Behind The Kit with Arizona Drummer

Arizona Drummer
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Behind The Kit dives into the lives of today’s most inspiring drummers — from Grammy winners to rising stars. Hosted by Kyle Smith of Arizona Drummer, each episode explores the real stories behind the beats: the hustle, heart, and passion it takes to make it in music. Whether you're a drummer or just love music, you'll find powerful insights and raw conversations that go way beyond the kit. Follow, like, and subscribe to never miss a beat!

  1. Jul 6

    🥁 Behind The Kit Episode 28: Jess Bowen (The Summer Set, 3OH!3, Jax, Lights)

    Episode 28 of Behind The Kit features an incredible conversation with the one and only Jess Bowen! Best known as the founding drummer of The Summer Set, Jess has built an impressive and diverse career behind the kit, performing with artists including 3OH!3, Jax, Cassadee Pope, Lights, NEKKTAR, and many more. Through years of touring, recording, and adapting to a wide variety of musical styles, she has become one of the most versatile and respected drummers working today. In this conversation, we dive into Jess’s musical journey — from forming The Summer Set and breaking into the music industry, to navigating life on the road, building a career as a freelance touring drummer, and finding her own voice behind the instrument. We discuss the realities of professional touring, developing versatility, balancing creativity with consistency, and the lessons she's learned from performing with artists across multiple genres. Jess also shares insights into perseverance, career growth, networking, and what it takes to create opportunities in an ever-changing music industry. Whether you're an aspiring drummer, a working musician, or simply someone who loves hearing the stories behind the music, there is so much value packed into this conversation. Season 2 continues to bring together some of the most inspiring voices in drumming, and I’m incredibly grateful to have Jess join the Behind The Kit community. Thank you for being here, and thank you for supporting Behind The Kit. 🥁

    🥁 Behind The Kit Episode 28: Jess Bowen (The Summer Set, 3OH!3, Jax, Lights)

  2. Jun 22

    🥁 Behind The Kit Episode 27: Alex Bent (Trivium, Battlecross, Decrepit Birth)

    Episode 27 of Behind The Kit features a conversation I’ve been incredibly excited to share — sitting down with the one and only Alex Bent! Known for his incredible speed, precision, versatility, and technical mastery behind the kit, Alex has established himself as one of the most respected drummers in modern metal. Throughout his career, he has performed with acclaimed bands including Trivium, Decrepit Birth, Battlecross, Dragonlord, and many others, earning a reputation for delivering world-class performances both in the studio and on stage. In this conversation, we dive deep into Alex’s journey behind the kit — from his early influences and dedication to developing his craft, to navigating the demands of professional touring and recording at the highest levels of the music industry. We discuss practice routines, technique development, consistency, musicality, mental preparation, and the mindset required to perform some of the most challenging music in the world night after night. This episode isn’t just about speed and technical ability — it’s about discipline, perseverance, continuous growth, and the pursuit of excellence. Alex shares valuable insights into what it takes to build a lasting career while constantly pushing yourself to improve as both a musician and a person. Season 2 continues to grow through honest, inspiring conversations like this one, and I’m beyond grateful to bring Alex’s story to the Behind The Kit community. Thank you for being here, and thank you for supporting Behind The Kit. 🥁

    🥁 Behind The Kit Episode 27: Alex Bent (Trivium, Battlecross, Decrepit Birth)

  3. Jun 8

    🥁 Behind The Kit Episode 26: David Nester (Disturbed, System Of A Down, Seether, I Prevail)

