The Drum Lounge Podcast

Jeremie Foster
  • 4.9 (16)
  • Performing Arts
  • Updated Weekly

My name is Jeremie Foster, and I am the founder of The Drum Lounge Podcast which I host alongside my college friend Bryon Russell. We have so many experiences and stories to share both inside and outside of drumming that we believe will be of inspiration to those who are drummers, those that are fans of drummers, and those who are just fans of podcasts in general.   In addition, we plan on reviewing different high school and HBCU bands/drumlines, interviewing different band directors/section leaders, providing tips and advice on being a better drummer, providing history on drumming, speaking on the culture of HBCU Life, and teaching rhythm exercises that you can expect to learn every episode and add to you drumming repertoire.  Episodes for Season 3 are released every week, and will be available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud, Spotify, or wherever you find your podcasts! Find more information on IG: @TheDrumLoungePod Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-drum-lounge-podcast--3683925/support.

  1. 1d ago

    Episode 58 | "From Southern University to Building Rudimental Control" (w/ Nissan Ballard)

    What happens when a Southern University snare drummer puts the sticks down for 20 years… then comes back and builds one of the most unique drum pad companies in the percussion world? On Episode 58 of The Drum Lounge Podcast, Jeremie Foster and Bryon Russell sit down with Nissan Ballard, founder and owner of Rudimental Control, to hear the story behind the man, the drummer, and the brand. Nissan takes us back to growing up in the rich musical culture of New Orleans, learning the Louisiana style of drumming, and eventually becoming a two-year section leader at Southern University during the 1990s. He breaks down the origins of Louisiana’s signature playing style, the influence of traditional drum-and-fife drumming, his experiences inside the Human Jukebox, and some unforgettable Southern University band memories. But Nissan’s story didn’t stop with marching band. After putting the sticks down for nearly 20 years, a move to Texas during the COVID era led him back to drumming—and eventually to an idea that would become Rudimental Control. We dive into how Nissan developed his signature real-head, real-hoop practice pad, why articulation and realistic feel were so important to the design, how long it takes to build each pad, custom drum pads, his signature sticks, future improvements to the product line, and his vision of getting Rudimental Control pads into drumlines across the country. Nissan also drops some incredible gems for entrepreneurs about building a business organically, listening to criticism, protecting your brand, staying focused when you have a million ideas, choosing the right people to join your team, and why sometimes you have to put the idea out there before it feels perfect. We also discuss the importance of Black entrepreneurship within the percussion community and what it means for young drummers to see someone who looks like them building a successful brand in the industry. 🥁 IN THIS EPISODE: -Nissan Ballard’s journey from New Orleans to Southern University -Becoming a Southern University snare section leader -The history behind the Louisiana drumming style -Southern University band culture in the 1990s -Putting the sticks down for nearly 20 years -The creation of Rudimental Control -Why the real-head, real-hoop design matters -Building and improving drum pads by hand -Rudimental Control signature drumsticks -Custom pads and memorial drum pads -Customer service and building trust with drummers -Black entrepreneurship in the percussion industry -Lessons for aspiring business owners -Taking constructive criticism and using it to improve -Nissan’s vision for the future of Rudimental Control -Why your practice pad might be exposing your dirty playing 👀 🥁 5th Quarter Picks Jeremie’s Pick:  Southern University – “Controlla” (2016) Bryon’s Pick:  Southern University – “Who Can I Run To” (1995) Nissan’s Pick:  Southern University – “In the Stone” (1993) 🟣 JOIN US LIVE ON TWITCH Follow @TheDrumLoungePod on Twitch and join us live on Sundays for: • Podcast behind-the-scenes content • Drumline and band reactions • Live percussion discussions • Drum lessons and music assistance • Competition watch parties • Unfiltered conversations with Jeremie and Bryon 🔥 Woodies Drumsticks Deal Level up your drumming! Grab a pair of Woodies Drumsticks and use promo code THEDRUMLOUNGEPOD for 10% off your order: https://woodiesdrumsticks.com/TheDrumLoungePod 🎙️ Stay Connected -Subscribe to The Drum Lounge Podcast on YouTube and all major podcast platforms -Follow us on Instagram (@TheDrumLoungePod) for clips, highlights, and HBCU drumline content -Like, comment, and share this episode to support the culture Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-drum-lounge-podcast--3683925/support. The Drum Lounge Podcast — where HBCU band culture lives, breathes, and evolves. 🥁🔥

