INTERVIEWS WITH AUSTRALIAN DRUMMERS
Name
Kayley Langdon Where are you based? Melbourne How long have you been playing drums? And what initially drew you to the instrument? I started playing in 2017, I bought a used drumkit from Gumtree having never played before. I was living alone in the country and I just wanted to try and learn an instrument. It felt like the only opportunity I’d have to learn the drums and have nobody hear how shit I was. Do you play any other instruments? I play bass and keys. What bands/projects/collaborations are you involved in right now? I play drums in Blonde Revolver, bass in Future Suck and KLN (an interim name), and keys in CLS. What else have you previously been involved in (bands/shows/projects etc)? The only other bands I’ve formed and written songs for were Carper Burn and Minus Us. Do you write music or develop your own shows? What are they about/how have they come about? I both collaborate and write my own songs. I prefer collaboration as I am fairly new and inexperienced when it comes to playing and songwriting, so I enjoy the process of learning and working with others. What are your thoughts on collaboration in music and in the projects you’re involved in or the projects you run? I think collaboration is really important as a songwriter and player. I have never had music lessons for drums, piano, or bass so I can often get stuck in a way I self-taught. When you collaborate with others it’s an opportunity to learn how someone else does things or to hear feedback on how you are playing or writing and it ultimately leads to personal improvement. Who are you listening to/whose music are you enjoying right now? I tend to listen to a lot of the same albums and artists over and over again (i.e. The Beatles, Eno, Kendrik Lamar) but a couple of newer records I have introduced into my repertoire are Bar Italia ‘Tracey Denim’ and Dick Stusso ‘S.P.’. How would you describe the kind of musical projects you’re mostly involved in? And what kind of unique perspective/sound do you bring to these gigs? Each of my music projects is really different, which is why I enjoy having so many on the go. Not only do I get to move from drums to bass to keys, but I get to play punk or pop and experiment with things. I’m not sure if I bring any unique perspective but I do bring a lot of opinions. Does social media play a big part in how you promote yourself as an artist and your various projects? Do you promote your work in other ways? I’m definitely a slave to self promotion on social media. Mostly just sharing posters or gigs I have coming up. Do you make a living from music? What different types of work does this comprise? I definitely don’t make a living from my own music.. if anything I’m losing money by playing music. I do however make a living working at a community radio station in which does involve music. Where’s the coolest place that music has taken you? Future Suck went on a European tour last year which was one of the best experiences I have ever had. What kit/cymbals/gear do you play? I play a little Gretsch Catalina Club kit. My cymbals have mostly just been acquired as hand-me-downs so nothing special but I am keen to actually try some cymbals out to find out what I like. But the thought of testing cymbals inside a music shop sounds like my hell. If you could give your younger drumming self some advice what would it be? This is advice to my younger and current self: practice rudiments. Instagram - @cold_blooded_skayley @blonde.revolver
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Name: Caitlin Thomas
Where are you based? Melbourne (Thursday – Monday) and Shepparton (Monday – Thursday) How long have you been playing drums? And what initially drew you to the instrument? I have been playing for about 12 years. I always went to see live bands and felt that if the drummer was tight, the band was good. I thought the drummer had a lot of influence over the product of music and wanted to learn as much as possible about that. Do you play any other instruments? I first started playing guitar before I began drumming and have picked up some shabby piano skills throughout my music career. I also really enjoy singing. What bands/projects/collaborations are you involved in right now? I lead a project called Alpaka Maraka, which is heavily inspired by The Cat Empire. I also regularly play in a folk band called Dylan and the Observable Universe. I also fill in for other projects here and there as required. What else have you previously been involved in (bands/shows/projects etc)? Far too many to name. Do you write music or develop your own shows? What are they about/how have they come about? I love writing music and have been doing it for several years. I love the community that can be created around music-making and music-sharing. I believe strongly in doing my best to contribute to the arts community by virtue of providing opportunities for musicians to get together, play and perform. The most active project I am writing for currently is Alpaka Maraka. I am long-standing friends with most members of the project and had always wanted to be in a project that mimicked what The Cat Empire was doing. The songs are usually a mix of pensive lyrics party-based grooves that celebrate life, love and the mysteries of the human experience. What are your thoughts on collaboration in music and in the projects you’re involved in or the projects