114 – Angela Lese: Drumming for The Dead Deads, Cultivating a Strong Fan Base, From “Regular Job” to Touring Musician

In the short time he’s been in Nashville Grady Saxman has gained a solid reputation in Nashville Tennessee as a Drummer, engineer and producer. From just drum tracks and demo recordings to singles, ep’s and fully produced records, Grady’s credits include many indie artists and writers to higher profile artists like Luke Combs and Uncle Kracker. In this episode, Grady talks about:  * His path to engineering and producing* The distinction between phase and polarity * Recording techniques for small rooms* The importance of mixing yourself when tracking * Playing drums on a Luke Combs single * Moving into the role of producer* The importance of being tech savvy in the modern scene * Studio etiquette

4 Jun 20201h 29min

Raised in London to Brazilian parents, and described as having the perfect mix of Brazilian passion and British sensibility, Fabio’s natural feel and broad understanding of various musical styes makes him one of London’s most versatile and in demand drummer/percussionists. In 2011 Fabio graduated with a First Class Honors Degree in Music Performance and Production from the London Centre Of Contemporary Music. In 2014 Fabio landed the job as stickman for number one selling artist George Ezra, giving him the opportunity to tour extensivley performing on some of the world’s biggest stages including Glastonbury Pyramid Stage, Madison Square Gardens, Montreux Jazz Festival, Coachella Music Festival and The Brits. Fabio has also backed George Ezra on TV shows such as Saturday Night Live, The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Ellen, Jimmy Kimmel, Conan O’Brien, The Late Show with James Corden, The Graham Norton Show, Alan Carr Chatty Man and Top Of The Pops. In this episode, Fabio talks about * What he’s been working on during lockdown* Translating non-drumset sounds to the drumset* His Brazilian heritage, and growing up as part of London’s Brazilian community* The positive and constructive environment of the London Centre of Contemporary Music* How making friends and getting gigs are one and the same* The importance of a supportive partner* Ways he’s going to adjust his professional priorities and life balance moving forward  Fabio endorses Istanbul Agop Cymbals, Vic Firth, Remo, Protection Racket, Porter & Davies, and Roland.

28 Mai 20201h 16min

But every once in a while there’s an opportunity to discuss the business of creating the tools that we all love. And, the lessons that we all can take away from such a discussion. James Beier talks about his process, work flow and what motivated him to build a snare drum that fit his vision of what a snare could be for the working drummer. With confidence, I’d say he’s done that and more. In addition to building a “workhorse” durable snare, he has single handedly reintroduced the 15” snare back into the drumming world. In this episode, James talks about: * James’ personal approach to introducing his drums to people * How he started Beier drums* Detailed description of what he offers* His amazing 4×15” snare* Creating a business and a work load that works for him* The importance of listening to others “One of the few traditionally manufactured instruments left in the industry today” “Beier Drums introduces a very alternative snare drum, something that may sign the time. As we all know-13, 12 and 10 inch snare drums have established the majority type of the used snares as current alternatives to the classical 14 inch standard over the years. Now, thanks to Beier, the 15 inch snare will be a valid alternative too” “A Timeless, Traditional, Classic, Original & Unchanging Series Of Snare Drums” “The only drum company ever to specialize in Steel for snare drums, and dedicate itself to the revitalization of it in the world of drums…”

21 Mai 20201h 8min

For more than 35 years, Dave Weckl has developed and maintained a reputation among fans, peers, and the international music community, as one of the great living drummers. His contributions to iconic music, music education, and the gear that drummers use, are many. Modern Drummer magazine has inducted Weckl into their Hall of Fame (2000) and named him “one of the 25 best drummers of all time.” He’s perhaps most well known for his ongoing tenure with the Chick Corea Elektric and Akoustic Bands, as well as side man duties for Michel Camillo, Mike Stern, Oz Noy, and many others. Weckl’s solo career began in 1990 with the release of Master Plan. In 1998, Weckl realized his long-time goal of forming a world-touring band. The Dave Weckl Band released five studio records, including: Rhythm Of The Soul, Synergy, Transition, Perpetual Motion, and Multiplicity. The band also released a hot live album, LIVE (And Very Plugged In) plus a compilation of DWB and instructional videos entitled The Zone. Instructional videos have always played a big role in Weckl’s career. His original product, entitled Contemporary Drummer + 1, was one of the first play-along products ever published for drums. His Back To Basics and The Next Step releases were best-sellers in the ’90s and also continue to sell today. In 2015, Weckl formed an acoustic jazz group with longtime friend/collaborator Tom Kennedy (bass), Gary Meek (sax), and Makoto Ozone (piano/B3). The group was called The Dave Weckl Acoustic Band. To date, the band has released a CD entitled Of The Same Mind and a live DVD filmed at Catalina Jazz Club in Hollywood. More recently, Weckl has returned to touring with the Elektric Band, Mike Stern, and Oz Noy, while completing sessions in his Los Angeles-area home studio. He has also formed an online school with comprehensive lessons, new play along products, and live footage from current tours. In this episode, Dave talks about: * The development and expansion of his online teaching school* Creating and maintaining a drumming brand (at any level)* Playing “with” Chick before actually playing with Chick, and having to find a different, “burning” time feel with the Elektric Band* Bassists: Tom Kennedy, John Pattitucci, Anthony Jackson and others* Changes in his physical approach and their connection to changes in his mental/emotional approach* His passion away from the drums – track racing – and what it has taught him about drumming and himself Dave Weckl endorses Sabian cymbals, Yamaha drums, Vic Firth, Remo heads, LP percussion, Shure mics, QSC monitors, ZOOM cameras, and Carmichael Throne top.

