Today’s Drum Shop Showcase is the Memphis Drum Shop. While on a recent tour, Ben had the chance to sit down for a quick conversation with Jim Pettit, who co-owns the shop with his wife Nancy. 

Through talking with Jim, we learn that, while Memphis Drum Shop is certainly still going strong, the priority has slowly shifted towards mycymbal.com which you’ll hear Jim describe shortly.

We also discuss how their third venture, Memphis Gong Chamber, gives back in the name of health. Enjoy my short little conversation with Jim Pettit of Memphis Drum Shop.

Part Deux of Ben's conversation with Mic Quinn and Geron Rains...

Ben sits down with two of his favorite sound engineers and people Mic Quinn and Geron Rains. Mic has toured the world as Production Manager, Stage Manager and/or Front of House Audio with Jet, Cut Copy, Empire of the Sun, Kongos, Biffy Clyro, The Music and countess more while Geron is primarily a monitor engineer having worked with Kongos, Ratatat, Vince Staples, Relient K and Hippo Campus. They discuss their personal philosophies, techniques and overall insight on micing and recording drums for both the studio and live. We get into everything from mic choices to drummer pet peeves to how hard, yet important it is to develop the relationship between player and sound engineer in order to achieve the best sound possible both for the room and the music. Also, we didn’t get a chance to discuss it, but be sure to check out Mic’s annual Sidepony Express Music Festival he puts on in Bisbee, AZ. You can find more info at www.sideponymusicfestival.com

This is the first episode in a segment we are calling the Drum Shop Showcase. While we all (please say I'm not alone) admittedly appreciate the convenience of the national chains, the local drum shop will always be near and dear to any drummer's heart. As we travel the world with our various projects, both Kris and I try to visit these shops whenever time permits. Each shop has its own unique history and we want to bring that story to you. Enjoy!

In this Bonus Clip, Preston Parsons takes us on a tour of the Vessel Drum Co workshop in Encinitas, CA and explains how he builds his drums. Check out our more in-depth conversation in Episode 4.

Welcome to the Big Fat Snare Drum Podcast. Today Ben sits down with Preston Parsons of Vessel Drum Company. They discuss the basics of drum construction and why boutique drum companies are such an essential niche in the drum community.

Welcome to the Big Fat Snare Drum Podcast. This is part 2 of Ben's conversation with Joe Clegg. Soo, if you haven’t listened to part one…I don’t know why you clicked on this…but go back and listen to the beginning. Ok…enjoy!

Today Ben talks with Joe Clegg…who, if you listened to episode 1, is a big part of the beginning of Big Fat Snare Drum. Joe is a drummer and Musical Director associated with acts such as Ellie Goulding, Mumford and Sons, Clean Bandit, Sigrid and many more. With the growing popularity and somewhat daunting subject of hybrid drumming, Joe breaks down some tips n tricks on how to approach the subject and bring it into your playing. Believe me, if you want to be working drummer today…you need to know this stuff. Enjoy part 1 of my interview with Joe Clegg.

Welcome to the first episode of The Big Fat Snare Drum Podcast!...a podcast that snags insight and advice from the often-unsung heroes of our drumming community. In this show, we'll talk about the things you might not know unless you’re a full-time session or touring player. Furthermore, we’ll hound some of our favorite drummers on their techniques, how they developed their unique playing style, approach to songwriting, and specific sonic goals. And as we all know, drummers are known to be a little scatterbrained so expect us to throw in a few curveballs.

In this inaugural episode, you get to meet us...the hosts! 

Enjoy the babbling nonsense of Owner/Founder of Big Fat Snare Drum, Kris Mazzarisi, and Artist Relations Manager, Ben Hilzinger as we discuss the origin of both our friendship and Big Fat Snare Drum. Cheers!