Advertise on podcast: Working Drummer

Ryan Connors is a multi-instrumentalist, MD, songwriter, and producer based in Nashville. He is currently keyboardist, MD, and backup drummer for Hozier, and has also worked with many other artists and bands including Yola, Melinda Doolittle, and Dynamo. He also writes and produces his own original music. In this episode, Ryan talks about: How smaller college programs give you more opportunities to play The virtues of multiple disciplines vs. specialization Being able to “speak drum” as an MD and producer The benefit of closing some doors Getting to play with Gadd “Finding where it feels good and not leaving there” Loving the discovery and connection that happens in rehearsal  Leading by example as an MD in any given situation  Here's our Patreon Here's our Youtube Here's our Homepage

Matthew Atkins is a celebrated veteran of the music industry. An honours graduate of the renowned Musician’s Institute in Hollywood CA, Matthew has worked in a wide array of genres and situations. Matthew is equally at home on a stage playing pop-country to a festival audience, jazz to an intimate venue, or top 40 dance music at a high-end corporate event, as he is playing as part of a drum line at a world class sporting event.With a large catalogue of recording sessions to his credit, Matthew is known to be a diverse, creative professional. Matthew has been recognized with honours and awards from groups such as the Alberta Recording Industries Association and the Canadian Country Music Association.Having lived and worked in Asia, Mexico, and most recently Vancouver, Matthew now makes his home in St Albert, Alberta. In this episode, Matthew talks about: Understanding the importance of motion when playing His gig as a house drummer at The Mayfield Theatre Using drum charts on a pro level The power of being prepared Chart writing techniques Tapping into the most musical performances in the studio Taking direction with grace

Growing up in Rochester, New York, Chaun Horton was birthed into a love of music. Under the tutelage of his father, a church organist, Chaun first learned his craft by playing for local choirs, then events throughout the state. Chaun’s desire to expand on his work led him to LA, where he attended a camp held by the LA Music Academy College of Music. Chaun soon found himself enrolling in the school on a full scholarship, where he earned a Certificate of Completion. Chaun has had the privilege of sharing the stage with artist such as Macy Gray, Natasha Bedingfield, Israel Houghton, , Toni Braxton, Thundercat, Jessica Simpson, and many more. In this episode, Chaun talks about: Moving home base from LA to Sweden and establishing a “camp base” in Nashville  How the Lauren Daigle gig came his way Learning not to “take advantage of music” - “you’ve gotta be interested in it” What it means to “play in the crossroads” Setting professional goals based on how you want to feel at work  Learning how to have some stoic detachment when necessary  Getting to have a “garage band experience” with Lauren Daigle  Here's our Patreon Here's our Youtube Here's our Homepage

John Spittle has been the long-time drummer with Country icon Trace Adkins. John began his career on the drums in Southern California playing in bands and recording sessions since the age of 15. Since moving to Nashville, TN, in 1997, John has toured and recorded with various artists, including Sara Evans, Aaron Tippin, Chris Cagle, Kellie Coffey, Matt King, Paul Brandt, and more. When not on the road, John has a studio where he records drums on over 100 songs a year for producers/artists all over the world. TV credits include The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Conan O Brien Show, Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, ACM Awards, CMT Awards, Craig Ferguson Show, NYC New Year's Eve Bash, Ellen DeGeneres Show, NBC Country Christmas, Grand Ol Opry Live, Emeril Live, Miss America USA, and many more. In this episode, John talks about:     Home studio work     From John’s father to his son: Three generations of drummers     Moving to Nashville from Southern California and the expectations     Developing a pocket and good time feel     Experiences before the Trace Adkins     What Trace expects from his band members     John’s new endorsement with Sonor drums ⁠⁠⁠Here's our Patreon⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Here's our Youtube⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Here's our Homepage

Bruno is a Brazilian drummer and percussionist based in the Bay Area and the longtime drummer for indie rock icon Mitski. He graduated from Berklee College of Music in Boston, moved to New York in 2011 and to Los Angeles in 2020. Throughout the last 15 years, Bruno has toured every continent of the world, played drums on the hit Broadway show Hedwig and The Angry Inch (4x Tony Awards winner), appeared on many TV shows, and has performed at festivals such as Coachella, Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits, Bonnaroo, Java Jazz Festival (Indonesia), Fuji Rock Festival (Japan) and legendary concert venues such as the Hollywood Bowl, Radio City Music Hall (NYC), Red Rocks Amphitheater, Wembley Stadium, The Greek Theater, Ryman Auditorium, Kennedy Center, Central Park SummerStage amongst many more. Recording credits include records in the USA, Japan, Argentina and Brazil. In this episode, Bruno talks about: Recently moving from LA to the Bay Area, and throwing himself into the scene there Forming a global circle of friends through music The evolution of Mitzki’s creative output and artistic vision Not just supporting the song you’re playing, but supporting the artist/person you’re playing for How the theatricality of Mitzki’s performance shapes his playing  Playing in Brazil’s #1 Dave Matthews tribute band Playing “Hedwig & The Angry Inch” on Broadway Here's our Patreon⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Here's our Youtube⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Here's our Homepage

Originally from Merrick, NY, Marc Slutsky built his reputation as both a touring and studio drummer, working with a wide range of internationally recognized artists.

