Working Drummer

Shortly after high school, Pete Parada moved to the west coast to study at the Musicians Institute (MI) where he took classes with greats like Joe Porcaro, Ralph Humphrey, Chuck Flores and Efrain Toro. One teacher he clicked the most with happened to be Ray Luzier (drummer for Korn, David Lee Roth, Army of Anyone). They ended up being roommates for a few years and good friends.

Pete’s first big break came in 1998 when he was asked to join the punk rock group Face To Face. Over the next six years, he traveled the world and recorded four studio albums, three EP’s and a live record with the band.

During his tenure with Face To Face, Pete also had a four year run with Saves The Day, a highly influential band from the post-punk and hardcore scene. He spent two years juggling both group’s crazy schedules and at one point played seven shows in three days over one weekend in England. During his time with Saves the Day, Pete recorded two studio albums and an EP.

After Pete’s gig with Face To Face ended, a good friend recommended that he meet with The Offspring. In an instant they clicked both musically and personally. Pete says, “My passion for music was reignited and nearly a decade later I’m still just as excited. It has been a privilege to play the biggest stages in the world with them and record with legendary producer Bob Rock on the album “Days Go By” and the #1 rock single “Coming For You.” In addition to being a multi-platinum act, Dexter, Noodles and Greg K are three of the greatest guys I’ve ever known. I’m lucky to call them friends.”

Over the years, Pete also had the pleasure of working with a few of his all time favorite artists, including recording sessions with Rob Halford from Judas Priest, and Chris Shifflet from Foo Fighters, as well as tours with Devo, My Chemical Romance and Alkaline Trio.

In this podcast, Pete talks about:

Moving to Nashville and discovering the drumming community

The difference between L.A. and Nashville

Pete’s move to L.A. and his experience at M.I.

Touring experiences with The Offspring

Building his resume after M.I.

Getting the Face To Face

Juggling two road gigs

Dealing with aches and pains on the road

Filling in for Josh Freese (SP?) with Devo

Getting the gig with The Offspring

Working with producer Bob Rock in the studio

Pete endorses: Tama Drums, Zildjian Cymbals, Vater Sticks, Remo Drumheads, Yamaha Electronics, Latin Percussion, Sontronics Microphones

This episode is sponsored by Mapex Drums

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Vibraphonist Nick Mancini has lived in LA for a decade, and a decade in New York before that. Self-diagnosed with “musical A.D.D.,” he has constantly been involved in a huge number and a huge variety of groups. He never had any interest in being a hired gun for pop or commercial music, and has been at the forefront of creative projects on the LA jazz scene both as a leader and a sideman.

Nick is a graduate of the Manhattan School of Music and was voted “Best Jazz Percussionist” by DRUM! Magazine in 2014. He has released nine albums as a leader and had a hand in dozens of others as a producer and sideman. He is also on the jazz faculty at two California State University campuses, Northridge and Long Beach.

In this podcast, Nick talks about:

His new record, “The Long Game” with Hammond B3 organist Ty Bailie and drummer Tina Raymond

His college experiences, from starting out at a small community college in Schenectady, NY, to grad school the Manhattan School of Music

What a collegiate music program should do for you, and what you should do for yourself

Why he thinks jazz training produces the best musicians

How the experience of daily life in New York informed his musical experience there, and why LA’s jazz scene suits him better than New York’s

The Jennifer Keith Sextet and how playing jazz for dancers differs from playing for listeners

Nick Mancini endorses Majestic Percussion and Innovative Percussion

This episode is sponsored by Mapex Drums

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Michael Robinson is the Vice President of Marketing for KHS America. He leads the Branding, Marketing Communications, Product Management, Marketing Communications, and Creative teams at KHS America. Michael makes significant contributions to the success of KHS America in the areas of leadership and team development, and in the establishment of customer-centric marketing principles that continue to differentiate the KHS family of brands within the market. These brands include: Jupiter Wind Instruments, Mapex Drums, Sonor Drums, NFUZD Audio, Hohner Harmonicas, Hohner Accordions, Hohner Airboard, Hohner Melodicas and Recorders, Sonor Orff Instruments, H. Jimenez, Lanikai and Kohala Ukuleles, A+ Guitars and Bluegrass Instruments, Hohner Kids and Greentones (both musical toy brands), Hercules and Nomad Stands, Majestic Concert Percussion, XO Brass, and Altus and Azumi Flutes.

In this podcast, Michael talks about:

The roll that KHS America plays from the manufacturer to the customer?

Marketing to different personality trates – “Brand Essence”

The difference in Mapex and Sonor from a marketing stand point

The origin and philosophy of KHS

Michael’s musical and drumming background

Michael’s introduction to the music industry

Rising through the ranks at D’Addario from the production line to R & D to marketing.

