The Drum Shuffle

Eric Findlay formed his band, Seahaven, in 2009. Amazingly, he was still in junior high and was the band's bassist. When the band's drummer left, Eric auditioned for the open drumming spot and was "hired". His personal story only gets better from there. Seahaven embraced the difficult (yet highly rewarding) do-it-yourself brand of recording and extensive touring. In November 2020, they released their third studio album, Halo of Hurt in the midst of a global pandemic that prevents touring. On episode 121, Eric joins Jamie for a deep dive into his personal story, the band's history, and how the DIY touring model can bring true success to musicians everywhere. Eric is a seriously talented drummer that should be on your radar.

Jeremy Brieske grew up as an aspiring drummer like so many of us. He found his path in the music business after a business degree in college, he spent some years working for several music instrument manufacturers until he returned home to drumming by founding Low Boy Custom Beaters in 2014. To say it's difficult to make bass drum beaters an exciting product is quite an understatement, yet that is exactly what Low Boy has been able to accomplish. Their products look, sound, and feel incredible and are hand-made in Colorado. On episode 120, Jeremy stops by to discuss his beginnings, founding his successful company, starting an artist endorsement program, and endorsements in general. This is a highly educational episode with a ton of useful information that will help drummers better understand how relationships between gear companies and artists truly operate.

We are joined again by the masterful Jeff Williams to discuss his newest record, Road Tales: Live At London Jazz Festival. We also discuss his prior release, Bloom. Every time you speak to Jeff, you can't help but feeling as though you just had a deep and meaningful talk with a zen-master or Jedi of drumming. Jeff shares his knowledge and approach to music freely, but you have to be prepared to receive that knowledge. We know you will understand after hearing this in-depth and wide-ranging chat with one of the great Jazz drummers of our time.

Robyn Flans is a legendary journalist and author in the world of drumming. She started writing for Modern Drummer in 1977 and had countless cover stories and interviews with THE legends of our chosen instrument. On episode 118, Robyn and Jamie discuss her career and go in-depth on her new book, It's About Time: Jeff Porcaro, The Man and His Music. Robyn's history and friendship with Jeff and the entire Porcaro family goes back decades and this book is the most revealing and deepest biography on his legendary career to-date. Jeff Porcaro is one of the most-recorded drummers in history and his discography covers a full thirty pages in the book. Wow! Robyn has covered his entire life and thoroughly recounted his career with dozens of first-hand interviews in this amazing book. It certainly belongs in the library of any serious musician. A million thanks to Robyn for so openly sharing her story with The Drum Shuffle.

Blair Sinta joins Jamie on episode 117 to discuss his career as an in-demand drummer. A graduate of the University of North Texas, Blair moved to L.A. in the mid-90s to begin working as a musician. After landing a tour with Alanis Morissette, his career blossomed to include credits with Annie Lennox, Gwen Stefani, Chris Cornell, John Fogerty, and so many more. Blair built his own studio and is consistently busy creating tracks for artists from around the world. He also teaches and has a great educational video series, Sticks and Wires, where he shares his deep knowledge and skills. He also recently created his own collection for the ever-popular Loop Loft software for home studio use. This is a wide-ranging interview that is full of great knowledge and information for all musicians, especially those that spend any time in the studio.

On episode 116, Jamie is joined once again by the great Joe McCarthy for an extensive conversation on drumming education. Joe has developed a new educational program for drummers called "BASIC Training." As the principal percussionist for the US Naval Academy for many years, Joe's passion for teaching is undeniable and the name is so fitting. Joe is an incredible drummer and educator and he talks openly in this interview about the type of study that will make good drummers into great drummers.

On episode 115, we welcome back Dafnis Prieto to talk about his new sextet release, Transparency. Dafnis is composing and creating some of the most mind-bending music available in the world today and this new release is no exception to that. Not only is Dafnis a Grammy-winning composer and drummer, he is also a world-class educator and a sincerely great human being. As always, he offers a ton of great information and advice in this in-depth interview.

Patrick Ferguson has seen plenty in his years of drumming. Having toured with the Athens, Georgia band Five Eight 200 nights a year between 1989 and 1998, taking "a 9-year long weekend" and returning in 2007, he's a seasoned road warrior. He also spent some time playing with the Psychedelic Furs and Mike Mills of R.E.M. Like many musicians, Patrick had struggles with substance abuse, anxiety, and depression. He now finds himself helping others through his amazing podcast, "Crash and Ride", that deals with those issues in the music industry. On episode 114, Patrick and Jamie have an epic "drum hang" discussing his career, his podcast, their mutual addiction to snare drums, the stigmas of being from the south, and the need for a kennel dedicated to dairy cows...Don't ask...This is a super-entertaining interview with a superb musician and human.

On episode 113, Jamie is joined by the great Rudy Royston to discuss his new solo album, Panoptic, his decision to donate all proceeds from the sale of the album to the Musicares COVID-19 Relief Fund, his background in the Denver, Colorado music scene, his move to New York, and chasing a career in the arts. Rudy has a very realistic and fresh approach to music; and to life in general that shines through in everything he does. This interview is full of great tips, advice, and knowledge that is sure to help everyone chasing their artistic dreams help those dreams become reality.

Danny Gottlieb has a drumming career that most musicians could only dream of. Danny studied with Mel Lewis and Joe Morello, played with the Pat Metheny Group, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Elements, The Gil Evans Orchestra, The Blues Brothers Band, and The Lt. Dan Band, has authored several books, and continues to be one of the great drum teachers in the United States. On episode 112, Danny stops in to discuss his new release with Mark Egan, Electric Blue, and ends up letting Jamie talk to him about his entire career in a wide-ranging and in-depth interview. Danny is one of the nicest guys in the business and shares so many great stories and freely provides wonderful advice in this fantastic conversation.