Working Drummer

Mike Levesque has spent his career in the Boston area. His touring and recording experience includes David Bowie, Seven Mary Three, Natalie Imbruglia, Susan Tedeschi, and many more. He plays on approximately one original record per month and fills out the rest of his schedule with 150-200 live dates per year, still saying yes to almost everything and preferring to be out playing than sitting at home on a given night. He is also currently in the process of launching Buckabeat, using the huge archive of material he’s recorded over the years with producer Sean McLaughlin, and a new model for selling samples and loops.

In this episode, Mike talks about:

* Still saying yes to almost every gig* The producers and studios in Boston he’s forged relationships with over the years* “Playing drums like a songwriter”* His recent fascination with Reggae drumming* His thoughts on the great shuffle debate* Building a new business and a new business model with “Buck-a-Beat”* Why he prefers doing sessions in person with artists and rather than remotely

Mike endorses Vater Drumsticks.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dave Stark is a highly in demand session and touring drummer, as well as one of the world’s top drum instructors and clinicians. He’s been playing music since the age of 5 and drums since the age of 7. Born and raised in New York, Dave studied with legendary teachers Dom Famularo, Jim Chapin, Al Miller, Frankie Malabe, Gary Chaffee and an abundance of other great drummers.

After attending Berklee College of Music on a scholarship, Dave’s career took off quickly back in NYC where he became a first call session artist. He also started a teaching career which to this day, has many top drummers seeking out his advice and guidance. For over 25 years, Dave has traveled around the world doing clinics for Zildjian, Yamaha, and ddrum/clavia.

In this episode, Dave talks about: 

* Defining success in the music business* Important teachers for Dave like Dom Famularo and Jim Chapin* Being prepared when work is scarce * His involvement in PAS* Parallels between drumming Yoga

Dave endorses GMS drums, Zildjian Cymbals, Vic Firth Sticks, Drum Muffs, Evans Drumheads, Tru Tuner and Soloman Mics

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Leonard “Pudge” Tribbett is currently the touring drummer for R&B legend Anita Baker. Pudge hails from the Philadelphia area, where he came up in the family business of Gospel Music under the leadership of his cousin Tye Tribbett and Greater Anointing. After attending college on a football scholarship, Pudge went straight into full-time playing and hasn’t looked back. In addition to Anita Baker, Pudge’s resume also includes Roberta Flack, Ray Chew, Regina Bell, and Sheila E, and he is also part of the creative team behind Soul Surplus sample packs.

In this episode, Pudge talks about

* Anita Baker’s “in the moment” approach to live shows* Getting involved in Greater Anointing as a teenager, and the foundation it laid for his career* Splitting time in college between football, academics, and music* What he learned on a tour opening for Don Henley* “Don’t play what’s in front of you, play what’s in you” * The mentorship of fellow Philadelphian Brian Frasier Moore* His relationship with gear

Pudge Tribbett endorses DW Drums, Sabian Cymbals, and Remo Drumheads

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Originally from Saskatchewan, Canada Jay Tooke grew up playing bass, drums, guitar, and piano. Before his eventual move to Nashville, TN he spent 15 years dividing his time between traveling the world playing and singing with many artists like Michelle Wright, Chad Brownlee, Doc Walker, Dean Brody, Jodi King and One More Girl as well as writing songs and honing his craft of producing records. 

Looking to expand his musical horizons and opportunities, Jay eventually made Nashville TN his permanent home around 2012 where Jay continued to produce as well as build upon his reputation as a solid, tasteful drummer. All of this lead to a 3 1/2 year relationship with the band The Steel Woods. During the week of this podcast recording, Jay announced his decision to leave the band. With recording and producing projects on the horizon, Jay will stay busy expanding his roles in music all while leaving room for growth in an ever changing industry.  

In this episode, Jay talks about:

* Building relationships and comradery on the road * Touch and tone * His tenure in Winnipeg, Canada and what he learned* Challenges to immigrating to the U.S.* Recording and touring with The Steel Woods* Pursuits after The Steel Woods* The current climate of endorsements

Jay endorses Pearl Drums, Innovative Percussion Sticks, JH Audio and Aston Mics

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Louis Newsome moved to Atlanta in 2012. In addition to church gigs in Atlanta, his bread and butter has been a weekly Thursday steady at Suite Lounge, where he is part of a house band backing a different touring artist every week. Highlights of the long list of artists he’s played with in this capacity include Nathan East, Jeff Lorber, and Keiko Matsui. Louis spent the first part of his career working the triangle of Toledo, Cleveland, and Detroit, and got extensive touring and recording experience with Dwele, Ledisi, Chubby Checker, and many others. Recently been a recurring featured guest in tribute shows to Vinnie Colaiuta and Dave Weckl, and performed with Sheila E. at the 100 Black Men of America Conference in Las Vegas.

In this episode, Louis talks about:

* His weekly gig at Suite Lounge, and the business model of a house band vs. a touring band* Time management – how to adequately prepare for whatever an artist is throwing at him that week* Being able to anticipate an artist’s needs/tendencies just by hearing their music and looking at their charts* Boredom vs. burnout* How the responsibilities of preparing for a one-off are the same as preparing for what could be a long-term gig* What brought him to Atlanta* The concept of “renewing your mind” in music and life* Why he switched to traditional grip after years of playing matched* “Play That Record Right”

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Following on the heals of his older brother Rick, Jerry Marotta jumped right into the music scene at a very young age finishing high school a year early and hitting the road with a band with a top 40 hit. For the next three decades Jerry divided his time between recording and touring with Peter Gabriel, Daryl Hall and John Oates, Tears for Fears, Indigo Girls, Paul McCartney, Sarah McLachlan, John Mayer and countless others.

