Big Fat Five: A Podcast Financially Supported by Big Fat Snare Drum

By Ben Hilzinger

What's Big Fat Five: A Podcast Financially Supported by Big Fat Snare Drum about?

Every drummer encounters a unique chain of influences that shape the way they approach the instrument. Join me, Ben Hilzinger, as I chat with my favorite players to dissect the TOP 5 records that helped make them who they are today...on and off the kit. For more info, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com or find us on Instagram @bigfatsnaredrum. Cheers!

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Big Fat Five: A Podcast Financially Supported by Big Fat Snare Drum episodes:

06.26.2024
Megan Spencer's Top 5 Influential Records
This week's guest is Megan Spencer, a talented young drummer and educator from just outside Los Angeles. Megan recently caught my attention with her amazing cover of Marques Murrey's Million Dollar Baby remix, and I was instantly drawn to her...
06.19.2024
Chris Fryar's (Zac Brown Band) Top 5 Influences
This week's guest is Chris Fryar, primarily known for his work with the Zac Brown Band. He has also worked with Oteil and the Peacemakers, led by bassist Oteil Burbridge of the Allman Brothers Band, as well as with Victor Wooten,...
06.12.2024
Mark Guiliana's Biggest Influences
This week’s guest is Mark Guiliana, a visionary drummer and solo artist known for his eclectic style that blends jazz, electronic, and experimental music. He’s worked with artists like David Bowie, Brad Mehldau, St. Vincent, and has his own projects...
06.05.2024
Porter Bliquez' (@415porter) Top 5 Influential Records
This week’s guest is Porter Bliquez, a young American drum prodigy from San Francisco. Despite his age, Porter has already recorded and performed with award-winning producers and musicians associated with Kevin Gates, Olivia Rodrigo, Haan, Andy Prado Jr., and more....
05.29.2024
Wiktoria Bialic's (@wiktoria_drums / Allison Russell / Ralph Kaminski) Top 5 Influential Records
This week's guest is Wiktoria Bialic. Wiktoria has been nominated for four Grammy awards for her recordings on Allison Russell's album, "The Returner." She has also recorded drums for Grammy-winning musicians like Ondre J. Pavic, Alex Marley, Maati Baani, Ralph...
05.22.2024
Brandon Combs' (Leon Bridges / Joy Oladakun / John Legend) Top 5-ish Influential Records
This week’s guest is Brandon Combs. Brandon is a drummer, programmer, and producer hailing from Lansing, Michigan. Brandon obtained his Bachelor of Music degree in Popular Music Studies from the University of Southern California in 2015 and is currently based in...
05.15.2024
Myles Sargent's (The Japanese House) Top 5 Influential Records
This week’s guest is Myles Sargent. Myles is a drummer, musical director and playback engineer based in Brighton, UK. Throughout his career, he's collaborated with an array of artists and bands, including The Japanese House, Justin Jesso, Calum Scott, Thomas...
05.08.2024
Steve Durham's (Louis Tomlinson / Drummer / Musical Director) Top 5 Influential Records
This week's guest is Steve Durham. Steve is a Drummer, Musical Director and Producer from London, UK. He began playing drums at 8 years old and was out on the road by the time he was 14. Since then he's...
05.01.2024
Gunnar Olsen's (Puscifer / Bruce Springsteen / Mother Feather) Top 5 Influential Records
This week's guest is Gunnar Olsen. Gunnar's been on the show a lot recently with "save it for the pod" segments. But I noticed his Big Fat Five episode is almost 4 years old, which is a shame. Recently, I...
04.24.2024
Earl Talbot's (Drummer, Composer, Producer, and Educator) Top 5 Influential Records
This week's guest is Earl Talbot. Earl is a renowned Drummer, Composer, Producer, and Music Instructor. He wrote and produced over 90 songs broadcast regularly on the Oprah Winfrey Show. His career includes performances with house music legends Derick Carter...
04.17.2024
Maxwell Flanders' (Luke Hemmings / Lizzy McAlpine) Top 5 Influential Records
