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23 Feb 2022
Joseph Arrington: Playing with Purpose and Overcoming Adversity | Touring, Recording & Video Games
01:50:38
Join us for Episode 8 of Nashville Drummers Podcast featuring none other than Joseph Arrington!
In Episode 8 we talk all things drums and a lot more with Joseph Arrington. We learn of Joesph's unique upbringing and impactful stories of failure and adversity, contributing to the seasoned player, mentor and educator that he is today. We hope you enjoy.
About Joseph: Joseph Arrington was born in the small town of Orem, UT, and pursued drums throughout high school and long into his transplant to Sacramento, CA. In California, he paired up with artists such as A Lot Like Birds, Sianvar, Royal Coda, Kurt Travis, and Love Mischief to kick out more than two dozen albums and 25 full US tours in 9 years. He has also toured internationally with acts such as Chiodos, We Came as Romans, Amity Affliction, Scary Kids Scaring Kids and more. Modern Drummer Magazine's 2017 Reader's Poll considered him in the Top 4 Progressive Drummers of the year.
To this day, Joesph continues to hone his skills as a music educator, teaching on tour and remotely. He;s currently cooking up endless 4-course drum meals for a new project "Gold Necklace" as well as prepare for Royal Coda's upcoming new releases on the horizon.
When Joesph isn't drumming, he enjoys martial arts, reading, a good indie video game, and cooking and enjoying Nashville hot chicken.
Interview by: Dan Ainspan, Nathan Sletner Recorded February 2022 in Nashville, TN
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2025 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
18 Mar 2022
Alex McVey: Building Community | Sessions, Touring, & Starting a Business
01:57:50
Join us for Episode 9 of Nashville Drummers Podcast featuring Alex McVey!
In Episode 9 we're joined by Alex and his pup Pepper to discuss everything from touring, creating work during the pandemic, running a business, and work-life balance. We hope you enjoy.
About Alex: Alex McVey is a session and touring drummer who hails from West Virginia. He moved to Nashville in 2014 to pursue his dream of becoming a full-time musician. Alex is the owner of Lake House Studio, where he tracks drums and runs sessions. He has had the privilege to work with many talented artists and producers. When he’s not in the studio, he has had the opportunity to tour with many talented artists including Matt Stell, We Are Messengers, Sidewalk Prophets, Jimmie Allen, Brandon Heath, Tenille Arts, Elliot Root, and many more. His passion for music also extends to studio sound, which led him to start McVey Acoustics, an acoustic panel business. In his free time, Alex loves to spend time in the great outdoors with his wife and his dog Pepper.
Interview by: Dan Ainspan, Nathan Sletner Recorded February 2022 in Nashville, TN
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2025 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
11 May 2022
Jed Smith: Be Like Water | Setting Higher Standards, Developing Headroom and Healthy Routines for the Mind & Body
01:43:42
Join us for Episode 10 of Nashville Drummers Podcast featuring Jed Smith!
We're excited to be back after about a month off. Today we learn all about Louisiana native Jed Smith — from his early years playing in church and marching band, to his journey to music city as one of Nashville's most sought-after players on Broadway and in Nashville's growing jazz/improv scene. We go deep into a variety of topics that prompted some really interesting discussions that we hope you will enjoy as much as we did.
About Jed: A Louisiana native, Jed Smith began playing drums at an early age in the Pentecostal church. At the age of fourteen, he recorded his first full-length gospel album and traveled locally playing revivals.
Once he left for Nashville to attend Nashville State Community College, he furthered his musical experience in small jazz combos and was introduced to Michael Turner of Mothertone/Sleishman drums.
While in college, Jed became a Mothertone artist and later attended Middle Tennessee State University where he was mentored by Derrek Phillips and Lalo Davila.
As a member of the Tootsies Birthday Bash backing band, Jed has performed with notable artists such as Kid Rock, Joe Nichols, Terri Clark, Dan Tyminski, and Don Goodman.
He formed Jed Smith Trio in 2021 with Joel Gage (guitar/vox) and Patrick Atwater (upright bass). The trio performs weekly at Assembly Food Hall in Downtown Nashville.
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2025 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
27 May 2022
Ben Wood: Music Lab Nashville | Educating the Next Generation, Creating Culture & the Power of Persistence
01:43:01
Today we're excited to welcome the owner of Music Lab Nashville to the studio - Ben Wood! We learn the story of how he opened a business during the pandemic, all while exploring some fun "drummy" topics including the "pocket vs chops" discussion, how to get the most out of practicing, and how persistence has helped Ben find success in Nashville.
About Ben: Sacramento native Ben Wood has been playing drums professionally since he was 19 years old. From 2012-2014, Ben was touring full time with a band called The Seeking. From 2014 to 2016, he taught full-time at Music Lab in Rocklin. In early 2017, Ben moved to Nashville to diversify his music career with more touring, teaching and more recently opening Music Lab Nashville. Currently, he balances teaching, touring with artists such as Trea Landon and Halle Kearns, and running Music Lab Nashville.
------ Interview by: Dan Ainspan, Nathan Sletner Recorded May 2022 in Nashville, TN
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2025 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
08 Jun 2022
Alan Pfeifer: Healing & Recovery through Drumming | Work/Life Balance, Our Drumming Heroes, Playing for Flummox
01:29:51
Please help us welcome Alan Pfeifer to the podcast! We dive deep into Alan's past and journey to Nashville, how the drums have played such an integral role in his life both musically and spiritually, and the three of us have fun geeking out over our favorite drummers and bands. Hope you enjoy!
About Alan: Alan Pfeifer is a drummer living and working in Nashville, Tennessee. His drumming journey began at age 11 with lessons and playing at church and in school band, before attempting a Music Therapy degree at Slippery Rock University, which he bombed spectacularly at even getting in the door, learning a valuable lesson in failure and perseverance.
After much thought and lots of advice from smart people, he struck out for school at Belmont University to pursue a commercial music degree sight unseen in 2008 graduated three years later, first playing with local progressive rock group Montezuma Fire Machine and recording one album with the group, before the groups dissolution in 2015.
He toured and played locally with other acts such as Kate McCray, Radar Vs. Wolf, Rye Davis before meeting up again with another local progressive rock group, Flummox, in 2016; they’d all shared the stage early on in each others’ careers, and after a jam session of two, a strong musical bond was sparked and he’s been helming the drum chair since, recording two EP’s and two albums, most recently 2022’s Rephlummoxed, and is prepping for a busy summer season of shows before retreating to the band cave to start work on the next record, which won’t be too far around the corner!
Having lived and worked in town since 2008, Alan has had a long time learning the do’s and don’ts about operating in a band as a drummer; from balancing ego, work and musician obligations, and the healing and helping hand that drums and music can be.
------ Interview by: Dan Ainspan, Nathan Sletner Recorded May 2022 in Nashville, TN
About Landon: Landon Hall is an influential touring/recording drummer based in Nashville, Tennessee and Los Angeles, California. His versatile, dynamic, and rock-solid drumming is the sound behind many of today’s top talents.
Landon Hall is an American musician, songwriter, actor, and entrepreneur. He is best known as working with songwriter-producer Desmond Child on multiple projects. Landon was born and raised in Overland Park, Kansas. He received his first drum set on his ninth birthday and taught himself to play. Landon was barely 11 years old when he began playing drums for a local megachurch and continued to play for the worship team throughout his high school years. When Landon was 18, he taught himself to play guitar, piano, & bass and penned his first songs. As a versatile drummer, he has been a part of bands in the Rock, Country, & Pop genres and has recorded drum tracks on songs that have been aired on radio stations all around the world.
Landon has played sold-out arena shows and has shared the stage with Bon Jovi, Aerosmith, Chad Smith from Red Hot Chili Peppers, Katey Sagal, along with many others. On the acting side, Landon has been featured on networks such as Nickelodeon, CBS, Lifetime, ABC, Syfy, Spike, Netflix, HBO, and truTV.
------ Interview by: Dan Ainspan, Nathan Sletner Recorded June 2022 in Nashville, TN
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2025 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
03 Jul 2022
Sofia Goodman: Becoming a Band Leader | Approach to Composition and Collaboration, Afro-Latin Rhythms in Jazz, Nashville Women in Jazz
01:16:52
Today we had the great pleasure of sitting down with Sofia Goodman! We discuss her time at Berklee College of Music, her journey to Nashville, and why she chose to form her own jazz group. We also explore her thesis, titled "The Art of Incorporating Afro-Latin Rhythms' In the Style of Maria Schneider". We hope you enjoy!
About Sofia: Sofia Goodman is a drummer and composer residing in Nashville, TN. Before enrolling at Berklee College of music for her Bachelor's, Sofia was fortunate to learn, perform with, and be encouraged by jazz icon Esperanza Spalding in a Berklee summer program. After graduating from Berklee, Sofia moved to Nashville and worked as a freelance musician and teacher. Her playing has been described as “brilliant” by Tony Rounce of Ace Records. The Manchester CT Jazz Festival reported that she is “one you’ll be hearing more of.”
