The Worship Drummer Podcast - Putting The #HeartBeforeBeat

In this episode, we sit down with Joel Plotnik, the longtime drummer for Phil Wickham. Joel shares his incredible journey from the early days of youth group to playing on the biggest worship stages in the world. We dive deep into the realities of being a "hired gun" in Los Angeles, why he decided to pursue a career in software engineering while still touring, and how to maintain a heart of humility when the spotlight is on you.🕒 TIMESTAMPS

• 02:15 – The 20-Year Journey: How Joel got started with Phil Wickham (and the brother-in-law connection).
• 12:40 – The LA "Hired Gun" Life: Touring with secular acts, the Disney gig, and facing industry burnout.
• 24:55 – The Great Pivot: Why Joel went back to school for 5 years to become a Software Engineer.
• 36:20 – Musical Influences: Why worship drummers need to listen to music outside of the church.
• 45:10 – Staying Grounded: Navigating ego, humility, and the importance of the local church volunteer.

💡 KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Excellence is a Tool: Joel explains how technical preparation allows you to be spiritually "present" during a set.
• Diverse Listening: To find your "voice" as a drummer, Joel recommends studying players like John Bonham and bands like Death Cab for Cutie.
• Sustainability: How to balance a 9-to-5 corporate career with a high-level touring schedule.
• The Local Church: Encouragement for the volunteer drummer—your role is just as vital as those on the big stage.

🔵 FREE DRUM LESSONS WITH DRUMEO FOR 30 DAYS

• http://lp.musora.com/worship-drummer?oid=24&affid=54

🥁🎥 WD's SWEETWATER GEAR SHOP

• https://www.sweetwater.com/shop/worship-drummer/

🥁 DRUM SAMPLES FOR WORSHIP

• https://worshipdrumsamples.com/
  

🎤 📷 🎥 GET OUR GEAR LIST

• https://worshipdrummer.ck.page/gear

🎙️ THE WORSHIP DRUMMER PODCAST

• Apple: https://apple.co/3ofPXIm
• Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3HdLmiG

👋 CONNECT WITH US

• Joel Plotnik: https://instagram.com/joelplotnik
• Jon Manna: https://instagram.com/jonmanna
• Worship Drummer: https://instagram.com/worshipdrummer

Some of the links are affiliate links. Affiliate links mean I earn a commission from qualifying purchases. This helps support my channel at no additional cost to you. #worshipdrummer #HeartBeforeBeart #worship #PhilWickham #JoelPlotnick #Drumming #MusicCareer #SoftwareEngineer #ChristianMusic #Podcast #BehindTheScenes #TourLife

Two-time Grammy-winning drummer and producer Paul Mabury sits down with Jon Manna for a deep dive on drumming, producing, worship culture, and longevity. From 12/8 vs 6/8, to building parts that serve the song, to the story behind “Hosanna,” this one plays like a masterclass. You’ll hear practical practice tips, click-track wisdom, the exact snares and cymbals Paul reaches for, and the heart behind serving the church with your craft.

TIMESTAMPS00:00 — Intro + Why Paul Mabury Matters04:15 — Paul’s Early Story: From Jazz School to Hillsong17:30 — The Story Behind “Hosanna” + Understanding 12/8 vs. 6/833:40 — Developing Groove, Space, and the Paul Mabury Sound49:55 — Building ‘That Sound’ + Selling to Splice1:00:10 — House of Worship Project with Darlene, CeCe, and Michael W. Smith1:25:45 — Encouragement for Worship Drummers + Final Thoughts

MENTIONS AND LINKS

• Paul Mabury on Instagram
• That Sound on Splice
• Ludwig Black Beauty 5x14 snare
• Zildjian K Constantinople cymbals

If this helped you, share it with a drummer, your worship pastor, or your whole team, and subscribe for more.

🥁🎤 📷 🎥 WD SWEETWATER SHOPhttps://sweetwater.sjv.io/mOjDOZ

🥁 DRUM SAMPLES FOR WORSHIPhttps://worshipdrumsamples.com/

🔵 FREE DRUM LESSONS WITH DRUMEO FOR 30 DAYShttp://lp.musora.com/worship-drummer?oid=24&affid=54

🎙️ THE WORSHIP DRUMMER PODCAST

• Apple
• Spotify

👋 CONNECT WITH US

• Jon Manna on Instagram
• Worship Drummer on Instagram

🔴 SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELhttps://www.youtube.com/worshipdrummer?sub_confirmation=1

Some of the links are affiliate links. Affiliate links mean I earn a commission from qualifying purchases. This helps support my channel at no additional cost to you.

#worshipdrummer #HeartBeforeBeart #worship

Get music for your videos or livestream from Soundstripe. Sign up for FREE ➡️ https://bit.ly/3nLIPUX

Join me as I sit down with Malachi O’Connor, the 22-year-old Los Angeles drummer for Forrest Frank on the Child of God Tour. Malachi shares his inspiring journey from late-night practice sessions and church youth group gigs to touring nationally and performing for thousands.

Chapters

00:00 – Intro & welcome

01:15 – Malachi’s musical beginnings and church roots

06:30 – Choosing drums as a career & family support

14:00 – Breaking into the LA music scene and first tours

24:30 – Advice for aspiring drummers and character over chops

32:45 – Quick-fire fan questions (gear, practice tips, faith)

Malachi talks about the discipline behind professional drumming—preparation, humility, and faith—and offers encouragement for anyone chasing a dream in music.

Follow Malachi on Instagram: https://instagram.com/yourboymalachi

🔵 FREE DRUM LESSONS WITH DRUMEO FOR 30 DAYS ⁠⁠http://drumeo.com/affiliate/worshipdrummer?oid=88&affid=54⁠⁠

🥁🎥 WD's SWEETWATER GEAR SHOP ⁠⁠https://www.sweetwater.com/shop/worship-drummer/⁠⁠

🎙️ THE WORSHIP DRUMMER PODCAST

Apple: ⁠⁠⁠https://apple.co/3ofPXIm⁠⁠⁠

Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠https://spoti.fi/3HdLmiG⁠⁠⁠

WD's CAMERA, AUDIO, AND GEAR

• Camera - ⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3OqYwgu (Amazon)⁠⁠
• Lens 1 - ⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3WsZkHm (Amazon)⁠⁠
• Lens 2 - ⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3cJO6pS (Amazon)⁠⁠
• Shure SM7B Mic - ⁠⁠https://imp.i114863.net/JrO25e⁠⁠ (Sweetwater)
• Rode PSA1 Professional Studio Arm - ⁠⁠https://imp.i114863.net/6bnEBE⁠⁠ (Sweetwater)
• Rode RODECaster Pro 2- ⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3NXhP0f⁠⁠ (Amazon)
• SD Card - ⁠⁠https://imp.i114863.net/rnLXAd⁠⁠ (Sweetwater)

Some of the links are affiliate links. Affiliate links mean I earn a commission from qualifying purchases. This helps support my channel at no additional cost to you. 

#worshipdrummer #HeartBeforeBeart #worship

Get music for your videos or livestream from Soundstripe. Sign up for FREE ➡️ https://bit.ly/3nLIPUX⁠

🎧 In this episode of the Worship Drummer Podcast, we chat with John Miles Brockman and his dad, John Brockman, about the journey of a young drummer who’s already making waves in the worship world. From playing pots and pans as a toddler to sitting in with top worship teams, John Miles’ story is equal parts inspiring and humbling. We talk about parenting, platform, pressure, and keeping the focus on Jesus.

Whether you’re raising a young musician or trying to steward your own calling, this one will encourage and challenge you.

Timestamps

00:00 - Intro & Meet the Brockmans

02:53 - Discovering the Gift Early

07:59 - First Church Gigs & Learning the Ropes

12:43 - Studying Drummers & Influences

16:35 - Creating Space for Young Musicians in Church

23:10 - Balancing Playing and Spiritual Growth

29:30 - Social Media, Going Viral & Staying Humble

37:00 - Endorsements, Opportunities & Testimonies

42:00 - Navigating Fame, Pressure & Criticism

54:00 - Final Words from John Miles & What’s Next

🔗 Follow John Miles BrockmanWebsite, Merch, Drum Samples & Links: ⁠johnmilesbrockman.com⁠

👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more stories from worship drummers shaping the sound of the church.