This week, our guest is Maxwell Flanders, a close friend of mine and pseudo-neighbor based in Los Angeles, California. He's a highly sought-after touring and session drummer who recently wrapped up touring with Lizzie McAlpine and is now preparing for...
04.10.2024
Steve Jocz's (Sum 41, The Vandals) Top 5 Influential Records
This week’s guest is Steve Jocz, also known as Stevo 32. Steve is a Canadian musician best known as the original drummer of the punk rock band Sum 41. Steve co-founded Sum 41 in 1996 with Deryck Whibley and played...
04.02.2024
JohnnyBgood's Top 5 Influential Records
This week's guest is JohnnyBgood. I've been following his Instagram account for a while now and I'm really impressed by his nostalgic, retro-futuristic synth sounds and vintage video game vibe. Paired with a clean, opaque colored-infused aesthetic, it's beautiful in its...
03.27.2024
Nick Adams' (Aly & Aj / Take That) Top 5 Influential Records
This week’s guest is Nick Adams … a Los Angeles-based touring and recording drummer whose passion for music and live performance has led him to work with an array of well-known artists such as Rivers Cuomo,Noah Cyrus, Fifth Harmony, Aly & Aj, Liz Phair, and Take That among...
03.21.2024
UGH...I MESSED UP.
This will only stay up for a few days. Take your screenshots now to use as blackmail later. I dare you.
03.21.2024
Dissecting the Drumming of Phil Selway (Radiohead)
This week’s topic on our "Save It For the Pod" segment with Mr. Gunnar Olsen is the timeless and seemingly underrated drummer of Radiohead, Phil Selway. Gunnar and I each choose our top 5 Phil beats and go a dissectin’!...
03.13.2024
Russell Holzman's (Caroline Polachek, @starpowerdrummer) Top 5 Influential Recordings
This week's guest is drummer and producer Russel Holzman (@starpowerdrummer). Russell received his education in Jazz and Classical music at the New England Conservatory. Currently, he tours with artists such as Caroline Polachek and, known for his captivating drumming videos,...
03.06.2024
Where's the beat?! (can you find the ONE in these 10 songs?)
Back in the day, Gunnar Olsen and I launched a segment for this show named 'Save It For the Pod!' without much of a plan beyond discussing random topics in a back-and-forth, list-style format. We managed to produce just three...
02.29.2024
Dave Elitch - Top 5 Things You're NOT Doing That Are Hurting You & Your Drumming
Today, we have a very special guest, Dave Elitch, here to talk about his new online course titled "Staying Out of Your Own Way." Dave believes that musicians should approach their craft with the mindset of athletes, and he's created this...
02.20.2024
Allison Miller's (Drummer / Composer / Teacher) Top 5 Influential Records
This week’s guest is Allison Miller. Allison, based in New York City, is an American drummer, composer, and educator known for her versatile style. Fusing jazz with rock, funk, and global music elements, she has collaborated with notable artists including...
02.14.2024
Bill Bruford's (Yes / King Crimson / Earthworks / Genesis) 5 Influential Records
This week’s guest is THE Bill Bruford. Bill is a legendary drummer whose illustrious career spans over five decades, marked by pioneering contributions to progressive rock, jazz fusion, and beyond. Emerging onto the music scene in the late 1960s, Bruford...
02.07.2024
Brian Dunne's (Hall & Oates / Live at Daryl's House) Top 5 Influential Records
This week’s guest is Brian Dunne. Brian is the current drummer for Hall & Oates as well as the house drummer for Live From Daryl's House. Everything Brian plays sounds like a pre-produced groove and it's no wonder that he’s held...
01.31.2024
Sarah Jones' (Harry Styles / New Young Pony Club / Hot Chip) Top 5 Influential Records
This week's guest is Sarah Jones…an English musician best known for being a session and touring drummer. She has recorded and/or toured with New Young Pony Club, Aynsley Lister, Bat for Lashes, Puscifer, Hot Chip, Bloc Party, Pillow Person and...
01.24.2024
Arbak Dal's (T Cymbals / Independent) Top 5 Influential Records