Marc first gained broader visibility performing with Splender, a late-1990s/early-2000s alternative rock band signed to Columbia Records. The bands first album “Halfway Down The Sky” was produced by Todd Rundgren. The group achieved chart success with their singles “Yeah, Whatever” and “I Think God Can Explain,” helping establish Marc as a solid and expressive drummer. Splender made a second album on Clive Davis’s J records “To Whom It May Concern” which featured Slutsky’s drumming further.

After Splender, Slutsky became a highly in-demand touring and session musician. Over the years he has performed, recorded, or toured with artists including: Peter Murphy, Bauhaus, Adam Ant, Puddle Of Mudd, Kylie Minogue, Delta Goodrem, The Calling, Sons Of Silver, Alexa Ray Joel, Tom Morello (RATM), Terri Nunn (Berlin), Lou Gramm (Foreigner), Hugo, Gavin Degraw In addition, Slutsky has appeared extensively on TV including shows such as X-Factor, The View, Good Morning America, Queen Latifah Show, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Last Call with Carson Daily, Late Show with David Letterman, Wendy Williams Show, 2010 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting (NBC) with Kylie Minogue, and Jimmy Kimmel Live. In this episode, Marc talks about:     Unique challenges to touring internationally     Making sure to play great every time, every gig     Staying curious and always learning     Practicing on things at the micro level     Drumming for the legend Peter Murphy (Bauhaus)     Playing as a member of the band Splender when he was young             Working with Todd Rundgren as a producer     Learning how to record from your peers ⁠⁠⁠Here's our Patreon⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Here's our Youtube⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Here's our Homepage

Jeff Hamilton attended Indiana University and later studied with John Von Ohlen. Hamilton was influenced by Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich, Mel Lewis, “Philly” Joe Jones, and Shelly Manne. In 1974, he got his first big break playing with the New Tommy Dorsey Orchestra. He then joined Lionel Hampton’s Band until 1975 when he, along with bassist John Clayton, became members of the Monty Alexander Trio. He attained a childhood goal in 1977 when he joined Woody Herman and the Thundering Herd, with whom he made several recordings. In 1978, he was offered a position in the L.A.4. with Ray Brown, Bud Shank, and Laurindo Almeida. He recorded 6 albums with the L.A.4. From 1983-1987, he performed with Ella Fitzgerald, the Count Basie Orchestra, Rosemary Clooney, and Monty Alexander. Hamilton began his association with the Ray Brown Trio in 1988 and left in March of 1995 to concentrate on his own trio. From 1990-1995, he was also a member of the Oscar Peterson Quartet w/Herb Ellis and Ray Brown. Hamilton has toured with his own trio, the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, and Diana Krall. The latest CHJO recording LA Treasures was nominated for a GRAMMY. Hamilton has been on more than 300 recordings with artists such as Ray Brown, Natalie Cole, Diana Krall, Milt Jackson, Rosemary Clooney, Barbra Streisand, Mel Torme, John Pizzarelli, Dr. John, Paul McCartney, and many others. He appeared in Diana Krall’s Live in Paris and Rio DVDs. He is a four time winner of Modern Drummer magazine Readers’ Poll. In this episode, Jeff talks about: How the role of a mentor is to see problems and potential you can’t see in yourself  Why sound is just as important as content  His thoughts on the music business vs. the drumming business The great bassists he has played with, including Ray Brown and John Clayton  His criteria for hiring band members  Playing with Akiko Tsuruga and matching the intensity of the B3 organ, “a one man big band” The importance of letting humor and joy show in his playing  ⁠⁠⁠Here's our Patreon⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Here's our Youtube⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Here's our Homepage

As SABIAN’s Director of Artist & Public Relations, Chris Stankee leads the charge in shaping and nurturing the company’s artist program on a worldwide scale. His responsibilities span from talent recruitment to artist development and support, all while playing a pivotal role in product development and elevating SABIAN’s presence across social media platforms. In this episode, Chris talks about:     The Sabian Podcast     Chris' formative years from Berklee to life on tour     Interning at Yamaha     Events that lead to his work at Sabian     The unique steps to creating cymbals     Understanding trends in sounds and making it attainable     Working with artists that are hands-on in the R&D department     The stick/cymbal relationship     Sabian lore     Memories of Neil Peart ⁠⁠⁠Here's our Patreon⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Here's our Youtube⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Here's our Homepage

Nate had been a fixture on the Nashville scene for 14 years and recently landed the proverbial big gig. He found himself in Zach Top’s drum chair when Zach was an opening act in thousand cap rooms, and the whole operation was very DIY. Not long after, Zach’s popularity exploded make him an international arena and stadium headliner seemingly overnight, and he took Nate and the rest of his band with him. In this episode, Nate talks about: Feeling a buzz around Zach Top from the moment he joined the band The show that made them realize they were huge The learning curves that come with the big gig How his approach to songs happened to match perfectly with Zach’s needs as a frontman The evolving pay situation  ⁠⁠⁠Here's our Patreon⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Here's our Youtube⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Here's our Homepage