14 Mai 20201h 12min

Originally from Alberta, Canada, drummer Joel Stevenett spent over ten years in Nashville before his eventual move to Salt Lake City where he currently lives and works as a first call session drummer. During his years in Nashville, Joel found himself on the road with such acts as JoDee Messina, The Wilkinsons, and SHeDAISY, among others. His recording credits include the recording of Sony Playstation, X-BOX and Nintendo Wii video game soundtracks, including popular titles like Twisted Metal Head On, Dance Dance Revolution, and Disney’s Ultimate Band. Joel’s inventive and physical flair can be heard on numerous TV theme songs such as the NBA and The Today Show as well as movie soundtracks like Meet Joe Black, August Rush and Along Came Polly. In this episode, Joel talks about: * The work and attraction of Salt Lake City* Being proactive in seeking work* Film score and video game sessions* Finding common ground when networking* Reflecting on Neil Peart’s life and his influence * Preparing for a tribute to Neal Joel endorses: DW drums, Paiste Cymbals, Remo Drumheads, HUMES AND BERG, VIC FIRTH Sticks, Shure Microphones, Porter and Davies

7 Mai 20201h 22min

A native of Houston, Texas, drummer Jordan Rose has performed at festivals and venues throughout the US, Canada, Europe, Mexico, Asia, and the Middle East. From 2012-2014 Jordan toured extensively with multi-Grammy award winner Joe Louis Walker. He now resides in Brooklyn, New York where he’s had opportunities to collaborate with Charlie Puth, Jeff Coffin, Nona Hendryx, Bakithi Kumalo, Louis Cato, and many others. Recently, he has toured with Theo Katzman and Corey Wong of Vulfpeck, The Blues Brothers, and Caleb Hawley. In this episode, Jordan talks about: * How his style of movement behind the kit developed* Using a lighter touch in a smaller recording space * Learning recording techniques from Aaron Sterling and Dan Bailey* Relying on touch and feeling when he couldn’t trust his hearing* Growing up in Houston, and how the music scene there shaped him* Merging generations and genres in instrumental music, and different band leadership styles between them* His first touring gig after college with blues man Joe Louis Walker, and how it helped set him on a path of roots/groove-based drumming LA Fonda Theatre. Photo: Dara Munnis. @daramunnisLA Fonda Theatre. Photo: Dara Munnis. @daramunnisLA Fonda Theatre. Photo: Dara Munnis. @daramunnis

30 Apr 20201h 6min

Louis Newman was born in London England as the son of famous rock drummer Tony Newman and moved to Nashville at a very early age of two. Louis moved back to London at age fifteen to pursue a career as a session drummer before finally settling back in Nashville in his early 20’s.   Louis is the current touring drummer for country singer Gretchen Wilson. Louis’ wife Gwen Sebastian performed on The Voice which lead to touring work with Blake Shelton and currently Miranda Lambert. Before this time, Louis performed a variety of roles from manager, to drummer.  (side note)****If you have questions about finances during this time, we recommend you get in touch with Michael Mercurio at Michael@SandAWealth.com or request contact through http://www.sandawealth.com In this episode, Louis talks about: * How he’s making the most of the covid-19 shutdown* Taking stock of years of experiences* Studio lessons from Aaron Sterling* Being the son of a famous English rock drummer, Tony Newman* Drumming for Gretchen Wilson* Band leading and drumming for his wife Gwen Sebastion Louis endorses Pearl Drums, Paiste Cymbals, Promark sticks, JH Audio and SKB Cases

23 Apr 20201h 30min

Over his multi-chapter career, Steve Hass has found success on both coasts playing with Ravi Coltrane, Richard Bona, and John Scofield, and The Manhattan Transfer among others. He has recently launched a new Patreon endeavor which combines some playing-based lessons with “behind the scenes” info from gigs he’s been on over the years. In this episode, Steve talks about * How being versatile can make it hard to find your own identity* Finding your “local flow”* The LA scene being a bit less welcoming to new voices than New York, although that’s changing* How to behave when bandleaders don’t set you up to succeed* Physical issues (pain, numbness, etc.) that are tied to set-up issues, which are sometimes tied to vanity* How finding your motion will help you find your sound* Making a couple easy choices go a long way in capturing multiple vibes on a single gig Steve Hass endorses Yamaha drums, Sabian cymbals, Vic Firth sticks, Evans drumheads, and GonBops

16 Apr 20201h 16min