    Episode 26 of Behind The Kit features a conversation I’ve been incredibly excited to share — sitting down with my good friend, the one and only David Nester! David is a highly respected drummer and drum tech who has spent years working behind the scenes with some of the biggest names in rock and metal, including @Disturbed, @SystemOfADown, @SeetherOfficial, and @IPrevailBand. In addition to his work as a world-class tech, David also spent many years as the drummer for ENMY, bringing his own powerful style and musicality to the stage night after night. This conversation was especially meaningful for me because David and I have become close friends over the years, and getting the opportunity to sit down and share his story with the Behind The Kit community was truly an honor. In this episode, we dive deep into the realities of life both behind the drum kit and behind the scenes. We talk about the demanding world of drum teching at the highest level, the importance of professionalism and preparation, balancing creativity with consistency, touring life, relationships within the industry, and what it really takes to build a sustainable career in music. This episode isn’t just about drums — it’s about passion, hard work, loyalty, friendship, and the countless unseen hours that go into making live music happen at the highest level. Season 2 continues to grow through honest, powerful conversations like this one, and I’m incredibly grateful to bring David’s story to the Behind The Kit community. Thank you for being here, and thank you for supporting Behind The Kit. 🥁

    🥁 Behind The Kit Episode 26: David Nester (Disturbed, System Of A Down, Seether, I Prevail)

  4. May 25

    🥁 Behind The Kit Episode 25: Jay Weinberg (Slipknot, Suicidal Tendencies)

    Episode 25 of Behind The Kit features a conversation I’ve been incredibly excited to share — sitting down with the one and only @JayWeinberg! Known for his explosive energy, precision, and unmistakable intensity behind the kit, Jay has built an incredible career performing with legendary bands like @Slipknot and @SuicidalTendencies. His playing combines power, endurance, musicality, and passion in a way that has made him one of the most respected drummers in modern rock and metal. In this conversation, we dive deep into Jay’s journey behind the kit — from his early influences and developing his identity as a drummer to stepping into some of the biggest gigs in rock music. We talk about preparation, mindset, discipline, creativity, the emotional side of performing, and what it truly takes to sustain a career at the highest level of the music industry. This episode isn’t just about speed, technique, or heavy music — it’s about dedication, resilience, authenticity, and pursuing your craft with everything you have. Season 2 continues to grow through honest, inspiring conversations like this one, and I’m beyond grateful to bring Jay’s story to the Behind The Kit community. Thank you for being here, and thank you for supporting Behind The Kit. 🥁

    🥁 Behind The Kit Episode 25: Jay Weinberg (Slipknot, Suicidal Tendencies)

  5. May 11

    🎧 Behind The Kit Episode 24: Clemons Poindexter IV (Khalid, Melanie Martinez)

    Episode 24 of Behind The Kit features a conversation I’ve been incredibly excited to share — sitting down with the one and only  @ClemonsPoindexterIV  !Known for his feel, precision, and musical versatility, Clemons has built an incredible career performing with global artists like  @khalid  and  @MelanieMartinez  . His playing blends pocket, creativity, and intention in a way that elevates every performance while connecting deeply with both artists and audiences.In this conversation, we dive into Clemons’ journey behind the kit — from his early beginnings and influences to navigating the professional touring world at the highest level. We talk about developing your sound, adapting to different artists, the realities of life on the road, and what it takes to consistently deliver at a world-class level.This episode isn’t just about chops and technique — it’s about professionalism, adaptability, and building a career that lasts in today’s music industry.Season 2 continues to grow through honest, powerful conversations like this one, and I’m beyond grateful to bring Clemons’ story to the Behind The Kit community.Thank you for being here, and thank you for supporting Behind The Kit. 🥁

    🎧 Behind The Kit Episode 24: Clemons Poindexter IV (Khalid, Melanie Martinez)

  6. May 1

    🎧 Behind The Kit Episode 23: Haze Amaze (Nas, Fantasia, YouTube)

    Episode 23 of Behind The Kit features a conversation I’ve been incredibly excited to share — sitting down with the one and only @HazeAmaze! Known for his creativity, feel, and versatility, Haze Amaze has built an incredible career performing with world-class artists like Nas and Fantasia, while also inspiring a global audience through his powerful and educational YouTube presence. His playing blends groove, musicality, and expression in a way that connects deeply with both musicians and fans alike. In this conversation, we dive into Haze’s journey behind the kit — from his early beginnings and influences to navigating the professional music world and building a platform that reaches drummers around the globe. We talk about developing your own voice, the importance of authenticity, the realities of touring and working with major artists, and what it takes to stay creative and inspired in today’s industry. This episode isn’t just about chops and technique — it’s about mindset, growth, and the courage to chase your path while staying true to who you are. Season 2 continues to grow through honest, powerful conversations like this one, and I’m beyond grateful to bring Haze’s story to the Behind The Kit community. Thank you for being here, and thank you for supporting Behind The Kit. 🥁