  2. Aug 13

    Episode 57 | "JSU Has NOT Lost a Beat! | Thee Merge 2026"

    Band camp fever is officially HERE! On this episode of The Drum Lounge Podcast, Jeremie and Bryon break down the start of the 2026 HBCU marching band season, beginning with Jackson State’s highly anticipated Merge. We react to the freshman and upperclassmen coming together, the size and sound of the Sonic Boom, Jackson State’s drumline, their new-look Stingray drums, and whether the line is bringing the same energy we’ve seen in previous years. We also check in on North Carolina A&T’s band camp, the Blue & Gold Marching Machine’s preparation for the season, and the importance of the physical side of surviving band camp. Of course, we couldn’t talk band camp without checking in on our alma mater, Bethune-Cookman University, and remembering exactly what it feels like when Dr. Wells yells “PERCUSSION!” 😂 Then we head to South Carolina State, where their drumline is already putting out some ridiculous new material. We break down SCSU's percussion instructor Marc’s writing style, why SCSU’s cadences sound unlike just about anything else in HBCU percussion, and whether complex writing still needs to be easy on the ears. Later, we get nerdy with the music writers! Jeremie breaks down why he still uses Finale + Virtual Drumline, while Bryon makes his case for MuseScore. That conversation leads to a challenge: Finale vs. MuseScore in a 15-minute cadence-writing battle! Both of us will have the same amount of time to write something from scratch, and YOU will decide who came with the better cadence. 🔥 TOPICS COVERED -Jackson State’s 2026 Merge -JSU freshman vs. upperclassmen drumline -Jackson State’s Stingray drums -North Carolina A&T band camp -Bethune-Cookman freshman band camp -Why academics still come before marching band -How long it takes to reach “college-level” snare ability -Adjusting to different HBCU drumline styles -South Carolina State’s new drumline material -Marc’s “mad scientist” approach to writing -Finale + Virtual Drumline vs. MuseScore -Our upcoming 15-minute cadence-writing battle -Our FIRST Twitch livestream! 🥁 LOUNGE & CHOP For Lounge & Chop #57, Jeremie teaches a two-measure lick featuring buzzes, blurtas, 32nd-note passages, accented “grandmas,” a nine-stroke roll, paradiddle-diddles, a crossover, backsticks, flams, and double stops. Grab your sticks, slow it down, and add this one to the repertoire! 🥁 5th Quarter Picks Jeremie's Pick: Jackson State University – “Gin and Juice” | 2026 Merge Bryon's Pick:  South Carolina State University – “Raise Up” | 2025 🟣 JOIN US LIVE ON TWITCH Follow @TheDrumLoungePod on Twitch and join us live on Sundays for: • Podcast behind-the-scenes content • Drumline and band reactions • Live percussion discussions • Drum lessons and music assistance • Competition watch parties • Unfiltered conversations with Jeremie and Bryon 🔥 Woodies Drumsticks Deal Level up your drumming! Grab a pair of Woodies Drumsticks and use promo code THEDRUMLOUNGEPOD for 10% off your order: https://woodiesdrumsticks.com/TheDrumLoungePod 🎙️ Stay Connected -Subscribe to The Drum Lounge Podcast on YouTube and all major podcast platforms -Follow us on Instagram (@TheDrumLoungePod) for clips, highlights, and HBCU drumline content -Like, comment, and share this episode to support the culture Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-drum-lounge-podcast--3683925/support. The Drum Lounge Podcast — where HBCU band culture lives, breathes, and evolves. 🥁🔥

  3. Aug 6

    Episode 56 | "Rep Yo City Drumline Competition Flashback"

