Benjamin Shannon—Australian drummer, composer, conductor, and rhythmic explorer- was kind enough to join us for an interview. Known for his work with Dropbear Lodge, Benjamin talks about his unique approach to experimental music and the art of conduction. We touch on everything from RuneScape to orchestral improvisation, personal fulfillment, and redefining what it means to be a musician in the modern world.

 Whether you're a percussionist, composer, or just someone figuring out your creative path, tune in!

#benjaminshannon #drums #drumming #dropbearlodge

0:00 - Intro
03:45 - Not Just A Drummer
05:16 - Conduction
16:30 - Find Your Voice
19:27 - Dropbear Lodge
22:14 - Koala Artwork
25:00 - 2:3 2:3 (The Rhumba of the Beast)
29:43 - Drumming Inspiration
38:26 - Other Instruments
39:49 - Career Trajectory
46:05 - Definition of Musician
51:09 - Fulfilment 

Ben’s YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@eightshotringcaps

Ben’s bands: 

- Dropbear Lodge - https://open.spotify.com/artist/5jP16Yld1XSUCqHB9cr7b6?si=DelXzAkpR0qOJ6gG46mWQw
- Milton Man Gogh - https://open.spotify.com/artist/7lJr0UXDR1svi3WbDV1EsV
- Shamin - https://open.spotify.com/artist/0VislzoNw40ZenecDnO7AR
- Kodiak Empire - https://open.spotify.com/artist/0KcuADSthqPxAn5iKRdQmT?si=rkGetZyMRmWMSQxpnmvohA&nd=1&dlsi=8b1d04facaeb4b2e

Artists mentioned in the interview: 

Artisans Workshop - http://www.jonathandimond.com/discography-artisans.html
Basil’s Kite - https://www.youtube.com/@basilskite6145
The Chats - https://open.spotify.com/artist/1aQ7P3HtKOQFW16ebjiks1?si=kFHKiPJ-RiqU6ggPcH5Q_A
King Stingray - https://open.spotify.com/artist/3hA0yUEuLvjqvxtMlqznDb?si=1IeFFv2sRhekbDi2wxKNdg
Mark Guiliana - https://open.spotify.com/artist/798TUNb6IfpsZzMkkzVGu1?si=B3Tzf0YeS8mjqeLgSbODXw
Louis Cole - https://open.spotify.com/artist/6uIst176jhzooPMetg2rtH?si=_D-xV_79QSmxWKcw_QrZgg
The Mars Volta - https://open.spotify.com/artist/75U40yZLLPglFgXbDVnmVs?si=CGbOqyIfSiKMKHwhrzInTA
The Dillinger Escape Plan - https://open.spotify.com/artist/7IGcjaMGAtsvKBLQX26W4i?si=BGgAHE4TTjSlFB0pmluSdg
The Contortionists - https://open.spotify.com/artist/7nCgNmfYJcsVy3vOOzExYS?si=3CbiqtaZQWWDoKcF2C5x7A
A Day to Remember - https://open.spotify.com/artist/4NiJW4q9ichVqL1aUsgGAN?si=VI0oxks_QAK2qB-8f6DEUQ
Parkway Drive - https://open.spotify.com/artist/159qqlGwzE04xyqpfAwRLo?si=Xa9wMLV5QiqbXey-K9sKAg
Born of Osiris - https://open.spotify.com/artist/4HgqjpBaWctBWVHafQIpRt?si=SwdhkKUfQBCyAAj5lKX8dw
After the Burials - https://open.spotify.com/artist/0uNj4RxFjG0iVPlZS753en?si=drd3QyPgSsSkddB-OQhlKg
As Blood Runs Black - https://open.spotify.com/artist/4LjQpQc5NB5G02zqfEIex7?si=z27jLZijQUaFPIN7bJMOdA
The Black Dahlia Murder - https://open.spotify.com/artist/4xTDPgk4jHCF0qui3dH6BS?si=eg6zZnorQZOXEJL6vVdUcA
Oceansize - https://open.spotify.com/artist/0Opj9xi9HHrH0L9uHAKnKm?si=168fAyIISD6X8A4rp9R25w
Cog - https://open.spotify.com/artist/6gD6Pm7jo3mmKgDtyMruA6?si=cfJBjnW7TbSvjaknyjUlBA
Dead Letter Circus - https://open.spotify.com/artist/3NW2VkBpoHFv327eSuH490?si=TvYx1OG9Sm2J3ktAmX5y-A
Deftones - https://open.spotify.com/artist/6Ghvu1VvMGScGpOUJBAHNH?si=0Psed_rHSImsD1lrGHUU3w
Tool - https://open.spotify.com/artist/2yEwvVSSSUkcLeSTNyHKh8?si=nN2QFadzRbmm-dkt-lMkiw
Sun Ra Arkestra - https://open.spotify.com/artist/5V5vvh5MgM7vDuPp4lJYkh?si=zd9_xeZgR7-r2Q-lX4SQ0A


