Nashville Drummers Podcast

Dan Ainspan / Nathan Sletner
  • 4.6 (52)
  • Music Interviews
  • Updated Monthly

Meet the up-and-coming players within Nashville's diverse drumming community, plus interviews with special guests from music cities near and far. Hear their stories, be inspired, and share some laughs along the way.

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  1. 4d ago ·  Video

    Milo Simpson: On Tour w/ Ashley Anne, Relationships & Community, Serving the Artist, Vintage Kits, Horror Movies & Tattoos

    Welcome, Milo Simpson! Having recently made the move from northeast Iowa to Nashville in 2025, Milo has quickly made a name for himself as a trustworthy, go-to drummer for a variety of up-and-coming country singer-songwriters, most notably touring with 22-year-old Ashley Anne. Milo shares his path through the Visible Music College in Memphis, his early influences (like Twenty One Pilots), and his approach to learning songs quickly under pressure. He shares the story of eventually joining the Ashley Anne camp, from a last-minute stripped-down gig to playing his first arena in Norfolk opening for Zach Top. We chat touring hangs, favorite Nashville local spots, working odd jobs (including Chuck E. Cheese and a cemetery), vintage kits and Facebook Marketplace, and of course, horror movies and Tim Robinson. We hope you enjoy!   Chapters: 0:00 Intro 0:56 Nashville Chow Mein Debate 2:03 Turning 24 4:25 Moving to Music City 5:03 Memphis Music College 8:19 Relationships Open Doors 9:39 Landing the Ashley Anne Gig 15:21 Learning Songs Fast 21:52 Tim Robinson 23:39 Drum Box (Sponsor) 24:20 Vintage Kits and Marketplace Trade 28:08 Chuck E. Cheese Days 31:06 Serving the Artist 32:37 First Arena Show 40:16 Country Music Roots 41:24 Drum Supply (Sponsor) 42:21 Alt Rock Influences 43:22 Tattoo Tour Stories 50:02 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor) 50:43 Cemetery Job Tales 57:35 Rezo Custom Drum Heads (Sponsor) 58:39 Hobbies and Walking 1:06:10 Waffle House Lore 1:14:11 Meeting Drum Heroes 1:18:24 Music City Audiology (Sponsor) 1:19:06 Gigs w/ Brooke Lee 1:31:13 Horror Movies and Tattoos 1:32:18 Outro Thank you to our Episode Sponsors: Drum Box https://drumbox.space Drum Supply https://www.drumsupply.com Low Boy Beaters https://lowboybeaters.com Rezo Custom Drum Heads https://rezoheads.com Music City Audiology https://www.musiccityaudiology.com Connect with Milo: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milosimpson_ Music Featured in this Episode: "paloma" - Ashley Anne "I Won't" - Justin Schools Support the show Connect with us: Website Instagram TikTok YouTube Facebook Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART  ⓒ 2026 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC

    Milo Simpson: On Tour w/ Ashley Anne, Relationships & Community, Serving the Artist, Vintage Kits, Horror Movies & Tattoos

  2. Sep 7 ·  Video

    Weston Blatz: From Canada to Nashville, On Tour w/ Emily Ann Roberts, Career Milestones, Burnout & Anxiety

    Welcome our first Canadian guest, Weston Blatz! Weston is the touring drummer for rising country artist Emily Ann Roberts. We dive into Weston's musical upbringing in Canada and the winding road that would eventually land him the gig with Emily, including a milestone-packed year performing at both the Ryman and the Grand Ole Opry. We discuss learning songs exactly like the record, memorizing without charts, plus the mental pressures of touring, and why being a good person and a good hang matters most. We hope you enjoy!   Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:13 Welcome, Weston!  4:16 Canada Day and Surviving the Dream  7:55 Growing Up on Country and Rock  12:04 Learn the Record  15:08 Memorizing Without Charts  18:04 Why Nashville  22:05 Drum Box (Sponsor)  22:46 Landing the Gig w/ Emily Ann Roberts 23:11 Meeting Tracy Broussard  25:49 Losing the Audition  37:11 Drum Supply (Sponsor)  38:10 Broadway Grind  47:18 Burnout and Anxiety  57:13 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor)  57:55 Opry and Ryman Milestones  1:06:55 Imposter Syndrome  1:09:55 Goals and Self-Talk  1:11:25 Rezo Custom Drum Heads (Sponsor)  1:12:26 Being A Good Hang  1:15:02 Confidence vs Ego  1:16:07 Tracks and Ableton Setup  1:20:43 K-WAT Drum Co. (Sponsor)  1:21:31 Tour Cities and Hobbies  1:24:25 First Drum Kit  1:26:58 Gear and Endorsements  1:37:31 Outro Thank you to our Episode Sponsors:   K-WAT Drum Co. https://www.k-watdrumco.com Drum Box https://drumbox.space Drum Supply https://www.drumsupply.com Low Boy Beaters https://lowboybeaters.com Rezo Custom Drum Heads https://rezoheads.com Connect with Westson: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westonjblatzdrums Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/westonjakeblatz Music Featured in this Episode: "Whipped" - Emily Ann Roberts Support the show Connect with us: Website Instagram TikTok YouTube Facebook Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART  ⓒ 2026 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC

    Weston Blatz: From Canada to Nashville, On Tour w/ Emily Ann Roberts, Career Milestones, Burnout & Anxiety

  3. Aug 24 ·  Video

    Kyle Wilkerson: On Tour w/ Jordan Davis, Golf & Sports, Routines & Professionalism, Career Longevity & Family

    Welcome North Carolina native, Kyle Wilkerson! Kyle is the touring drummer for multi-platinum, award-winning country artist Jordan Davis. We dive straight into Kyle's career, discussing family life, golf-centered touring routines, and memorable courses and markets like Europe and Australia. Kyle recounts moving to Nashville in 2010 after Appalachian State, leaving education and classical percussion plans to focus on drum set, beginning his Nashville career through radio tour with Maddie & Tae, later joining Michael Ray, and subbing for Jordan Davis in 2020 before joining full-time in 2021. He shares pragmatic advice on evaluating gigs, professionalism, and relationships, plus views on Broadway, changing Nashville, and the importance of learning Ableton/playback. He outlines gear, endorsements, and emphasizes staying healthy, present as a parent, and taking action without waiting. We hope you enjoy! Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:06 Welcome, Kyle! 1:17 Morning Routines 2:41 Golf and Drumming 5:02 Favorite Courses 6:01 Move to Nashville in 2010 7:46 Jordan Davis Early Years 9:39 COVID-Era Gigs 10:44 "Buy Dirt" Breakthrough 12:19 Maddie & Tae Radio Tour 19:53 Switching Gigs 28:52 Drum Box (Sponsor) 29:34 Touring Europe and Australia 32:10 Linkin Park Night Off 33:05 Band Life and Festival Season 34:03 Playback, Tech, & Ableton 45:24 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor) 46:05 Early Influences and Jazz 51:11 Finding Your Passion 54:21 Drum Supply (Sponsor) 55:18 Classical Percussion Carryover 59:56 Nashville Then vs Now 1:13:19 Family Doubts and Validation 1:15:08 Raising a Family 1:20:41 Rezo Custom Drum Heads (Sponsor) 1:21:45 Career Milestones and Venues 1:24:30 Relationships and Rates 1:27:25 Keeping the Show Fresh 1:31:42 Festival Sets & Country Covers 1:34:51 Endorsements 1:40:57 Career Longevity 1:43:40 Rapid Fire Food Talk 1:45:27 Spurs Fandom and Soccer 1:47:29 IG Handle Story 1:49:50 Outro Thank you to our Episode Sponsors: Drum Box https://drumbox.space Drum Supply https://www.drumsupply.com Low Boy Beaters https://lowboybeaters.com Rezo Custom Drum Heads https://rezoheads.com Connect with Kyle: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flatbillionaire Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kyle.wilkerson.395 Music Featured in this Episode: "Tucson Too Late" - Jordan Davis & NEEDTOBREATHE (Live at CMT Crossroads) "Next Thing You Know" - Jordan Davis (Live at CMA Fest 2024) Support the show Connect with us: Website Instagram TikTok YouTube Facebook Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART  ⓒ 2026 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC

    Kyle Wilkerson: On Tour w/ Jordan Davis, Golf & Sports, Routines & Professionalism, Career Longevity & Family

  4. Aug 3 ·  Video

    Mace Santa Maria: On Tour w/ 76th Street, Tornsey, Brooke Alexx, LGBTQ+ Community, Avoiding Burnout

    Welcome Arizona native, Mace Santa Maria! We cover Mace's move from Phoenix to Nashville four years ago, following a formative year at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts. She discusses learning the drums at age 10, major influences like the Jonas Brothers' drummer Jack Lawless (whom she recently met), and how Broadway demands fast adaptation through cues, band-specific arrangements, and on-the-fly decisions. Mace breaks down her unique Pelican-case rig, Nashville do's and don'ts, and opportunities for live streaming and subscription-based content. She details touring with indie-pop artists Brooke Alexx, 76th Street, and Tornsey, building Ableton show transitions, maintaining health and alone time on the road to avoid burnout, and the importance of LGBTQ+ community and representation in her career. We hope you enjoy! Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:53 Welcome, Mace!  4:31 Broadway Connections  6:48 What's for Breakfast?  9:52 From Phoenix to Nashville  12:48 Early Drumming Roots  16:21 Meeting A Childhood Hero  19:35 Broadway Survival Skills  28:49 Rezo Custom Drum Heads (Sponsor)  29:53 Broadway Rig Rundown  37:35 TikTok vs Instagram  42:07 Drum Box (Sponsor)  42:49 Queer Pop Tour Scene  53:50 Ableton Show Builds  56:29 Staying Healthy On Tour  1:01:24 Birthday Plans  1:03:55 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor)  1:04:37 Pizza/Candy Debate  1:10:54 Drum Supply (Sponsor)  1:11:52 Tour Highlights and Burnout  1:16:57 Music City Audiology  1:17:39 Charting and Music Education  1:29:09 Groove MPL (Sponsor)  1:30:20 Home Studio and Iron Maiden Mic  1:35:05 Tattoos and Hobbies  1:41:09 Outro Thank you to our Episode Sponsors: Rezo Custom Drum Heads https://rezoheads.com Drum Box https://drumbox.space Drum Supply https://www.drumsupply.com Low Boy Beaters https://lowboybeaters.com Music City Audiology https://www.musiccityaudiology.com Connect with Mace: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/santamariuhhh YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@santamariuhhh TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@santamariuhhh Music Featured in this Episode: "She's My Handsome" - 76th Street Support the show Connect with us: Website Instagram TikTok YouTube Facebook Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART  ⓒ 2026 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC

    Mace Santa Maria: On Tour w/ 76th Street, Tornsey, Brooke Alexx, LGBTQ+ Community, Avoiding Burnout

  5. Jul 25

    Music City Drum Show 2026 (LIVE Day 2)