    The Drum Lounge is expanding! In this episode, Jeremie Foster and Bryon Russell announce that the podcast is officially heading to Twitch, where viewers will be able to join the conversation live, submit drumline clips for reactions, receive help with music, and watch the unedited behind-the-scenes experience of recording the podcast. The guys also share another major announcement: The Drum Lounge Podcast has been submitted for three Black Podcast Awards—Best Arts Podcast, Best Hosting Duo, and Best Podcast Outro! This week’s flashback episode takes us to North Carolina for a complete recap of the Rep Your City Drumline Competition. Bryon shares his experience attending the competition with Face Place and explains why the event felt like the “red carpet” of drumline competitions. The guys react to standout performances from: • Faith's Place • Ice Cold Experience • Brooklyn United • T.W. Andrews High School • R.J. Reynolds High School • Grimsley High School They also discuss the growing importance of themes, storytelling, entertainment, and crowd engagement in modern drumline competitions. Playing clean is no longer enough—the best groups are creating complete productions that audiences can understand and enjoy. 🥁 5th Quarter Picks Jeremie’s Pick: Bethune-Cookman University's Sudden Impact — "Spirit Groove" (2017) Bryon’s Pick: North Carolina A&T's Coldsteel Drumline— cadence from battle vs. NCCU (2023) 🟣 JOIN US LIVE ON TWITCH Follow @TheDrumLoungePod on Twitch and join us live on Sundays for: • Podcast behind-the-scenes content • Drumline and band reactions • Live percussion discussions • Drum lessons and music assistance • Competition watch parties • Unfiltered conversations with Jeremie and Bryon 🔥 Woodies Drumsticks Deal Level up your drumming! Grab a pair of Woodies Drumsticks and use promo code THEDRUMLOUNGEPOD for 10% off your order: https://woodiesdrumsticks.com/TheDrum... 🎙️ Stay Connected -Subscribe to The Drum Lounge Podcast on YouTube and all major podcast platforms -Follow us on Instagram and Twitch (@TheDrumLoungePod) for clips, highlights, and HBCU drumline content -Like, comment, and share this episode to support the culture Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-drum-lounge-podcast--3683925/support. The Drum Lounge Podcast — where HBCU band culture lives, breathes, and evolves. 🥁🔥

  4. Jul 30

    Episode 55 | "Band Camp Tips & Tricks"

    Band camp season is here! In Episode 55 of The Drum Lounge Podcast, Jeremie Foster and Bryon Russell share everything they learned from experiencing HBCU band camp as freshmen, returning upperclassmen, and section leaders at Bethune-Cookman University. For incoming freshmen, we break down how to prepare physically and mentally before arriving on campus—from staying hydrated, eating before those early-morning sessions, improving your conditioning, and practicing with a metronome to researching your school’s sound, music, traditions, and technique. We also explain why earning a band scholarship does not automatically guarantee your preferred instrument, what to expect during drumline auditions, why adaptability matters, and why every percussionist should have a secondary instrument in mind. We also speak directly to returning upperclassmen about avoiding complacency and continuing to improve every year. Your experience should make you one of the strongest examples in the band—not someone who returns out of shape, unprepared, or unwilling to follow the standard. For the section leaders, we discuss the responsibility that comes with carrying the culture of your program. That means eliminating laziness, maintaining your own playing ability, setting the example at every rehearsal, developing the next generation, bringing new ideas to the section, enforcing expectations consistently, and removing favoritism or politics from your leadership. Beyond the music, we also explain why students must stay on top of financial aid, housing, registration, and academics. You cannot fully enjoy the college band experience if your enrollment or eligibility is constantly in jeopardy. 🥁 5th Quarter Picks Jeremie’s Pick: Bethune-Cookman University's Marching Wildcats — "Outstanding" (2012) Bryon’s Pick: Jackson State University’s Sonic Boom of the South — “King’s Affirmation” (2025) 🔥 Woodies Drumsticks Deal Level up your drumming! Grab a pair of Woodies Drumsticks and use promo code THEDRUMLOUNGEPOD for 10% off your order: https://woodiesdrumsticks.com/TheDrumLoungePod 🎙️ Stay Connected -Subscribe to The Drum Lounge Podcast on YouTube and all major podcast platforms -Follow us on Instagram (@TheDrumLoungePod) for clips, highlights, and HBCU drumline content -Like, comment, and share this episode to support the culture Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-drum-lounge-podcast--3683925/support. The Drum Lounge Podcast — where HBCU band culture lives, breathes, and evolves. 🥁🔥

  5. Jul 23

    Episode 54 | "HBCU Drumline Tier List: 2026 Pre-Marching Season Update"