In 2017, she began leading The Sofia Goodman Group, a modern jazz ensemble that performs Sofia’s original compositions and fuses American, Afro-Latin, and Middle Eastern genres. Her debut album "Myriad of Flowers" was released in 2018 and was nominated by NIMA for Best Jazz album. In 2020, Sofia was nominated by NIMA for Best Jazz Instrumentalist. In 2021, she earned her Master's Degree in Composition at Belmont University. Recently, she won the Pathways to Jazz Grant to fund her work on her next album, Secrets of the Shore, which will be out before the end of 2022. The Nashville Scene described her music as “truly progressive and fundamentally jazz…and a reason to be excited about the continuing evolution of jazz in Music City.” She is a member of Nashville Women in Jazz and loves to share her passion for drumming with students.
------ Interview by: Dan Ainspan, Nathan Sletner Recorded June 2022 in Nashville, TN
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2025 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
25 Jul 2022
Jake Sommers: Touring with Luke Combs | Chasing Your Dreams, Pro-Drummer Tips for Success, & Building a Home Studio
01:59:36
NY-native and Nashville-based drummer Jake Sommers joins the podcast in this super-packed interview full of inspiration, career advice for younger drummers, fun behind-the-scenes stories on touring with Luke Combs, and of course, lots of laughs. Hope you enjoy!
About Jake: Jake was born with music in his heart. By the age of six he began playing the drums. Growing up he studied under Dom Famularo and John Favicchia. From show tunes to country to the cha cha, Jake plays it all.
Jake attended The University of the Arts in Philadelphia (UArts) as a music performance major. He was fortunate to study under Marc Dicciani, Jimmy Paxson (Ben Harper, Stevie Nicks, and Natalie Maine), Gerry Brown (Stevie Wonder and Diana Ross), Marcus Baylor (Yellowjackets), and Erik Johnson. Jake graduated from University of the Arts in May 2013 with a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Music Performance. He was awarded the prestigious Paul D. Patterson Drum Set Award.
As stated by Marc Dicciani, director of the School of Music at University of the Arts, "Mr. Sommers is talented, intelligent, motivated, self-sufficient, resourceful, creative, disciplined, personable, patient, reliable, adaptable, musically diverse, enthusiastic, energetic, mature, and a consummate team-player who works extremely well under pressure and always to the benefit of the ensemble or group that he is in".
Jake would live out his passion and pursue music full time. Jake relocated from his hometown in New York to Nashville, TN to pursue playing drums. Jake started drumming at the honky tonk scene on Broadway in downtown Nashville. Shortly after, he met singer-songwriter /artist Luke Combs and became Luke's full-time touring drummer in 2015. Over the course of Jake’s time touring with Luke Combs, Jake has made appearances on Saturday Night Live, The Today Show, and The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. In addition to touring, Jake teaches lessons and plays on recording sessions.
------ Interview by: Dan Ainspan, Nathan Sletner Recorded June 2022 in Nashville, TN
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2025 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
12 Aug 2022
Dru Marshall: Saying Yes to the Gig | Motivation & Drive, Touring, Prog, Meditation Practices
01:40:41
We had such a pleasure sitting down with Nashville-based drummer Dru Marshall! We discuss Dru's time living in LA and starting a rock band, touring with AJ Smith, and the relentless pursuit that keeps him going.
About Dru: Dru Marshall is a touring drummer, songwriter, & producer based in Nashville, Tennessee. Always saying "yes" to every opportunity, Dru has enjoyed a storied music career that includes a record deal, a performance on The Kelly Clarkson Show, and touring the continental United States many times over. Catch Dru on tour with AJ Smith (ajsmithmusic.com) and Sykamore (sykamoremusic.com) this summer!
------ Interview by: Dan Ainspan, Nathan Sletner Recorded June 2022 in Nashville, TN
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2025 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
07 Sep 2022
Marcus Finnie: Recipes for Success | Finding Your Identity on the Drums, Commitment, Brand, & Studio Drumming in Nashville
01:45:38
The foodies out there will thoroughly enjoy this savory conversation with Memphis native and Nashville local Marcus Finnie! We cover some really interesting and relevant topics surrounding today's music industry, including how to charge for gigs, the cost of saying yes, marketing yourself as a musician, committing to your craft, and ultimately — ways to develop your unique identity on the drums. We hope you enjoy!
About Marcus: As a Memphis native and Nashville resident, Marcus has Toured with Kirk Whalum, keb Mo, Taj Mahal, Lady Antebellum, Larry Carlton, Donna Summer, India Arie, Billy Preston, Earl Klugh and many others. Marcus has also recorded with Grammy and Stellar Award nominated and winning artists’ Kirk Whalum, Keb mo & Taj Mahal, India Arie, Michael McDonald, Lalah Hathaway, Smokie Norful, Donnie McClurkin, American Idols’ Ace Young, Rodney Crowell, , Rachel Lampa, and several others. Marcus is currently an adjunct instructor of commercial percussion at Belmont University.
------ Interview by: Dan Ainspan, Nathan Sletner Recorded July 2022 in Nashville, TN
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2025 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
05 Oct 2022
Brandon "Critter" Garza: Overcoming Adversity | Meeting Bernard Purdie, Friendship, Faith, and Endorsements
01:20:41
You may know Brandon "Critter" Garza by his inimitable dreadlocks seen up and down the Broadway streets, but most don't know his journey to Nashville — of years filled with challenges, setbacks, and adversity that most of us may never go through in a lifetime. Brandon is a very honest guy that loves the drums, loves learning, and truly values friendships and our special drumming community. We hope this episode gives you inspiration to "keep going" wherever you are in your own journey.
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2025 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
24 Oct 2022
Jon Butterworth: Being Present & Healthy Performance Mindsets | Studying with Mike Mangini, Working for DW
01:25:10
Welcome Nashville-based drummer and educator Jon Butterworth! We had such a pleasure sitting down with Jon and learning his journey to Nashville from Berklee College of Music and LA. Jon has such a positive outlook on the community and is a true student of the instrument. He shares valuable insights from studying with Mike Mangini to healthy performance mindsets we can all use both on and off the gig. We hope you enjoy!
Music Featured in this Episode: “With Me” by Victory Worship Collective "Not My Own” by Journey Worship Co “Needle in a Haystack” by Sweet Tea Trio
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About Jon: Jon Butterworth is a Nashville-based freelance drummer and educator. Born and raised in Cape Elizabeth, ME, Jon started playing drums at the young age of 3. He moved to Boston to attend college at Boston University and the Berklee College of Music, where he earned undergraduate degrees in Music Education and both Drum set and Classical Performance while studying with world-class teachers.
After college, Jon taught privately and at the collegiate level while playing in a variety of bands and as a session drummer around the Boston area for 6 years before moving to LA in 2014.
After 5 years in LA, Jon was called to move to Nashville, where he currently resides as a touring drummer for artists such as Sarah Reeves, The Sweet Tea Trio, Sam Outlaw, Jacob Tolliver, Hollier, Jenna Rose, and Danny G, as well as a variety of touring worship artists.
------ Interview by: Dan Ainspan, Nathan Sletner Recorded October 2022 in Nashville, TN
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2025 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
09 Nov 2022
Kevin Keith: Classical Percussionist to Rockstar | Auditioning for Orchestras, Forming an Original Band, Taking Risks & Why You Should Try Singing
01:41:48
Nashville multi-instrumentalist and educator Kevin Keith joins the podcast as we discuss his unique journey from the classical percussion orchestral world to starting a rock band on lower Broadway, Too Hot For Leather. Kevin persevered through many challenges brought on by the 2020 pandemic, including moving to a new city and joining a band from Craigslist — all of which have brought him to where he is today in Nashville pursuing what he loves. We hope you enjoy!
Music Featured in this Episode: "Won't Be The Same” by Kevin Keith “Headlights" by Kevin Keith
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About Kevin: Kevin Keith is a Nashville-based multi-instrumentalist and educator. He has performed, recorded and written as a drummer, vocalist, pianist and guitarist. He is known mostly for his work as a drummer and percussionist for artists including Ben Schuller, Endless Earth, Too Hot For Leather, Ryan Clark, Palmer Anthony and Allie Keck.
Born and raised in Midland, Michigan, Kevin began taking piano lessons at the age of 4, and drum lessons at the age of 10. He went on to receive his Bachelor of Music Education at Central Michigan University, and his Master of Percussion Performance at Michigan State University. While in Michigan, Kevin developed a love for classical and art music through his work as a chamber and orchestral percussionist. He spent a season as a primary substitute percussionist with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra upon completion of his studies in Denver, Colorado, where he continually expanded upon his live and studio drum set work.
Upon moving to Nashville in 2021, Kevin immediately began working as a regular Lower Broadway drummer, performing primarily with his rock act Too Hot For Leather. He currently works in solo and co-writing settings with numerous singer/songwriters, enjoying the collaborative creation process more than anything else.
------ Interview by: Dan Ainspan, Nathan Sletner Recorded October 2022 in Nashville, TN
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2025 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
23 Nov 2022
Howard Artis: Balancing Your Good Ego | Touring with Yola, Football Mentalities, Musical Exposure
01:14:18
Working professionally in Nashville as a drummer, artist, and producer, North Carolina native Howard Artis joins the podcast hot off his 2022 AMA performance with Yola. We were inspired to learn of Howard's journey to Nashville where he overcame the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, in addition to major life events that have all shaped his career. We discussed the benefits of broadening your musical horizons, the role that ego plays both as a performer and professional, and healthy tactics for work-life balance on and off tour. We hope you enjoy!
