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Nashville Drummers Podcast

Dan Ainspan / Nathan Sletner
  • 4.9 (36)
  • 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.

  1. Tim Carman: On Tour w/ Parlor Greens & Canyon Lights, Musical Mileage, Drumming Identity, Hockey Crossover, Work-Life Balance

    3D AGO

    Tim Carman: On Tour w/ Parlor Greens & Canyon Lights, Musical Mileage, Drumming Identity, Hockey Crossover, Work-Life Balance

    Welcome Nashville newcomer Tim Carman! An international touring musician, session drummer, educator, and five-time published author, Tim currently records and tours extensively with Parlor Greens—a soul-jazz trio consisting of Tim on drums, Jimmy James on guitar, and Adam Scone on organ—and Canyon Lights, a garage rock group formed with singer/guitarist Pat Faherty, formerly the lead singer of GA-20. Tim also leads two of his own projects: Tim Carman & The Street 45s — a world-groove inspired funk band—and the Tim Carman Trio—a vintage organ jazz trio (à la Jimmy Smith) nominated for “Jazz Act of the Year” in 2022, 2023, and 2024 by the Boston Music Awards. In this episode, we dive deep into Tim's diverse musical upbringing in Boston, his approach to absorbing musical vocabulary and the importance of studying music history, and his time spent in LA, Denver, and the eventual move to Nashville. We discuss how he manages multiple original projects, work-life balance, his joy for hockey, and his approach to networking, social media, and landing endorsements. We hope you enjoy! Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:43 Nashville's Best Chicken 9:19 Tim's Education Books 17:45 Boston Punk Upbringing 22:48 Drum Box (Sponsor) 23:31 Hockey Crossovers 28:31 Parlor Greens Formation 30:44 Fuji Rock Festival in Japan 32:11 Balancing Multiple Projects 33:12 Switching Between Genres 35:16 Work-Life Balance 37:22 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor) 38:04 Nashville's Scene 41:02 Punk Rock Influences 47:43 Networking and Opportunities 58:14 Drum Supply (Sponsor) 59:14 Social Media for Musicians 1:05:25 Memorable Concerts 1:09:29 Bucket List Venues 1:14:04 Groove MPL (Sponsor) 1:15:16 Endorsements and Gear Talk 1:23:17 Music City Audiology (Sponsor) 1:24:12 Closing Questions 1:29:43 Outro Thank you to our Episode Sponsors: Drum Box https://drumbox.space Drum Supply https://www.drumsupply.com Low Boy Beaters https://lowboybeaters.com Groove MPL https://www.groovempl.com Music City Audiology https://www.musiccityaudiology.com Connect with Tim: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tcarmandrums Website: https://timcarmandrums.com Music Featured in this Episode: "West Memphis" - Parlor Greens "Let Me In" - Canyon Lights Support the show Connect with us: Website Instagram TikTok YouTube Facebook Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART ⓒ 2025 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC

    1h 31m
  2. Andrew Besl: Lessons in Gratitude & Forgiveness, Relationships & Self-Discovery, Music City Mayhem, Role of a Studio Drummer

    DEC 8

    Andrew Besl: Lessons in Gratitude & Forgiveness, Relationships & Self-Discovery, Music City Mayhem, Role of a Studio Drummer