Originally from Fort Bragg, California, Zoltan Tobak started playing drums at an early age. After years of performing throughout California as well as attending the Musicians Institute in Los Angeles, he relocated to Nashville in 2014 to pursue music full time. Since 2016, Zoltan has been the live and studio drummer for Muscadine Bloodline, performing extensively and recording five full-length albums. Beyond touring, he stays active in the Nashville community, playing and recording across a range of projects. In this episode, Zoltan talks about:     Managing your social media presence     His unique name     His move from Northern California to Nashville TN     Taking a career growing gig vs taking a gig for money only     Drumming for Muscadine Bloodline     The power of space between notes     Filling in last minute on a major tour     Matt and Zoltan’s shared love of Family Feud ⁠⁠⁠Here's our Patreon⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Here's our Youtube⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Here's our Homepage

Sean McDaniel is currently the drummer for Chess on Broadway.  He also played Smash, Cabaret, Some Like It Hot, Frozen, The Book Of Mormon, Spamalot, Violet, La Cage Aux Folles, and Nine To Five on Broadway.  Off-Broadway he originated Hamilton. Sean can be seen and heard in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Tick Tick Boom.  He has played all over the country with American Idol Runner-Up Clay Aiken.  Other performances include Sutton Foster, Barry Manilow, Audra McDonald, Jennifer Hudson, Sting, Dolly Parton, Idina Menzel, Tituss Burgess, Jane Lynch, and the Tony Awards. Sean earned his BM at University of North Texas and his MFA at New York University. He is endorsed by DW, Evans, Vic Firth, and Sabian.  In this episode, Sean talks about: Not just playing to serve the song, but playing to serve the drama The importance of getting some live playing experience you can then bring into a musical theatre show  The huge variety of playing experience he got at North Texas The common thread among great Broadway drummers/drumming Playing for the Tony Awards Finding ways to love the process, not just the product ⁠⁠⁠Here's our Patreon⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Here's our Youtube⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Here's our Homepage

Ben Koller is an Los Angeles based drummer who worked with bands like Converge, Mutoid Man, Killer Be Killed and All Pigs Must Die just to name a few. He is involved in the Heavy Music Collective a community of musicians and royalties professionals that are committed to getting money back to the bands. In this episode, Ben talks about: Managing the dichotomy between road life and home life The Heavy Music Collective - accessing your royalties!!! His first clinic in Costa Rica The supportive community within the hardcore scene Drumming for the legendary band Converge Drumming for band High On Fire Recording from home Surviving a bad car accident

Nate's formal drum set training began during high school with Grant Menefee in Baltimore, Maryland. He continued his education in Boston, Massachusetts as a performance major at the renowned Berklee College of Music, studying with drummers such as Ed Uribe, Ian Froman, John Ramsay and Ron Savage. Upon graduating in 1994, he taught and played locally in Boston until moving to Los Angeles in 1999 where he has since amassed live performance and recording credits that include Natalie Cole, Michael Bolton, Madonna, Miley Cyrus, Pink, Paulina Rubio and Thalia among others. In 2010, he was the house band drummer on Bonnie Hunt's day time talk show, as well as performing with Cher for her string of appearances at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace. Now, you can catch him grooving during prime time on the NBC hit show, THE VOICE. In this episode, Nate talks about: His thoughts on both sides of the mentorship relationship The rhythm of the rehearsal and production schedule on “The Voice” His perspective on the LA scene The constant search for balance Here's our Patreon Here's our Youtube Here's our Homepage

Matt King is an in demand Nashville session drummer who’s performed on records for a number of country, pop, and rock artists, including several Grammy, CMA, ACM, and Dove Award winners and nominees. Some of these include artists like Brothers Osborne, Maren Morris, Janelle Arthur, Brad Hill, Jamie Floyd and countless others. Matt grew up in Hendersonville North Carolina, and attended the University of South Carolina before he moved to Nashville in the fall of 2002. In this episode, Matt talks about:     His pocket and time feel and it’s possible origins     Creating space between the notes & simplifying your parts     Developing a healthy and musical relationship with the click     The song is king     Recording with Brothers Osborne in the early days     In a sea of talent, knowing you have something to offer     Matt’s drum maintenance service     Tuning techniques for a Nashville session ⁠⁠⁠Here's our Patreon⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Here's our Youtube⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Here's our Homepage

Dean is the drummer for the Chicago-based bands Worry Club and Capital Soiree. He’s a lifelong resident of the Chicago area, very much a part and a product of the Chicago scene, and has done and continues to do a lot of what it has to offer in addition to his two steady bands. In this episode, Dean talks about: Starting out in the ‘burbs of Chicago and the surrounding area Initially pursuing a history degree with an eye toward being a professor  Working his way onto the Chicago scene as the scene emerged from the pandemic Getting his gig with Worry Club through using a hashtag on IG  How he approaches live versions of songs that are recorded with programmed drums Understanding and appreciating “how a song works What sets Chicago apart  Here's our Patreon Here's our Youtube Here's our Homepage