Advice for those who are interested in the music industry

Responsibilities as Vice President of Marketing for KHS America

This episode is sponsored by Mapex Drums

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Kent Aberle has been touring and recording with Kristian Bush for two years. He attended Eastern Illinois University as a Special Education major and began playing in cover bands on the weekends. He has made his home in Atlanta since 2001.

After working his way through several cover bands and retail gigs, he got the opportunity to audition for Kristian Bush and won the gig. He also gained a unique perspective on the drum business and the Atlanta drumming community during his time as part owner of the ATL Drum Collective.

In this podcast, Kent talks about:

How losing weight in his 20’s caused a physical and mental shift from survival mode to productive/creative mode

His college experience as a non-music major, and how it differed from his music major peers

The welcoming nature of the Atlanta music scene

How cover bands serve as a crucial training ground, help you build trust among your colleagues, develop your “song learning muscle,” and set you up to be part of original projects

How he got in with Kristian Bush, and his process for learning Kristian’s songs quickly

The time he spent as part owner of The ATL Drum Collective

Kent Aberle endorses Gretsch Drums, Dream Cymbals, Aquarian Drumheads, Gibraltar Hardware, Vic Firth Drumsticks, Latin Percussion, Gator Cases, Audio-Technica, Porter and Davies, Big Fat Snare Drum, KBrakes, Gig Gear LLC, and Booty Shakers.

This episode is sponsored by Mapex Drums.

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Russ Whitman began playing drums at the early age of 6 years old. From then on he always knew what he wanted to do with his life. Following in his father’s footsteps, he started off playing by ear in his grandfathers church. Russ continued his musical education thru his middle and high school years consistently placing first chair in almost every all-state ensemble from concert to jazz.

After high school he continued his education on the collegiate level and in the US Navy. Since then Russ was a member of Carolina Crown, Tarheel Sun, and Carolina Gold Drum and Bugle Corps. After many years marching and instructing numerous award winning high school and collegiate drum lines Russ turned his attention back to the kit.

Russ has had the honor of working with some of the finest musicians around including Steve Gatlin, The Lawrence Welk Show, The Swingtime Orchestra, Soul Power Posse, Painted Man, Eason, and with jazz group J360 where he shared the stage with Spyro Gyra, the Yellowjackets, Gato Barbieri, Kim Waters, and the late Jimmy Smith.

Before his move to Nashville, Russ toured with Craig Woolard and the Journey tribute band Frontiers. Since 2010, Russ has been drumming for Grand Ole Opry member Craig Morgan.

In this podcast, Russ talks about:

Working with a Journey tribute band – Frontiers

East Coast Beach Music

Working for Craig Morgan

Russ’s love of drum corp

Teaching drum corp to the YouTube generation

Using live recordings to understand groove

The audition process for the Navy

Not letting the drums alone define who he is

Touring in Afghanistan with Craig Morgan

Craig endorses: Pearl Drums, Zildjian Cymbals, Evans drumheads, Innovative Percussion

This episode is sponsored by Mapex Drums

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Jan Faircloth grew up in western Kansas and moved to Kansas City in his early 20s. There, he found ample opportunities to pursue his love of Blues and Country music and has since been the heartbeat of some of the most successful blues acts to come out of KC, including Trampled Underfoot, Levee Town, and the Danielle Nicole Band. He is a fixture on the local scene and tours nationally and internationally on the circuit of the world’s best blues clubs, festivals and cruises.

In this podcast, Jan talks about:

His approach on the drums as an original member of a band vs. joining an existing band

Why North Texas wasn’t for him

His relationship with the late great jazz pianist, composer and educator Frank Mantooth

The hallmarks of KC blues, and how it was informed by KC jazz

How musicians are more open to change than listeners

KC’s blues hub, Knuckleheads, and its drumming hub, Explorer’s Percussion

His number one objective, whether playing or teaching: FUN!

Jan Faircloth endorses Meinl Cymbals.

This episode is sponsored by Sakae Drums.

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Kevin Rapillo was born in Trumbull, CT, just north of New York City. A combination of growing up just hours north of New York City and having a great uncle, Lou Vitale, that was a professional drummer were the things that helped nurture Kevin’s interest in music. After high school, he found himself at the Berklee College of music in Boston. After moderate success in the Boston area with bands in and out of label deals, Kevin moved to Nashville in late 1997 looking for a fresh start. Shortly after his move, Kevin met and stared working with country singer Rodney Adkins in the early stages of his career. After 14 years and six number ones, Rodney’s still going strong and keeps Kevin busy as a full-time touring drummer.