🔗 Want to dive deeper and take your skills to the next level? Visit the Drum Dog website here: https://drum.dog for access to a vast library of lessons from top drummers!

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Legendary drummer Bill Bruford reflects on everything from his drumming hiatus and short-haul European air travel to current projects and favourite tracks to play across his career. It was a real privilege to speak to Bill and hear him discuss his battles with drumming burnout,  earning a doctorate in musicology, and what it truly means to find your voice behind the drums. We, of course, spoke about his stint with prog rock giants King Crimson and Yes and focused on a couple of tracks in particular. It was such a pleasure to speak with Bill and gain his insights on so many fascinating topics to do with drums and music—this is one not to miss!

00:00 - Intro
01:25 - Drumming Hiatus
04:40 - Return to Drums
08:00 - Social Media & AI 
13:00 - Favourite Tracks
15:50 - Earthworks
16:46 - Indiscipline
20:00 - Bill’s YouTube Channel
21:57 - The Talking Drum
24:01 - Connecting with the Music 
26:11 - Advice for Young Bill Bruford
28:40 - Advice for Young Drummers
30:35 - Dream Collaboration
33:40 - The Bruford Sound
32:15 - Ari Hoenig
39:55 - Analysis of a Band’s Sound
41:14 - Small vs. Big Venues

Links: 

Pete Roth website: https://www.peterothtrio.com/
Bill Bruford website: https://billbruford.com/
Bill Bruford YT Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGCjL570rm8Gs8j2d5yenZw
If Summer Had Its Ghosts - Bill Bruford, Ralph Towner, Eddie Gómez: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/If_Summer_Had_Its_Ghosts
Ari Hoenig: https://www.arihoenig.com/

#billbruford #kingcrimson #progrock #drums

🔗 Want to dive deeper and take your skills to the next level? Visit the Drum Dog website here: https://drum.dog for access to a vast library of lessons from top drummers!

🔔 If you enjoyed this video, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more drumming content, gear reviews, and lessons from some of the world’s best drummers!

💬Join our Discord to chat all things drums! https://discord.gg/TJwFsaZy

Sam Jones is one of the drumming superstars of the blossoming London jazz scene. We had the pleasure to talk with him about his practice routine, drumming journey and some of the tracks from the recent Nubya Garcia album 'Odyssey' which he's credited on. 

#samjones #drums #nubyagarcia #sonsofkemet #obongjayar

Check out Sam's website: https://www.barrelljonesmusic.com/
Listen to Nubya Garcia's 'Odyssey' here: https://open.spotify.com/album/1ZoZu4AeEVIKybGiGgOYdd?si=896hKEC5THG9pialncAOtA

Sam Barrell Jones is a South East London based drummer, producer and DJ best known for his work with Mercury Prize Shortlisted saxophonist Nubya Garcia, Mobo and Jazz FM award winner Binker Golding and as Musical Director and drummer for Ivor Novelo winner Obongjayar. He has performed with artists including: Sons of Kemet, Joe Armon-Jones and Mala, Charlotte Dos Santos, Zara McFarlane, Yazmin Lacey, Oscar Jerome, Berwyn, Pa Salieu and more. Sam is also leader of his own project, where he composes and arranges original music. Sam is a proud alumni of the Tomorrow’s Warriors and Aldeburgh Young Musicians programs. His approach draws from his London upbringing combining the sounds of Grime, UK Bass, Jazz, Reggae, Dub and more. 

🔗 Want to dive deeper and take your skills to the next level? Visit the Drum Dog website here: https://drum.dog for access to a vast library of lessons from top drummers!

🔔 If you enjoyed this video, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more drumming content, gear reviews, and lessons from some of the world’s best drummers!