We're super stoked to welcome Cody Ash to the studio to help us kick off 2025! In this raw and honest 3hr interview, Cody shares his unique journey from a small-town upbringing in Kentucky through his challenging high school years and various musical phases including joining metalcore bands Sylar and O'Kingdom. Cody recounts the pivotal experiences that led him to Nashville and meeting Jelly Roll, his evolution into country music, overcoming the challenges of learning new material under pressure, and his approach to drum solos. Cody reflects on the competitive spirit within the drumming community, his recent accolades; including nominations for Drumeo Country Drummer of the Year and the Modern Drummer Reader's Poll, and landing endorsements with DW Drums and Remo. This episode dives deep into Cody's passion for music and his philosophy of relentless hard work and community support. We hope you enjoy!

Chapters:
00:00 Intro
3:28 Welcome, Cody!
11:13 High School Struggles and First Bands
15:33 Joining O'Kingdom and Touring
18:14 Transition to Professional Drumming
21:21 Joining Sylar
29:47 Drum Supply (Sponsor)
31:54 Rediscovering Country Music
39:02 Transition to Nashville
43:32 Drum Box (Sponsor)
44:13 Meeting Jelly Roll
48:20 The Phone Call
53:12 1st Gig w/ Jelly Roll
1:07:55 Zildjian Factory Tour
1:09:45 Local Scenes, High School Band Memories
1:13:01 College and Music Theory
1:27:51 Groove MPL (Sponsor)
1:29:49 2025 NYE Performance (Nashville's Big Bash)
1:41:49 Mentorship and Giving Back
1:43:41 Hometown Memories and Inspirations
1:44:58 Buc-ee's & Food On Tour
1:54:49 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor)
1:55:31 The Art of the Drum Solo
2:04:19 Beer Smashing on Stage
2:15:28 Music City Audiology (Sponsor)
2:16:10 Gratitude for the Crew
2:16:39 2024 Accolades and Reflections
2:18:02 Competitive Drive in Music
2:26:52 DW Drums Endorsement
2:32:38 Closing Questions
2:43:32 The PORKCHOP Nickname
2:46:28 Outro

Thank you to our Episode Sponsors:

Drum Supply
https://www.drumsupply.com

Drum Box
https://drumbox.space

Groove MPL
https://www.groovempl.com

Low Boy Beaters
https://lowboybeaters.com

Music City Audiology
https://www.musiccityaudiology.com


Connect with Cody:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/codyashdrums
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CodyAshDrums
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@codyashdrums
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AshDrumsOK

Music Featured in this Episode:
"Seasons" - Sylar
"

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Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN
Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART

ⓒ 2025 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC