Drummers Pathway Podcast

For this episode, I welcome back Tim Carman for his second appearance on the podcast. Tim recently relocated to Nashville, where he continues to be an in-demand touring and session musician and bandleader. He is also a member of the bands Parlor Greens and Canyon Lights. As an educator, he is the author of 5 books including the highly regarded Haynes-ISM & Philly-ISM methods. His forthcoming book is entitled “The Shuffle Book - The Language, Lineage and Art of Shuffle Drumming” which is the first volume of this series. In this episode, we talk about his recent move to Nashville, explore the key concepts from his upcoming Shuffle book, and why it’s crucial to play with other musicians to develop your creative confidence.The Shuffle Book - Hudson MusicFollow Tim:https://timcarmandrums.comInstagramYouTubehttps://www.parlorgreens.com/https://www.canyonlightsband.com/Shuffle ExamplesShuffle Example #1Shuffle Example #2Parlor Greens -200 Dollar BluesPhoto by Mitch LaGrow

This episode represents a milestone for me as I celebrate the 100th episode of the Drummers Pathway Podcast and I want to take a moment to thank everyone for all of your encouragement and support throughout this journey. To mark this occasion, I wanted to do something special, something that reflects what this podcast has always been about, which is bringing creative artists together to share their knowledge, experiences and helping to build our community. To celebrate my 100th episode, I welcomed back Ash Soan, Matt Starr, Victor Indrizzo and Jamie Wollam for another roundtable discussion on the topic of drum recording. In our conversation, we explore their journeys into home recording, the importance of seeking outside perspectives, embracing the ways others may reinterpret your work, and why a commitment to lifelong learning is essential for any creative artist.Follow Ash:https://www.ashsoan.comInstagramFacebookYouTubeFollow Matt:https://www.therealmattstarr.comInstagramYouTubeFollow Victor:http://www.indrizzodrums.comInstagramFacebookFollow Jamie:InstagramFacebook

This episode features my conversation with Luke Renshaw.Luke has been a fixture in the Victoria, BC music scene for years and is known for his work with the Juno-nominated band Jets Overhead. Recently diagnosed with ADHD and with 6 years recovery time from drug and alcohol addiction, Luke is an advocate for neurodivergent and mental health awareness, sharing his experiences to empower others. In this episode, we talk about his early musical inspirations, his journey overcoming addiction, and how an ADHD diagnosis gave him a clearer understanding of the mindset challenges he faced.What touring sober taught me about resilienceFollow Luke:InstagramJets OverheadLeeroy Stagger

This episode features the return of Matthew Crouse and Zack Albetta from the Working Drummer podcast for another roundtable discussion. With over 500 episodes, the Working Drummer Podcast has become an essential source for those interested in what it’s like to have a career as professional drummer. Renowned for their in depth interviews with an emphasis on telling the stories of the artists who may not always be a household name, they have developed a loyal audience longing for honest stories and perspectives about making a living as a musician.In our conversation, we explore the value of building genuine connections, embracing your career journey, and why these conversations are essential for learning from others' experiences and growing your community.Working Drummer Podcast Follow Matthewhttps://www.matthewcrouse.net/InstagramFollow ZackInstagram

This episode features my conversation with Justin Faulkner. Based in Philadelphia, Justin is a drummer, composer, and educator whose passion for music began early on. Starting formal training at age 7, he studied classical music, jazz, and percussion at the Settlement Music School and the Clef Club of Jazz and Performing Arts, while also receiving instruction from the Principal Timpanist of the Philadelphia Orchestra. As a child prodigy, he stepped onto the professional jazz scene at just 13 years old, and by 2009 had joined the Branford Marsalis Quartet, which is a seat he has held ever since. Beyond performing, he is deeply committed to education and community, serving as an instructor at Temple University's Boyer College of Music and Dance and mentoring the next generation of musicians with the same encouragement he received. In our conversation, we talk about how he got his start with formal music education, the importance of listening to the people who have followed this path before you, and how faith and spirituality remains an essential focus in his life. As this interview ran close to 2 hours, I have divided it into two episodes, so here is Part One of my interview with Justin Faulkner.Follow Justin:https://www.justinfaulknermusic.comInstagramFacebook

For this episode, I was joined by renowned session drummer Ash Soan and the legendary David Garibaldi for a roundtable conversation exploring the factors in creating a musical groove. It was a great opportunity to explore the ideas and perspectives behind what makes music feel good and why that matters so much to the people who dedicate their lives to it. In our conversation, we talk about the music that sparked their own creative journeys, the importance of exploring beyond your influences to carve out a voice that's uniquely your own, and how the shifts in today's music landscape are changing the way music gets made. Follow Ash:https://www.ashsoan.comInstagramFacebookYouTubeFollow David:FacebookInstagram

This episode features my conversation with drummer Ben Hilzinger. Based in LA, Ben’s career spans over two decades as a touring and recording drummer who has worked with artists such as Eve 6, Cannons and many others. He's also the Director of Artist/Client Relations for Big Fat Snare Drum. Ben is the host of the podcast "Drummers on Drumming" where he has established a community of like minded musicians through his candid discussions about life and navigating a career in the music industry. Ben recently released his book “Drummers on Drumming”. Adapted from the podcast, it takes you inside the minds of the world’s most influential drummers who share the albums and stories that inspired their creative journeys. In this episode, we discuss the importance of building authentic relationships in the music community, being intentional with your social media presence, and why staying adaptable is crucial when your career takes unexpected turns.Follow Ben:https://benhilzinger.comInstagramDrummers On Drumming PodcastPodcast Drummers On Drumming BookAmazonBig Fat Snare Drumhttps://bigfatsnaredrum.comInstagram

This episode features a roundtable discussion with drummer Jake Sommers & bassist Mat Maxwell. Both musicians are key members of country superstar Luke Combs' touring band and have established themselves as highly respected freelance professionals in the Nashville music scene. Mat is also the co-author of "Hired Musician: A Guide to Getting and Keeping Gigs", a comprehensive resource for building a career as a freelance musician. In this episode, we explore the value of forming authentic relationships, managing the factors of a freelance career, preparing for touring opportunities, and the importance of keeping a positive attitude and prioritizing your mental wellness. Hired Musician: A Guide to Getting and Keeping Gigs AmazonFollow Jakehttp://www.jakesommersdrums.comhttps://www.instagram.com/jakesommers7/https://www.facebook.com/jake.sommrs7Follow Mathttps://www.instagram.com/mathewmaxwell/https://www.youtube.com/@MatMaxwell

On this episode, Chicago based drummer Paul Wertico returns for his second appearance on the podcast.Paul is widely respected for his artistry and innovative approach to music. His distinctive style has made him a highly sought-after collaborator, with his work appearing across numerous projects.In this conversation, we discuss his new duo project "Tuxedo Man" with guitarist David Becker, the creative process behind the album, his partnership with Dream Cymbals and the details of his new signature Bliss Wertico Ride Cymbal, and how AI is emerging as a creative tool that musicians should embrace.To learn more about Paul's background, check out episode 62 of the podcast.Episode 62Tuxedo Manhttps://id.ffm.to/tuxedo_manFollow Paul:https://www.paulwertico.comhttps://www.instagram.com/paulwertico/https://www.facebook.com/paulwertico1

This episode features my conversation with Pat Steward.Based in Vancouver, Pat is known for his work with Bryan Adams, particularly on the legendary album Reckless. His drumming on tracks like "Summer of '69," "Kids Wanna Rock," and "One Night Love Affair" is widely celebrated.As a sought-after session player, Pat has collaborated with artists including Odds, Colin James, Matthew Good, and Jann Arden, among others. He's highly regarded for bringing his passion and positive energy to every project. In this episode, we talk about his early experiences that led to his gig with Bryan Adams, the lessons he learned as a session player, and why it’s essential to maintain positive relationships in this industry. Follow Pat:https://www.instagram.com/patsteward/https://www.facebook.com/pat.steward3

This episode features my conversation with Jeremy Steinkoler.Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Jeremy is the drummer with the funk/jazz trio Mo’Fone, and a sought-after sideman. His resume spans multiple genres and includes collaborations with many other top musicians around the Bay Area. Jeremy is a passionate educator, Co-Founder and Co-Director of the BandWorks music program as well as Founder and Director of the East Bay Drum School. He is an accomplished author and his book "Finding the Groove” is a critically acclaimed collection of essays on drumming, performing, and teaching. He is also the co-founder of the Drummers Education Connection Podcast, an online education network for drummers and instructors, serving the global drumming community. In this episode, we explore what inspired him to write "Finding the Groove," discuss his educational philosophies, and examine how building community connections can strengthen your career.Follow Jeremy:https://www.jsteinkoler.comhttps://www.facebook.com/JeremySteinkolerMusichttps://www.youtube.com/@jeremysteinkoler8197https://hudsonmusic.com/product/finding-the-groove/

This episode features my conversation with Steve Negus. Based in Hamilton, Ontario, Steve is best known for his work with the progressive rock band Saga, of which he was a member for 26 years. Steve is also a producer and composer, and recently released his newest solo project Economy Of Motion, which showcases his diverse musical influences. In this episode, we talk about the concept for his album Economy Of Motion and his approach to composition, his experiences working with the band Saga, and how he finds inspiration exploring different musical genres to help define his creative voice.Follow Steve:https://www.facebook.com/steve.negus1NEGUS: The Continuing Saga Of Steve Negus

This episode features my conversation with Brandon Green. Brandon is an internationally recognized biomechanics and fitness expert who specializes in optimizing performance and preventing injury for drummers. He’s the founder of Drum Mechanics and the creator of the Drum Fitness Program — an affordable, science-based training system designed to help drummers build strength, improve endurance, and play pain-free for life. In this episode, we discuss the importance of ergonomics, maintaining consistency and discipline to ensure success, and why rest is an essential aspect to personal development.Brandon has also graciously provided podcast listeners with a free 7 day trial for his program and the link can be found in the episode notes.Drum Forever Fitness Program - 7 Day Free Trialhttps://www.drummechanics.com/7daysfreeFollow Brandon:https://www.instagram.com/drummechanics/https://www.youtube.com/@brandondrummechanicshttps://www.facebook.com/brandon.green.378https://www.drummechanics.com/https://www.stratainternalperformance.com