This week’s guest is Arbak Dal––a phenomenal turkish drummer and founder of T Cymbals. He’s toured and/or recorded with countless European artists over the years in addition to his own solo projects. He also worked for decades as the everyman at...
01.17.2024
JP Bouvet's (Childish Japes / Educator) Top 5 Influential Records
This week’s guest is JP Bouvet. JP is a fabulous drummer, educator and winner of the 2011 Guitar Center Drum Off. He has his own band called Childish Japes and has toured with artists like Steve Tai and Zack Wylde...
01.10.2024
Ray Brown's (Snail Mail) Top 5 Influential Records
This week’s guest is Ray Brown...drummer for the band Snail Mail. I’ve been a big fan of Ray's drumming since I first heard him on Snail Mail’s debut album, Lush, in 2017. His upbringing in the DC area music scene...
01.03.2024
Rhys Hastings' (Yves Tumor / Educator) Top 5 Influential Records
This week’s guest is Rhys Hastings. This episode has been a long time coming as both Rhys and myself have been two ships in the night trying to schedule this thing. We’ve both had an insanely busy year of touring,...
12.27.2023
My End of Year REQUEST!!!!
I need your help to make this show the best it can be going into the new year. Even after 170+ episodes...I'm ALL EARS on how I can improve. Below is a link to an anonymous survey for you to...
12.20.2023
Zach Jones' (Sting) Top 5 Influential Records
This week’s guest is Zach Jones. Zach is a is a drummer, singer, songwriter, and producer from Brooklyn, NY. Zach has performed and recorded with artists such as Sting, Ingrid Michaelson, A Great Big World, Elle King, and many more....
12.13.2023
Griffin Goldsmith's (Dawes) Top 5 Influential Records
This week’s guest is Griffin Goldsmith, drummer for the band Dawes. I’ve been lucky enough to see Griffin perform a few times in person the last month and he is quickly becoming one of my favorite drummers. Also…Dawes just released a...
12.06.2023
Evan Woodle's (Heatwarmer, Karl Blau, Racer Sessions) Top 5 Influential Records
This week’s guest is Evan Woodle. I was turned onto Evan’s playing through a previous guest of the podcast, Sheridan Riley of the band Alvvays. Evan got his start in the internationally acclaimed Roosevelt High School jazz program in Seattle...
11.29.2023
Yoni Madar's (Independent / Multi-Instrumentalist) Top 5 Influential Records
This week’s guest is Yoni Madar. Yoni is an Israeli multi-instrumentalist with an incredible facility on the kit; it’s a mad scientist level of technical ability. He has released multiple books on his unique approach to technique that I urge...
11.22.2023
Branden Steineckert's (Rancid, The Used) Top 5 Influential Records
This week’s guest is Branden Steineckert. Brandon will always be a massive part of my childhood as a founding member of The Used (specifically the first two records for which he played drums and had a major role in the...
11.15.2023
Travis Orbin's (Darkest Hour, Independent) Top 5 influential Records
This week’s guest is Travis Orbin…Travis is a progressive / metal-leaning drummer who has recorded and/or performed with Darkest Hour, Of Legends, Sky Eats Airplane, Periphery and many more heavy hitters. He’s probably the most technically proficient drummer we’ve had on...
11.08.2023
Chris Icasiano's (Fleet Foxes, Bad Luck, Pure Bathing Culture) Top 5 Influential Records
This week’s guest is Chris Icasiano - Chris is a Filipino-American percussionist and composer from Redmond, WA. His specialization in free-improvisation and experimental music combined with his vast experience with pop and rock have made him a highly sought after collaborator in...
11.01.2023
Introducing 'Big Fat Favorites"
I wanted to introduce a new segment for the show moving forward called 'Big Fat Favorites.' There are over 160+ episodes of this podcast and you know that I usually play more than 5 songs during the episodes so that...
10.18.2023
Brody Simpson's Top 5 Influential Records
This week’s guest is Brody Simpson. I’ve been wanting to re-work this episode and shoot it to the top of the feed because this conversation, which originally aired in August of 2020, is an episode that I quote all the time...
10.11.2023