    🎧 Behind The Kit Episode 23: Haze Amaze (Nas, Fantasia, YouTube)

  7. Apr 17

    🎧 Behind The Kit Episode 22: Art Cruz (Lamb of God)

    Episode 22 of Behind The Kit features a conversation I’ve been incredibly excited to share — sitting down backstage with the one and only  @ArtCruzDrums  !Known for his ferocious power, precision, and relentless intensity behind the kit, Art is the drummer for  @lambofgodofficial  and one of the most respected players in modern metal. From his early days with Winds Of Plague to stepping into one of the most iconic bands in heavy music, Art has built a career defined by passion, perseverance, and an unmistakable playing style.In this conversation, we dive into Lamb of God’s brand new album, Into Oblivion — the record Art says he is most proud of to date. We talk about what made this album different and how approaching the record with a completely fresh perspective allowed him to create some of his most authentic work yet.We also discuss the experience of stepping into a band with such a massive legacy, the pressure and responsibility that comes with that role, and the moment Art truly felt like he belonged in Lamb of God.This episode goes beyond drums and technique. We talk about growth, identity, creativity, and the mindset it takes to continue evolving at the highest level. Art also opens up about how becoming sober impacted both his life and his approach to creating Into Oblivion, making this one of the most personal and meaningful conversations I’ve had for Behind The Kit.What makes this episode even more special to me is that Art and I actually played a show together back in 2008 when my band opened for Winds of Plague. Nearly 18 years later, reconnecting backstage in Phoenix for this conversation feels incredibly full circle.Season 2 continues with honest, powerful conversations like this one, and I’m beyond grateful to share Art’s story with the Behind The Kit community.Thank you for being here, and thank you for supporting Behind The Kit. 🥁

    🎧 Behind The Kit Episode 22: Art Cruz (Lamb of God)

  8. Mar 23

    🎧 Behind The Kit Episode 21: Drumeo (Domino Santantonio, Jared Falk & Brandon Toews)

    Episode 21 of Behind The Kit is one I’ve been incredibly excited to share — a VERY special conversation with the team behind Drumeo. In this episode, I sit down with Domino Santantonio, Jared Falk, and Brandon Toews — three people who have helped shape one of the most impactful platforms in the drumming world today. Drumeo has become a global hub for drummers of all levels, known for its world-class education, iconic collaborations, and its ability to bring the drumming community together in a way that’s never been done before. From viral “drummer hears song for the first time” videos to in-depth lessons with some of the greatest players on the planet, their influence on modern drumming is undeniable. In this conversation, we go behind the scenes of Drumeo — how it all started, the vision behind the platform, and what it takes to consistently create content that inspires millions of drummers around the world. We talk about creativity, consistency, building something meaningful, and the responsibility that comes with shaping the next generation of musicians. This episode isn’t just about drumming — it’s about passion, innovation, and the power of building something bigger than yourself. Season 2 continues to grow through conversations like this, and I’m beyond grateful to share this one with the Behind The Kit community. Thank you for being here, and thank you for supporting Behind The Kit. 🥁

    🎧 Behind The Kit Episode 21: Drumeo (Domino Santantonio, Jared Falk & Brandon Toews)
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About

Behind The Kit dives into the lives of today’s most inspiring drummers — from Grammy winners to rising stars. Hosted by Kyle Smith of Arizona Drummer, each episode explores the real stories behind the beats: the hustle, heart, and passion it takes to make it in music. Whether you're a drummer or just love music, you'll find powerful insights and raw conversations that go way beyond the kit. Follow, like, and subscribe to never miss a beat!

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