Working Drummer Working Drummer
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With over 450 episodes and counting, Working Drummer Podcast is the source for those interested in what it’s like to be a professional drummer. Hosted by Matthew Crouse and Zack Albetta, Working Drummer covers it all with a dynamic range of pro drummers who represent many different genres and scenes. Each weekly interview features a different performer, sometimes with a less recognizable name, but always with an impressive and distinct body of work. This unique approach has garnered a loyal audience hungry for unfiltered stories about making a living as a musician today.
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460 - Miles Stone: Drumming for Cody Johnson, Balancing Life at Home and on the Road, Getting the Big Gig
Hailing the small south Texas town of Poth, Miles was destined to drum. His mama felt him moving to the music before he was even born. At three years old he sat behind his first drum kit, and by age 5 he was banging out some version of "Under The Bridge" by TheRed Hot Chili Peppers. In junior high he joined the school band and began to study percussion formally. From marching band to snare drum solos, Miles took any and every drumming opportunity. He turned that into an affinity for marching, and a gold metal for every snare drum solo he ever played while in school, from a Junior High level solo all the way to "Africa Hot" by John Wooton. Along with other members of the high school drumline, this quickly let to garage bands. I was clear that drumming and taken a strong hold on Miles.
After high school, he headed for College Station and Texas A&M University, and he certainly didn't leave his drums behind. While earning a BS in Horticulture, Miles spent time playing in around Texas and surrounding states with a few bands. During that time he made friends with Cody Johnson. Fast forward a few years, Cody asked Miles to come on the road with him as his permanent drummer, which he has been for at least 10 years now.
When he isn't out on the road with the Cody and The Rockin' CJB, Miles enjoys spending time with his wife Samantha, their son Noah & their daughter Riley, watching football, woodworking, hunting and fishing.
In this episode, Miles talks about:
Playing a sold out show at Bridgestone arena in Nashville
Balancing life at home and life on the road
Key components to getting the big gigs
Establishing trust with the artist/band/singer
Drumming for Cody Johnson
Recording for Cody in Nashville studios
Bringing your live energy to a recording session -
459 - Obed Calvaire: Playing with Wynton Marsalis & The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Commemorating Max Roach, Expressing His Hatian Heritage on His New Record
Since 2021, Obed Calvaire has been in the drum chair for Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz At Lincoln Center Orchestra, with whom he recently curated and directed a series of concerts celebrating the centennial of the great Max Roach. His New York jazz career spans over two decades and includes jazz legends such as Dave Holland, Kurt Rosenwinkle, The Mingus Big Band, Joshua Redman and many others. His new album, “150 Million Gold Francs” will be released April 12th and draws heavily on his Haitian heritage.
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458 - Richard Martinez: The Wilson/Spivack Method, Adapting to the Ever Changing L.A. Scene
Richard Martinez grew up in Los Angeles, CA and has performed around the world. He has studied privately with Chuck Flores, Larry Troxel, and for 12 years with Richard Wilson. Richard’s television credits include The Dolly Parton Show, Baywatch Nights, The Joan Rivers Show, and Seinfeld. He has performed with Sam Harris, Keb’ Mo, Allen Frew and with Tony Award winners Linda Hopkins, Betty Buckley, Bebe Neuwirth & Roger Rees. He has recorded with Julian Lennon, Mighty Mo Rodgers, Christoph Bull and with Grammy Award winners Dan Hill, John Jones, and Rick Nowels. He has also written four articles for Modern Drummer’s Strictly Technique section.
In this episode, Richard talks about:
Working with a conductor
Opportunities for performance in the non-profit world
Adapting to the ever changing L.A. scene
How Richard Wilson changed his life
The Wilson/Spivack method
The practice pad: a rarified environment
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHg598jGIStR8y5gDV_w4ZQ -
457 - Dave Elitch: His New Course (Not Just for Drummers), Avoiding Compartmentalization, Good vs. Better (Not Right vs. Wrong)
Dave has been teaching privately for over 20 years and has developed a reputation as the technique/body mechanic specialist for drum set. He has helped many of the world's best players as well as top educators "get out of their own way" by being as efficient as possible in regards to conservation of motion and energy.
He has toured and/or recorded with Weezer, Miley Cyrus, Justin Timberlake, The Mars Volta, and many others.
The importance and benefits of a full-body warm-up
How to literally cool down after playing
What “mobility” means from a fitness and drumming perspective
Why compartmentalization is usually bad thing, in fitness and music
The importance of strength training in addition to body work
Creative development alongside physical development
His take on the role of rudiments in modern drumming -
456 - Emmanuel “E-MAN” Cervantes: Inspiring the Next Generation, Drumming for Andy Grammer, Creating a Loop Library
Emmanuel “E-MAN” Cervantes is a Los Angeles based drummer who discovered his calling when he first picked up a pair of drumsticks at age three and later booked his first major studio session at the age of 12.
E-MAN is currently touring with pop singer Andy Grammer. He has had the privilege to work with a wide range of artists such as Gwen Stefani, Lukas Nelson, Cody Simpson, Cameron Rafati, Elan, Son of Levi, Tyrone Wells and many more. EMAN played on a record with Joseph Williams, who is the singer of Toto, who enlisted some of his band mates to also play on that record like Steve Lukather. He’s made multiple appearances on TV shows that include SNL, The Today Show, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Ellen DeGeneres Show, David Letterman and Americas Got Talent.
In this episode, Emmanuel “E-MAN” Cervantes talks about:
Inspiring the next generation to find their own voice
Lessons learned through home recording
What he’s learned from his brother the engineer
Working with pop singer Andy Grammar
Bringing your best self to every gig/rehearsal
Creating opportunities for yourself
Creating a loop package “Drum Away Loops”
Being at peace with what the future holds -
455 - Rob Perkins: From Touring Drummer to Music Contractor, The Best Ways to Say Yes and No, Studying with Ndugu Chancler, "You're In the People Business"
How he got into the booking game through the USC music school as a freshman
Struggling with the decision to ramp down performing/touring and ramp up booking
Seeing the opportunity to improve stability in live music
Bridging the gaps and establishing trust between musicians and the people who hire them
How to make the most out of a $50 gig offer, no matter where you are in your career
Making your interactions about the relationship first and the gig second
Studying with Ndugu Chancler Michael Carvin, and Terri Lynn Carrington
Customer Reviews
Praise from a bassist
Great podcast guys. It’s fun and informative to hear your episodes as a bass player. I know and have played with many of your guests and I learn so much. Keep up the great work!
Love it!
This podcast consistently knocks it out. Always learning something from the conversations, I really appreciate how the hosts are prepared and have insightful questions. It’s genuine and gives a perspective of what it’s really like to work as a drummer, build a career and even the tradeoffs folks make in their careers.
Thank you!!
So F’n great
This podcast is not only a must-listen for drummers, but it is a must-listen for ALL musicians. Great content and guests!