#WorshipDrummer #JohnMilesBrockman #WorshipDrumming #NextGenDrummer #DrummerInterview #worshipdrummerPodcast

🔵 FREE DRUM LESSONS WITH DRUMEO FOR 30 DAYS⁠http://drumeo.com/affiliate/worshipdrummer?oid=88&affid=54⁠

🥁🎥 WD's SWEETWATER GEAR SHOP⁠https://www.sweetwater.com/shop/worship-drummer/⁠

🎙️ THE WORSHIP DRUMMER PODCASTApple: ⁠⁠https://apple.co/3ofPXIm⁠⁠Spotify: ⁠⁠https://spoti.fi/3HdLmiG⁠⁠

WD's CAMERA, AUDIO, AND GEAR

• Camera - ⁠https://amzn.to/3OqYwgu (Amazon)⁠
• Lens 1 - ⁠https://amzn.to/3WsZkHm (Amazon)⁠
• Lens 2 - ⁠https://amzn.to/3cJO6pS (Amazon)⁠
• Shure SM7B Mic - ⁠https://imp.i114863.net/JrO25e⁠ (Sweetwater)
• Rode PSA1 Professional Studio Arm - ⁠https://imp.i114863.net/6bnEBE⁠ (Sweetwater)
• Rode RODECaster Pro 2- ⁠https://amzn.to/3NXhP0f⁠ (Amazon)
• SD Card - ⁠https://imp.i114863.net/rnLXAd⁠ (Sweetwater)

In this episode of the Worship Drummer Podcast, I sit down with David Whitworth and Joe Volk — two of the most recognizable names in worship drumming. We talk about how they met in Redding, their years touring with Bethel Music, moving to Nashville, and what it was like to play with Brandon Lake on Jimmy Kimmel Live.

We also dive into the heart behind their new project, Welcome to Sundays - a growing resource for worship drummers with templates, samples, and tools to serve your church and elevate your craft.

🔥 Whether you’re a church drummer, music director, or just love hearing the behind-the-scenes of worship music, this one’s packed with gold.

📌 Chapters & Highlights

• 0:00 – Intro1:17 – Joe & David’s drumming origin story
• 3:36 – Behind “We Will Not Be Shaken”
• 6:44 – Tour life, double drums, funny moments
• 8:08 – Why they moved to Nashville
• 18:08 – Brandon Lake, Jimmy Kimmel, & touring
• 22:44 – Joe’s podcast production journey
• 26:02 – David on producing worship records
• 31:51 – Worship drum trends we love (and don’t)
• 37:41 – What is Welcome to Sundays?
• 45:22 – Ableton & drum mixing templates
• 50:25 – Where to follow Joe & David

👇 Resources Mentioned

• 🔗 https://welcometosundays.com
• 📸 Follow David: https://instagram.com/davidwhitworth
• 📸 Follow Joe: https://instagram.com/joevolk
• 📸 Follow Jon: https://instagram.com/jonmanna
• 📸 Follow Worship Drummer: https://instagram.com/worshipdrummer

⸻

👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more interviews and resources for worship drummers.

🔔 Hit the bell to never miss an episode.

#WorshipDrummer #DavidWhitworth #JoeVolk #WelcomeToSundays #WorshipDrums #BrandonLake #BethelMusic #AbletonLive #DrumTemplates #ChurchMusic

🎤 📷 🎥 GET OUR GEAR LIST

https://worshipdrummer.ck.page/gear

🔵 FREE DRUM LESSONS WITH DRUMEO FOR 30 DAYS

http://lp.musora.com/worship-drummer?oid=24&affid=54

🎙️ THE WORSHIP DRUMMER PODCAST

Apple: https://apple.co/3ofPXIm

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3HdLmiG

WD's CAMERA, AUDIO, AND GEAR

• Camera - https://amzn.to/3OqYwgu (Amazon)
• Lens 1 - https://amzn.to/3WsZkHm (Amazon)
• Lens 2 - https://amzn.to/3cJO6pS (Amazon)
• Shure SM7B Mic - https://imp.i114863.net/JrO25e (Sweetwater)
• Rode PSA1 Professional Studio Arm - https://imp.i114863.net/6bnEBE (Sweetwater)
• Rode RODECaster Pro 2- https://amzn.to/3NXhP0f (Amazon)
• SD Card - https://imp.i114863.net/rnLXAd (Sweetwater)

Some of the links are affiliate links. Affiliate links mean I earn a commission from qualifying purchases. This helps support my channel at no additional cost to you.