you run? I really like collaboration, but I think the parameters of collaboration are unique to each project. The idea of writing a song collaboratively will look different depending on the circumstances. I think that it is usually good – even in highly collaborative settings – to have a clear idea around where the group is going or what a group is trying to achieve, and usually the articulation of that idea rests on the shoulders of a smaller subsection of the group. With that direction being clearly defined, there’s less room for misunderstanding and – I believe – more room for creativity. I think that for people to ‘think outside the box’, the box needs to be given a specific definition. Only after than can the rules be broken, and conventions ignored. But if you’re going to be sophisticated about breaking rules, you need to know what they are first. Who are you listening to/whose music are you enjoying right now? I have been enjoying a great German folk band called Bukahara, and an American band called Ripe lately. They’re both very fly. Do you have any favourite drummers? Or other musicians who inspire you? why? One of my favourite Australian drummers is Salvadore Adione, who is the drummer for the band Closure in Moscow. His drumming actually inspired me to move to Melbourne and study at Monash. I ended up being taught by his same teacher, Tony Floyd. That was really cool. Tony Floyd was very inspiring, and a little bit whacky, which was even more inspiring. I also received a lot of encouragement from Al Kerr, and really enjoyed all of the Brazilian music he teaches and plays. I’m also really inspired by the members of Alpaka Maraka – I love working with them and am always learning so much because oft hem. How would you describe the kind of musical projects you’re mostly involved in? And what kind of unique perspective/sound do you bring to these gigs? Alpaka Maraka is upbeat, highly energetic and fun-loving music that has some pretty introspective lyrics. Dylan and The Observable Universe is much more mellow music that you could lose your thoughts in, and I think it is equally as introspective. Do you have a particular warm up or practice routine? Or favourite exercises? Not at the moment, I have to say. Most of my practise is actually on piano these days, and I usually start by playing this Montuno pattern that Luke Drohan (the piano player of Alpaka Maraka) wrote. I love it so much. Does social media play a big part in how you promote yourself as an artist and your various projects? Do you promote your work in other ways? Social media is not my strong point, but I am lucky enough to have people around me that are all over it. I only learned what a B-reel (?) was thanks to a guitarist friend of mine, and am still learning how to navigate Instagram stories. Do you make a living from music? What different types of work does this comprise? (no worries if this is a bit personal) I do not make a living from music, currently. This was a pretty deliberate decision in the short-term following COVID-19. However, every decision I am currently making is done in a way that I believe will maximise the potential to eventually make a living out of music while also ensuring that I keep sane. Where’s the coolest place that music has taken you? I did an awesome tour around Australia a few years back, including to some pretty remote parts of the Northern Territory. That was really special. Big thanks to Tony Flloyd for getting me that gig. What kit/cymbals/gear do you play? I have a Tamar Jazzstar kit and Sonor Soundforce kit and will use whatever is most appropriate for a given gig. My cymbals are mainly Zildjian K Custom mixes, with a few Avedis and Istanbul cymbals thrown in too. What piece of gear would you buy if money were no object? Goodness me. Probably some really, really, really good in-ears, actually. If you could give your younger drumming self some advice what would it be?
Other thoughts/info I do really like trumpet. Website www.cthodrums.com.au Name Emma Ford Where are you based? Originally from Sydney Australia, but now based in New York City. How long have you been playing drums? And what initially drew you to the instrument? I’ve been playing drums for 18 years and playing professionally for 10 years. I’ve always loved music, Clarinet was actually my first instrument, but I always had my eyes on the drums. It wasn’t until I sat down at a drum kit when I was 10, played some beats and realized that was the instrument for me! I’ve been obsessed with playing drums ever since. Do you play any other instruments? Just Drum Kit and Percussion. What bands/projects/collaborations are you involved in right now? I am currently subbing for Moulin Rouge on Broadway and as of May 2023 I will be the drummer for the new Broadway Musical Comedy, Shucked. What else have you previously been involved in (bands/shows/projects etc)? I have subbed on drums for a number of Broadway Musicals including, Head Over Heels, Come From Away, Tootsie, Jagged Little Pill and Almost Famous. In 2022, I held the drum chair for Paradise Square and Broadway-bound musical Come Fall In Love. What are your thoughts on collaboration in music and in the projects you’re involved in or the projects you run? I think collaboration is very important in the Broadway world, especially because there are usually so many musicians in each orchestra/band for each show, working in a very small pit