    Attendee and exhibitor interviews from the 2026 Music City Drum Show, July 18-19 in Nashville, TN. Register for the 2027 Music City Drum Show https://www.musiccitydrumshow.com Interviews 0:00 Intro 3:33 Kris Mazzarisi - Story Behind Big Fat Snare Drum  17:15 Derek Lee (Beat Note) - "Combining Passions"  24:48 Daniel Hegerle - "Favorite Event of the Year" 28:27 Taylor Morgan - "One Year in Nashville" 30:38 Alex Mortem - "Play Hard, Play Fast" 34:36 Shawn Tracht - "The Great American Drum Shop Road Trip" 57:26 Mace Santa Maria - "Girls Stick Together" 1:03:43 Majo Herrera - "Enjoying the Process" 1:06:17 Christian Gendics - "Welcome to Town" 1:07:38 Ryan Whitt - "Keeping Things Rolling" 1:10:02 Ed Bettinelli - Thumb Thang 1:15:07 Ory Brochet - "Orybon Drums: Sound Different" 1:21:24 Josh Blount - Lucky Drums  1:24:00 Matt Bover - "Best Pizza in Nashville?"  1:30:34 Greg Hersey - "Innovation in Percussion Setups"  1:35:22 Jacob Robinson - "Learning by Doing" Support the show Connect with us: Website Instagram TikTok YouTube Facebook Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART  ⓒ 2026 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC

    Music City Drum Show 2026 (LIVE Day 2)

  6. Jul 24 ·  Bonus

    Music City Drum Show 2026 (LIVE Day 1)

    Attendee and exhibitor interviews from the 2026 Music City Drum Show, July 18-19 in Nashville, TN. Register for the 2027 Music City Drum Show https://www.musiccitydrumshow.com Interviews 0:00 Intro 3:34 Tom Stanfill - "Drumming Community is Fantastic"  5:49 Jacqueline Cloud - "Change, Content, & Fudge"  11:04 Edgel Groves - "Music Tech & Business"  15:04 Alexander Hubbard - "Talent Show Rockstar"  16:15 Lleyton Brainard - "Identity & Lemurian People"  20:32 Laurie Toscano - "Lobsters & Accordions"  26:47 Fisher Wilkie - "Drums & Tortellini"  30:53 Dorothea Taylor - "Rudiments & Stardom" 35:32 Outro Support the show Connect with us: Website Instagram TikTok YouTube Facebook Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART  ⓒ 2026 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC

    Music City Drum Show 2026 (LIVE Day 1)

  7. Jul 6 ·  Video

    Luke Zajdel: On Tour w/ Walker Montgomery, Posture, Professionalism, & Peart

    Welcome Pittsburgh native, Luke Zajdel! Luke is currently the touring drummer for country artist Walker Montgomery. A lifelong Rush fan, Luke shares why Clockwork Angels is his favorite record, memories of seeing Neil Peart play 5x, and his emotional reaction to Rush’s return announcement. He explains adapting the note-for-note prog mindset to Nashville’s more flexible country and session culture, learning charting after a last-minute Whiskey Jam call, and developing stage presence by loosening up. Luke shares how important mentors and teachers have been in his development, specifically studying with Mark Poiesz, who has helped with stage presence, mindset, and meditation. We touch on other influences like David Garibaldi, Morgan Rose, and Danny Carey, touring routines, fitness, meditation, home recording, and of course, Luke's seemingly perfect posture behind the kit. We hope you enjoy! Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:17 Welcome, Luke!  2:23 On Tour w/ Walker Montgomery  5:39 PPG Arena Homecoming  5:52 Rush Roots and Favorite Album  12:23 Six Months To Obsess  13:53 Garibaldi Rabbit Hole  15:09 Rock Showmanship Chops  17:24 Seeing Neil Peart Live  18:25 Nashville Grind and Purpose  26:38 Rezo Custom Drum Heads (Sponsor)  27:38 Looking the Part 30:23 Move to Nashville  31:52 Early Gigs and First Kit  34:50 Drum Box (Sponsor)  38:39 Rush to Country Mindsets  44:29 Mentorship & Meditation  49:24 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor)  50:06 Touring Habits and Fitness  54:09 Perfect Posture  59:58 Lesson Routine and Teachers  1:00:38 Overqualified For The Gig  1:03:34 Tour Culture and Temptations  1:09:36 Drum Supply (Sponsor)  1:10:33 Home Recording Goals  1:13:42 Rapid Fire Questions  1:21:22 Outro Thank you to our Episode Sponsors: Rezo Custom Drum Heads https://rezoheads.com Drum Box https://drumbox.space Drum Supply https://www.drumsupply.com Low Boy Beaters https://lowboybeaters.com Connect with Luke: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lzajdelmusic YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/2112rushfan1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lzajdelmusic Music Featured in this Episode: "All Night Long Left" - Walker Montgomery "Outlaws & Outsiders" - Cory Marks Support the show Connect with us: Website Instagram TikTok YouTube Facebook Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART  ⓒ 2026 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC

    Luke Zajdel: On Tour w/ Walker Montgomery, Posture, Professionalism, & Peart

  8. Jun 15 ·  Video

    Wesley Bourque: On Tour w/ Logan Crosby, Industry Insights, Saturation & Storytelling, Noble & Cooley Drums

    Welcome Massachusetts native, Wesley Bourque! Wes is currently the touring drummer for rising country singer/songwriter Logan Crosby. In addition to gigging and recording, he serves as Artist Relations for NY-based distributor/record label United Masters. In this wide-ranging conversation, Wes shares his journey from small-town New England to the move to Nashville in 2014. We dive into his early years working day jobs at well-known coffee shops, building relationships, and his thoughts on navigating perception and identity. He shares lessons from Broadway, prepping for fill-in gigs with and without charts, and high-stress playback realities including redundancy and backup plans. Wes dives into Noble & Cooley’s history and his personal connection to the company, plus touring highlights and challenges with Logan (including a van fire) and why story, narrative, and platform-specific content matter in today’s saturated music landscape. We hope you enjoy! Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:51 Welcome, Wes!  2:17 Broadway Connections  9:10 Ableton/Playback Stress  18:24 Noble & Cooley Origins  29:13 Unexpected Event Planning  30:14 Full Circle Maddie & Tae  33:03 Rezo Custom Drum Heads (Sponsor)  34:07 Networking & Coffee Shops  36:08 Breaking Out Of Labels  39:31 Artist Relations and Marketing  45:28 Saturation and Storytelling  50:28 Drum Box (Sponsor)  51:11 Marketing For Musicians  55:46 Subbing Prep (Charts vs Memorization)  1:00:37 Japan Fly-Date Story 1:07:45 Iconic Fills and Pranks 1:09:58 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor)  1:11:12 NAMM Lessons and Trade Shows  1:24:04 Drum Supply (Sponsor)  1:25:06 Landing Logan Crosby Gig  1:29:13 Tour Life and Van Fire  1:37:31 Advice for Younger Drummers  1:44:48 Whiskey Jam Wobble  1:48:44 Platform Content Strategy  2:00:20 Handling Mistakes During a Show  2:03:34 Music City Audiology (Sponsor)  2:04:25 Guitar Hero Drum Lore  2:05:42 Rapid Fire Questions  2:14:52 Outro Thank you to our Episode Sponsors: Rezo Custom Drum Heads https://rezoheads.com Drum Box https://drumbox.space Drum Supply https://www.drumsupply.com Low Boy Beaters https://lowboybeaters.com Music City Audiology http://musiccityaudiology.com Connect with Wes: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bourquechop/ Music Featured in this Episode: "So Damn Free" - Logan Crosby "A Parking Lot Far Away" - Logan Crosby Support the show Connect with us: Website Instagram TikTok YouTube Facebook Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART  ⓒ 2026 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC

    Wesley Bourque: On Tour w/ Logan Crosby, Industry Insights, Saturation & Storytelling, Noble & Cooley Drums
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4.6
out of 5
52 Ratings

About

Meet the up-and-coming players within Nashville's diverse drumming community, plus interviews with special guests from music cities near and far. Hear their stories, be inspired, and share some laughs along the way.

Information

  • Creator
    Dan Ainspan / Nathan Sletner
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    101
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Nashville Drummers Podcast
  • Show Website
    Nashville Drummers Podcast
  • Provider
    Daniel Ainspan

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