    The official Pre-2026 Marching Season HBCU Drumline Tier List is here, and no school is safe! In this loaded episode of The Drum Lounge Podcast, Jeremie Foster and Bryon Russell evaluate HBCU drumlines based on everything they witnessed throughout the Fall 2025 marching season and Spring 2026 battle season. Each line is judged using four major categories: ensemble sound, visual appeal, level of complexity, and overall energy. South Carolina State, Florida Memorial, Virginia State, and Norfolk State continue to prove why they belong among the elite—but several programs made major moves. Jackson State and Fort Valley State earn their way into Tier One, Hampton finds itself right on the edge of joining them, and FAMU makes one of the biggest jumps on the entire list. Jeremie and Bryon also have to make a painful, unbiased decision regarding their alma mater, Bethune-Cookman University. They discuss Sudden Impact’s talent, lack of exposure, missed performance opportunities, and the consistency issues that ultimately affected their ranking. From established powerhouses to emerging programs finally putting themselves on the map, this episode breaks down where the HBCU drumline world currently stands—and what every line must do to move up during the 2026 season. 🥁 5th Quarter Picks Jeremie’s Pick: Alabama A&M University Drumline — 2025 Fan Day Performance Bryon’s Pick: South Carolina State University Drumline — Classic Vic Firth Performance 🔥 Woodies Drumsticks Deal Level up your drumming! Grab a pair of Woodies Drumsticks and use promo code THEDRUMLOUNGEPOD for 10% off your order: https://woodiesdrumsticks.com/TheDrumLoungePod 🎙️ Stay Connected -Subscribe to The Drum Lounge Podcast on YouTube and all major podcast platforms -Follow us on Instagram (@TheDrumLoungePod) for clips, highlights, and HBCU drumline content -Like, comment, and share this episode to support the culture The Drum Lounge Podcast — where HBCU band culture lives, breathes, and evolves. 🥁🔥 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-drum-lounge-podcast--3683925/support. The Drum Lounge Podcast — where HBCU band culture lives, breathes, and evolves. 🥁🔥

  6. Jul 16

    Episode 53 | "WE'RE BACK! 🥁 Summer Band Is Here + BIG Drumline Updates"

    We're back! After a two-month hiatus, The Drum Lounge Podcast returns with plenty to catch up on. Jeremie Foster and Bryon Russell kick things off by announcing their exciting partnership with Rudimental Control, sharing why they believed in the brand long before joining the team and what viewers can expect from the collaboration moving forward. The conversation then shifts to the surprising news surrounding Xymox Percussion, as the guys reflect on the company's apparent closure, discuss its impact on the percussion community, and share personal stories about how Xymox influenced their drumming journeys. With marching season right around the corner, the Drum Lounge Tier List is making its return! Jeremie and Bryon break down the four major categories they'll be using to evaluate HBCU drumlines this season, explain what they look for in a great drumline, and invite current members and alumni to submit their best videos before next week's rankings. The episode wraps up with reactions to several summer band battles, including GAMB vs. the New Orleans All-Star Band, a look at the latest A1 Media footage, and discussions on what has them most excited heading into another HBCU marching band season. Be sure to subscribe, leave a comment, and let us know which drumline you're looking forward to seeing this season! 🥁 5th Quarter Picks Jeremie's Pick: Georgia Mass Band playing 'Janice STFU' (2026) Bryon's Pick: Space City All-Star Band (2026) 🛒 Support The Drum Lounge Podcast Check out my Amazon Storefront for the drum gear, recording equipment, and tech I use: https://www.amazon.com/shop/thedrumloungepod Grab official Drum Lounge Podcast merch: https://the-drum-lounge-podcast.myspreadshop.com/ 🎙️ Stay Connected 📺 YouTube: @TheDrumLoungePodcast 📸 Instagram: @TheDrumLoungePod Don't forget to Like, Comment, Subscribe, and share this episode with another drummer, band member, or HBCU marching band fan. #DrumLoungePodcast #HBCUDrumline #MarchingBand #Drumline #RudimentalControl #Xymox #Percussion #HBCUBands #SummerBand #MarchingPercussion Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-drum-lounge-podcast--3683925/support. The Drum Lounge Podcast — where HBCU band culture lives, breathes, and evolves. 🥁🔥

  7. May 1

    Episode 52 | “Dollar Watson Classic + Uniformity over Rudiments?”