Rob Humphreys (Kacey Musgraves, Nikki Costa) Top 5 Influential Records
This week’s guest is Rob Humphreys. Originally from New Mexico, Rob currently lives in Los Angeles and has quite the impressive list of professional credits having played and/or recorded with Billy Ray Cyrus, Celine Dion, Karon O, Kacey Musgraves, Leonard...
10.04.2023
Rest in Peace Dom Famularo
This past week, we lost a very important member of the drumming community, Dom Famularo. Known as "Drumming's Global Ambassador" spent the last 30 years traveling the globe preaching the gospel of drumming. An intense performer, Dom remains one of...
09.27.2023
Jimmy Chamberlin's (The Smashing Pumpkins, Jimmy Chamberlin Complex) Top 5 Influential Records
This week’s guest is THE Jimmy Chamberlin. He is a singular player that blends jazz/rock/prog and I was SO curious as to what his top 5 would be; and he did not disappoint. He is, of course, most known for...
09.20.2023
Tommy Igoe's Top 5 Influential Records
This week’s guest is Tommy Igoe. Tommy is a world-class musician / producer / author / creator based in San Francisco, CA. He is the top-selling author in his field with four #1 titles on Amazon.com. He began drumming before...
09.13.2023
Brandon Scott's Top 5 Influential Records
This week’s guest is Brandon Scott –– a fabulous drummer, YouTuber and cinematographer. I’ve been following his channel for YEARS and was really excited to finally get him on the show. Brandon’s YouTube channel is an exceptional blend of great playing, education,...
09.06.2023
Joe Lana Jr's (The Cowboy Drummer, Dropout Kings) Top 5 Influential Records
This week’s guest is Joe Lana Jr. AKA The Cowboy Drummer. Based Rochester, NY, Joe has created quite the following with his hilarious drum videos coupled with amazing playing. If you don’t know about The Cowboy Drummer, go give him a follow...
08.30.2023
Elias Mallin's (Filter, Kesha, Noah Cyrus) Top 5 Influential Records
This week’s guest is Elias Mallin. Elias is one of my newest favorite people and this chat was fun. He warned me that he’d have a lot of controversial takes and I certainly was not disappointed. Elias is one of...
08.23.2023
Tim Carman's (GA-20) Top 5 Influential Records
This week’s guest is Tim Carman. Tim international touring musician, session drummer, educator, and published author with both Alfred Music and Hudson Music. He’s released 5 books and we talk about all of them at the end of our chat. Tim currently records and...
08.16.2023
Johnny Kelly's (Type O Negative, Quiet Riot, Danzig) Top 5 Influential Records
This week’s guest is Johnny Kelly. Johnny is mostly known for his tenure as the drummer for Type O Negative, but his full resume includes Quiet Riot, Danzig, Silvertomb, A Pale Horse Named Death, Kill Devil Kill, and his latest...
08.09.2023
Tina Raymond's (Drummer, Composer, Educator) Top 5 Influential Records
This week’s guest is Tina Raymond. Tina is an accomplished drummer, composer, bandleader, and educator based in Los Angeles, CA and is the director of Jazz Studies at California State University Northridge. She presented globally and her teaching credits include Los...
08.02.2023
Bosh Rothman's (Kills Birds, Living Things, Blondshell) Top 5 Influential Records
This week’s guest is Bosh Rothman. Bosh is an LA based drummer who’s played with Kills Birds, Living Things, Blondshell, Kim Gordon, Courtney Love, Marissa Nadler, Alison Mosshart and many more. I was first turned on to Bosh when I...
07.26.2023
Stanton Moore's (Galactic, Corrosion of Conformity, Krasno / Moore Project) Top 5 Influential Records
This week’s guest is the one…the only Stanton Moore. Stanton is a GRAMMY award-winning drummer, educator and performer born and raised in New Orleans. His pride for his hometown is pretty unmatched. In the early ‘90s, Moore helped found the New...
07.19.2023
Rich Redmond's (Jason Aldean) Top 5 Influential Records
This week’s guest is Rich Redmond. Rich has been the touring and recording drummer with multi platinum country rocker Jason Aldean for nearly two decades. He has recorded 31 #1 radio hits and plays to millions of fans per year...