    Welcome, Andrew Besl to the podcast! Andrew is a Nashville-based drummer currently playing with Artists Noah Floersch, Neon Child, Pink Bubba, and Bee Kelly, among others. When he’s not on the road, he’s behind the kit as the in-house session drummer at Last Dollar Studios. In this candid conversation, Andrew shares valuable life lessons on gratitude and forgiveness as he details his journey from a self-taught musician to a sought-after working drummer in Nashville, both live and in the studio. Andrew touches upon his experiences with different bands, winning the Lightning 100's Music City Mayhem Competition with Bee Kelly, the significance of being a 'good hang,' and the importance of honest communication. Andrew's insights on life, music, and personal growth give us a compelling story of perseverance and self-discovery. We hope you enjoy! Chapters: 0:00 Intro  2:16 Andrew's High School Journey  5:56 Learning Drums Through Rock Band  23:01 Drum Box (Sponsor)  23:44 College Life, Belmont  28:21 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor)  29:03 Balancing Music and Day Jobs  37:38 The Big Decision: Tour or Puerto Rico?  41:05 Lessons from 1st Tour Experience  48:54 Drum Supply (Sponsor)  49:54 Music City Mayhem Competition  1:02:57 Groove MPL (Sponsor)  1:04:08 Post-Win  1:08:53 Noah Floersch  1:16:35 A Great Camp  1:21:49 Music City Audiology (Sponsor)  1:22:31 The Role of a Studio Drummer  1:33:37 Last Dollar Studios (Sponsor)  1:34:32 Closing Questions  1:41:24 The Power of Gratitude and Forgiveness  1:45:32 Outro Thank you to our Episode Sponsors: Drum Box https://drumbox.space Drum Supply https://www.drumsupply.com Low Boy Beaters https://lowboybeaters.com Groove MPL https://www.groovempl.com Music City Audiology https://www.musiccityaudiology.com Last Dollar Studios https://www.lastdollarstudios.com Connect with Andrew: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrewbesldrums Music Featured in this Episode: "Bamboo" - Bee Kelly "Restless" - Pink Bubba "Long Gone" - Noah Floersch Support the show Connect with us: Website Instagram TikTok YouTube Facebook Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART ⓒ 2025 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC

    1h 47m
  3. Dan Rubin: On Tour w/ Gavin Adcock, From Punk Roots to Country Stages, Experiencing Culture, Embracing Challenges

    NOV 14

    Dan Rubin: On Tour w/ Gavin Adcock, From Punk Roots to Country Stages, Experiencing Culture, Embracing Challenges

    Welcome, South-Florida native Dan Rubin! Dan is currently the touring drummer for rising country Artist Gavin Adcock. From Dan's DIY humble beginnings in punk bands to headlining sold-out stadiums, Dan's journey is both inspiring and relatable. We dive into how he landed the gig with Gavin and has had to adapt and embrace the ever-changing dynamics of a fast-paced tour life. Dan shares tactics for learning songs quickly and the importance of continually pushing yourself on the instrument, and his favorite food finds and moments from tour. We hope you enjoy! Chapters: 0:00 Intro  2:40 Welcome, Dan!  7:38 Landing the Gig w/ Gavin Adcock  28:20 Balancing Tour and Personal Life  33:01 Drum Box (Sponsor)  33:44 On Tour w/ Gavin  37:52 The Band's Chemistry and Flexibility  38:28 Journey to Nashville  52:17 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor)  52:58 Adapting Quickly  1:08:16 Nashville Gig Connections  1:16:21 Drum Supply (Sponsor)  1:17:42 Nashville Food Scene  1:20:49 Pho, Traveling, and Experiencing New Cultures  1:39:00 Groove MPL (Sponsor)  1:40:11 Dreaming of Playing in Japan  1:45:37 Keep Pushing Yourself  1:49:10 Networking and Community  1:51:07 Music City Audiology (Sponsor)  1:56:12 Balancing Practice and Performance  2:10:52 Outro Thank you to our Episode Sponsors: Drum Box https://drumbox.space Drum Supply https://www.drumsupply.com Low Boy Beaters https://lowboybeaters.com Groove MPL https://www.groovempl.com Music City Audiology https://www.musiccityaudiology.com Connect with Dan: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steelydanrubin Music Featured in this Episode: "Terrible" - Mitch the Hero (Dan Rubin) "Target" - Mitch the Hero (Dan Rubin) Support the show Connect with us: Website Instagram TikTok YouTube Facebook Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART ⓒ 2025 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC

    2h 12m
  4. Ryan Beydler: On Tour w/ Maddox Batson, Learning from the Masters, Studio Recording, Violin Roots, Foodie Adventures

    OCT 17

    Ryan Beydler: On Tour w/ Maddox Batson, Learning from the Masters, Studio Recording, Violin Roots, Foodie Adventures

    Welcome, Memphis, TN native Ryan Beydler! Ryan is currently the touring drummer for 15-year-old rising country Artist Maddox Batson. In this episode, we cover Ryan's wide range of experiences in the music industry, as well as invaluable lessons from legendary drummers Ryan has been lucky enough to study with, including John "JR" Robinson, Shannon Forrest, and Zoro. Ryan takes us through tour life with Maddox and the band, including his techniques for integrating electronics into a hybrid setup, bucket list venues, and of course, Ryan's passion for finding the best food spots while on the road. Learn about Ryan's musical beginnings, the mentorships that shaped his career, and his thoughts on achieving balance and avoiding burnout in the competitive Nashville drumming scene. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:58 Welcome, Ryan! 2:20 On Tour w/ Maddox Batson 12:35 Implementing Electronics 20:36 Drum Box (Sponsor) 21:18 Ryan's Musical Beginnings 31:03 Belmont University & Mentorships 34:58 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor) 35:40 Studying w/ John JR Robinson 36:57 Gaining Confidence and Mastering Time 39:56 Influences and Inspirations 42:01 Nashville Drumming Community 48:18 Balancing Identity and Adaptability 52:35 The Art of Subbing and Respecting the Gig 53:42 Drum Supply (Sponsor) 54:42 Violin Roots 58:58 Groove MPL (Sponsor) 1:02:01 Personal Life and Hobbies 1:13:19 Favorite Food Spots on the Road 1:17:40 Music City Audiology (Sponsor) 1:18:22 Lessons from Touring 1:27:19 Working at Apple During COVID 1:38:11 Bucket List Venues 1:42:05 Closing Questions 1:46:48 Outro Thank you to our Episode Sponsors: Drum Box https://drumbox.space Drum Supply https://www.drumsupply.com Low Boy Beaters https://lowboybeaters.com Groove MPL https://www.groovempl.com Music City Audiology https://www.musiccityaudiology.com Connect with Ryan: Website: https://www.ryanbeydler.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanbeydler YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNe6HaoKzTvHKJqeb2FrzKw/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ryguy_615 Music Featured in this Episode: "One Too" - Makenzie Schriner "Wish You Gone" - Halle Kearns Support the show Connect with us: Website Instagram TikTok YouTube Facebook Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART ⓒ 2025 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC

    1h 49m
  5. Jordan Arnold: On Tour w/ Noah Hicks, Stick Tricks & Style, Mentors & Endorsements, How to Be a Good Hang

    SEP 19

    Jordan Arnold: On Tour w/ Noah Hicks, Stick Tricks & Style, Mentors & Endorsements, How to Be a Good Hang

