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Welcome, Milo Simpson! Having recently made the move from northeast Iowa to Nashville in 2025, Milo has quickly made a name for himself as a trustworthy, go-to drummer for a variety of up-and-coming country singer-songwriters, most notably touring with 22-year-old Ashley Anne. Milo shares his path through the Visible Music College in Memphis, his early influences (like Twenty One Pilots), and his approach to learning songs quickly under pressure. He shares the story of eventually joining the Ashley Anne camp, from a last-minute stripped-down gig to playing his first arena in Norfolk opening for Zach Top. We chat touring hangs, favorite Nashville local spots, working odd jobs (including Chuck E. Cheese and a cemetery), vintage kits and Facebook Marketplace, and of course, horror movies and Tim Robinson. We hope you enjoy!   Chapters: 0:00 Intro 0:56 Nashville Chow Mein Debate 2:03 Turning 24 4:25 Moving to Music City 5:03 Memphis Music College 8:19 Relationships Open Doors 9:39 Landing the Ashley Anne Gig 15:21 Learning Songs Fast 21:52 Tim Robinson 23:39 Drum Box (Sponsor) 24:20 Vintage Kits and Marketplace Trade 28:08 Chuck E. Cheese Days 31:06 Serving the Artist 32:37 First Arena Show 40:16 Country Music Roots 41:24 Drum Supply (Sponsor) 42:21 Alt Rock Influences 43:22 Tattoo Tour Stories 50:02 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor) 50:43 Cemetery Job Tales 57:35 Rezo Custom Drum Heads (Sponsor) 58:39 Hobbies and Walking 1:06:10 Waffle House Lore 1:14:11 Meeting Drum Heroes 1:18:24 Music City Audiology (Sponsor) 1:19:06 Gigs w/ Brooke Lee 1:31:13 Horror Movies and Tattoos 1:32:18 Outro Thank you to our Episode Sponsors: Drum Box https://drumbox.space Drum Supply https://www.drumsupply.com Low Boy Beaters https://lowboybeaters.com Rezo Custom Drum Heads https://rezoheads.com Music City Audiology https://www.musiccityaudiology.com Connect with Milo: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milosimpson_ Music Featured in this Episode: "paloma" - Ashley Anne "I Won't" - Justin Schools Support the show Connect with us: Website Instagram TikTok YouTube Facebook Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART  ⓒ 2026 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC

Welcome our first Canadian guest, Weston Blatz! Weston is the touring drummer for rising country artist Emily Ann Roberts. We dive into Weston's musical upbringing in Canada and the winding road that would eventually land him the gig with Emily, including a milestone-packed year performing at both the Ryman and the Grand Ole Opry. We discuss learning songs exactly like the record, memorizing without charts, plus the mental pressures of touring, and why being a good person and a good hang matters most. We hope you enjoy!   Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:13 Welcome, Weston!  4:16 Canada Day and Surviving the Dream  7:55 Growing Up on Country and Rock  12:04 Learn the Record  15:08 Memorizing Without Charts  18:04 Why Nashville  22:05 Drum Box (Sponsor)  22:46 Landing the Gig w/ Emily Ann Roberts 23:11 Meeting Tracy Broussard  25:49 Losing the Audition  37:11 Drum Supply (Sponsor)  38:10 Broadway Grind  47:18 Burnout and Anxiety  57:13 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor)  57:55 Opry and Ryman Milestones  1:06:55 Imposter Syndrome  1:09:55 Goals and Self-Talk  1:11:25 Rezo Custom Drum Heads (Sponsor)  1:12:26 Being A Good Hang  1:15:02 Confidence vs Ego  1:16:07 Tracks and Ableton Setup  1:20:43 K-WAT Drum Co. (Sponsor)  1:21:31 Tour Cities and Hobbies  1:24:25 First Drum Kit  1:26:58 Gear and Endorsements  1:37:31 Outro Thank you to our Episode Sponsors:   K-WAT Drum Co. https://www.k-watdrumco.com Drum Box https://drumbox.space Drum Supply https://www.drumsupply.com Low Boy Beaters https://lowboybeaters.com Rezo Custom Drum Heads https://rezoheads.com Connect with Westson: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westonjblatzdrums Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/westonjakeblatz Music Featured in this Episode: "Whipped" - Emily Ann Roberts Support the show Connect with us: Website Instagram TikTok YouTube Facebook Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART  ⓒ 2026 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC

Welcome North Carolina native, Kyle Wilkerson! Kyle is the touring drummer for multi-platinum, award-winning country artist Jordan Davis. We dive straight into Kyle's career, discussing family life, golf-centered touring routines, and memorable courses and markets like Europe and Australia. Kyle recounts moving to Nashville in 2010 after Appalachian State, leaving education and classical percussion plans to focus on drum set, beginning his Nashville career through radio tour with Maddie & Tae, later joining Michael Ray, and subbing for Jordan Davis in 2020 before joining full-time in 2021. He shares pragmatic advice on evaluating gigs, professionalism, and relationships, plus views on Broadway, changing Nashville, and the importance of learning Ableton/playback. He outlines gear, endorsements, and emphasizes staying healthy, present as a parent, and taking action without waiting. We hope you enjoy! Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:06 Welcome, Kyle! 1:17 Morning Routines 2:41 Golf and Drumming 5:02 Favorite Courses 6:01 Move to Nashville in 2010 7:46 Jordan Davis Early Years 9:39 COVID-Era Gigs 10:44 "Buy Dirt" Breakthrough 12:19 Maddie & Tae Radio Tour 19:53 Switching Gigs 28:52 Drum Box (Sponsor) 29:34 Touring Europe and Australia 32:10 Linkin Park Night Off 33:05 Band Life and Festival Season 34:03 Playback, Tech, & Ableton 45:24 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor) 46:05 Early Influences and Jazz 51:11 Finding Your Passion 54:21 Drum Supply (Sponsor) 55:18 Classical Percussion Carryover 59:56 Nashville Then vs Now 1:13:19 Family Doubts and Validation 1:15:08 Raising a Family 1:20:41 Rezo Custom Drum Heads (Sponsor) 1:21:45 Career Milestones and Venues 1:24:30 Relationships and Rates 1:27:25 Keeping the Show Fresh 1:31:42 Festival Sets & Country Covers 1:34:51 Endorsements 1:40:57 Career Longevity 1:43:40 Rapid Fire Food Talk 1:45:27 Spurs Fandom and Soccer 1:47:29 IG Handle Story 1:49:50 Outro Thank you to our Episode Sponsors: Drum Box https://drumbox.space Drum Supply https://www.drumsupply.com Low Boy Beaters https://lowboybeaters.com Rezo Custom Drum Heads https://rezoheads.com Connect with Kyle: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flatbillionaire Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kyle.wilkerson.395 Music Featured in this Episode: "Tucson Too Late" - Jordan Davis & NEEDTOBREATHE (Live at CMT Crossroads) "Next Thing You Know" - Jordan Davis (Live at CMA Fest 2024) Support the show Connect with us: Website Instagram TikTok YouTube Facebook Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART  ⓒ 2026 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC

Welcome Arizona native, Mace Santa Maria! We cover Mace's move from Phoenix to Nashville four years ago, following a formative year at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts. She discusses learning the drums at age 10, major influences like the Jonas Brothers' drummer Jack Lawless (whom she recently met), and how Broadway demands fast adaptation through cues, band-specific arrangements, and on-the-fly decisions. Mace breaks down her unique Pelican-case rig, Nashville do's and don'ts, and opportunities for live streaming and subscription-based content. She details touring with indie-pop artists Brooke Alexx, 76th Street, and Tornsey, building Ableton show transitions, maintaining health and alone time on the road to avoid burnout, and the importance of LGBTQ+ community and representation in her career. We hope you enjoy! Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:53 Welcome, Mace!  4:31 Broadway Connections  6:48 What's for Breakfast?  