Shows / Working Drummer
Working Drummer
With 500 episodes and counting, Working Drummer Podcast is the source for those interested in what it’s like to be a professional drummer. Hosted by Matthew Crouse and Zack Albetta, Working Drummer covers it all with a dynamic range of pro drummers who represent many different genres and scenes. Each weekly interview features a different performer, sometimes with a less recognizable name, but always with an impressive and distinct body of work. This unique approach has garnered a loyal audience…
Episodes
Working Drummer052 – Tina Raymond: Trusting Her Musical Instinct, Being a Woman in a Male-Dominated Field, The Power of Yoga
The Los Angeles jazz scene has been coming on strong in recent years and Tina Raymond is right in the middle of it. She performs regularly in the city’s top…
Working Drummer051 – Chad Cromwell: Studio Legend, Drumming for Neil Young, Joe Walsh & Mark Knopfler, Creating the Perfect Part in the Studio
Chad Cromwell is known as one of the most respected studio drummers in Nashville. Even before his move to Nashville, Chad had a strong history of live and…
- Working Drummer
050 – John Kizilarmut: The Pros & Cons of College Music, Removing Barriers Between Genres, Finding His Musical Home in Kansas City
John Kizilarmut spent his formative years bouncing around the Midwest and Texas, eventually landed in Kansas City. He has become a first-call drummer…
Working Drummer049 – Paul Griffith: Being a Stylist, Managing Expectations, Dealing with Insecurities
Paul Griffith is a freelance drummer and writer based in Nashville, TN. As a musician, his unique, left-of-center style (the result of a New Orleans…
Working Drummer048 – Giuliano Mingucci: Drum Mic’ing 101, Absorbing Styles, Playing to the Song, Working With a Producer
Giuliano Mingucci was born in Brazil but has spent almost his entire life in Kansas City, MO. He started playing professionally in high school and since then…
Working Drummer047 – Jim Reilley: Producer, The Influence of Ringo on Modern Drumming, Getting the Right Drum Sounds in the Studio
Jim Reilley is a songwriter and producer in Nashville. Jim was also the co-founder of the late-lamented folk-rock “gangstas”, The New Dylans. Along with…
Working Drummer046 – Matt Johnson: Committing to Your Vision, Teaching in the 21st Century, Focusing on Outcomes
Matt Johnson is a native of Southern California, where he still lives, plays and teaches. He is the drummer for the Tony Guerrero Quintet, which is also the…
Working Drummer045 – Danny Young: From Broadway in New York to Nashville, Beyond The Gig, Touring with Nelson
Drummer Danny Young is my first interview of 2016. After an amazing 11 months on the road with the national tour of ‘Queen’s ‘We Will Rock You‘, Danny recently…
Working Drummer044 – Chuck Tilley: Drumming on TV, Playing in “House Bands”, Being a Pro – Always
Chuck Tilley has worked with many artists over the years including the great Felix Cavaliere from The Young Rascals, Richard Marx, Lee Greenwood and most…
Working Drummer043 – Travis McNabb / Part 2: Better Than Ezra, Sugarland, Taking Every Gig Seriously
Tavis McNabb is perhaps best known as a longtime member of the band Better Than Ezra, although he has performed session and touring work with many acts during…
Working Drummer042 – Travis McNabb / Part 1: Better Than Ezra, Sugarland, Mixing Yourself on the Kit
Travis McNabb is perhaps best known as a longtime member of the band Better Than Ezra, although he has performed session and touring work with many acts during…
Working Drummer041 – Pat McDonald: Charlie Daniel’s Drummer, Fusion Chops in Country Music
Pat McDonald is best known as the drummer the legendary Charlie Daniels and has been touring and recording with Charlie for over 16 years. With around a 105…
Working Drummer040 – Tucker Wilson: Finding His Own Voice in a Famous Musical Family, Knocking Out an Audition, Touring with Canaan Smith
Tucker Wilson is a true native of Nashville. Not only was he born and raised in the music city, both of his grandfathers were regular performers on the Grand…
Working Drummer039 – Mark Poiesz: Personifying the Emotion of the Music, Being The New Guy on the Scene, Drumming for Tyler Farr
Even though Mark Poiesz is still considered the “new guy” in the Nashville music scene, it hasn’t kept him from gaining significant ground in the business. In…
Working Drummer038 – Sean Fuller: Florida Georgia Line, Self Expression as a Sideman, Creating a Vibe
Sean Fuller is best known as the drummer for the country pop duo Florida Georgia Line. This gig with FGL has been a great fit for the group and Sean as well…
Working Drummer037 – Dr. Preston Wakefield: Treating Repetitive Stress Injuries in Drummers, Active Release Techniques, Proper Stretching
Dr Preston Wakefield is a well known chiropractor in Nashville and is known throughout the music community as the go to guy for sound advice as well as quick…
Working Drummer036 – William Ellis: Touring with Montgomery Gentry, Drawing Inspiration from Multiple Styles