Jerry is currently dividing his time between recording and touring and managing two studios: DREAMLAND and JERSVILLE. When not in the studio, Jerry is spreading his time between The Marotta Brothers Band (with Rick), The Fragile Fate with Rupert Greenall – from The Fixx, Flav Martin, Security Project with Trey Gunn, Reelin’ in the Years, and Annie & The Hedonists.

Jerry’s latest recording project is called The Bucket List that features Phil Keaggy and Tony Levin.

In this episode, Jerry talks about: 

* His first major gigs as a teenager including drumming for Orleans* The new record with Tony Levin & Phil Keaggy – The Bucket List* Working with Peter Gabriel * Peter’s use of technology and the challenges inherent * The influence that Peter had on Jerry’s approach to music * Jerry’s current projects

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jason “JT” Thomas, is a drummer/producer/singer/writer in high demand for both live and studio work for an array of artists such as Snarky Puppy, Phillip Phillips, CeCe Winans, Fred Hammond, Forq, and many others. JT’s high level of preparation for each artist he works with, along with being a consummate professional on and off stage, is what continues to keep him busy performing on stages and in studios all across the world. He is currently touring with Snarky Puppy and FORQ, and maintains a presence in his hometown of Dallas, where he plays with the Daystar Christian TV Network and various and corporate groups when not on the road.

In this episode, JT talks about

* The current lineups of FORQ and Snarky Puppy* Why he prefers to live in Dallas, even though he works in New York frequently* His friendship with Keith Carlock* How playing covers with corporate bands improved his jazz playing * Taking EVERY gig seriously as a craftsman – playing a cover song as if you’re playing with that artist* His “phrase-based” approach to soloing * Playing with bassist Kevin Scott* Playing with Roy Hargrove, and the reflections he’s had on Hargrove’s legacy and influence since his death in 2018

JT endorses Yamaha Drums, Vic Firth Sticks, Meinl Cymbals/Percussion, Evans Drumheads, Big Fat Snare Drum, and Lowboy Beaters.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For several years, Michael Grando held the drum chair for national recording artist Chris Knight. He appeared on both his “Heart of Stone” album, produced by Dan Baird formerly of the Georgia Satellites (2008) and on Chris’ 2012 release titled “Little Victories” which was produced by Grammy award-winner Ray Kennedy and featured performances by Buddy Miller and John Prine. After seven years, two critically acclaimed records and countless live performances, Michael left Chris Knight in order to pursue new projects. In the spring of 2013, Michael joined multi-platinum recording artist Joe Diffie.

Michael has performed and/or recorded with a very diverse group of artists including such names as, Charlie Daniels, Jason Aldean, Dan Baird, Todd Snider, Warner E Hodges (Jason and the Scorchers), Bomshel, Cowboy Troy, Mike Aiken, Austin Cunningham, Shawn Mullins, Kristen Hall, Francine Reed, Col. Bruce Hampton,”Big Bill” Morganfield, Blueground Undergrass, and many many more.

In this episode, Michael talks about: 

* Drumming for Joe Diffie* Making his way to Nashville from New York via Atlanta * The value of honesty and reliability in the music business * Working with Dan Baird in the studio* Developing a healthy relationship with the click* Moving from your hometown to a music town 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brendan Buckley is best known for touring and recording with Shakira. He grew up in New Jersey and attended the University of Miami. In 2004, Buckley moved out west to Los Angeles and has since amassed an impressive pop resume that includes Miley Cyrus, Tegan & Sara, Leehom Wang, Perry Farrell and many, MANY others.

In this episode, Brendan talks about:

* Why LA is a good home base for him and why he moved there in the first place* Extroverts vs. introverts in the music world* Why image is important, but not in the way we think * Spending his college years exploring the many directions the Miami music scene had to offer * Approaching his career path with openness to possibility rather than specific goals * His long tenure with Shakira, and the schedule management and negotiating skills required to fill the gaps* What he covered in his recent clinic at Musicians Institute in LA * Good enough vs. better than it has to be

Brendan Buckley endorses DW drums, Vic Firth drumsticks, Remo drumheads, Sabian cymbals, and Roland electronics.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Todd Sucherman is one of the most in-demand drummers on the planet. In addition to a 20+ year tenure with the legendary rock band Styx, Sucherman is a leading clinician and session artist. In 2018, the readers of Modern Drummer magazine named him “#1 Progressive Rock Drummer” plus”#1 Recorded Performance” for “The Mission” (Styx). His Methods and Mechanics instructional DVD series has won multiple awards. Read more about Todd here.

In this episode, Todd talks about:

* The importance of a relaxed grip* His set up and the logic behind it* Application of complex ideas on the gig* His time studying with Gary Chaffee* Being an ambassador for education* His experiences with Styx* Recording process with the 2017 Styx record, The Mission

Todd Endorses: Pearl Drums, Promark Sticks, Sabian Cymbals, Remo Drumheads, Carmichael Thrones and Audio Mics

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices