Working Drummer

For almost 20 years, Seth Hendershot has lived in the college town of Athens, GA. He has played in a variety of original and cover bands and for eight years has owned and operated Hendershot’s. What started as a simple coffee house has since become a beloved bar, restaurant, and live music venue. For a city its size, Athens boasts a vibrant and influential music scene, with a place in the origin stories of many bands including R.E.M., The B-52’s, and Drive-By Truckers.

Seth’s current playing activity is centered around two touring acts, multi-instrumentalist and singer Randall Bramblett and violinist Kishi Bashi. In addition to playing and running one of the city’s best and busiest venues, Seth is involved with The Athens Music Project in partnership with The University of Georgia to document and highlight the past, present and future of the city’s music, and is on the faculty for Camp Amped, a yearly rock camp for kids.

In this podcast, Seth talks about:

What brought him to Athens in the late 90’s

The pros and cons of Athens’ “bubble” nature

How he’s working to strengthen the ties between the Athens scene and the University of Georgia

Balancing his playing career with life as a business owner

Why he opened Hendershot’s, and what it has become since then

His current gigs with Randall Bramblett and Kishi Bashi

His involvement in Camp Amped and Nuci’s Space

This episode is sponsored by Crush Drums.

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Matt Johnson has played on some of the most critically acclaimed records in almost everyone’s collections. He’s also performed on some of the more memorable tours from the early 90s on. From recording the seminal cult-creating album Grace with Jeff Buckley in 1993 at age 22, he’s worked with a wide spectrum of artists over the past two decades including Rufus Wainwright, Martha Wainwright, Elysian Fields, Australia’s Angus and Julia Stone, Beth Orton, Keren Ann, Duncan Sheik, and the beloved St. Vincent, the avant-garde guitarist, songwriter and performer who continues to astonish listeners and concertgoers everywhere with her ever-evolving musical statements.

In this episode, Matt talks about:

Learning how to adapt for a live performance based on a programed or highly produced rhythm track

Creating grooves that have more complexity with less density

Teaching yourself to feel the space between quarter notes in unique ways

Getting your brain to think differently by using a “role reversal” method with your limbs

Distilling down your groove to to it’s most basic place in order to build it into a solid performance

Failure seen as an experience on the way to some type of success that you could never have planned on

The value of “grit” and the power of will and dedication

Learning to utilize a double kick pedal

Incorporating electronics to an acoustic set up

Working with Rufus Wainwright

Matt endorses: Tama Drums, Istanbul Cymbals, Evans Drumheads, Vater Sticks

This episode is sponsored by Crush Drums

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With the exception of a few high school years, Justin Boyd has spent his entire life in Chicago. From the beginning of his career, he thought it important to be open to all of Chicago’s musical scenes instead of choosing one and staying in it. As a result, his experience there has been incredibly diverse. He disregarded the invisible barrier between North Side and South Side, and has managed to float smoothly between the many different genres and circles the city has to offer. He also put himself through two different educations – one in the professional world and one in academia, capped off recently by earning his master’s degree in composition from DePaul University.

In this podcast, Justin talks about:

Spending his high school years in South Carolina, and the influence it had on him as a musician

Returning to school to get his master’s degree

Racial dynamics in Chicago

Other Chicago drummers who have influenced him

How going back to school for his master’s filled some gaps in his “real world” education

The city’s jazz and blues scenes, and why he prefers not to go all in on either

His role as an educator in the Chicago Public Schools “All City” music program

His current projects, both as a leader and sideman

Justin Boyd endorses Humes & Berg Cases and Evans Drumheads.

This episode is sponsored by Crush Drums.

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Rob Hammersmith’s musical journey began at an early age in a small town outside of Buffalo, NY. After a brief detour to California, Rob settled in Atlanta, GA, where his drumming quickly gained attention in the rock underground. Rob spent many years touring and recording with Atlanta rockers “Rockets to Ruin” and toured with “Gunfire 76” featuring “Murderdolls” frontman Wednesday 13. Rob also maintains a busy schedule of recording and working with many different bands and artists throughout the country.

In 2010, Rob was offered the drum position in the multi-platinum selling rock band Skid Row. When asked about working with the band Rob says “Having always been a fan, it is an honor to be asked to join the band. The band’s music and history holds a special place in both my life, and the lives of so many loyal fans. To be a part of that history is the chance of a lifetime.”

In this episode, Rob talks about:

Balancing family and touring

Chemistry among the band members of Skid Row

Staying positive and open minded

How he got the Skid Row gig

The mechanics of the live show

Warming up before hitting hard (pre-show routine)

Working in the studio with Skid Row

Rob’s 5 desert island records

Rob endorses: Sabian Cymbals, Aquarian Drumheads, Pearl Drums, Drumtacs, Vater Drumsticks

This episode is sponsored by Crush Drums

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Ganesh Giri Jaya was born in New Orleans, moved to Atlanta at age 16, spent his early 20’s in L.A. and Portland, and ultimately returned to Atlanta where he has remained for the past 25 years. His career has usually found him drumming and/or singing in cover and tribute bands of various types. He was one of the original members of Yacht Rock Revue and for the past few years has been the singer, drummer, and leader of its overflow band, Yacht Rock Schooner. Those bands and a few others are under the umbrella of the entertainment company PleaseRock. In his mid 20s, he was introduced to yoga and soon delved deeper into it, beyond the physical practice most of us have done at least once, and into the spiritual, emotional and psychological lessons it has to offer.

In this podcast, Ganesh talks about:

How yoga has improved every aspect of his physicality, behind the drums and in daily life

The hallmarks of a good yoga teacher

Growing up in New Orleans

How singing and playing trumpet before taking up drums made him a more sensitive musician

His approaches to matched vs. traditional grip over the years

The aspects of New Orleans music that still inform his playing

Studying with Joe Porcaro and Ralph Humphrey at Musicians Institute, and his brief tenures in L.A. and Portland

Developing versatility vs. honing your strengths

His work as a copy editor for Drumhead Magazine, and the principles good writing and good music share

This episode is sponsored by Crush Drums

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Luis Espaillat is a multi-faceted bassist and musician whose career has spanned many genres and taken him around the world. His unique sound can be heard in all forms of media from shows on network television such as Smallville and King Of The Hill, major motion pictures including S.W.A.T. and American Wedding and even video games including Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit 2 and Project Gotham Racing.

In the studio, Luis has recorded with country legends like Michael Martin Murphey to the Billboard Top 20 hard rock sounds of Eve To Adam. His sense and respect for the art of the song itself has made him in demand for many songwriters and producers not only in Nashville, but also Los Angeles and New York City. On the stage, Luis has performed with country stars Trace Adkins, Jamie O’Neal, Jimmy Wayne, Lindsay Ell, Jake Owen, Terri Clark, Pam Tillis, James Otto, Tanya Tucker and Doc Walker, rockers such as Tantric and Bo Bice, progressive instrumentalist like Johnny Hiland, and even artists that defy normal convention such as country rapper Colt Ford, just to name a few.

A graduate of Berklee College Of Music, Luis also conducts clinics and master classes on the world of studio recording, touring and of course, bass.

Luis resides in Nashville, TN with his wife, three children and three dogs.

In this episode, Luis talks about:

Working with Trace Adkins and balancing touring with sessions

Playing with a major label signed rock band

The challenge of making life changing decisions

The importance of real relationships

The power of positivity on stage

The roll he plays in the rhythm section

Note length from the bass & it’s effect on the groove

Connecting with drummers live and in the studio

Advice for young drummers

Advice for experienced drummers

This episode is sponsored by Crush Drums

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Ganesh Giri Jaya was born in New Orleans, moved to Atlanta at age 16, spent his early 20’s in L.A. and Portland, and ultimately returned to Atlanta where he has remained for the past 25 years. His career has usually found him drumming and/or singing in cover and tribute bands of various types. He was one of the original members of Yacht Rock Revue and for the past few years has been the singer, drummer, and leader of its overflow band, Yacht Rock Schooner. Those bands and a few others are under the umbrella of the entertainment company PleaseRock. In his mid 20s, he was introduced to yoga and soon delved deeper into it, beyond the physical practice most of us have done at least once, and into the spiritual, emotional and psychological lessons it has to offer.

In this podcast, Ganesh talks about:

The origins of Yacht Rock Revue and Yacht Rock Schooner

The popularity of cover/tribute bands, and their market value vs. original artists

Social media marketing strategies

How over-preparing allows you to play through nerves

His process for learning songs

Our mutual admiration of Levon Helm

His yoga practice

Playing with bassist Khari Simmons

This episode is sponsored by Crush Drums

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Ray Luzier was raised in West Newton, Pennsylvania, a small town an hour outside of Pittsburgh. He began playing drums at age five, and although basically self-taught, he participated in high school jazz, concert, and marching bands. After graduating in 1988, Luzier moved to Hollywood, California to pursue an education at the renowned Musicians Institute. He graduated in 1989 with a degree from MI’s Percussion Institute of Technology. Luzier later returned as an instructor at Musicians Institute (1992–2001), where he taught rock-style drumming classes and gave private lessons.

Luzier is well known for his work with David Lee Roth, whom he played drums for from 1997-2005. Luzier has also played with The Hideous Sun Demons, a progressive-rock/fusion trio formed with DLR bandmembers Toshi Hiketa (guitar) and James LoMenzo (bass). In 2004, Luzier released an instructional DVD. It features a wide variety of lessons, including double-bass technique, drum fills, motion exercises, and warm-ups. It was released through Hal Leonard Publishing Co.

In January 2006, Luzier appeared at the NAMM in Anaheim, California with Billy Sheehan and Toshi Hiketa. Robert DeLeo and Dean DeLeo of Stone Temple Pilots appeared at the same NAMM venue as part of an impromptu band put together by Steve Ferrone. After seeing Luzier’s performance, the DeLeo brothers invited Luzier to join Army of Anyone, the band they were putting together with vocalist Richard Patrick of the band Filter.

In 2007, after original drummer David Silveria had left (in 2006), Korn hired many touring drummers including Joey Jordison of Slipknot. Jordison left due to preparation for the recording of Slipknot’s new album All Hope Is Gone. Consequently, Korn was then looking for a new drummer; and Luzier reportedly flew to Seattle to audition for Korn with Munky and Fieldy. When told to learn only five of their songs, Luzier learned 30. After an amazing audition, Ray was immediately invited to join Korn.

Luzier played his first show with Korn on January 13, 2008 in Dublin, Ireland and played with the band throughout 2008. Korn recorded their ninth studio album together with Ray and their original producer Ross Robinson. Korn frontman Jonathan Davis revealed that Luzier is now an official member of the band. Ray made “UltimateRockGods” Artist Of The Month for July.

Luzier also played live with Stone Temple Pilots for a couple of the band’s shows on their reunion tour in October filling in for drummer Eric Kretz, who took time off due to the death of his father. In November 2010, Ray played drums for the immensely popular Japanese band, Kat-Tun on their song ‘Change UR World’. It was Kat-Tun’s 13th number 1 single on the Oricon charts.

In 2013, the band KXM was formed with Ray and King’s X bassist/vocalist dUg Pinnick and Lynch Mob/ex-Dokken guitarist George Lynch. Their second record Scatterbrain came out in 2017.

In this episode, Ray talks about:

Moving from the Pittsburg area to L.A. to study at P.I.T.

Helping to create a rock curriculum at P.I.T. and teaching

The importance of “The Hang” in the studio and on the road

Working with David Lee Roth

Having a back up for the back up

Working and recording with Billy Sheehan

His audition for Korn

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Jake Reed was born and raised in Kansas City and went on to study drumset under two of the great educators of our time: John Von Ohlen at University of Cincinnati and Peter Erskine at USC. While in grad school at USC, Jake gradually worked his way into the LA scene doing live dates and recording sessions with colleagues and mentors alike. He has performed or recorded with Bill Bolman, Johnny Mandel, Lisa Loeb, Bob Mintzer, and many others. His most active current project is drumming in TrioKait, led by his wife, pianist and composer Kait Dunton. The group has just recorded their second record. Jake has also just released his first book, “Jazz Drumset Etudes, Vol. I,” which takes a new approach to developing jazz vocabulary.

In this podcast, Jake talks about:

His early years in Kansas City

The differences in the teaching styles of Von Ohlen and Erskine

Learning to “pay attention” when listening and playing to absorb and convey more information quicker

A couple of the more unique projects he’s been part of, including Cow Bop and The Vibrometers

His new book, and how its approach differs from other jazz method books

Using melodies, not rudiments, to develop your drum language

Being married to a fellow musician who is also his boss

His relationship with TrioKait bassist Cooper Appelt

Jake Reed endorses Gretsch Drums, Zildjian Cymbals, Vic Firth Sticks, and Remo Drumheads.

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Evan Hutchings grew up in Ft. Smith, AR and is the son of a preacher. He started playing drums at age 2 and got his first drum set at age 8. It was through hours of watching other drummers play in church that he learned how to play for a song and try to convey a sense of emotion through the drums. After high school, Evan moved to Nashville to attend Middle Tennessee State University and studied with Lalo Davila and Tom Giampietro. Since leaving school in 2009, Evan has been touring extensively throughout the USA and abroad with various artists including Katie Herzig, Sugar and the Hi-Lows, Griffin House, Andy Gibson, Erin McCarley, and others.

Evan is currently an in-demand session drummer in Nashville and has worked in the studio with Nathan Chapman (Taylor Swift), Jamie Kenney (Erin McCarley, Marc Broussard), Neilson Hubbard (Kim Richey), and many others like Danielle Bradbery, Rascal Flatts and Kelsea Ballerini.

In this episode, Evan talks about:

Different drummers style to playing, soloing, clinics

Tuning drums live v.s. studio

Trends in style and tone in the studio

Developing his abilities

The idea of complex drumming (ie metric-modulation) as a way to reinforce a solid time feel

Our mutual crush on Steve Jordan

Playing other instruments for writing and producing

Learning to write and produce

Finding your people, like minded musicians

The direction of the music industry

Evan endorses Innovative percussion

This episode is sponsored by Crush Drums

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