Music Featured in this Episode: "I AINT THERE” by Howard Artis “NEED U BABE" by Howard Artis
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About Howard: Howard Artis has been playing drums professionally for 15+ years. Currently residing in Nashville and in the drum chair for 6-time Grammy nominated artist, Yola. When not on tour, he's working as an artist, session musician, writer, and producer.
------ Interview by: Dan Ainspan, Nathan Sletner Recorded October 2022 in Nashville, TN
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2025 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
07 Dec 2022
Thomas Finch: Life of a Drum Tech | Living with Intent, Joining the Army, Achieving Stability in the Music Industry
01:25:45
Our next guest is Nashville business owner and drum tech Thomas Finch of FDS Drum Services! Thomas is a man of conviction, discipline, and a work ethic second to none. Growing up in New Jersey, Thomas shares his upbringing as a drummer touring the world to eventually letting go of music and joining the army, where soon after, his passion for the drums led him to move to Nashville and start FDS Drum Services. This conversation is full of honest wisdom and hard-hitting truth! We hope you enjoy.
Music Featured in this Episode: Infernal Waltz' by Black Rhomb
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About FDS Drum Services: FDS Drum Services provides professional grade drum teching, drum set cleaning, preventative maintenance, repairs and drum restoration services for drummers and establishments based around Nashville TN. We believe in setting a new standard of what clean, operable, great sounding drums are. Modern, vintage, entry to professional level, FDS delivers complete and consistent drum care to keep your equipment and all its components functioning, looking and sounding exceptional at all times.
------ Interview by: Dan Ainspan, Nathan Sletner Recorded November 2022 in Nashville, TN
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2025 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
23 Dec 2022
Jonn Bostwick: Living with Intensity | Touring for Parker McCollum, Performance Mindsets, Desperation & Being Open-Minded
01:23:11
We're closing out 2022 with our interview with Ohio native Jonn Bostwick, currently on tour with Texas country artist Parker McCollum. Jonn is a gifted all-around musician who moved to Nashville with an intensity and drive that fuels his passion day in and day out. Jonn shares with us invaluable performance mindsets and career advice for younger drummers. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2025 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
09 Jan 2023
Kip Allen: Session Drumming, Touring for Madeline Edwards, Bourbon, Endorsements & How to Use Social Media
01:23:07
We're kicking off 2023 with local session drummer, producer, and songwriter Kip Allen! Having graduated from Belmont University, Kip has taken every opportunity to refine his craft and grow professionally as a touring and studio drummer, currently on the road with country artists Madeline Edwards and Devin Dawson. Kip's experiences in the industry are wide-ranging; from touring and playing stadiums, to landing a DW sponsorship and cut with Keith Urban, we discuss the steps it takes to compete in today's modern music industry. We hope you enjoy!
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2025 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
27 Jan 2023
Tim Buell: Tactics for High Performance | How to Prepare Like an Athlete, Adapting to AI, Optimizing Your Workflows & Minimizing Distractions
01:55:11
You may know our next guest from his online educational videos and plethora of drum transcriptions that have taken the industry by storm. We were thrilled to sit down with Nashville-based drummer, Tim Buell, in this jam-packed, nearly 2-hour long conversation spanning a wide range of informative and valuable topics. We discuss the parallels between high-performing athletes and preparing for the gig, what AI means for creatives, how to be present, and ways to optimize your workflows for optimal efficiency. We hope you enjoy!
About Tim: Tim is a Nashville-based drummer who has toured with several artists (Cody Fry, Gloriana, Jana Kramer, Jerrod Niemann, Remedy Drive) and records drums for clients all over the world from his home studio and other Nashville-based studios. In 2022, Tim received his first Latin Grammy nomination for his work on the album Alfa Y Omega by Athenas.
In addition to touring and recording, Tim is passionate about creating educational resources through courses and eBooks (available at his website) and maintains a roster of private students virtually through Zoom and in-person at his studio in Nashville.
Tim has also spent many years transcribing drum parts from iconic songs and drum solos and his transcriptions have been featured by Zildjian, Vic Firth, Drummerworld, and the Percussive Arts Society. He has created educational resources with Benny Greb, Ash Soan, Aaron Sterling, Aaron Spears, and many others.
------ Interview by: Dan Ainspan, Nathan Sletner Recorded December 2022 in Nashville, TN
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2025 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
20 Feb 2023
Daniel Kozlowski: The Language of Music | Building a Home Studio, Incremental Progress & Why You Need a Mood Board
01:24:48
Originally from Los Angeles, CA, Daniel Kozlowski holds degrees in Percussion Performance and Music Theory, both of which continue to serve him greatly as a sought-after live and session drummer in Nashville, TN. In this episode, we discuss his move from touring to session drumming, why music education is so important, and how incremental steps toward progress can be so powerful. We hope you enjoy!
Music Featured in this Episode: Maggie Baugh - 'Drinking To The Broken Hearts' Isabella Rose - 'more than friends' David Unlayao - 'Front Row Seat'
About Daniel: Originally from Los Angeles, California, Daniel Kozlowski graduated magna cum laude from Belmont University in Nashville, TN, studying Percussion Performance under Chris Norton and Music Theory under Richard Hoffman. He earned his Master's degree at The Ohio State University, studying Percussion Performance under Dr. Susan Powell and Mr. Joseph Krygier and serving as a Teaching Assistant in Music Theory.
While working in Nashville, Dan’s collaborative efforts with wonderful artists and organizations include Jordan Rowe, Austin Burke, Haley and Michaels, Kalsey Kulyk, Eric Dodd, Canaan Cox, Studio Tenn, Nashville Repertory Theatre, Nashville Children’s Theatre, Nashville Ballet, and Chatterbird New Music Ensemble.
These days, he is working on sessions and showcases with some touring here and there while teaching Music Theory and Aural Skills at Belmont University. He maintains an active home studio on the west side of Nashville.
------ Interview by: Dan Ainspan, Nathan Sletner Recorded January 2023 in Nashville, TN
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2025 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
08 Mar 2023
Tayvieon Graham: Lessons from the Golf Course | Bandleading, Speed Skating, & Why You Should Wait on Endorsements
01:23:56
Hailing from Louisiana, Tayvieon Graham moved to Nashville with rockstar ambitions and an attitude rooted in kindness, understanding, and respect. In this wide-ranging interview, we discuss the parallels between drumming and Tayvieon's non-musical hobbies including golf and speed skating, integrating other musical styles, and why you might wait on endorsements. We hope you enjoy!
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2025 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
22 Mar 2023
Sammi Potts: Mental Health & Touring | Drumming for Shane Profitt, Mentorship, & How to Leave a Gig
01:06:48
Raised in Minneapolis, MN as a young classical percussionist, Sammi Potts moved to Nashville in 2013 to study music at Belmont University. In this interview, we learn the valuable skillsets she learned both in and out of the classroom to propel her to an already fruitful career as a full-time rock drummer, currently on tour with breakout country star Shane Profitt. We discuss how to stay balanced when coming off a tour, the importance of showmanship, and how valuable mentors can be. We hope you enjoy!
Music Featured in this Episode: Jenny Teator 'Whiskey With Me' 'Black Cherry Heart'
About Sammi: Born and raised in Minneapolis, MN, Sammi began training as a classical percussionist when she was eight years old. Not long after, she was immersed into the thriving music scene of the Twin Cities, inspiring her to develop her skill as a drum set player.
Sammi made the move to Nashville in 2013 to study music at Belmont University. A recipient of the Wilson Music Scholarship, she has worked with Chester Thompson (Genesis, Weather Report), Zoro (Lenny Kravittz, Bobby Brown), Derico Watson (Victor Wooten), and Steve Goold (Ben Rector, Sarah Bareilles, Owl City), among many others.
Since graduating, Sammi has been invited to perform at the Grand Ole Opry, the GMA Dove Awards, the Dolby Theater, and Radio City Music Hall. In 2018, Sammi performed with Carrie Underwood in her music video, Love Wins. She currently tours with Shane Profitt (BMLG Records) and has recently performed with Drake Milligan, Tiera Kennedy, Jenna Paulette, and Moriah Peters.
------ Interview by: Dan Ainspan, Nathan Sletner Recorded February 2023 in Nashville, TN
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2025 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
12 Apr 2023
Matt Mcilwain: Personality & Podcasts | Drumming for Trey Lewis, Touring During COVID, Avoiding Burnout
00:58:17
Raised in Selma, AL, Matt Mcilwain has only been in Nashville for less than 2 years but has quickly become a known personality in town, most notably as the drummer for American country music singer Trey Lewis. Matt's skillsets extend far beyond his talents as a touring drummer. Utilizing his skills in media and production, Matt has become an invaluable asset for multiple Nashville-based podcasts, including the DM Monday Podcast (Trey Lewis) and In The Round Podcast (Matt Burrill), among others. We had fun chatting with Matt about stories from the road and the importance of brand and personality in our social media-driven world. We hope you enjoy!