    In this episode of The Drum Lounge Podcast, Jeremie Foster and Bryon Russell break down the Dollar Watson Classic, featuring intense battles between Palm Beach Lakes, Jonesboro, and South Cobb. The conversation dives into musicality, power, and the growing influence of Florida drumlines in Georgia. They also react to the Red Smooth Classic drumline battle, highlighting the importance of technique, uniformity, and overall presentation. On the college side, the guys discuss the Hampton vs Norfolk drumline battle, Hampton’s rise, and what it takes for a program to build a true identity. Plus, major updates on band leadership changes at Alabama State and Alabama A&M and what that means for the culture moving forward. If you’re into drumlines, HBCU bands, and competition breakdowns—this one is for you. 🥁 5th Quarter Picks Jeremie’s Pick: Alabama State University – “Neck” (2008 Hall of Fame Battle of the Bands) Bryon’s Pick: Jersey Surf vs Crossmen – DCI Drumline Battle 🔥 Woodies Drumsticks Deal Level up your drumming! Grab a pair of Woodies Drumsticks and use promo code THEDRUMLOUNGEPOD for 10% off your order: https://woodiesdrumsticks.com/TheDrumLoungePod 🎙️ Stay Connected -Subscribe to The Drum Lounge Podcast on YouTube and all major podcast platforms -Follow us on Instagram (@TheDrumLoungePod) for clips, highlights, and HBCU drumline content -Like, comment, and share this episode to support the culture Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-drum-lounge-podcast--3683925/support. The Drum Lounge Podcast — where HBCU band culture lives, breathes, and evolves. 🥁🔥

    Episode 52 | “Dollar Watson Classic + Uniformity over Rudiments?”

  8. Apr 23

    Episode 51 | "2026 Destination HBCU RECAP"

    Welcome back to another episode of The Drum Lounge Podcast with Jeremie Foster and Bryon Russell, where we break down everything that went down at Destination HBCU 2026—one of the most INSANE drumline events we’ve ever witnessed. From Piper H.S. setting the tone in the high school division, to Brooklyn United delivering a movie-level performance in the community division, to the intense and controversial college battles featuring Norfolk State, South Carolina State, Fort Valley State, and Florida Memorial, we cover it all with real reactions and in-depth analysis from being there LIVE. We also talk about our live stream experience, what went wrong, and how we’re leveling up for future events so the quality matches the moment. To close it out, we bring our 5th Quarter Picks, highlighting Florida Memorial’s cinematic final cadence and South Carolina State’s explosive performance that had the crowd going crazy, plus another Lounge & Chop segment to help take your hands to the next level. Huge shoutout to Created 2 Play for putting on an incredible event for the culture. If you were there, you already know… and if you weren’t, this is the next best thing. Don’t forget to like, comment, subscribe—and as always… go practice. 🥁🔥 🎶 5th Quarter Picks: Jeremie’s Pick: Florida Memorial University – Final Cadence (Destination HBCU) Bryon’s Pick: South Carolina State – Final Battle Cadence vs Norfolk 🔥 Woodies Drumsticks Deal Level up your drumming! Grab a pair of Woodies Drumsticks and use promo code THEDRUMLOUNGEPOD for 10% off your order: https://woodiesdrumsticks.com/TheDrum... 🎙️ Stay Connected -Subscribe to The Drum Lounge Podcast on YouTube and all major podcast platforms -Follow us on Instagram (@TheDrumLoungePod) for clips, highlights, and HBCU drumline content -Like, comment, and share this episode to support the culture Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-drum-lounge-podcast--3683925/support. The Drum Lounge Podcast — where HBCU band culture lives, breathes, and evolves. 🥁🔥

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Ratings & Reviews

4.9
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

My name is Jeremie Foster, and I am the founder of The Drum Lounge Podcast which I host alongside my college friend Bryon Russell. We have so many experiences and stories to share both inside and outside of drumming that we believe will be of inspiration to those who are drummers, those that are fans of drummers, and those who are just fans of podcasts in general.   In addition, we plan on reviewing different high school and HBCU bands/drumlines, interviewing different band directors/section leaders, providing tips and advice on being a better drummer, providing history on drumming, speaking on the culture of HBCU Life, and teaching rhythm exercises that you can expect to learn every episode and add to you drumming repertoire.  Episodes for Season 3 are released every week, and will be available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud, Spotify, or wherever you find your podcasts! Find more information on IG: @TheDrumLoungePod Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-drum-lounge-podcast--3683925/support.

Information

  • Creator
    Jeremie Foster
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    86
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Jeremie Foster
  • Show Website
    The Drum Lounge Podcast