Drummer guys and gals of the world, welcome in to Episode #34 of The Up & Coming Drummer Podcast! We are back this week with Drummer for the band "The Dear Misses", Bret Collins!

When I first chat with potential guests for the show, it's sometimes months before we actually do the interview. There are many emails that go back and forth discussing the topics of the show. This protocol was no different with Bret Collins. However, it seemed like we ran into a few more scheduling issues than usual. It actually worked out for the better. I was two weeks behind on episodes for the longest time. This is the first time in a long time that I am recording an episode the same week that it comes out!

Enough about that though. Let's talk about my guest, Bret Collins. After a long day at work, Bret sat down with me to tell us a bit about his career as a drummer. We first learn about Bret's upbringing. He tells a bit about how he got into music, his love for Garth Brooks, and playing in middle school band. Bret walks us through his years in concert band, taking lessons, and high school marching band. After graduating high school, Bret went on to study music in college. We chatted about the music scene in his area, and the musicians he jammed with in his early years as a drummer.

Our conversation leads us up to his current band, "The Dear Misses". Bret explains how the guys met, and points out how his singer was actually the head drummer in his drumline. Bret describes their sound as alternative rock, with sprinkled in influences of each of the bands members. We talk about some of the places they've played, national acts they've opened for, adn getting radio play in their hometown! Bret's band has shared the stage with former guest Jacob Dorn's band, "Sweet Ascent".

Recently, The Dear Misses were lucky enough to win some free studio time in which they took the opportunity to record a couple of their new songs. This would be Bret's first ever experience in a recording studio. I took this time to pick Bret's brain about what that experience was like. He offers up some great tips on how to prepare for a recording session. It's important to be prepared. That clock is ticking so be ready, and know your material.

I had mentioned before that Bret works a full-time job and puts many hours on the clock. Like most of us, we dream to be able to play drums for a living. Bret explains how you never know if it's for you until you try it. he would love to see himself in a touring band, or even as a drumtech just to get the taste of life on the road. We talk about the steps he's currently taking to get closer to his goal.  He is even considering teaching drums to help get himself closer to full-time drummer status.

Next up, I wanted to ask Bret about his relationship with Jacob Dorn. It turns out that Jacob would often set up his kit at Bret's house when he was coming off of tour. The two would jam together and Bret expressed how important it is to jam with other drummers. He said he learned alot from jamming with Jacob. We plan on having Jacob back on the show soon so keep your eyes for a follow up with him.

Bret and I shift the conversation to social media. Bret had stated that he was at one time very shy, not wanting people to see him play. I asked him if this has had any effect on putting himself out there on Social Media. Turns out that Bret is very active on these platforms doing most of the posting for his band, and interacting with people on his personal pages as well. We talk tactics on how to grow your presence. You can check out all the pages Bret and his band can be found below.

In the next part of our chat, Bret and I talk about gear. he gives us a rundown on his DDrums kit complete with sizes. Bret plays Zildjian Cymbals. All rides by the way! He credits John Bonham for giving him the idea to use ride cymbals as crashes.