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2025 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
03 May 2023
Matthew Crouse: The Working Drummer | Starting a Podcast, Work/Life Balance, Home Recording & Valuing Your Craft
01:32:05
Born and raised in Columbus, OH, Matthew Crouse moved to Nashville in 2000 and has since made a name for himself as a true working drummer, having been involved in multiple facets of the music industry; including touring, music merchandising, recording, and of course, as the founder and co-host of the Working Drummer Podcast, which he started in 2015 and has grown to over 400 episodes and counting. Matthew gives us a behind-the-scenes look into the music business and how Nashville drummers have adapted since the 90s. This conversation is full of wisdom and truly valuable advice for anyone looking to work professionally in the business. We hope you enjoy!
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2025 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
19 May 2023
Perry Dornbush: Prog Drumming in Nashville | Working in the Music Industry, Being Open-Minded, & Productive Practicing
01:33:35
Hailing from the north shore of Long Island, NY, Perry Dornbush moved to Nashville in 2019 with a yearning to play great music and a drive to continually push his boundaries on the drums. Now the drummer for local alt-rock psychedelic band Spirits Republic, Perry enjoys the Nashville live scene both with his own projects and seeing friends and drumming heroes on stage. In this conversation, we nerd out on math rock, discuss his approach to practicing and recording, explore jobs in the music industry, and why you don't need to be a full-time drummer to be fulfilled. We hope you enjoy!
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2025 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
05 Jun 2023
Mental Health Roundtable feat. Ben Wood | Following Your Dreams, Self-Worth, Community & Resources
00:53:06
We're pumped to welcome back our sponsor and featured guest (Episode 11) Ben Wood! In this roundtable-style interview, we dive deep into the topics of mental health as Ben shares his own struggles and personal journey to a fulfilled, happy, and balanced life. We discuss the mental toughness you need to follow your dreams, how to persevere through hard times and setbacks, the importance of self-identity and self-worth, and why community is so important.
You're not alone. Please reach out to any one of us if you need someone to talk to.
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2025 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
23 Jun 2023
Rob Bodley: Elevate Your Live Show | The Foxies, Music Directing, Distracted Practice, & State of Flow
01:56:41
Welcome drummer and music director Rob Bodley of The Foxies! Rob has been in Nashville for over 5 years and has quickly become known for his "go-getter" attitude and professional work ethic. In this interview, we dive deep into the topics of live performance and touring, as Rob encourages us to "zoom out" of our specific role on the drums and challenges us to elevate our live sets musically and creatively. We also discuss the concept of "distracted practice," why drum sheds can be so valuable, and how to develop a state of flow. We hope you enjoy!
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2025 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
17 Jul 2023
Dylan Murphy: Ben Chapman, Amber Sound Studios, Drum Recording, & How to Be a Dependable Hang
01:28:42
Dylan Murphy has been a musician all his life, and he moved to Nashville with a clear purpose and direction. He is currently the drummer for rising rock country artist Ben Chapman, balancing his days off the road at Amber Sound Studios in Nashville, TN tracking demos, overdubs, and full-length projects. Dylan discusses ways to be your most genuine self and a dependable band member while on tour, the pros and cons of metronome apps, and his approach to the studio and live sound. We hope you enjoy!
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2025 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
01 Aug 2023
Andy Foote: The History of Drum Supply | Starting a Business, Entrepreneurship, Drum Supply Rehearsal, the Future of Drum Shops, & the Latest Gear Trends
01:47:33
Drum Supply has been serving the needs of drummers in Nashville and around the world since 1995, but few know the rich history of the shop and its founder, Andy Foote. We were thrilled to go one-on-one with Andy in this exclusive behind-the-scenes interview LIVE from the shop in East Nashville. Andy shares his story of a young, inquisitive drummer growing up in Jackson, TN who quickly found himself at the forefront of the drum-building industry. Andy's entrepreneurial mindset and nimble teenage spirit would soon lead to the opening of his own business as one of the very first e-commerce brands on the market. Andy walks us through the early years of the shop, the eventual relocation to Nashville, the challenges of growing a business and managing people, and the current and future state of local drum shops. We hope you enjoy!
Back on June 3rd, we were delighted to be a part of the 1st-ever Drummer Duel hosted by Soundspace. The event featured 8 local drummers competing head-to-head in front of a live audience, and Indiana native Lleyton Brainard walked away the champ after three rounds featuring drum solos and play-along tracks showcasing participants' musicality and chops. We were thrilled to learn Lleyton's background and his unique approach to the instrument and specifically drum improvisation. As an avid skateboarder, Lleyton shares the parallels between the craft of skateboarding and style on the drums. We also discuss the importance of breathing, being mentally and physically prepared, and Lleyton's favorite drummers. We hope you enjoy!
Interviews (in order of appearance) (2:17) Gage Garrison (4:55) Brendan Golden (7:11) Charles (9:19) Matt Salvo (11:48) Luke Sumner (14:37) Cameron Alidor (18:29) Gabe Roman (20:50) Jake Robinson (22:34) Madison George (24:05) Joe DeRenzo (25:57) Shephard Carlson (27:48) Eric Capps (29:30) Sully Carlson (31:29) Nate Testa
------ Interviews by: Dan Ainspan, Nathan Sletner Recorded live at the Music City Drum Show, July 29, 2023 in Nashville, TN
Interviews (in order of appearance) (2:13) Mike McKee (Baldman Percussion) (6:37) Rick Krout (8:36) Jacob Sherwin (9:28) Jordan Swafford (14:13) Zach Allen (16:21) Alan Pfeifer (19:48) Molly Rose (21:51) Lleyton Brainard (24:30) William McLean II (28:06) Evan Kesel (31:04) Juan Avalos (32:47) Reagan Kimsey (34:16) Andres Roa (40:33) Brandon Garza (43:03) Katelynn Corll (45:03) Miguel Gutierrez Jr. (47:05) Kayleigh Moyer (49:56) Taylor Friesth
------ Interviews by: Dan Ainspan, Nathan Sletner Recorded live at the Music City Drum Show, July 30, 2023 in Nashville, TN
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2025 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
13 Oct 2023
Jake Robinson: Shed Culture in Nashville | Overcoming Anxiety, Spontaneous Artistry, & the Power of Boredom
01:39:38
On September 30th, we were stoked to be part of the 1st-ever 615Shedz event hosted at Drum Box Nashville. Today we sit down with the founder of 615Shedz, Jake Robinson, a Fort Myers, FL native who moved to Nashville in 2022 upon graduating from the Berklee College of Music. Recording extensively in the Berklee studios, gigging around the Boston scene, spending hours each day in the practice rooms, and hosting late-night drum sheds, Jake was always finding some way to be involved with the community. Since moving to Nashville, Jake has built a reputation of being one of the most unique and versatile drummers in the scene, specializing stylistically in Jazz Fusion, R&B/Hip Hop, Funk, Neo-Soul, and Rock. In this wide-ranging interview, we discuss the benefits to a drum shed and why you should give one a try, ways to overcome fear and anxiety behind the drums, and the cultural perception of old vs new Nashville. We hope you enjoy!
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2025 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
10 Nov 2023
Vincent Williams: Living with Integrity | On Tour with Phillip Phillips, the Right Way to Learn Songs, & Gamer Habits
01:30:15
Lawrence, Kansas native Vincent Williams has been on the Nashville scene since the summer of 2016 and is currently coming off tour with platinum American singer-songwriter Phillip Phillips. Vincent is a man of integrity, both on and off the stage, and in this wide-ranging interview, we discuss topics relevant to both the working drummer/musician and anyone hoping to have a professional career in the music industry. Vincent has performed with such artists including Matt Kearny, Bren Joy, and The Delta Saints. When he's not on tour or attending the local Eastside Jam, Vincent writes and produces his own music. We hope you enjoy!
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2025 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
15 Dec 2023
Neal Yakopin: Drumming for Nate Smith | TourLaunch LLC, Adapting to the Music Industry's TikTok Era
01:35:11
Pittsburgh, PA native Neal Yakopin arrived in Nashville in July 2020 and in a few short years has become a well-known and respected player, currently touring with country star Nate Smith.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania native Neal Yakopin arrived to Nashville in July 2020 and eventually began working with Sony Music Nashville singer-songwriter Drew Green, who has written songs for Florida Georgia Line and Conner Smith. In 2022, Neal joined Nate Smith’s band for a six-show tour followed by a Fall tour with American country music singer Brett Eldredge. During this time, Nate's “Whiskey On You” single was gaining traction and landed No. 1 on Canada's country radio chart for six weeks, making the song the longest-running No. 1 country debut by a male vocalist in the country's chart history.
Since then, Neal has performed at Nashville’s most revered country music venues: The Ryman, Bridgestone Arena, and the Grand Ole Opry, as he looks ahead to a busy 2024 touring season including support for Morgan Wallen's One Night At A Time tour alongside Nashville's Bailey Zimmerman and Lauren Watkins.
In this interview, we discuss Neal's approach to live shows, how he started a business TourLaunch LLC, and the current state of the music industry’s TikTok-driven era. We hope you enjoy!