    Welcome Athens, GA native Jordan Arnold! Jordan is the current drummer for rising country artist Noah Hicks. Jordan shares his journey into his passion for music and the drums, starting from his early days inspired by Def Leppard, to his special relationship with his father both on and off the stage. Jordan stresses the value of important relationships within the music industry and shares insights and fun stories from life-long mentors and drumming legends Rich Redmond and Gregg Bissonette. Jordan takes us through life on the road with Noah, including automating an entire set in Ableton, to how to be nimble and cope with high-pressure situations. We delve into Jordan's brief stint teching for drummer and close friend Eric Pritchard (Megan Moroney), how to pull off the perfect stick tricks, and ways you can become both a great player and a great hang! We hope you enjoy. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:56 Welcome, Jordan! 3:06 Father-Son Musical Bond 5:54 Balancing Multiple Gigs 10:11 Ableton and Automation 15:51 Drum Box (Sponsor) 16:33 Noah Hicks & Career Trajectory 29:50 Mentor Rich Redmond 36:48 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor) 37:29 Gregg Bissonette & Dixon Drums 41:51 Broadway Gig Adventures 56:06 Networking vs Making Friends in Nashville 1:00:30 Teching for Eric Pritchard, Drum Tuning Insights 1:07:41 Drum Supply (Sponsor) 1:08:42 Dream Gigs and Def Leppard 1:13:02 Memorable Gigs and Stories from Tour 1:22:45 Playing for the Military and Secret Service 1:31:28 Groove MPL (Sponsor) 1:32:39 Wrap-Up Questions 1:41:29 Outro Thank you to our Episode Sponsors: Drum Box https://drumbox.space Drum Supply https://www.drumsupply.com Low Boy Beaters https://lowboybeaters.com Groove MPL https://www.groovempl.com Connect with Jordan: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jordanthedrummerwb YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JordanArnoldOfficial TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jordanthedrummerwb Music Featured in this Episode: "Dirt On It" - Noah Hicks "Country Tonight" - Noah Hicks Support the show Connect with us: Website Instagram TikTok YouTube Facebook Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART ⓒ 2025 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC

    1h 43m
  6. Kirby Bland: Professional Traveler, Game Footage, Route 91 Harvest Festival, Day Jobs, Identity & Nashville Community

    SEP 5

    Kirby Bland: Professional Traveler, Game Footage, Route 91 Harvest Festival, Day Jobs, Identity & Nashville Community

    Welcome Arkansas native and Nashville mainstay Kirby Bland! Kirby is best known as the drummer for country rock artist JD Clayton and has become a familiar face in the Nashville music scene over the past decade. Kirby shares his unique perspective on life as a “professional traveler,” reflecting on his musical journey, the importance of community, and the lessons learned from both the stage and the road. From his early days growing up in Arkansas and discovering his love for drumming, to building a career in Nashville’s vibrant music community, Kirby opens up about the realities of balancing day jobs with gigging, the camaraderie of long-term bandmates, and the joy of performing live. He discusses his passion for travel, photography, and the creative process behind recording and reviewing live shows—plus, he shares memorable stories from the road, including the impact of the Route 91 Harvest Festival tragedy that took place in Las Vegas in 2017. Kirby discusses overcoming self-doubt, finding his lane, and the value of authenticity in both music and life. The episode wraps with Kirby’s favorite Nashville food spots, his love of tattoos, and a reminder to embrace gratitude and community. We hope you enjoy! Chapters: 0:00 Intro 2:58 Welcome, Kirby!  6:45 Flexible Day Jobs for Musicians  8:22 Kirby's Early Days in Nashville  12:35 Drumming for JD Clayton  15:16 The Joy of Playing Live  19:03 The Game Footage  28:08 Challenges of Playing to Click Tracks  33:33 New York City Adventures  35:05 Turning 30 and Embracing Change  35:46 Finding Identity in Music  39:01 Drum Box (Sponsor)  39:43 Professional Traveler  46:53 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor)  47:34 Route 91 Harvest Festival in Las Vegas  59:36 Drum Supply (Sponsor)  1:00:35 Photography - Behind the Lens  1:05:06 Groove MPL (Sponsor)  1:06:16 Early Musical Inspirations  1:18:47 Nashville Gig Scene  1:23:00 Balancing Social Life and Music  1:28:20 Tattoo Stories and Personal Expression  1:32:50 Favorite Nashville Spots  1:38:30 Outro Thank you to our Episode Sponsors: Drum Box https://drumbox.space Drum Supply https://www.drumsupply.com Low Boy Beaters https://lowboybeaters.com Groove MPL https://www.groovempl.com Sonique Drums https://soniquedrums.com Connect with Kirby: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kirbybland Music Featured in this Episode: "Arkansas Kid" - JD Clayton "American Millionaire" - JD Clayton Support the show Connect with us: Website Instagram TikTok YouTube Facebook Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART ⓒ 2025 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC

    1h 40m
  7. Donnie Marple: Drum-Off Champion, Drum Solo Mastery, On Tour w/ Lee Brice, Staying Present, Family & Personal Growth

    AUG 15

    Donnie Marple: Drum-Off Champion, Drum Solo Mastery, On Tour w/ Lee Brice, Staying Present, Family & Personal Growth

    Welcome Keyser, West Virginia native Donnie Marple! Donnie is best known as the full-time drummer for American country music singer and songwriter Lee Brice. He’s also the 2007 Champion of the storied Guitar Center Drum-Off. Starting from his early love for drumming inspired by his musical family and church, Donnie describes his rise through the competitive ranks, from local area competitions to competing nationally in the Guitar Center Drum-Off and eventually performing a solo at the prestigious Buddy Rich Memorial Concert - where he would share the stage with legends like Neil Peart and Chad Smith. Donnie discusses the evolution of his career with Lee Brice, his continual efforts to improve, and his experience balancing fatherhood with a demanding touring schedule. He also reflects on his passion for golf and reading, and offers insights into overcoming overthinking and focusing on mental health. The episode wraps as Donnie emphasizes the importance of humility, gratitude, and balancing professional success with personal fulfillment. We hope you enjoy! Chapters: 0:00 Intro 2:08 Welcome, Donnie!  3:42 Lee Brice Audition  18:50 Mental Health and Overcoming Challenges  28:53 Golf and Drumming: Finding Balance  31:55 Learning from Other Drummers  37:14 Drum Box (Sponsor)  37:57 Early Beginnings  43:36 Guitar Center Drum-Off  57:19 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor)  58:38 Buddy Rich Memorial Concert  1:07:10 Reflecting & Inspiring the Next Generation  1:10:35 Drum Supply (Sponsor)  1:18:08 Gear Talk and Endorsements  1:24:31 Sonique Drums (Sponsor)  1:28:43 Balancing Family and Career  1:30:50 Outro Thank you to our Episode Sponsors: Drum Box https://drumbox.space Drum Supply https://www.drumsupply.com Low Boy Beaters https://lowboybeaters.com Groove MPL https://www.groovempl.com Sonique Drums https://soniquedrums.com Connect with Donnie: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donnie_marple YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/donniemarple Website: https://donniemarple.com Music Featured in this Episode: "Soul" - Lee Brice "Rumor" - Lee Brice Support the show Connect with us: Website Instagram TikTok YouTube Facebook Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART ⓒ 2025 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC

    1h 32m
  8. LIVE from the Music City Drum Show 2025

    AUG 1

    LIVE from the Music City Drum Show 2025

    Attendee and exhibitor interviews from the Music City Drum Show July 19th & 20th, 2025. Register for the 2026 Music City Drum Show https://www.musiccitydrumshow.com Interviews (in order of appearance) 00:00 Intro 0:11 Welcome  2:02 Matt Bover  5:04 Joel Edward McCoy  7:44 Don Orrell  11:01 Lillian Stegen  12:14 Dave Brandwein  14:45 Lleyton Brainard  16:21 Jake Robinson  18:05 Laurel Knopf (Roadkill Drums Podcast)  23:05 Jim Wagy  26:11 Brian Leszczynski 28:48 Mitch Zlotnik (Audimute)  33:10 Landon Hall  36:07 Josh Blount (Lucky Drums Co.)  37:56 Brendan Golden  39:40 Sully  41:23 Joe Hamm  45:00 Damon Hope 47:24 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 ⓒ 2025 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC

    49 min
See All (82)

4.9
out of 5
36 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 - 2025
  • Episodes
    82
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Nashville Drummers Podcast
  • Show Website
    Nashville Drummers Podcast
  • Provider
    Daniel Ainspan

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