/fxxkingrabbits/
👕 https://www.instagram.com/swizljager/

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