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2025 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
05 Jan 2024
Tim Miller: Toone Towels | Starting a Business, Production & Engineering, Careers in the Music Industry, & Why You Should Go to College
01:15:07
Tim Miller is a recording and mix engineer, producer, and musician originally from Philadelphia, PA, currently based in Nashville. With a passion for music that took root at a young age, Tim first delved into the world of audio during his high school years. Tim Miller made the move to Nashville to attend Belmont University, where he earned a degree in Audio Engineering and a minor in Music Business. Since graduation in 2021, Tim has credits with a long list of artists and producers including LOCASH, Trey Lewis, Craig Campbell, and an array of others. In addition to his audio engineering skills, Tim is a professional live and studio drummer. We hope you enjoy!
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2025 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
22 Jan 2024
Lemuel Hayes: Know Enough to Be Dangerous | Overcoming Injury, Getting Gigs, Social Media & Photography
01:54:24
Raised in Athens, GA, Lemuel "Lemmy" Hayes has called Nashville home for over 10 years, and has the breadth of music industry experience of a true seasoned pro. He's worked with a wide variety of artists, including Berlin, Cindy Wilson of The B-52s, Nicki Bluhm, Dead Horses, Kylie Morgan, and Spencer Crandall, among many others. In this very raw, 2-hour conversation, Lemmy recalls the many ups and downs of his journey to Nashville, including persevering through a serious arm injury, being a tour manager in Europe, and his stories of working various odd jobs inside and outside the industry. Lemmy offers his perspective on social media for both artists and players, and how he discovered his second passion for photography. We hope you enjoy!
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2025 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
07 Feb 2024
Luke Sumner: Being a Pro the Right Way | Growing up in Nashville, Worship Drumming, Identity, Recording, & Staying Motivated
02:05:41
Born and raised in Nashville, TN, Luke was surrounded by the music industry from a young age. Throughout his childhood, he continued to develop his musical skills with his involvement in school and church. After high school, he attended Union University for Percussion Performance before transferring to Lipscomb University and becoming one of the first graduates of the Commercial Music program. Luke has since had the privilege of working with artists such as Sam Hunt, Conner Smith, Switchfoot, Tiera Kennedy, The Warren Brothers and many more. In this wide-ranging conversation, Luke shares invaluable advice on what it means to be a professional and how to stay motivated and humble in this ever-changing profession. We hope you enjoy!
Chapters: 00:00 Intro 1:57 Sonique Drums (Sponsor) 2:55 Welcome, Luke / Sketch Comedy 4:44 Growing up in Nashville 12:32 Worship Drumming 14:37 Playing with the Click 24:07 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor) 25:04 Percussion & Music Education 27:30 Union University, Lipscomb's Commercial Music Program 33:55 Drum Cartage & Mentors 39:55 Relationships & Comunity 44:43 Being a Pro & Doing Things the Right Way 46:28 Drum Charts 51:39 Musical References & Being Prepared 1:01:45 Choosing the Right Gear 1:04:25Identity 1:10:59 Music City Audiology (Sponsor) 1:11:42 Going One Step Further 1:18:47 Relationships & Being Present 1:26:47 Drum Supply (Sponsor) 1:27:47 Memorable Venues (Grand Ole Opry, Red Rocks) 1:38:50 Staying Hungry & Goal-Setting 1:47:01 1st Ryman Show (Michael McDonald) 1:49:35 Home Studio Recording 1:55:25 Wrap-Up Questions 2:04:00 Outro
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2025 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
23 Feb 2024
Garden Groove Nashville: Building a Home Studio, Working with Good People, How to Get Clients, Creativity & Community
00:48:44
We are excited to partner with Garden Groove! The new home of Nashville Drummers Podcast.
Garden Groove was born out of a desire to create a space where musicians, entertainers, teachers, and learners could come together. Tucked away as a private soundproofed studio, Garden Groove offers a quiet and relaxed environment for creativity to thrive and grow. They understand the allure of the Nashville music community and aim to be a magnet for like-minded individuals who want to hone their skills and connect with others in the industry.
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2025 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
15 Mar 2024
Beau Kuther: Drumming for Smallpools | Growing up in the MySpace Era, Being an Indie Band in 2024, Creating Memorable Live Shows
01:30:39
Hailing from Bend, Oregon, Beau Kuther is best known as the drummer for indie rock trio Smallpools. Beau grew up in the Warped Tour era idolizing bands like Incubus and 311, and where MySpace was how people discovered you. He spent much of his adolescent years touring and moving to new cities to chase his passions, including Portland and eventually Los Angeles, where he would first meet Sean Scanlon and Michael Kamerman of Smallpools. The band spent the first 2 years touring opening for Twenty One Pilots, Grouplove, Walk The Moon, and Two Door Cinema Club. Now 10 years into their career, Smallpools has amassed an impressive following of superfans and is about to release their 3rd studio album on the heels of a U.S. headlining tour kicking off April 2024. Beau discusses what it's like being an indie band, the songwriting process, and the challenges of releasing music in today's TikTok era. We hope you enjoy!
Chapters 00:00 Intro 2:05 Welcome, Beau 3:33 Growing up in Oregon 11:49 Balancing Multiple Interests 17:34 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor) 18:16 Early Influences (Copeland, Sexton) 23:43 Move to Portland, Kaddisfly, Warped Tour 25:17 MySpace Era 28:17 Touring as an Indie Band 33:29 Move to LA, Odd Jobs 38:46 Sonique Drums (Sponsor) 39:44 Smallpools 45:18 Releasing Music in 2024 52:56 Writing Process as a Band 59:30 Drum Box (Sponsor) 1:00:10 Headlining Tour, Live Shows & Superfans 1:07:20 Chainsmokers Collab 1:09:21 SNL & TV Performances 1:13:07 Drum Supply (Sponsor) 1:14:06 Current Setup 1:15:59 Endorsements 1:19:16 Wrap-Up 1:29:33 Outro
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2025 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
05 Apr 2024
Alec Parrish: How to Land Bigger Gigs | Ableton & Tracks, Relationships Over Auditions, Being Prepared, Coffee & Tattoos
02:06:40
Alec Parrish is a drummer, music director, and Ableton designer based in Nashville, TN. While he is characterized by an impeccable feel and serving the song, Alec's playing style is powerful and charismatic. With his background in Ableton programming, Alec often uses hybrid drum kits both live and in the studio. Growing up in musically rich Athens, GA, Alec's influences of pop, indie, and rock music have carried heavily into his professional career.
Alec is currently touring as drummer and music director with Nashville Country artist Alana Springsteen, but his other credits include Walker Hayes, Danielle Bradbery, Carter Faith, Tenille Arts, Tyler Rich, & Caylee Hammack. Alec has created or contributed to the Ableton shows for Alana Springsteen, Danielle Bradbery, Devin Dawson, Morgan Evans, Tenille Arts, Ryan Hurd, ZZ Ward, Ingrid Andress, Alexandra Kay, and Eli Young Band. He is also available for remote sessions with live or programmed drums.
In this wide-ranging interview, Alec shares his thoughts on tracks in popular music, the tactics and mindsets needed to be a professional drummer prepared for any gig, and why good working relationships are paramount for success in this industry. We hope you enjoy!
Chapters: 00:00 Intro 2:37 Welcome, Alec! 3:48 C2C Fest w/ Alana Springsteen 20:04 Growing up in Athens, Church & Being Prepared 29:07 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor) 29:48 UGA, Move to Nashville 34:16 Developing Relationships, Working at Pinewood 39:18 Getting Bigger Gigs, Meeting Danielle Bradbery 47:47 Fill Credit on "Runaways" 51:10 Patreon (Bonus Content!) 53:15 Meeting Alana 57:19 Garden Groove (Partner) 1:05:45 Music City Audiology (Sponsor) 1:06:27 Tracks in Today's Music 1:16:37 Drum Supply (Sponsor) 1:17:34 Buying Property in Nashville 1:20:30 Nashville Coffee & Restaurants 1:25:57 Drum Box (Sponsor) 1:26:35 Early Childhood & Influences 1:41:44 Dealing w/ Imposter Syndrome 1:56:17 Sonique Drums (Sponsor) 1:57:14 Alec's Tattoos 2:04:29 Wrap-Up 2:05:38 Outro
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2025 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
18 Apr 2024
Devin Attard: Country Goes Metal | Drumming for Austin Snell, Practice, Patience, Persistence, Social Media, Endorsements, & Living to Inspire
01:57:43
At only 24 years-old, Detroit, Michigan native Devin Attard was born to play the drums, but he lives to inspire. Having only moved to Nashville just a few years ago, Devin has quickly become known around town as a personality and driven professional; often playing shifts on Broadway when he's not on tour with rising country star Austin Snell.
In this wide-ranging interview, Devin stresses the importance of the 3 Ps: Practice, Patience, and Persistence, his strategic views on social media, branding, and landing endorsements, overcoming an autoimmune disease, and how he's developed his unique musical style bringing metal energy to the country music arena. We hope you enjoy!
