Hey Drummers and Drummettes! Glad to have you back this week for another episode of The Up & Coming Drummer Podcast. Joining me this week is the unbelievably talented, Nic Kubes.

When Nic Kubes first reached out to me about being on the show, I was shocked to see that he was only 18 years old. I figured I'd send over my questionnaire and see what he has going on in his career. There's not many drummers, even myself at that age, who have a lot of stuff going on. I worry even with drummers my age and older that we won't have much to talk about, so I always send over a form for them to list some of the bands, teaching gigs, and other achievements they've had just to get an idea of who they are. What Nic sent me back, had my jaw on the floor!

Nic is the reigning champ when it comes to youngest guest on the show. He may be the youngest, but don't let that fool you! Nic is unbelievably skilled on the drums and conducts himself better than most middle-aged people I know!  He graduated High School a year early, won several awards and scholarships, and already has his own teaching practice. This dude is no joke! He rubs shoulders with the biggest names in drumming. So as you can see, my worries quickly turned into excitement when I knew I would have the chance to chat drums with Nic!

I like to start off each show by asking my guests about growing up. Nic and I joked about wrapping up the show after his answer to this first question. I told Nic to try and focus on his actual childhood and how he became interested in the drums. Nic and I chatted about the bands that his family introduced him to. It's always nice to hear when a teenager in 2018 can talk to you about bands like The Who, Zeppelin, and Rush. In a time where we're lucky if millennials even know who the Beatles are, it was great to hear that what influenced Nic was the support and good taste in music of his parents.

Nic and I continue our conversation discussing the bands he's played in. He was very active in not only the school music programs but also jamming with friends and local musicians. Again, attributing the support of his parents, Nic was always able to play wherever, and whenever he could. Because of this, Nic developed a wide range of proficiency in different styles playing Big Band, Jazz, Rock, Punk, Fusion, and every other genre you could imagine. He goes on to tell me how important it's been for him to really dive into such a massive range of music. As I mentioned before, his hard work and instilled discipline allowed him to earn a few scholarships, and graduate High School a year early.

He was so determined, that he picked up and moved from Colorado to Los Angeles so he could study music, and be closer to the thriving music scene. Nic is currently going to school full-time and spending almost every other second studying with some of the best drummers in the world. He credits Dom Famularo as the most influential teacher he has worked with. If you look at Nic's website, you can see the laundry list of drummers he has studied with. But at the end of the day, Nic tells us that there is no one quite like Dom. Nic has also done his share of teaching. With being so busy with school right now, it's been a little slower than usual. However, he can be found around campus working with other drummers, passing on the knowledge he's learned from all the greats.

In the last portion of our chat, Nic and I discuss gear and social media. Starting with gear, Nic tells us a bit about the different kits he uses. If you haven't seen his Instagram page yet, I suggest you go check out what he's rocking! Nic has one of the most enormous kits I've seen in a while. Being ambidextrous, Nic tells us how he strategically sets up his kit so that he can play both the left and right side to his advantage. Not to mention the concert toms mounted above his head. Nic is endorsed by several brands including Map...