Auditions can be really intimidating. If you’ve ever had to get up and show them your stuff, you know what I mean. It’s something like being under a microscope! With the right attitude and preparation, you can go in there and nail that audition. In this episode, some friends of mine and I talk about what is important in an audition and even a few stories of good and not so good examples. If you’re wanting to be a professional musician, you’ll need to get into the audition game and this episode can help prepare you.

Links to Mentioned podcasts:

Scotty Simpson: 
https://keechrainwater.mykajabi.com/podcasts/designated-drummer/episodes/2147885450

Keio Stroud:
https://keechrainwater.mykajabi.com/podcasts/designated-drummer/episodes/2147710990

Rich Redmond:
https://keechrainwater.mykajabi.com/podcasts/designated-drummer/episodes/2147728291

Scotty Simpson, a bass player originally from Dallas TX, is currently on the road with The Oak Ridge Boys. He kept pushing his career further and further until finally landing in Nashville and playing with some of the biggest country acts of the 90s. Still going strong and no sign of slowing down. Check out Scotty awesome advice on auditioning for gigs.

Eddie Reasoner is a keyboardist, songwriter, composer and most recently former member of the band Three Dog Night. His credits in music for television and film are numerous. His wisdom and knowledge is impressive. After years of touring with his own band and then hooking up with Three Dog Night, he’s taking it easy and enjoying his time fishing and working in his home studio.

Kelly Bamberger, AKA Kelly Bam Bam, is a long time drummer for different bands playing in the famous Broadway street clubs in Nashville Tennessee. Since 1996, she has made her living playing mostly in Broadway clubs and honky-tonks. Join us on this episode as we talk about drummers who inspire us, tempos and our favorite equipment.

Tom Van Schaik was the original drummer for the Dixie Chicks (The Chicks). He has been a session drummer, live drummer and even a teacher of percussion at the Arts Magnet school in Dallas. These days he can be found in Nashville networking and freelancing. Listen to this week's episode and find out all about his journey.

Kimo Forrest is currently the lead guitar player for super group Alabama. When not on tour with Alabama, he is also the drummer for John Michael Montgomery, a writer, producer and one of the singers with his own long running band Cash Creek. Where does he find the time? Let's find out that and more on this amazing and talented guy on today's episode.

Ever wondered what are the best brands of drums to buy? Also why one setup over another? In this episode I talk in depth about drum brands and different types of setups we use on stage, both unplugged type shows and full blown concerts as well as practice kits. Also I give advice about auditioning and your drum kit.

Exile Drummer, Steve Goetzman, has been playing the drums for many decades. Originally from Kentucky and now living in Nashville, he talks about his early beginnings in the music business.

Exile, in 2023, celebrate their 60th year as a working band. An incredible feat in the music business. thei

2022 has been an interesting and fun year! I’ve gotten to talk to some really cool people and covered some engaging topics. In this episode I talk about who I’ve had on the podcast and what I’ve learned. This will be the end of season 2 and I’m looking forward to getting back at it in January for season 3! See you then!

Hobie Hubbard has been the keyboard player and one of the founding members of the country group Sawyer Brown. He started out playing piano and singing in church growing up near Orlando, Florida. He talks about the big move to Nashville, getting Sawyer Brown off the ground and winning Star Search in 1983. Remember Star Search? They’ve never even slowed down since. Learn all about it in this week's episode.