Drummers on Drumming

Today’s guest is Mike Sleath…a Canadian-based drummer currently touring full-time with pop artist Shawn Mendes. Before getting the gig with Shawn, Mike hustled as a drummer for years in the Toronto scene and certainly paid his dues so I wanted to get him on the show to talk about “5 Ways to Get and Keep Your Drumming Gig”. Some of this stuff might be self-explanatory, but even the most obvious points have nuance and can always use a little re-enforcement. In addition to being an incredibly powerful drummer, Mike is one of the nicest dudes in the world and it was a blast having him on the podcast. Enjoy the show!

This episode is brought to you by www.clearsoundbaffles.com. Enter the code BIGFATDISCOUNT at checkout for 10% off.

Today’s guest is Eric Downs…a very talented drummer and music director based in Los Angeles. While you might not want to become a music director yourself, this is an incredibly important and fruitful conversation jammed packed with practical information that will help anyone improve their live show. Eric’s perspective and acknowledgment of a performers’ responsibility to give the audience a unique experience is extremely inspiring. Enjoy the show!

This episode is powered by Clearsound Baffles. Enter the code BIGFATDISCOUNT at checkout for 10% off.

This episode is Part 2 of my conversation with Dan Bailey. Please go check out Part 1 and download Dan’s masterclasses called “The Bailey Method” Parts 1 and 2. You can check them out on his website www.drichardbailey.com. Enter promo code BFSD for 15% off. Enjoy the show!

This episode is powered by Clearsound Baffles. Enter the code BIGFATDISCOUNT at checkout for 10% off.

Today’s episode is part one of Ben's conversation with Dan Bailey on the topic of 5 things to avoid when working on a session for an artist.

Dan is a Drummer / Music Director / Engineer / Multi-Instrumentalist who’s played with Father John Misty, First Aid Kit, Reignwolf and many.

He recently released his video series The Bailey Method parts 1 & 2 recorded at his studio Trackland in Orange County . In part 1, Dan discusses his methods for setting up, and ultimately recording a drum kit. He does this all in real time…which is rare…so you see EXACTLY how he does it. Part 2 dives a little deeper into how and why he tailors sounds for specific applications. You can check those out at www.drichardbailey.com and check him out on Instagram at @drichardbailey.

Ben sits down with Jeremy Brieske of Lowboy Custom Beaters for another episode of Behind The Company. Not only did Lowboy change the way people think about bass drum beaters, but Jeremy also continues to invent new gadgets to better improve the drum set with no sign of stopping. I hope you enjoy the story of Lowboy as told by Jeremy. Cheers!

Today’s show is my interview with Scott Mcpherson of Tackle Instrument Supply Company. One of my goals with this podcast is sharing the story behind some of my favorite drum and drum accessory companies. On top of being a business owner, Scott has an incredibly impressive resume including Elliot Smith, Sense Field, Bright Eyes, M. Ward and many more…Beck. For a more in-depth and perhaps, heavier interview with Scott, check out his episode on one of my favorite podcasts… The Trap Set with Joe Wong. In the meantime, enjoy my conversation with Scott McPherson.

Today’s show is Ben's interview with Nick Margarite…founder/owner/and cymbal smith for NickyMoon Custom Cymbals. We talk about the history of him as a drummer, why he started the company and the story of how he traveled the world to learn the art of cymbal making.

Andrew Marshall of Billie Eilish sits down with Ben and discusses how to use automation in Ableton Live to change the sounds on each of your pads and/or triggers throughout any given song. This means less time thinking about choreography and more time playing drums. Also check out the corresponding YouTube Tutorial entitled "" where we take you on a step-by-step process of how to set up your session in the exact way we discuss.

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...