William Ellis is an in-demand drummer based in Nashville, TN and for almost six years, has been the drummer for the country duo Montgomery Gentry. His extreme…
Working Drummer035 – Jeff Hartsough PAS Executive Director: PASIC 2015, Rhythm Discovery Center, Percussive Arts Society History
Jeff Hartsough is the Executive Director of the Percussive Arts Society as well as the Rhythm Discovery Center in Indianapolis Indiana. Since it’s start in…
Working Drummer034 – David Parks: Creating Opportunities, Nashville Drummers Jam, Turning Passion into Gigs
David Parks is known as not only a versatile and in demand drummer, but has also grown his reputation as a creative visionary solely based on the success of…
Working Drummer033 – Tom Hurst: Touring, Teaching, Organizing and Everything in Between
Tom Hurst is known for so many projects that he is involved in that its hard to narrow it down to one that most would identify him with. The artists he’s…
Working Drummer032 – David Northrup: Oak Ridge Boys, Travis Tritt, Sharing a Recording with Jeff Porcaro, Seeing Failure as a Blessing in Disguise
After nine years working with Travis Tritt and making a name for himself, David has found a gig with The Oak Ridge Boys that has been the perfect fit for him…
Working Drummer031 – Josh Birkhimer: All Styles, Full Time Musician in Denver, Kid Rock Stand in
Josh Birkhimer has a super diverse skill set that allows him to adapt to any situation and tackle any style of music. From latin and jazz to heavy rock, Josh…
Working Drummer030 – Jason Sutter: Touring with Smash Mouth, Chris Cornell, Marilyn Manson, Foreigner
Currently based in LA, Jason Sutter is known as a badass rock drummer who’s worked with so many strong rock acts like Marilyn Manson, Foreigner, Chris Cornell…
Working Drummer029 – Greg Morrow: ACM Drummer of the Year, Giving Engineers What They Want, Touring to Sessions, Head Combinations
Greg Morrow has been an inspiration for many drummers including myself, not only for his superb drumming but for his humble demeanor. Born in Ripley Tennessee…
Working Drummer028 – Gary Forkum: Owner of Forks Drum Closet, Supporting the Nashville Drumming Community
Gary Forkum is the owner of Forks Drum Closet in Nashville Tennessee. What started as a closet full of cymbals and sticks in the back of a music store in 1982…
Working Drummer027 – Willie Cantu: Drumming for Buck Owens, Hanging w/ Tony Williams in NY, Scottish Pipe Drumming
Originally from Corpus Christi Texas, one of the most defining moments in Willie Cantu’s music career was at the young age of 17 when he became an original…
Working Drummer026 – Trey Gray: Drumming for Faith Hill, Jewel, Brooks and Dunn, Pro Gigs and Huntington’s Disease
Raised in South Bend Indiana, Trey Gray moved to Nashville in 1990. Trey has built a strong reputation in Nashville as a solid and dynamic drummer starting…
Working Drummer025 – Tim Horsley: Drumming in a Multi-Media World, Working with Keith Urban in the Early Days, Sprinter Van Skeptic
At four years old, Tim Horsley began playing drums and by the age of eight, he was playing live shows with his fathers gospel group in Southern Illinois. This…
Working Drummer024 – David Santos: Playing Bass for Billy Joel, John Fogerty, Sharing the Stage with Kenny Aronoff, Liberty Devitto, Cindy Blackman-Santana
Bassist David Santos shares insight into music and drumming that only a bass player can give. David has toured and recorded with Billy Joel/Elton John, John…
Working Drummer023 - Kevin Murphy: Touring with Randy Houser & Tonic, the Drumming Style of DC, Defining His Peers with Honesty
For the last five years, Kevin Murphy's been the power house drummer for country singer Randy Houser. Before his current road gig, Kevin toured for 11 years…
Working Drummer022 - Brian Fullen: Tracking Drums at Home for Producers Overseas, Being an Educator but Always Learning, Balancing Music and Family
Brian Fullen is a veteran drummer who's lived in Nashville for many years and worked for many artists including Shania Twain, Peter Frampton, Bob Carlisle…
Working Drummer021- Rich Redmond: Drumming for Jason Aldean, Producing, Writing, Acting, Playing Madison Square Garden
Drummer Rich Redmond has so many plates spinning there wouldn't be enough room in the podcast show notes to list them all. Best known as the drummer for…
Working Drummer020 – Steve Bowman: Tracking Drums for Counting Crows Record – August and Everything After, Believing in the Music You Play, Working & Loving a “Real Job”
Many people know Steve Bowman as a founding member and original drummer for the band Counting Crows. Born and raised in Oakland California, Steve had the good…
Working Drummer019 – Jerry Roe: Leaving a Coveted Gig for an Original Project, Growing Up in a Famous Musical Family, Starting Drums at 1 1/2 Years Old
Jerry Roe is the drummer and member of the band Friendship Commanders. Widely known as a prolific and naturally gifted drummer, Jerry's list of artists he's…
