The Drumming Mastermind

Nick Andreo

Discovering the mental, physical and spiritual approach of my favourite drummers to gain inspiration, motivation and education.

  1. 17/11/2025

    Episode 6 - Derrick McKenzie Pt 1

    Still in disbelief that I was able to have a lengthy discussion with Derrick McKenzie about his life and musical endeavours including being an entrepreneur, DJ'ing, close calls on the road and ofcourse drumming and Jamiroquai.0:01:20 Coping with drummer ailments through the setup/ergonomics of drums. 0:04:12 How Derrick sets up his kit to play his best. 0:13:16 Derrick’s drumming heroes and inspirations0:23:20 A regular week in Derrick’s life/Exercise/Intermittent fasting/Life Admin/Work/Practise0:28:17 Daily activities and the importance of uninterrupted practice 0:30:40 What drumming books Derrick uses0:33:29 How Derrick chills out00:37:30 How to Force relax time and its benefits00:40:50 Having boundaries and being disciplined with days off00:45:16 The joys of playing on a cruise ship 00:51:43 Juggling Family life and music as a career00:55:00 Being proud of his son being a self-taught drummer. 00:56:48 Derrick’s first professional band CandyLand and learning more through other projects01:01:00 Fusing sounds and technology for a fresh live sound with Urban Species01:03:10 Rolling a tour bus and overcoming the mental trauma and reflecting on being lucky to be alive. 01:08:13 Narrowly missing being on the plane which flew into the twin towers. 01:12:45 Jonathan Ulman’s question “What unique techniques do you bring from drumming to your dj sets or vice versa, how do you incorporate elements from both worlds into your performances? 1:23:00 How times have changed and how social media allows us to be exposed to so many new drummers1:23:50 What attracted Derrick to drumming and his drumming journey.1:33:00 Derrick’s first kit 1:34:30 Suddenly quitting meaningless jobs to pursue our passions. 1:39:42 What life looks like when you’re juggling a job and music career1:43:20 Jamiroquai’s stylistic evolution

    1h 48m
  2. 24/08/2024

    Episode 5 with Jonathan Ulman

    Meet Jonathan Ulman. A self-taught drummer who has earned himself the title of Session musician of the year 7 TIMES in addition to being nominated for “Best New Drummer 2016” by Rhythm Magazine. Jonathan is a busy bee playing live and performing recording sessions nonstop while working at @Berkleecollege where he does some amazing supportive work for students. He also played as a guest drummer on the @latenightseth show during the Summer of 2022. Follow him on Instagram here @jmudrums He is such an amazing, genuine and supportive human who I’m so grateful for giving up his time to chat. If you’re not already, please follow and support him on @jmudrums. Jonathan is endorsed by @zildjiancompany @westoneaudio @vicfirth @ludwigdrumshq @evansdrumheads @drumtacs and @protectionracket 0:00 – Managing a career while going through tough emotional periods. The therapeutic effects of drumming. 12:00 - Lesser known drummers achieving huge achievements. Boston investing into it's music scene 17:00 - Jonathan's definition of success and how it has changed over time. The importance of writing our your goals. 37:43 - The power of loving and enjoying the drums without attaching an outcome/goal to it. 44:20 - Balancing career and hobbies/passions. 50:57 - The impact of networking and being diverse in your interests. Power of diversifying your audience. 1:08:30 - The Whisper Breaks, Jonathan’s loop and sample library and the magic of improvisation and creativity. 1:22:43 - Being nominated for Best New Drummer in the world at the age of 36. 1:25:05 Being prepared for any opportunity. PHARRELL (1:26) EVERY GIG IS THE BIGGEST GIG IN THE WORLD. YOU NEVER KNOW IF THAT’S THE OPPORTUNITY THAT WILL KICK START YOUR CAREER. 1:29:00 - Playing on Seth Meyers/Playing on tv experience. 1:38:35 - Jonathan’s drum journey and how he developed his playing. The power of hip hop songs/beats for kids learning drums to make success easier. 1:46:48 - Steve Jordan story and the power of simplicity. 1:51:13 - You’re not grooving, unless you’re moving. How moving enhances groove. If you’re not feeling your own pocket, no one else will be. 1:54:30 – The difference in headspace between live and studio performances. Looking for that vibe in recording takes. 2:02:55 - What are the most important elements of a session drummer. 2:09:07 - Tips on landing endorsements. 2:28:25 - Wrap up. Reach out to Jonathan. Shout out to Pharrell Williams.

    2h 33m

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Discovering the mental, physical and spiritual approach of my favourite drummers to gain inspiration, motivation and education.