9:52 From Phoenix to Nashville  12:48 Early Drumming Roots  16:21 Meeting A Childhood Hero  19:35 Broadway Survival Skills  28:49 Rezo Custom Drum Heads (Sponsor)  29:53 Broadway Rig Rundown  37:35 TikTok vs Instagram  42:07 Drum Box (Sponsor)  42:49 Queer Pop Tour Scene  53:50 Ableton Show Builds  56:29 Staying Healthy On Tour  1:01:24 Birthday Plans  1:03:55 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor)  1:04:37 Pizza/Candy Debate  1:10:54 Drum Supply (Sponsor)  1:11:52 Tour Highlights and Burnout  1:16:57 Music City Audiology  1:17:39 Charting and Music Education  1:29:09 Groove MPL (Sponsor)  1:30:20 Home Studio and Iron Maiden Mic  1:35:05 Tattoos and Hobbies  1:41:09 Outro Thank you to our Episode Sponsors: Rezo Custom Drum Heads https://rezoheads.com Drum Box https://drumbox.space Drum Supply https://www.drumsupply.com Low Boy Beaters https://lowboybeaters.com Music City Audiology https://www.musiccityaudiology.com Connect with Mace: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/santamariuhhh YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@santamariuhhh TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@santamariuhhh Music Featured in this Episode: "She's My Handsome" - 76th Street Support the show Connect with us: Website Instagram TikTok YouTube Facebook Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART  ⓒ 2026 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC

Attendee and exhibitor interviews from the 2026 Music City Drum Show, July 18-19 in Nashville, TN. Register for the 2027 Music City Drum Show https://www.musiccitydrumshow.com Interviews 0:00 Intro 3:33 Kris Mazzarisi - Story Behind Big Fat Snare Drum  17:15 Derek Lee (Beat Note) - "Combining Passions"  24:48 Daniel Hegerle - "Favorite Event of the Year" 28:27 Taylor Morgan - "One Year in Nashville" 30:38 Alex Mortem - "Play Hard, Play Fast" 34:36 Shawn Tracht - "The Great American Drum Shop Road Trip" 57:26 Mace Santa Maria - "Girls Stick Together" 1:03:43 Majo Herrera - "Enjoying the Process" 1:06:17 Christian Gendics - "Welcome to Town" 1:07:38 Ryan Whitt - "Keeping Things Rolling" 1:10:02 Ed Bettinelli - Thumb Thang 1:15:07 Ory Brochet - "Orybon Drums: Sound Different" 1:21:24 Josh Blount - Lucky Drums  1:24:00 Matt Bover - "Best Pizza in Nashville?"  1:30:34 Greg Hersey - "Innovation in Percussion Setups"  1:35:22 Jacob Robinson - "Learning by Doing" Support the show Connect with us: Website Instagram TikTok YouTube Facebook Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART  ⓒ 2026 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC

Attendee and exhibitor interviews from the 2026 Music City Drum Show, July 18-19 in Nashville, TN. Register for the 2027 Music City Drum Show https://www.musiccitydrumshow.com Interviews 0:00 Intro 3:34 Tom Stanfill - "Drumming Community is Fantastic"  5:49 Jacqueline Cloud - "Change, Content, & Fudge"  11:04 Edgel Groves - "Music Tech & Business"  15:04 Alexander Hubbard - "Talent Show Rockstar"  16:15 Lleyton Brainard - "Identity & Lemurian People"  20:32 Laurie Toscano - "Lobsters & Accordions"  26:47 Fisher Wilkie - "Drums & Tortellini"  30:53 Dorothea Taylor - "Rudiments & Stardom" 35:32 Outro Support the show Connect with us: Website Instagram TikTok YouTube Facebook Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART  ⓒ 2026 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC

Welcome Pittsburgh native, Luke Zajdel! Luke is currently the touring drummer for country artist Walker Montgomery. A lifelong Rush fan, Luke shares why Clockwork Angels is his favorite record, memories of seeing Neil Peart play 5x, and his emotional reaction to Rush’s return announcement. He explains adapting the note-for-note prog mindset to Nashville’s more flexible country and session culture, learning charting after a last-minute Whiskey Jam call, and developing stage presence by loosening up. Luke shares how important mentors and teachers have been in his development, specifically studying with Mark Poiesz, who has helped with stage presence, mindset, and meditation. We touch on other influences like David Garibaldi, Morgan Rose, and Danny Carey, touring routines, fitness, meditation, home recording, and of course, Luke's seemingly perfect posture behind the kit. We hope you enjoy! Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:17 Welcome, Luke!  2:23 On Tour w/ Walker Montgomery  5:39 PPG Arena Homecoming  5:52 Rush Roots and Favorite Album  12:23 Six Months To Obsess  13:53 Garibaldi Rabbit Hole  15:09 Rock Showmanship Chops  17:24 Seeing Neil Peart Live  18:25 Nashville Grind and Purpose  26:38 Rezo Custom Drum Heads (Sponsor)  27:38 Looking the Part 30:23 Move to Nashville  31:52 Early Gigs and First Kit  34:50 Drum Box (Sponsor)  38:39 Rush to Country Mindsets  44:29 Mentorship & Meditation  49:24 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor)  50:06 Touring Habits and Fitness  54:09 Perfect Posture  59:58 Lesson Routine and Teachers  1:00:38 Overqualified For The Gig  1:03:34 Tour Culture and Temptations  1:09:36 Drum Supply (Sponsor)  1:10:33 Home Recording Goals  1:13:42 Rapid Fire Questions  1:21:22 Outro Thank you to our Episode Sponsors: Rezo Custom Drum Heads https://rezoheads.com Drum Box https://drumbox.space Drum Supply https://www.drumsupply.com Low Boy Beaters https://lowboybeaters.com Connect with Luke: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lzajdelmusic YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/2112rushfan1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lzajdelmusic Music Featured in this Episode: "All Night Long Left" - Walker Montgomery "Outlaws & Outsiders" - Cory Marks Support the show Connect with us: Website Instagram TikTok YouTube Facebook Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART  ⓒ 2026 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC

Welcome Massachusetts native, Wesley Bourque! Wes is currently the touring drummer for rising country singer/songwriter Logan Crosby. In addition to gigging and recording, he serves as Artist Relations for NY-based distributor/record label United Masters. In this wide-ranging conversation, Wes shares his journey from small-town New England to the move to Nashville in 2014. We dive into his early years working day jobs at well-known coffee shops, building relationships, and his thoughts on navigating perception and identity. He shares lessons from Broadway, prepping for fill-in gigs with and without charts, and high-stress playback realities including redundancy and backup plans. Wes dives into Noble & Cooley’s history and his personal connection to the company, plus touring highlights and challenges with Logan (including a van fire) and why story, narrative, and platform-specific content matter in today’s saturated music landscape. We hope you enjoy! Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:51 Welcome, Wes!  2:17 Broadway Connections  9:10 Ableton/Playback Stress  18:24 Noble & Cooley Origins  29:13 Unexpected Event Planning  30:14 Full Circle Maddie & Tae  33:03 Rezo Custom Drum Heads (Sponsor)  34:07 Networking & Coffee Shops  36:08 Breaking Out Of Labels  39:31 Artist Relations and Marketing  45:28 Saturation and Storytelling  50:28 Drum Box (Sponsor)  51:11 Marketing For Musicians  55:46 Subbing Prep (Charts vs Memorization)  1:00:37 Japan Fly-Date Story 1:07:45 Iconic Fills and Pranks 1:09:58 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor)  1:11:12 NAMM Lessons and Trade Shows  1:24:04 Drum Supply (Sponsor)  1:25:06 Landing Logan Crosby Gig  1:29:13 Tour Life and Van Fire  1:37:31 Advice for Younger Drummers  1:44:48 Whiskey Jam Wobble  1:48:44 Platform Content Strategy  2:00:20 Handling Mistakes During a Show  2:03:34 Music City Audiology (Sponsor)  2:04:25 Guitar Hero Drum Lore  2:05:42 Rapid Fire Questions  2:14:52 Outro Thank you to our Episode Sponsors: Rezo Custom Drum Heads https://rezoheads.com Drum Box https://drumbox.space Drum Supply https://www.drumsupply.com Low Boy Beaters https://lowboybeaters.com Music City Audiology http://musiccityaudiology.com Connect with Wes: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bourquechop/ Music Featured in this Episode: "So Damn Free" - Logan Crosby "A Parking Lot Far Away" - Logan Crosby Support the show Connect with us: Website Instagram TikTok YouTube Facebook Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART  ⓒ 2026 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC

Welcome multi‑platinum Nashville session drummer, Aksel Coe! Since moving to Nashville in 2018, Aksel has quickly made a name for himself as one of the city's most sought-after session drummers, having recorded on many of today's top country, pop, and indie tracks. Recent recording credits include Ella Langley (ACM Song of the Year 'Choosin' Texas'), Role Model, Holly Humberstone, Zach Bryan, Sierra Ferrell, Willow Avalon, K. Flay, Margo Price, Orville Peck, Sasha Alex Sloan, Cody Jinks, Sam Barber, Wyatt Flores, and Joshua Bassett, among many others. We dive right into Aksel's diverse musical upbringing and his journey from the West Coast to Nashville. Aksel shares invaluable advice and perspective on the home recording process — from creating efficient workflows on and off the drums, when and when not to cheap out on gear, and how to create and effectively market your own sample or loop pack. We discuss avoiding burnout, Nashville's shifting studio landscape, and of course, his acting debut in the 2025 biopic 'Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere.' We hope you enjoy! Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:45 Welcome, Aksel! 5:25 Breathwork For Drummers  10:54 Engineer vs Drummer Hat  14:07 Practice?  16:55 Early Life and First Kit  25:46 Buy Cheap Or Buy Twice  27:52 Too Many Snares?  28:44 Session Preset Workflow  29:46 Rezo Custom Drum Heads (Sponsor)  30:49 First Drum Kit  33:23 Mentors and Vintage Pearls  37:42 Drum Box (Sponsor)  38:23 Vintage vs Modern Recording  39:23 Recording Trends  40:33 Burnout and Identity  42:10 Tracking 537 Songs  49:15 Live Band vs Studio Players  55:32 Free Jazz Influence  57:35 Recording As Improv  1:07:53 Session Nightmares  1:20:42 Splice Packs Strategy  1:25:26 Sample Packs Explained  1:34:15 Record Yourself More  1:35:06 Flaws vs Tendencies  1:40:40 Overdubbing Cymbals  1:43:31 Session Communication Skills  1:47:44 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor)  1:48:25 Home Studio vs Commercial Rooms  1:55:19 Scarlett vs Apollo Debate  2:02:47 Drum Supply (Sponsor)  2:03:44 Aksel's Acting Debut (Springsteen Movie)  2:11:32 Music City Audiology (Sponsor)  2:12:48 Rapid Fire Questions  2:20:37 Outro Thank you to our Episode Sponsors: Rezo Custom Drum Heads https://rezoheads.com Drum Box https://drumbox.space Drum Supply https://www.drumsupply.com Low Boy Beaters https://lowboybeaters.com Music City Audiology http://musiccityaudiology.com Connect with Aksel: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/akselcoedrums Website: https://www.akselcoe.com Support the show Connect with us: Website Instagram TikTok YouTube Facebook Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART  ⓒ 2026 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC

Welcome Chicago drummer, musician, and entertainer, Aaron Paulsen! Amassing over 4.6 million followers across social media platforms, Aaron has taken his generation by storm with his unique video creations that blend extreme musicianship, storytelling, and undeniable humor. We dive into Aaron's upbringing as a classical percussionist from Chicago, dropping out of a percussion performance scholarship during COVID to pursue content full-time, and the eventual move to Nashville. Aaron breaks down the genesis of his one-man-band setup and other rhythmic gag videos, and his shift from short-form to long-form content. The conversation covers mental health and social media trends, martial arts training and other hobbies, skepticism around traditional industry endorsement models, how to be your most creative self, and fulfilling your true purpose. We hope you enjoy! Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:51 Welcome, Aaron!  3:43 Chicago Roots  8:16 One-Man Band Origins  10:14 Musical Family and Influences  14:53 Comedy Influences  19:53 Martial Arts And Drumming  31:48 Rezo Custom Drum Heads (Sponsor)  33:03 Move To Nashville  40:18 Nashville vs LA Culture  49:11 Content Creator Breakdown  52:19 Authenticity vs Polished Content  1:05:45 Dropping Out, Mental Health  1:08:44 Drum Box (Sponsor)  1:09:36 Social Media Comparison  1:15:09 Be the Trend  1:16:15 Skillmaxxing  1:21:03 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor)  1:26:14 Shorts to Long-form Content  1:30:54 Building a Brand  1:36:10 Defining Success and Purpose  1:43:47 PASIC and Percussion Culture  1:48:40 Navigating Endorsements as a Creator  2:07:52 Drum Supply (Sponsor)  2:08:59 Advice for Young Creators  2:13:22 Outro Thank you to our Episode Sponsors: Rezo Custom Drum Heads https://rezoheads.com Drum Box https://drumbox.space Drum Supply https://www.drumsupply.com Low Boy Beaters https://lowboybeaters.com Connect with Aaron: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aaronpaulsendrums TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aaronpaulsen YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AaronPaulsen Music Featured in this Episode: ...from "The Great Lock In Mixtape" - Aaron Paulsen Support the show Connect with us: Website Instagram TikTok YouTube Facebook Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART  ⓒ 2026 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC

Welcome Brian Czach! Described by some as “Nashville’s greatest secret,” Brian moved to town in late 2015 and continues to find success as an in-demand freelance drummer, both live and in the studio. Known for his ability to adapt to a variety of musical settings at a high level, we dive into his musical upbringing in upstate New York, early influences (including Phil Collins), formal lessons, reading skills, and what led him to adopting traditional grip. He details warmup routines, fitness and hydration habits, and the value of recording gigs to improve feel and self-awareness. Brian explains how he began working with the Nashville Symphony and touring symphonic pops shows around the country, plus highlights like West Side Story and The Lion King. He covers his original Miles Davis tribute band MILEStones, how he built a pro-level home studio, the challenges of marketing and subscription platforms, Broadway logistics, and important mindsets for building a sustainable career. We hope you enjoy! Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:49 Welcome, Brian!  4:56 Nashville Greatest Secret  7:22 Early Drumming Roots  8:40 First Kit and Phil Collins  11:52 Healthy Habits and Warmups  17:48 Rezo Custom Drum Heads (Sponsor)  18:53 Influences and Formal Lessons  23:49 Switch to Traditional Grip  38:05 Drum Box (Sponsor)  38:49 Getting Symphony Calls  52:43 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor)  53:25 MILEStones (Miles Davis Tribute Band)  58:33 Patreon Burnout  1:03:26 Nashville Jazz Scene  1:11:34 Building A Home Studio  1:21:07 Singing While Drumming  1:24:08 Drum Supply (Sponsor)  1:30:21 Social Media, Perception & Feedback  1:41:40 Broadway Realities  1:57:02 Music City Audiology (Sponsor)  1:57:58 Rapid Fire Questions  2:07:13 Outro Thank you to our Episode Sponsors: Rezo Custom Drum Heads https://rezoheads.com Drum Box https://drumbox.space Drum Supply https://www.drumsupply.com Low Boy Beaters https://lowboybeaters.com Music City Audiology http://musiccityaudiology.com Connect with Brian: Website: https://www.brianczach.com Instagram: http://instagram.com/brianczach Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brianczach YouTube: http://youtube.com/user/intherighttempo Music Featured in this Episode: "It's Gonna Be Yesterday" - Gabrielle Lovelace "Long Days" - Jon Von Boehm Support the show Connect with us: Website Instagram TikTok YouTube Facebook Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART  ⓒ 2026 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC

Today is a special episode as we welcome back our first-ever featured guest on the show - Jeffrey Adami! We first got to know Jeffrey back in October 2021 (see Episode 3) at a time when he was 'foot on the gas' in his career, playing for multiple artists a week, networking, meeting new friends, and ultimately laying the groundwork for a successful future as a pro-level touring drummer. Fast-forward to 2026, and he has completed 8 tours with Dove Award-winning, RIAA Platinum-selling Contemporary Christian Music (CCM)  pop Artist, Jordan Feliz. Reflecting on his six years in Nashville, Jeffrey describes shifting from intensive Broadway work to freelancing, and then landing the gig with Jordan after a 2023 audition. He opens up about therapy, diagnoses, and stress management, his take on social media as a “business card,” gratitude, and building an identity beyond music. We hope you enjoy! Chapters: 0:00 Intro 2:05 Welcome back, Jeffrey!  