Working Drummer018 - Jeff Brown: Building Your Home Studio, Touring, Creating Opportunity
Currently on the road with Casey James and guitar great Reeves Gabrels, Jeff Brown has been able to stay busy as a full time drummer for many years. In just…
Working Drummer017 – Dan Sia: Working as a Cruise Ship Drummer
Originally from Quesnel British Columbia, Dan Sia has just finished his 11th year as full time cruise ship drum set player and multi percussionist. What…
Working Drummer016 - Jamie Rogan: Ten Years on the Road with Billy Currington, Staying in Shape
Jamie Rogan is a passionate drummer that for the last ten years has been working for country singer Billy Currington. But Jamie is so much more than that…
Working Drummer015 - Fred Eltringham: Drumming for The Wallflowers, Dixie Chicks, Sheryl Crow & Producer T Bone Burnett
Fred Eltringham has had arguably some of the coolest gigs you could have throughout the years he's been playing. While touring with RCA artists Gigolo Aunts…
Working Drummer014 - Steve Ebe: Staying Busy "In-Town", Teaching Drums, Working in Tribute Bands
Before moving to Nashville in 1991, Steve Ebe spent his formative years in Memphis working with such legends as Carl Perkins and Donald "Duck" Dunn. Now, Steve…
Working Drummer013 - Ed Toth: Drumming for The Doobie Brothers, Vertical Horizon, The Honest Truth About Endorsements
Ed Toth has held down two power house gigs for close to 20 years. Between 1996 - 2005, Ed was the drummer and member of the band Vertical Horizon. Since 2005…
Working Drummer012 - George Lawrence: Teaching Keith Carlock, LA in the 80's with Jeff Pocaro, Drumming for Poco
Not only has George Lawrence been the drummer for Poco for over a decade, he's known throughout the Nashville drumming community as a natural mentor with years…
Working Drummer011 - Ben Sesar (Part 2): Challenging Practice Techniques, Cymbal Placement, Touring with Brad Paisley
For the last 15 years, Ben Sesar has been the live and studio drummer for Grammy award winning singer, songwriter and guitarist Brad Paisley. This gig has…
Working Drummer010 – Jim Riley: Music Director and Drummer for Rascal Flatts, Humble Beginnings in Nashville, Author
For over 15 years Jim Riley has been the drummer for the hugely successful country group Rascal Flatts. After earning a degree in music education from North…
Working Drummer009 – Ben Sesar (Part 1): Sad Changes in the Music Industry, Drumming for Brad Paisley
For the last 15 years, Ben Sesar has been both live and studio drummer for the Grammy award winning singer, songwriter and guitarist Brad Paisley. This gig has…
Working Drummer008 - Lee Kelley: Taking Chances, Pro Playing Without Formal Training, Carolina Beach Music
Lee Kelley has learned to adapt his drumming style to fit whatever gig has come his way. Lee's range of gigs have included backing up many artists in Nashville…
Working Drummer007 - Matt Iceman: Taking Every Gig Seriously, Getting Along WIth Your Tour Mates, What Would Shannon Forest Do?
Matt Iceman is our featured drummer for our 7th podcast. Matt is a relatively young drummer who's been steadily making a name for himself in the Nashville…
Working Drummer006 - Keio Stroud: Juggling a Thousand Gigs, Drumming on a Grammy Nominated Record, Spray Painting Your Tour Kit
Keio Stroud is the featured drummer for the 6th podcast. 2014 was very busy for Keio, touring with Rodney Crowelland Big & Rich. Openings in his 2014 schedule…
Working Drummer005 – Mark Beckett: Growing up in the Studio with Dad Barry Beckett, Sharing the Job as House Drummer for the Grand ole Opry, First Drumset from Eddie Bayers
Mark Beckett is an accomplished session and live drummer in Nashville. When not in the studio, Mark's live gigs include touring with Olivia Newton-John as well…
Working Drummer004 - Gregg Lohman: Drumming for Kellie Pickler, Surviving a Major Car Crash to Play Drums Again, Positive Role Models
Gregg Lohman has been the touring drummer for Kellie Pickler for the last eight years. At the time of our interview, Gregg had just returned from one of…
Working Drummer003 - Brice Williams: Studying with Chester Thompson, Earning the Respect of Your Peers, Recording with Lady Antebellum, Mark Wills, Maintaining Endorsement Relationships
Professional drummer Brice Williams is our third podcast interview. Brice is currently touring and recording with Mark Wills. Brice has gained an amazing…
Working Drummer002 - Nick Buda: Recording for Taylor Swift, Advice from Vinnie Colaiuta, Escaping Apartheid South Africa as a Kid
Nick Buda is the featured artist on the second Working Drummer podcast. Before moving to the United States, Nick grew up in South Africa. Nick tells about his…
Working Drummer001 - David Black: Singing and Drumming, Touring and Being a Family Man, Playing with Taste and Confidence
For the first Working Drummer Podcast, we talk with David Black. David is the touring drummer with Easton Corbin. We start from David’s early influences to…