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2025 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
10 May 2024
Eric Pritchard: Drumming for Megan Moroney, Cracker Barrel, Playing for Television, Mental Health & Mentorship
01:22:26
Today we welcome to the podcast Georgia native Eric Pritchard! Eric is currently the drummer and bandleader for rising country star Megan Moroney. Eric shares with us his journey back to his high school years where he was classmates with Megan, to moving to Nashville and playing their 1st Whiskey Jam together — the band has never looked back. Since the arrival of “Tennessee Orange,” Moroney has achieved such milestones as making her debut at the Grand Ole Opry and selling out her first-ever headline run (the spring 2023 Pistol Made of Roses tour). Megan is currently on a summer tour opening for country legend Kenny Chesney, ahead of a fall headlining tour in support of her anticipated sophomore album Am I Okay?.
In this candid interview, we laugh over Eric's obsession with Cracker Barrel, learn of Eric's professional approach to the gig, why saying thank you is so important, and why mentorship continues to play a major role in Eric's life. We hope you enjoy!
Chapters: 00:00 Intro 1:25 Vertical Drum Co (Sponsor) 2:11 Teaching 7th Grade Math 11:41 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor) 12:23 Meeting Meg in High School 14:37 1st Whiskey Jam in Nashville 19:11 Cinematic Performance 25:24 CMT Awards 31:12 Drum Supply (Sponsor) 32:11 Playing for Television 40:40 Drum Box (Sponsor) 41:21 Drumming Influences 52:03 The Megan Moroney Show 57:30 Sonique Drums (Sponsor) 59:23 Cracker Barrel 1:08:57 Mentorship & Mental Health 1:20:19 Outro
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2025 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
24 May 2024
MJ Milam: Dancing & Drumming | On Tour w/ Lauren Watkins, Building a Band, How to Be More Efficient On Stage
01:19:56
Born in Forest City, North Carolina, Matthew "MJ" Milam quickly discovered his love for music, dancing, and entertaining at a very young age. From first performing Michael Jackson tribute shows during his high school years, MJ would naturally transition into the drums at the age of 15, and hasn't put the sticks down since. At the age of 20 he began playing professionally gigging around the Southeast, and eventually landing a gig with country artist Ashland Craft put him on his path to Nashville. Since relocating to Nashville in June of 2021, MJ has played extensively on Broadway, and worked with artists such as Ashland Craft, Noah Hicks, and Meghan Patrick, and is currently on tour with Lauren Watkins opening for Morgan Wallen.
In this interview, MJ describes how his passion for dancing and performing has greatly served his professional drumming career, why the people you work with matters so much, and ways to be even more efficient on and off the stage. We hope you enjoy!
Chapters: 00:00 Intro 2:05 Welcome, MJ! 3:40 Background from North Carolina 5:35 MJ's Dancing Roots 16:53 Making Country Music Dance 20:10 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor) 20:52 Transition from Dancing to Drums 26:47 Lauren Watkins & Tour 29:13 Drum Supply (Sponsor) 30:12 Early Years w/ Lauren and Finalizing the Band 38:40 Enhancing the Live Show, Ableton 45:03 Drum Box (Sponsor) 45:44 Playing Arenas & Stadiums 55:16 Sonique Drums (Sponsor) 56:14 Current Gear 58:11 Ableton and Tracks 1:00:27 Moments of Efficiency 1:08:54 Theo Von / Comedy 1:12:27 Closing Questions 1:17:49 Outro
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2025 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
07 Jun 2024
Chris Rayner: Living the Dream - From RVs to Drums | Horizontal Integration, Touring w/ Clayton Mullen, Nashville Sessions & Drum Covers
01:34:25
Welcome to the podcast St. Petersburg, Florida-native Chris Rayner! Currently drumming for 23-year-old country artist Clayton Mullen, Chris shares with us his 17-year journey to achieving his dream of touring. We highlight his unique path involving starting a mobile RV business and how it unexpectedly opened doors in the music industry. Key topics include the significance of horizontal integration, networking, Chris’ 1st Nashville session with a legendary songwriter, drum covers, and the relentless pursuit of one’s goals. This conversation offers valuable insights for musicians balancing passion with diverse career paths. We hope you enjoy!
Chapters: 00:00 Intro 2:01 Welcome, Chris! 9:18 On Tour w/ Clayton Mullen 21:11 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor) 21:53 Broadway Music Scene 30:51 Drum Supply (Sponsor) 31:54 Balancing Music and RV Work 35:50 Meeting a Legendary Songwriter 38:58 First Session Experience 41:38 Learning the Nashville Number System 48:11 Networking & Horizontal Integration 53:04 Navigating the Nashville Music Scene 53:50 Drum Box (Sponsor) 1:07:09 Creative Drum Setups 1:08:45 Influential Drummers 1:10:03 Sonique Drums (Sponsor) 1:12:25 The Underdog Approach to Drum Covers 1:23:45 Music City Audiology (Sponsor) 1:24:28 Closing Questions 1:32:14 Outro
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2025 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
28 Jun 2024
Lou Vecchio: On Tour w/ Alexandra Kay | How to Nail the Audition, NY Pop-Rock Roots, Social Media for the Modern Musician, Recording as a Live Band
01:46:31
Welcome Long Island, NY native Lou Vecchio to the podcast! Lou is currently the drummer for country artist Alexandra Kay and Danish-American rock band New Politics. In this episode, we learn of Lou's transition from New York's vibrant rock scene to Nashville's country music arena. Lou discusses his mindset during auditions that helped him land the gig with Alexandra, the impact of COVID on his career, and his lifelong passion for drumming inspired by his father. Lou also sheds light on his admiration for performance-driven drummers like Tommy Lee, his versatile approach to music and genres, and the evolving importance of social media for modern musicians. We dive into his touring experience, what it's like recording and touring with the same band, drum gear and endorsements, and his love for tattoos and horror movies. We hope you enjoy!
Chapters: 00:00 Intro 1:51 Welcome, Lou! 6:10 The Audition Process 7:56 Brooklyn to Nashville 11:35 Adapting to Country Music 19:39 Recording & Live Performance 21:00 The Importance of Versatility 22:54 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor) 36:36 Drum Supply (Sponsor) 37:40 Early Musical Influences 39:48 Lou's Natural Talent 41:47 Navigating High School and Musical Identity 45:09 Hip Hop and Breakdancing 47:05 Discipline and Entertaining 51:54 Drum Box (Sponsor) 1:01:48 Sonique Drums (Sponsor) 1:02:45 Social Media for the Modern Musician 1:15:13 Music City Audiology (Sponsor) 1:17:57 First Arena Show at MSG 1:23:22 Drum Gear and Endorsements 1:32:10 Tattoos, Noodles, and Moment of Zen 1:44:15 Outro
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2025 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
12 Jul 2024
Molly Rose: From TikTok to Tour | Social Media Stardom, Touring w/ Upchurch, Self-Identity & Country Music, How to Land Endorsements
01:29:25
Today we welcome to the podcast NorCal native Molly Rose, currently on tour with American rapper and country artist Upchurch. Molly shares her inspiring journey to Nashville, revealing her early love for country music and the pressures she faced as a young drummer. Molly recounts her experience at the Musicians Institute in LA, and how by simply trying something new during the pandemic would lead her to social media stardom, now having amassed over 4.2M likes on TikTok and over 100K followers on both Instagram and YouTube.
Molly recalls her time on the 'Hit Like a Girl' competition and most recently the TV show 'Banded', the challenges and triumphs of being a young drummer in Nashville, and shares practical advice for aspiring musicians, including the importance of building authentic relationships in the industry. We close the convo delving into Molly's personal tastes, including favorite food, coffee spots, and tattoos. We hope you enjoy!
Chapters: 00:00 Intro 2:10 Welcome, Molly! 5:47 NorCal / Musician's Institute 11:48 Early Years & Country Music 15:28 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor) 19:30 High School, Drummer Influences & Self-Identity 28:04 Drum Supply (Sponsor) 29:04 Social Media Stardom 45:58 TV Show 'Banded' 53:46 Drum Box (Sponsor) 54:27 On Tour w/ Upchurch 59:17 Music City Drum Show 2024 59:50 Current Gear 1:09:44 Sonique Drums (Sponsor) 1:10:42 Endorsements & Relationships 1:13:51 Greg Bissonette Clinic (Drum Supply) 1:14:39 Noodles, Coffee, & Tattoos 1:27:10 Outro
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2025 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
09 Aug 2024
Tyler Bronson Smith: Finding Your Sound, Nashville’s Evolving Scene, Embracing Versatility & the Importance of Listening
01:49:42
Today we welcome veteran Nashville drummer Tyler Bronson Smith to the show! This wide-ranging interview spans Tyler's extensive career in the industry - from his small-town upbringing in North Carolina to studying at the Musicians Institute in Los Angeles and eventually moving to Nashville, Tyler shares personal anecdotes, the significance of authentic connections, and tips for overcoming professional challenges. He discusses the joys and challenges of Nashville's modern scene, including notable gigs, networking, and the significance of maintaining a good reputation. Tyler emphasizes adaptability, authenticity, and the blend of simplicity and technicality to find your own unique sound. We hope you enjoy!
Chapters: 00:00 Intro 1:54 Welcome, Tyler! 2:37 Growing Up and Early Influences 13:20 Musical Journey and Inspirations 27:46 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor) 28:27 Moving to Nashville 34:42 The Fishbowl Analogy: Growing Beyond Small Towns 37:25 Memorable Encounters with Legends 39:45 Evolution of Music and Technology 51:04 The Reality of Gig Life 1:14:33 Unexpected Gigs 1:20:59 The Importance of Reputation 1:26:34 Drum Supply (Sponsor) 1:27:34 Vegas Gig, Navigating Broadway 1:32:07 Drum Box (Sponsor) 1:33:43 Session Work and Live Performances 1:41:42 Sonique Drums (Sponsor) 1:42:39 Nashville Food & Coffee 1:47:32 Outro
Interviews (in order of appearance) 00:00 Intro 0:17 Welcome 1:49 John Crocken Persimmon Drumsticks 5:05 Vladimir Gutsman - Tonewings 8:50 Rich LeRoy - RL Drums 11:48 Sean Andres - Taproot Drums 14:06 Reagan Kimsey 16:19 Gavin Gillette 18:16 Liz Ficalora - Drum Chart Builder 21:53 Dr. Shayan Ghaffari - The Fine Tune Clinic 27:46 Sam Roberson 29:48 Derek Lee - Beat Note 33:03 5 Core 35:00 Juan Avalos 37:05 April Samuels - Breast Cancer Can Stick It! 39:59 Timothy Roberts - Reverie Drum Co. 43:21 Jake Sommers (Luke Combs) 47:51 Outro
------ Interviews by: Dan Ainspan, Nathan Sletner Recorded live at the Music City Drum Show in Nashville, TN
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2025 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
23 Aug 2024
Garrett Tyler: For King & Country, Drum Corps Legacy, Versatile Artistry, the Strength of Relationships & Collaboration
01:49:34
Today we welcome Artist, Drummer, Musical Director, Producer, Multi-Instrumentalist, and Educator, Garrett Tyler to the podcast! Garrett is currently the Bandleader & Drummer for multi grammy award-winning pop duo, For King & Country. Garrett shares his inspiring journey from a small town in Arkansas to performing with the prestigious Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps, and eventually gracing the cover of Modern Drummer magazine. We explore the impact of relationships and community on his career, his diverse musical influences, and his disciplined approach to drumming. We touch on Garrett’s meaningful tattoos, his debut solo album 'New Normal', and reflections on growth, creativity, and the dynamic changes in Nashville. A rich and heartfelt conversation about dedication, growth, creativity, and the love of music. We hope you enjoy!
Chapters: 00:00 Intro 2:36 Welcome, Garrett! 3:19 Discovering Golf and Parallels to Drumming 9:43 Warm-Up Routines and Techniques 14:42 Growing Up in Arkansas 22:19 Joining the Blue Devils Drum & Bugle Corps 27:14 Blue Devils International and Representing the U.S. 38:35 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor) 39:18 Music School and Mentorship at Belmont 55:40 Gospel Influences 1:02:13 Drum Supply (Sponsor) 1:03:17 For King & Country 1:08:46 Modern Drummer Feature 1:15:03 Nashville's Changing Landscape 1:15:55 Drum Box (Sponsor) 1:16:36 Garrett's Tattoos 1:25:15 Music City Audiology (Sponsor) 1:25:57 'New Normal' and Collaborative Projects 1:41:54 Sonique Drums (Sponsor) 1:43:37 Closing Questions 1:47:09 Outro
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2025 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
06 Sep 2024
Corey Boise: March to Your Own Beat | Titans Blue Crew Drumline, Nashville Punk Rock, Auditioning for Blue Man Group, Building Mental Resilience
02:03:00
Today we welcome drummer and educator Corey Boise to the podcast! Having moved to Nashville in 1993, Corey is an experienced player and drum corps vet with his hands in many facets of the industry, including performing, recording, and touring. Corey is currently the drummer for Nashville-based punk bands Digital Brains and Critter Brain. When he's not teaching, drumming, or making drumsticks, he takes the field with the Blue Crew Drumline, the official entertainment drumline for the Tennessee Titans, of which he's beginning his 9th season while co-managing the group.
In this honest and wide-ranging interview, Corey shares his unique experiences within the industry, including growing up in the punk-rock era of Nashville in the early 90s, and his extensive background with drum corps and atypical approach to learning music. Corey provides valuable insights on the realities of the industry, stressing the importance of professionalism, handling pressures, and having backup plans. We hope you enjoy!
Chapters: 00:00 Intro 2:17 Welcome, Corey! 2:35 Nashville in the 90s 8:11 Punk Rock Beginnings 15:41 Marching Band & Drum Corps 26:10 Transition to Professional Drumming 30:24 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor) 31:57 Getting Outside Your Comfort Zone 37:49 Learning Drums Without Reading Music 49:02 Making Custom Drumsticks 54:56 Drum Supply (Sponsor) 55:55 Titans Drumline: Then & Now 1:22:29 Drum Box (Sponsor) 1:23:09 Auditioning for Blue Man Group 1:36:29 Nashville Music Scene & Identity 1:40:28 The Harsh Truths of the Music Industry 1:50:39 Fear-Setting and Building Mental Resilience 1:55:25 Sonique Drums (Sponsor) 1:56:22 Wrap-Up Questions 2:00:46 Outro
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2025 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
25 Sep 2024
Stefan Chippeaux: Pro Drum Tech | On Tour w/ Bailey Zimmerman, Resilience, Mastery, & Lifelong Learning
01:20:51
Today we welcome Stefan Chippeaux to the podcast, currently on tour as the drum tech with young American country phenom Bailey Zimmerman. Stefan recalls his compelling transition from a drummer in Tampa, FL to an accomplished tech and performer in Nashville. We learn the skills and mindsets necessary to be a pro tech in today's industry, emphasizing adaptability, proactive problem-solving, teamwork and dedication to high standards. In this episode, Stefan shares valuable insights on resilience, mentorship, and memorable tour experiences, as well as lighter discussions on his favorite movies, tattoos, and personal milestones. We hope you enjoy!
Chapters: 00:00 Intro 1:38 Welcome, Stefan! 3:16 Landing the Bailey Zimmerman Gig 5:32 The Life of a Drum Tech on Tour 10:33 Drum Paradise: The Foundation of Excellence 17:30 The Importance of Adaptability and Preparation 21:50 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor) 25:57 Staying Current with Drum Gear 32:10 Drum Supply (Sponsor) 33:47 Musical Beginnings: From Church to Theme Parks 43:22 Drum Box (Sponsor) 44:02 Nashville Beginnings and Networking 46:29 The Call from Jim Riley 55:50 Building a Home Studio 1:06:10 Tattoos, Movies and Hobbies 1:13:45 Wrap-Up Questions 1:18:47 Outro
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2025 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
09 Oct 2024
Christian Delzoppo: On Tour w/ Knox, Self-Care & Sobriety, How to Network, Practice Routines & Staying Motivated
01:56:50
Today we welcome Christian Delzoppo to the podcast, currently on tour with Nashville-based indie pop artist Knox Morris (Knox). Christian opens up about his struggles with alcohol and the path to sobriety, which allowed him to reignite his passion for drumming. He speaks to the transformative power of self-care and connections between mental and physical health, while emphasizing the importance of genuine relationships when it comes to networking and landing gigs. We gain insights into his early influences, practice routines, aspirations, and what it's like being a pop drummer in Nashville. We hope you enjoy!
Chapters: 00:00 Intro 18:56 Networking and Building Relationships 28:12 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor) 28:54 College Days and Music Struggles 43:50 Drum Lessons and Inspirations 1:02:12 Sobriety, Motivation and Personal Growth 1:08:05 Transition to Nashville and Career Shifts 1:13:48 Drum Supply (Sponsor) 1:14:48 Pop vs. Country Scenes in Nashville 1:28:10 Music City Audiology (Sponsor) 1:28:52 Touring with Knox 1:36:01 Garden Groove Nashville 1:37:08 Wrap-Up Questions 1:37:17 Practice Routines and Techniques 1:42:29 Life or Death: Potato vs. Straw 1:45:54 Cleveland Sports Fandom 1:52:00 Fine Dining in Nashville 1:55:37 Outro
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2025 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
08 Nov 2024
Kyle Law: On Tour w/ Tim Montana, Broadway vs Artist Gigs, Work-Life Balance, Choosing Subs, Microscoping & Learning Complex Parts
01:46:49
Today we welcome to the show Georgia-native Kyle Law, a Nashville-based live and session musician currently touring with hard-rock country artist Tim Montana. Kyle shares his insights on prepping for Broadway gigs versus artist gigs, work-life balance, how to keep gigs and choose subs, and his method for learning complex drum parts, including his time with Nashville-based Tool cover band, Rosetta. Kyle talks about his experiences on the road, his transition from country rock to hard rock, and the importance of camaraderie among band members. Amid the usual banter and shirtless antics, we touch on mental health challenges, the importance of having multiple skills in the industry, and Kyle's recent endorsement with WFLIII Drums. We hope you enjoy!