Get music for your videos or livestream from Soundstripe. Sign up for FREE ➡️ https://bit.ly/3nLIPUX

🔵 FREE DRUM LESSONS WITH DRUMEO FOR 30 DAYS

http://lp.musora.com/worship-drummer?oid=24&affid=54

🎧 Welcome to a super insightful episode of the Worship Drummer Podcast! We’ve got the drumming whiz Brandon Green with us, diving deep into the art of mastering drumming ergonomics. Known for his awesome YouTube channel "Drum Mechanics," Brandon spills the beans on preventing injuries and boosting performance for all you drummers out there. We chat about gearing up for those marathon drumming sessions, whether it's for back-to-back church services or long gigs. Brandon shares some cool tips on prepping both before and on the day, mixing regular practice with smart moves like balanced caffeine intake for keeping sharp.

In our convo, we really dig into the importance of drumming ergonomics, tackling common injuries like carpal tunnel, thumb strains, and back issues. Brandon gives some killer advice on picking the perfect drum throne to match your body, kind of like custom orthotics, for comfort and long-term health. He’s not a fan of those hydraulic drum seats, instead, he’s all about setups that keep your spine healthy and stable. Plus, he introduces us to the Drum Forever Fitness Program and a drum set ergonomics course aimed at boosting health and performance. You’ll feel Brandon’s passion for helping drummers play longer and enjoy more, and he invites you to check out his stuff on Instagram and YouTube. Don’t miss out on this episode – it’s packed with tips to help you play better, longer, and pain-free!

Connect with Brandon Green and Drum Mechanics

🎤 📷 🎥 GET OUR GEAR LISThttps://worshipdrummer.ck.page/gear

WD PATREON - POV and BTS CONTENT*

https://www.patreon.com/worshipdrummer

🥁DRUM SAMPLES FOR WORSHIPhttps://worshipdrumsamples.com/

🎙️ THE WORSHIP DRUMMER PODCAST

🚨GET WORSHIP DRUMMER MERCHhttps://worshipdrummer.com/shop/

👋 CONNECT WITH US

🔴 SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELhttps://www.youtube.com/worshipdrummer?sub_confirmation=1

WD's CAMERA, AUDIO, AND GEAR

🎥 In this episode of the Worship Drummer Podcast, we sit down with Aaron Raney, drummer and tour manager for the Christian band CAIN, live at the Kingdom Bound Festival. Aaron shares his incredible journey from his humble beginnings in a small Pentecostal church in Texas to playing major festivals, touring with CAIN, and managing their crew.

🏆 Topics covered in this interview

• ​00:00 - Introduction and Aaron’s Early Drumming Inspiration
• ​02:07 - From Middle School Band to Professional Drumming
• ​04:22 - Studying Music at Baylor and Belmont Universities
• ​07:18 - Balancing Drumming and Tour Management with CAIN
• ​12:54 - Running Ableton Tracks and Music Directing (MD)
• ​17:16 - Advice for Drummers on Growing Their Career in Christian Music
• ​23:55 - The Role of Faith and Perseverance in Aaron’s Journey

👉 Follow Aaron Raney on Instagram

👉 Follow CAIN on Instagram

📱 Follow us on social media

Worship Drummer on InstagramJon Manna on Instagram worshipdrummer.com-----------------

🎤 📷 🎥 GET OUR GEAR LISThttps://worshipdrummer.ck.page/gear

WD PATREON - POV and BTS CONTENThttps://www.patreon.com/worshipdrummer

🥁 DRUM SAMPLES FOR WORSHIPhttps://worshipdrumsamples.com/

🔵 FREE DRUM LESSONS WITH DRUMEO FOR 30 DAYShttp://lp.musora.com/worship-drummer?oid=24&affid=54