What's Big Fat Five: A Podcast Financially Supported by Big Fat Snare Drum about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Big Fat Five: A Podcast Financially Supported by Big Fat Snare Drum episodes:

Megan Spencer's Top 5 Influential Records

Chris Fryar's (Zac Brown Band) Top 5 Influences

Mark Guiliana's Biggest Influences

Porter Bliquez' (@415porter) Top 5 Influential Records

Wiktoria Bialic's (@wiktoria_drums / Allison Russell / Ralph Kaminski) Top 5 Influential Records

Brandon Combs' (Leon Bridges / Joy Oladakun / John Legend) Top 5-ish Influential Records

Myles Sargent's (The Japanese House) Top 5 Influential Records

Steve Durham's (Louis Tomlinson / Drummer / Musical Director) Top 5 Influential Records

Gunnar Olsen's (Puscifer / Bruce Springsteen / Mother Feather) Top 5 Influential Records

Earl Talbot's (Drummer, Composer, Producer, and Educator) Top 5 Influential Records

Maxwell Flanders' (Luke Hemmings / Lizzy McAlpine) Top 5 Influential Records

Steve Jocz's (Sum 41, The Vandals) Top 5 Influential Records

JohnnyBgood's Top 5 Influential Records

Nick Adams' (Aly & Aj / Take That) Top 5 Influential Records

UGH...I MESSED UP.

Dissecting the Drumming of Phil Selway (Radiohead)

Russell Holzman's (Caroline Polachek, @starpowerdrummer) Top 5 Influential Recordings

Where's the beat?! (can you find the ONE in these 10 songs?)

Dave Elitch - Top 5 Things You're NOT Doing That Are Hurting You & Your Drumming

Allison Miller's (Drummer / Composer / Teacher) Top 5 Influential Records

Bill Bruford's (Yes / King Crimson / Earthworks / Genesis) 5 Influential Records

Brian Dunne's (Hall & Oates / Live at Daryl's House) Top 5 Influential Records

Sarah Jones' (Harry Styles / New Young Pony Club / Hot Chip) Top 5 Influential Records

Arbak Dal's (T Cymbals / Independent) Top 5 Influential Records

JP Bouvet's (Childish Japes / Educator) Top 5 Influential Records

Ray Brown's (Snail Mail) Top 5 Influential Records

Rhys Hastings' (Yves Tumor / Educator) Top 5 Influential Records

My End of Year REQUEST!!!!

Zach Jones' (Sting) Top 5 Influential Records

Griffin Goldsmith's (Dawes) Top 5 Influential Records

Evan Woodle's (Heatwarmer, Karl Blau, Racer Sessions) Top 5 Influential Records

Yoni Madar's (Independent / Multi-Instrumentalist) Top 5 Influential Records

Branden Steineckert's (Rancid, The Used) Top 5 Influential Records

Travis Orbin's (Darkest Hour, Independent) Top 5 influential Records

Chris Icasiano's (Fleet Foxes, Bad Luck, Pure Bathing Culture) Top 5 Influential Records

Introducing 'Big Fat Favorites"

Brody Simpson's Top 5 Influential Records

Rob Humphreys (Kacey Musgraves, Nikki Costa) Top 5 Influential Records

Rest in Peace Dom Famularo

Jimmy Chamberlin's (The Smashing Pumpkins, Jimmy Chamberlin Complex) Top 5 Influential Records

Tommy Igoe's Top 5 Influential Records

Brandon Scott's Top 5 Influential Records

Joe Lana Jr's (The Cowboy Drummer, Dropout Kings) Top 5 Influential Records

Elias Mallin's (Filter, Kesha, Noah Cyrus) Top 5 Influential Records

Tim Carman's (GA-20) Top 5 Influential Records

Johnny Kelly's (Type O Negative, Quiet Riot, Danzig) Top 5 Influential Records

Tina Raymond's (Drummer, Composer, Educator) Top 5 Influential Records

Bosh Rothman's (Kills Birds, Living Things, Blondshell) Top 5 Influential Records

Stanton Moore's (Galactic, Corrosion of Conformity, Krasno / Moore Project) Top 5 Influential Records

Rich Redmond's (Jason Aldean) Top 5 Influential Records

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