3:02 Couch Stories, Sleepers and Snorers  7:35 First Guest Callback 9:48  Jeffrey's Background  13:17 On Tour w/ Jordan Feliz  31:52 Faith and Serving the Song  34:13 Drum Box (Sponsor)  34:55 Burnout From Saying Yes  37:51 Tim Robinson  41:24 Burnout Hustle Year  53:11 Identity Beyond Gigs  56:31 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor)  57:12 Social Media Pressure  58:03 Posting Like a Pro  1:04:27 Trends and Authenticity  1:07:04 Instagram vs Websites  1:13:28 Inspiring Next Generation  1:18:02 Drum Supply (Sponsor)  1:18:58 Therapy and Diagnosis  1:24:14 Identity Beyond Gigs  1:28:01 Gratitude and Present Joy  1:32:11 Tour Life and Mental Health  1:35:17 Road Hobbies and Future Plans  1:38:13 Jeffrey's Mystery Bag  1:42:22 Rapid Fire Questions  1:45:59 Outro Thank you to our Episode Sponsors: Drum Box https://drumbox.space Drum Supply https://www.drumsupply.com Low Boy Beaters https://lowboybeaters.com Connect with Jeffrey: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeffreyadamidrums Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jeffreyadamidrums Music Featured in this Episode: "Be Near" - WNDRS Worship "Familia (Live) - Jordan Feliz Support the show Connect with us: Website Instagram TikTok YouTube Facebook Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART  ⓒ 2026 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC

Welcome Dango Cellan! A professional drummer for over 20 years, Dango is currently on tour with Emo legends Hawthorne Heights. We dive right into Dango's extensive and versatile career as a touring drummer, studio musician, educator, and family man. He reflects on saying yes early, not letting one gig define you, and the juggling act of balancing your time, money, career values, and family priorities. Dango shares upcoming Hawthorne Heights 20th-anniversary touring plans, his Warp Tour nostalgia with Amber Pacific, and how his approach to playing has matured toward professionalism and consistency. He recounts growing up as a pastor’s kid in Wisconsin, knee and heart health challenges that redirected him to Belmont, mentorship from Chester Thompson and Brian Fullen, and the importance of community. We also cover the building of his 'Beat Lab' home drum studio out of an Airbnb, the importance of mental health, therapy, rest, and fitness, and his proactive approach to landing and keeping endorsements. We hope you enjoy! Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:18 Welcome, Dango! 2:21 Typical Week as a Working Drummer 7:57 Choosing Gigs Wisely 11:38 Skills from Broadway 15:32 Warped Tour (Full Circle) 22:20 Rezo Custom Drum Heads (Sponsor) 23:24 Early Years & Church 26:03 Sports Injuries, Attending Belmont 32:34 Teaching and Community 36:47 Drum Box (Sponsor) 37:29 Mental Health, Burnout, and Rest 40:17 Post-Pandemic Studio Build 43:18 Fitness and Longevity 45:03 Punk Influences 52:29 Dango's Beat Lab 1:01:29 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor) 1:02:10 Content That Converts 1:08:52 Drum Supply (Sponsor) 1:09:51 Endorsement Playbook 1:14:09 Loyalty Over Deals, Learn Your Gear 1:21:20 Music City Audiology (Sponsor) 1:22:59 Practice Goals and Technique 1:25:39 Recording and Mic Choices 1:32:50 Social Media Era for Drummers 1:35:46 Touring and Family Balance 1:40:24 Rapid Fire 1:47:35 Outro Thank you to our Episode Sponsors: Rezo Custom Drum Heads https://rezoheads.com Drum Box https://drumbox.space Drum Supply https://www.drumsupply.com Low Boy Beaters https://lowboybeaters.com Music City Audiology http://musiccityaudiology.com Connect with Dango: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dangoempire Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dangocellanempire Music Featured in this Episode: "Sink Or Swim" - Amber Specific "The Conqueror" - Amber Specific Support the show Connect with us: Website Instagram TikTok YouTube Facebook Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART  ⓒ 2026 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC

Welcome Kansas City-native Andrew Bone! Andrew opens up about the changing chapters of life and his shift in career focus. Recently married, he discusses the intentionality of stepping back from the grind of 6–7 days a week on Broadway, while aiming to get back to higher-level touring and more fulfilling gigs. We discuss the realities of post-COVID pay, knowing your worth, professionalism and reliability as a sub, and handling playback/Ableton, IEMs, and onstage failures. We delve into charting vs memorization, learning large volumes of material, working respectfully with a crew, using AI tools for admin and career planning, building a home studio identity, and early influences from KISS to music academia. Andrew also reflects on moving from Kansas City, his brief experience at Berklee, and why relationships, preparation, and good conduct matter more than chops. We hope you enjoy! Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:44 Welcome, Andrew!  3:08 Life Crossroads and Marriage  3:56 Broadway Grind  9:49 Pay Reality Post-COVID  11:42 Subbing w/ Nate Smith  16:20 Ableton and Show Design  19:32 Charts vs Memorizing  32:10 Kids, Sticks, and Joy  41:09 Rezo Custom Drum Heads (Sponsor)  42:10 Broadway Burnout Plan  43:46 ChatGPT Career Reset  51:04 Coffee & Hands Crew  54:58 Drum Box (Sponsor)  55:59 Playing Stadiums  1:03:34 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor)  1:04:40 Gear Fail Lessons  1:09:05 Audio Nerd to Drum Pro  1:20:18 Home Studio  1:32:04 Drum Supply (Sponsor)  1:33:01 Kansas City Roots and KISS  1:39:17 Music City Audiology (Sponsor)  1:43:31 Time at Berklee  1:48:24 Move to Nashville  2:00:11 Broadway Material  2:08:05 Rapid Fire Questions  2:12:00 Outro Thank you to our Episode Sponsors: Rezo Custom Drum Heads https://rezoheads.com Drum Box https://drumbox.space Drum Supply https://www.drumsupply.com Low Boy Beaters https://lowboybeaters.com Music City Audiology http://musiccityaudiology.com Connect with Andrew: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrewbonedrums Music Featured in this Episode: "Drink Along" - Josh Gallagher Support the show Connect with us: Website Instagram TikTok YouTube Facebook Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART  ⓒ 2026 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC

Ever wondered what it really takes to play Lower Broadway in Nashville? This live roundtable discussion pulls back the curtain on one of the most competitive and fast-paced live music scenes in the country. Featuring Nashville’s most in-demand drummers — both in-town and out on tour — join us for an honest, behind-the-scenes conversation about breaking into the Broadway scene and building a sustainable career. Moderated by NDP Co-Hosts Dan Ainspan and Nate Sletner, this interactive session gives attendees the chance to ask questions in real time and learn directly from the players who have been there, done that, and still doing it… Panelists: Nico Medina (Ep. 7) Ethan Harb (Ep. 5) Molly Rose (Ep. 53) Kevin Keith (Ep. 20) Kyle Law (Ep. 59) Thank you to our Episode Sponsors: Drum Supply https://www.drumsupply.com Drum Box https://drumbox.space Low Boy Beaters https://lowboybeaters.com Rezo Custom Drum Heads https://rezoheads.com WFL III Drums https://wfliiidrums.com Groove MPL https://www.groovempl.com Music City Audiology https://www.musiccityaudiology.com Chapters: 0:00 Intro & Welcome 0:21 Meet the Panelists 4:25 First Broadway Shift Stories 20:42 Drum Box (Sponsor) 21:24 What Makes a Drummer Broadway Ready? 23:37 Charting vs Memorizing 30:25 Playing Like the Record 33:06 WFL III (Sponsor) 34:03 How to Get Gigs 35:25 What Not To Do 39:19 Respecting The Gig 45:07 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor) 45:49 A Day In The Life 48:29 The Gear You Need 50:31 Get A Cart 1:00:56 Play The Room 1:04:44 Avoiding Burnout 1:08:10 Gig Triangle Mindset 1:13:08 Skills On Tour 1:19:04 Sub Out the Right Way 1:26:00 Music City Audiology (Sponsor) 1:26:42 Recording Gigs For Content 1:31:33 Wild Broadway Stories 1:39:19 From Covers To Originals 1:42:46 Broadway Pay Reality 1:44:53 Requests vs Setlists 1:47:15 Rezo Custom Drum Heads (Sponsor) 1:48:17 Q&A 1:48:24 Breaking into the Scene 1:50:15 Broadway Circuits Explained 1:51:37 Cajon Gigs and Auditions 1:53:48 The Future of Broadway 2:01:50 Singing Drummer Advantage 2:05:44 Clicks and Open Mics 2:12:47 Arranging Modern Tracks 2:16:38 Wrap Up and Thanks 2:17:48 Outro Music Featured in this Episode: "Beef Stew" - Too Hot For Leather Support the show Connect with us: Website Instagram TikTok YouTube Facebook Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART  ⓒ 2026 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC