Drummers on Drumming

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...

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.