When not touring, kevin stays busy in Nashville playing often at the legendary Nashville club, The Family Wash. Kevin has worked with many other artists in Nashville including Will Kimbrough, Pat Buchanan and producer Tom Hambridge. Last year, Kevin’s trio recorded a record called The HiMM’s.

In this podcast, Kevin Talks about:

Touring with country singer Rodney Atkins

Auditioning a whole new band as the band leader

The influence of a great uncle who was a successful big band drummer

Staying focused on musical goals the face of overwhelming competition

Drumming for Tom Hambridge – songwriter, producer and drummer as well

Building your career around relationships

Kevin endorses Sakae Drums, Zildjian Cymbals, Vic Firth Sticks, Remo Drumheads

This episode is sponsored by Sakae Drums

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Ed Breckenfeld was born and raised in Chicago and has lived and worked there all his life. He’s done it all, from devoting years of his life to a single band, to being the jack-of-all-trades hired gun, to being the first call for producers, artists and engineers for all kinds of session work. He is the author of “Off The Record,” a long-running transcription series for Modern Drummer Magazine in which he delved into many iconic drum parts across many genres. In addition to working with many local Chicago acts live and in the studio, Ed currently tours internationally with the rock band Pride of Lions.

In this podcast, Ed talks about:

Chicago…the city’s lifestyle, musical infrastructure, musical history, and drumming legacy

What he tells every student about the drums in their first lesson

The advice he gives students who want to pursue music in college

The insight that writing “Off the Record” gave him about how drum parts are created

How the types of gigs you’re in the hunt for change as you age, but don’t necessarily decrease

His experience as a member of a band trying to make its mark in the 1980s, and the nature of the music industry then vs. now

His love of original songs and records, and how he wants his drumming to contribute to those

This episode is sponsored by Sakae Drums.

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Rob McNelley is an accomplished session guitarist in Nashville who has landed a string of high-profile gigs and awards including “Guitarist of the Year” from the Academy of Country Music in 2014.

Rob’s father, Bobby Gene McNelley, was the lead singer of McGuffey Lane, a southern-rock band based out of Columbus in the 1980s. Rob spent much of his young life listening to his father’s band, and gradually picking up the guitar. Rob became a huge fan of the Rolling Stones, and an even bigger fan of the blues artists they covered including Jimmy Reed, Chuck Berry, Howlin’ Wolf and Muddy Waters.

Rob eventually moved to Nashville, where he landed a job as Delbert McClinton‘s guitarist and toured with the Grammy-winning blues musician for years, often doubling as McClinton’s opening act. As Delbert’s touring schedule was winding down, Rob was spending more time in the studio and groups like Lady Antebellum began hiring McNelley to play on their multi-platinum albums. Other artists followed, from Bob Seger to Buddy Guy, Kacey Musgraves and Rascal Flatts.

Rob performs with his own band, The Rob McNelley Band, AKA – RNB, regularly in Nashville.

In this podcast, Rob talks about:

Touring with Delbert McClinton

Demos vs. Master sessions in Nashville

Old and new ways of producing

Connecting with the drummer in the studio

Drummers that take a compositional approach and create signature parts

Checking your ego at the door

Advice for young drummers and experienced drummers

Growing up in a musical house

Recording with Buddy Guy

This episode is sponsored by Sakae Drums

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Lauren Kosty is a classically trained percussionist who has been upping her drumset game in recent years. She spent her entire life in L.A. until she moved to London in February of 2015, where she quickly won an open audition for the drumset/percussion chair with crossover artist Russell Watson. Watson combines operatic singing with various pop styles, making the gig the perfect culmination of Lauren’s many skills. She describes London as “maybe the best city in the world to be a musician in.”

Before moving there, she was commanding a busy schedule in L.A. involving orchestras, musicals, and pop acts, both live and in the studio. Her credits include John Williams, Sir Neville Marriner, Gustavo Dudamel, David Benoit, P. Diddy, Chris Botti, Bobby McFerrin, Brian McKnight, the L.A. Philharmonic, The Long Beach Opera, Dave Ricard Big Band, and the American Musical and Dramatic Academy.

In this podcast Lauren talks about:

How she moved to London knowing almost no one there

How her first few months in London gave her the opportunity to expand her drumset chops

The audition for Russell Watson, and her clever approach to the improvisation portion of it

How she bent a few rules at USC in order to get a greater diversity of playing experience

The rigors of preparing for orchestral auditions

How her interest in a wide variety of instruments and music has led to a wide variety of gigs

Her early impressions of the art and music culture of Europe vs. that of the U.S.

This episode is sponsored by Sakae Drums

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