together. It’s very important that we can all contribute equally to the music and work together seamlessly to provide the soundtrack for the stories that are being told on stage. Who are you listening to/whose music are you enjoying right now? I’m really listening to a mix of music but I will always find my way back to Anderson Paak, Masego, Lawrence, Tom Misch, Vulfpeck and Emily King. Do you have any favourite drummers? Or other musicians who inspire you? why? My favourite drummers would have to be Nate Smith and Steve Jordan, their grooves are so solid and in the pocket. I love really funky grooves with a strong backbeat and those guys just lay it down! How would you describe the kind of musical projects you’re mostly involved in? And what kind of unique perspective/sound do you bring to these gigs? I mostly play for Broadway shows and to do that you have to be a very versatile musician that can play a number of different genres and styles. I have been lucky enough to study Jazz Drumming, Classical Percussion and have played many different genres including Rock, Pop, RnB, Funk, all of which have prepared me for a career in Musical Theatre. Do you have a particular warm up or practice routine? Or favourite exercises? I usually warm up before each show with full body stretches to get the blood pumping and then a variety of rudiments to warm up the hands. Does social media play a big part in how you promote yourself as an artist and your various projects? Do you promote your work in other ways? I have never been great at regularly posting on social media, however I do use it to promote the big projects I’m working on at the time. I mostly use it for networking and inspiration but I’m hoping I can get more into posting videos. Do you make a living from music? What different types of work does this comprise? Yes I am a working musician, mostly playing for Broadway shows but I also freelance and play drums for various concert’s, cabaret’s, gala’s, gigs and artists. Where’s the coolest place that music has taken you? A few highlights include playing at Carnegie Hall, The Sydney Opera House and I toured in the United Arab Emirates. Very grateful for all the amazing places I have been lucky enough to play! What kit/cymbals/gear do you play? I play Pearl Drums, Sabian Cymbals, Vic Firth Sticks and Remo Heads. What piece of gear would you buy if money were no object? I would buy a new Rock N Sok Drum Throne with a back rest! Sitting on a stool without back support for 3 hours during a show, can be very tiring and uncomfortable. It is a welcomed relief to sit back on the stool in between songs, so that would definitely be my first purchase. If you could give your younger drumming self some advice what would it be? Keep working hard, believe in yourself and your ability, you’re going to achieve those dreams that you thought were impossible. Website www.emmaforddrums.com Name
Rebecca Clarke Where are you based? In Sydney’s Inner West How long have you been playing drums? And what initially drew you to the instrument? I’ve been drumming for 31 years. I started out on piano when I was about 7. A few years later I wanted to join my primary school band. Back then they didn’t really use keyboards in school bands, so the teacher put me on glockenspiel. This meant I was in the drum zone! I would often look across at the two boys doing bass drum and snare drum and wish I could try that. It never occurred to me to ask for drum lessons back then. It was still considered a boy’s instrument (80’s). So, I stayed on glock and did the occasional wood block or triangle part. One of my cousins had a drum kit in his bedroom and I always loved going in and looking at it. I don’t know why! I was just drawn to it. I never played it, just looked! When I got to high school one of our music class lessons was about drums. The teacher showed us a basic beat on the kit, and I was able to play it straight away. From there the teacher talked to my Mum and suggested I should have drum lessons and join the school band. Mum agreed! Do you play any other instruments? Piano was my first instrument, but I don’t play much anymore. Just a tinkle here and there! I play a bit of guitar and bass, though not very well! I also studied orchestral percussion at The Conservatorium (marimba, xylophone, timpani, snare drum etc). I haven’t played that stuff for a long time though, but the knowledge has been great for my teaching. What bands/projects/collaborations are you involved in right now? I’m in a blues/soul band called Whiskey Empire, an all female Cold Chisel tribute band called Ita And The Choirgirls, and a bluesy/psychedelic band called Third Stone Blues. What else have you previously been involved in (bands/shows/projects etc)? Heaps off stuff! After I finished uni I played in lot’s of different community orchestra’s and musicals. After a few years I felt I wanted to return to my true love, rock drumming. I answered an ad in Drum Media and joined my first rock band. From there I did lot’s of gigs around Sydney and gradually got asked to join other bands. I think I’ve been in about 15 different bands, but my main band for years was Girl Most Likely. We released a couple of EP’s and an album. All our music is available for streaming everywhere! Do you write music or develop your own shows? What are they about/how have they come about? I like writing my own music and songs. The music is mostly instrumental. Sometimes in my holidays I’ll make a random video and then put some music on it. Purely for my own entertainment! I’ll usually share it on Facebook or if it’s about drumming I’ll share it on my Instagram. I’ve written a few songs. Lyrics don’t come to me easily, so I usually give up! My band Whiskey Empire does perform one of my songs though. It’s actually pretty good! I think so anyway! The songs I’ve written are about things that were happening in my life at the time or inspired by something that I saw in a TV show or film. Sometimes they just come about because I wanted to write music based on a particular style or feel. Most often I start with a drum beat and then see (hear) what else sounds cool with that. Who are you listening to/whose music are you enjoying right now? I have a few core favourites that I’m always listening to. Kate Bush is right up there, along with Judy Garland, Sarah Blasko, k d lang, Muse, Silverchair (as well as both Daniel Johns and Ben Gillies solo stuff), Radiohead, Liza Minnelli, Massive Attack and Soulwax (their most recent album has some awesome drumming on it! Two drummers!) Do you have any favourite drummers? Or other musicians who inspire you? why? I love Ben Gillies from Silverchair. He’s a good solid hitter and comes up with nice beats and fills. I also love that he’s a songwriter. He wrote or co-wrote a lot of Silverchair’s early stuff and I really like his solo projects too. I love Darryn Farrugia’s drumming. I grew up watching him as the drummer on Hey Hey It’s Saturday. He’s a very tasteful player. He has a brilliant YouTube channel. He shares heaps of beats, concepts, fill idea’s and rudiment applications. He’s very funny too! Bill La Vorgna is another favourite. He drummed a lot for Judy Garland in the 50’s. He played on her famous Live At Carnegie Hall concert record. He does a lot of fast cymbal work and it sounds so cool! He went on to be Liza Minnelli’s drummer and musical director for most of her career. His kit would be placed front and centre and he’d conduct the band/orchestra and play at the same time. The drummer in full control of everything is a concept that I like! He also played a Brady kit in the 90’s which I though was pretty cool. There’s a billion other drummers/muso’s I could mention, these few came to mind first. Do you have a particular warm up or practice routine? Or favourite exercises? I don’t have a particular routine. I’ve been trying to improve my doubles. I was shown Gordy Knudtson’s open/close technique several years ago and I’ve been working on that ever since. My double strokes are sounding a lot better, but I still have a ways to go! I really love the George Lawrence Stone “Stick Control” book. I try to sit down and do a full page of that as often as possible. I’ve also been working through “Future Sounds” by David Garibaldi for the last 6 years or so. It’s really helped me with accents and non-accents on the snare, as well as being able to play linear beats with more interesting cymbal patterns. Lately I’ve been enjoying playing single paradiddles as triplets around the full kit. Does social media play a big part in how you promote yourself as an artist and your various projects? Do you promote your work in other ways? Social media (Facebook, YouTube and Instagram) is the only way I promote myself and my gigs. I do have a website, but it just points to my socials. For my teaching, it’s always been word of mouth. Do you make a living from music? What different types of work does this comprise? I make a living from teaching drums. I give lessons at a private boy’s school on Sydney’s North Shore a few days a week. I also do private lessons at my house a few afternoons each week. Throughout the year I tutor at band camps and workshops for various schools. I do 1 or 2 gigs each month and get a little bit of pocket money from that! Where’s the coolest place that music has taken you? Not really a place, but music led me to my amazing wife! We met in a band and have been together for 15 years and I think we have a pretty cool life! What kit/cymbals/gear do you play? I’m lucky to have a few different kits and a collection of snares and cymbals. I have a Pearl Prestige Session Select (wine red, mahogany/maple) with a brass Sensitone snare, a DW Collectors (blue oyster, all maple) with matching snare and a Gretsch Renown 57 (motor city blue, all maple) with matching snare. I also have a custom built 18” bass drum from Evetts Drums (matte black, Tasmanian Black Wood), a vintage Ludwig Blue Vistalite snare, a vintage Hayman snare in Gold Ingot, a Pearl Masters (piano black, maple), a Pearl Red Brass Piccolo, a Gretsch Retroluxe (black and grey wrap, thin maple) and a Brady Jarrah Ply in blue fiddleback. I also have a collection of rides, crashes and hi-hats from Zildjian, Meinl, Paiste and Sabian. Mostly Zildjian K’s (my faves!). And for quiet time I have a Roland TD-6V! I’m a bit of a gear head! I love it all! What piece of gear would you buy if money were no object? There’s a Le Soprano snare drum that’s been at Newcastle Drum Shop for a few years. Last time I saw it the price tag was $2000! That would be a nice drum to have! I’d also love a Pearl Reference kit! If you could give your younger drumming self some advice what would it be? Play drums every day, even if it’s only for a minute! Website rebeccaclarkedrums.com |
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