🎙️ THE WORSHIP DRUMMER PODCASTApple: https://apple.co/3ofPXImSpotify: https://spoti.fi/3HdLmiG

🚨GET WORSHIP DRUMMER MERCHhttps://worshipdrummer.com/shop/

🔴 SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELhttps://www.youtube.com/worshipdrummer?sub_confirmation=1

WD's CAMERA, AUDIO, AND GEARDrum Audio Interface: https://imp.i114863.net/2rY77D (Sweetwater)

Evans G2 Drum Heads: https://imp.i114863.net/RyaEE7 (Sweetwater)

Camera - https://amzn.to/3OqYwgu (Amazon)

Lens 1 - https://amzn.to/3WsZkHm (Amazon)

Lens 2 - https://amzn.to/3cJO6pS (Amazon)

Shure SM7B Mic - https://imp.i114863.net/JrO25e (Sweetwater)

Rode PSA1 Professional Studio Arm - https://imp.i114863.net/6bnEBE (Sweetwater)

Rode RODECaster Pro 2- https://amzn.to/3NXhP0f (Amazon)

SD Card - https://imp.i114863.net/rnLXAd (Sweetwater)

Some of the links are affiliate links. Affiliate links mean I earn a commission from qualifying purchases. This helps support my channel at no additional cost to you.

Get music for your videos or livestream from Soundstripe. Sign up for FREE ➡️ https://bit.ly/3nLIPUX

#worshipdrummer #HeartBeforeBeat #ChristianMusic #DrummerInterview #TourLife #DrummingTips #AaronRaney #WorshipDrums #MusicDirector #KingdomBound #DrumGear #MusicIndustry #WorshipDrummerPodcast

Join us for an incredible episode with Abel Orta Jr, the lead producer of Lakewood Music. Abel takes us on his journey from being a young drummer in San Antonio to becoming a pivotal figure in worship music production at Lakewood Church. Hear how his dreams of pop music evolved into a calling to create worship experiences. He shares about his music-filled upbringing, the importance of parents in nurturing gifts, and how modern tech is making a wide variety of music more accessible than ever. Abel also gives us a behind-the-scenes look at producing Lakewood Music and talks about his passions outside the studio—like fostering dogs and baking sourdough bread. Whether you're a music lover, an aspiring producer, or just enjoy great stories, this episode is packed with pro tips, personal insights, and inspiration. Plus, don’t miss his advice on social media and the unforgettable story of performing at Yankee Stadium. You don’t want to miss it!

This video is brought to you by our friends over at Drumeo. We've worked out a great deal for you:

🎤 📷 🎥 GET OUR GEAR LISThttps://worshipdrummer.ck.page/gear

Join us for an exciting conversation with Daniel Sauls, who shares his fascinating journey from serving steaks in Nashville to touring with Lauren Daigle. Daniel's unique role in the band combines DJing with live sampling using Ableton, allowing him to perform strings, percussion, and other album elements live on stage. We explore the significance of humanizing live performances, contrasting his dynamic approach with the more traditional method of playing along to pre-recorded stems, and how this aligns with Lauren's vision for a more organic concert experience.

In our discussion on musical diversity and collaboration, Daniel and Jon delve into the creative process behind some of the band's most sample-heavy tracks. We discuss the importance of feel in music, especially from a drummer's perspective, and how it influences the performance of various elements. We also talk about the collaborative writing process for the song "You're All I'll Take With Me" from the new album, inspired by 70s funk and live band arrangements. Anecdotes about writing sessions during the pandemic, including unique locations like a hockey locker room, add a personal touch to our conversation.

Balancing life on the road is another key theme as we explore the challenges and rewards of touring. Daniel shares his strategies for maintaining personal and professional balance, the importance of family connections, and self-care practices. We also discuss the emotional impact of live music performances, particularly how Lauren's shows blend worship and mainstream elements to create a powerful sense of community. The episode concludes with insights into continuous self-challenge and maintaining a heart towards God, offering a holistic view of life as a musician dedicated to both personal growth and spiritual connection.