393 - Shawn Pelton: Drumming on SNL, Shawn’s Physical Presence Behind the Kit, Attitude Over Chops

Shawn Pelton has recorded with a wide range of artists and has been a first call player since moving to New York in the late 1980s. Shawn has recorded with artists such as Sheryl Crow, Shawn Colvin, Natalie Merchant, Ingrid Michaelson, Billy Joel, Van Morrison, Elton John, Rod Stewart, Johnny Cash, Rosanne Cash, Pink, Shakira, Kelly Clarkson, Five For Fighting, Michelle Branch, Regina Spektor, Tears for Fears, Citizen Cope, Matisyahu, Jonatha Brooke, David Byrne, Edie Brickell, Marc Cohn, Richie Havens, Joan Osborne, Hall and Oates, Odetta, Pavarotti, Phillip Phillips, George Michael, Carly Simon, Dixie Chicks, Chris Botti and Buddy Guy, and has played on several Grammy winning albums for artists including Ray Charles, The Brecker Brothers, Shakira, Shawn Colvin, Les Paul and the Hank Williams tribute album with Bob Dylan. Shawn is also the longtime drummer in the house band for Saturday Night Live. Since 2007, Pelton has been regularly appearing as the drummer on Daryl Hall's internet concert series Live from Daryl's House. Pelton also served periodically as the substitute drummer in the CBS Orchestra on Late Show with David Letterman during regular drummer Anton Fig's absences. Pelton is also a founding member of the NYC-based band The Cringe. In this episode, Shawn talks about: Powerful insights from his teachers Utilizing multiple styles in his day to day Shawn’s chart writing tips Reading the room and acting accordingly Managing the back and forth with remote tracking When to employ your unique voice and sound Shawn’s physical presence behind the kit Attitude over chops