For the last few years, Derek Mixon has been the drummer for country singer and songwriter Chris Stapleton. Derek played drums on all of Chris’s award winning solo albums to date. Originally from West Monroe, Louisiana, Derek drew inspiration from his surroundings that included his father who was a professional musician. The musical sensibilities he learned early in life as well as his time in Nashville over the last 20 years has been the preparation that was needed to play the role of drummer supporting one of the most prolific writers and modern country music.  

Derek has also worked with Sam Lewis, Jedd Hughes, Rodney Crowell, Tracy Bird, She daisy, Jack Pearson, Sarah Buxton, Sam Bush, Jamey Johnson, Jace Everett, Jim Lauderdale and Al Perkins 

In this episode, Derek talks about:

* Performing on Austin City Limits* Derek’s intro to music through his dad* His start in Nashville * How to support the songwriter * Derek’s drum tunings in the studio 

Derek endorses: Ludwig Drums, Remo drumheads, Vic Firth, Zildjian, Winding Wheel Supply