Chapters: 00:00 Intro 2:10 Welcome, Kyle! 3:49 Broadway Shifts 7:12 Tour Life with Tim Montana 15:14 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor) 20:53 Work-Life Balance 31:15 Broadway vs Artist Gigs 35:38 Microscoping for Artist Gigs 37:46 Drum Supply (Sponsor) 38:46 Balancing Multiple Gigs and Mental Health 54:01 Drum Box (Sponsor) 54:41 Learning Complex Drum Charts 1:03:17 Session Work and Studio Life 1:11:20 1st Kit Memories 1:14:19 Influences and Inspirations: From Hip Hop to Prog Rock 1:22:20 Garden Groove (Sponsor) 1:36:15 WFLIII Drums Endorsement 1:40:48 Kyle's Tattoos 1:45:09 Outro
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2025 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
22 Nov 2024
Joel Mevis: On Tour w/ Filmore, Building Playback Rigs, Mastering Ableton, the Art of Show Preparation, Redesigning Nashville's Airport
01:42:29
Today we welcome to the show Nashville-native Joel Mevis! Joel is currently the drummer for Tyler Filmore - a Nashville-based artist blending pop and electronic elements with earnest country. Dubbed as "the most interesting person we've had on the show," we learn Joel's journey through the music industry, his experience with Ableton, Filmore tour stories with Pitbull, and how his detail-oriented nature has contributed to his success. Joel shares valuable insights on managing stress during performances, the importance of fitness in a musician's life, and his diverse work and skillsets beyond music, including being a security contractor and the voice of Nashville International Airport's parking system. We hope you enjoy!
Chapters: 00:00 Intro 1:52 Welcome, Joel! 4:48 Nashville Native, Church Story 19:14 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor) 23:08 Building In-Ear Rigs 29:20 Fixing Ethan's Computer 33:00 The Importance of Ableton for Drummers 39:33 Building and Managing Live Shows 49:15 Drum Supply (Sponsor) 50:12 Touring with Fillmore and Pitbull, Gatekeeping 1:02:24 Groove MPL (Sponsor) 1:03:24 Early Influences and Paramore 1:11:33 Home Studio and Practice Kits 1:14:41 Drum Box (Sponsor) 1:15:41 Full-Time Day Job, Balancing Multiple Roles 1:17:05 Voice of the Nashville Airport 1:21:04 How to Prepare for the Gig 1:23:49 Remo vs Evans Heads, Drum Gear 1:27:33 Music City Audiology (Sponsor) 1:31:23 Closing Questions 1:41:13 Outro
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2025 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
24 Jan 2025
Cody Ash: Drummer for Jelly Roll, Metalcore to Country, Chasing Your Dreams, Art of the Drum Solo, Competitive Mindsets
02:47:54
We're super stoked to welcome Cody Ash to the studio to help us kick off 2025! In this raw and honest 3hr interview, Cody shares his unique journey from a small-town upbringing in Kentucky through his challenging high school years and various musical phases including joining metalcore bands Sylar and O'Kingdom. Cody recounts the pivotal experiences that led him to Nashville and meeting Jelly Roll, his evolution into country music, overcoming the challenges of learning new material under pressure, and his approach to drum solos. Cody reflects on the competitive spirit within the drumming community, his recent accolades; including nominations for Drumeo Country Drummer of the Year and the Modern Drummer Reader's Poll, and landing endorsements with DW Drums and Remo. This episode dives deep into Cody's passion for music and his philosophy of relentless hard work and community support. We hope you enjoy!
Chapters: 00:00 Intro 3:28 Welcome, Cody! 11:13 High School Struggles and First Bands 15:33 Joining O'Kingdom and Touring 18:14 Transition to Professional Drumming 21:21 Joining Sylar 29:47 Drum Supply (Sponsor) 31:54 Rediscovering Country Music 39:02 Transition to Nashville 43:32 Drum Box (Sponsor) 44:13 Meeting Jelly Roll 48:20 The Phone Call 53:12 1st Gig w/ Jelly Roll 1:07:55 Zildjian Factory Tour 1:09:45 Local Scenes, High School Band Memories 1:13:01 College and Music Theory 1:27:51 Groove MPL (Sponsor) 1:29:49 2025 NYE Performance (Nashville's Big Bash) 1:41:49 Mentorship and Giving Back 1:43:41 Hometown Memories and Inspirations 1:44:58 Buc-ee's & Food On Tour 1:54:49 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor) 1:55:31 The Art of the Drum Solo 2:04:19 Beer Smashing on Stage 2:15:28 Music City Audiology (Sponsor) 2:16:10 Gratitude for the Crew 2:16:39 2024 Accolades and Reflections 2:18:02 Competitive Drive in Music 2:26:52 DW Drums Endorsement 2:32:38 Closing Questions 2:43:32 The PORKCHOP Nickname 2:46:28 Outro
We covered a lot... from starting an effective home studio on a budget to navigating your own drumming identity with the demands of today's producers and artists, the panelists share their personal anecdotes about balancing live performance with studio work, the significance of saying no to the right gigs for career growth, and the process of marketing yourself as a session drummer.
They share practical advice on mic placement, gain staging, acoustic treatment, understanding compression and EQ, and managing relationships with producers. The discussion wrapped with audience questions focusing on preparing stems for mixing engineers, the benefits and drawbacks of formal music education, and strategies for gaining confidence in the recording studio. We hope you enjoy!
Chapters: 00:00 Intro and Welcome 0:53 Meet the Panelists 12:20 Is there a Nashville Sound? 15:03 Transitioning from Live to Studio 30:05 Career Decisions 41:16 Marketing Yourself as a Session Drummer 41:51 Social Media as a Tool 42:00 Where to Meet Producers 46:51 The Evolution of Home Studios 52:40 The Importance of Versatility 58:45 Balancing Identity and Adaptability 1:01:45 The Role of Relationships 1:12:21 First Steps in Starting a Home Studio 1:19:03 Gear Talk: Microphones and Recording Techniques 1:30:45 Recording at Home: Tips and Tricks 1:43:41 The Value of Music School and Learning on the Job 1:52:11 Closing Remarks
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2025 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
10 Feb 2025
Aaron Chase: Lost Stars, Building Community, Recording & Content Creation, Taking Risks, Mental Health Challenges
01:43:43
Welcome Harrisburg, PA native Aaron Chase to the show! Well-known as the drummer for Nashville pop duo Lost Stars, Aaron shares his journey to Nashville as a session drummer and content creator, including stories from his early drumming days, the challenges and benefits of recording at home, and the impact of running on his physical and mental well-being. Aaron hosts the 'Musicians Should Hang Out', a monthly coffee hang to foster community among local musicians. The conversation also delves into topics like mental health challenges, dealing with negative self-talk, and balancing marriage life with a drumming career. We hope you enjoy!
Chapters: 00:00 Intro 2:21 Welcome, Aaron! 4:38 Musicians Should Hang Out 11:14 Early Drumming Years 27:50 YouTube and Content Creation 34:55 Drum Box (Sponsor) 35:37 Social Media in 2025 37:12 Drum Supply (Sponsor) 40:22 Mental Health and Overcoming Challenges 51:37 Groove MPL (Sponsor) 52:38 Move to Nashville 55:11 Networking 59:15 Joining Lost Stars: The Audition 1:00:40 The Importance of Versatility 1:16:25 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor) 1:17:07 Balancing Personal Life and a Drumming Career 1:22:34 Favorite Drummers and Influences 1:29:23 Closing Questions 1:42:27 Outro
**BONUS CONTENT: get an inside view into Ethan's complete setup on tour w/ Trey Lewis in our NDP Backstage Rig Rundown! Available exclusively to Patreon, Buzzsprout, and Apple Podcast Subscribers.
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2025 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
28 Feb 2025
Ethan Harb (2025 Interview): Viral Bonk Fame, On Tour w/ Trey Lewis, Camaraderie, Consistency, & Personal Loss
01:12:42
In this special episode of the Nashville Drummers Podcast, we welcomed back our good buddy Ethan Harb. Since his first appearance on the show back in Ep. 5 (Dec. 2021), Ethan's career has quite literally exploded, most recently through his viral social media video series of 'How to Get Fired from a Gig', amassing over 112 million views on one video alone, 450K followers on Instagram and 170K followers on TikTok. Ethan shares insights on the importance of consistency when building a social media presence, why you should record every gig, and how to balance being a professional musician with band camaraderie and humor. We learn how Ethan landed the touring gig with Trey Lewis, and he opens up about his journey dealing with the loss of his father.
**BONUS: get an inside view into Ethan's complete setup on tour w/ Trey Lewis in our NDP Backstage Rig Rundown! Available exclusively to Patreon, Buzzsprout, and Apple Podcast Subscribers.
Chapters: 00:00 Intro 3:27 Welcome back, Ethan! 5:26 The Viral Bonk Backstory 14:24 Impact of Social Media on Your Career 20:51 Skylines & Satellites, Silly Goose Hours 29:00 Drum Box (Sponsor) 29:43 Career Growth, On Tour w/ Trey Lewis 35:00 Drum Supply (Sponsor) 36:00 Original Music & Band Camaraderie 38:19 Groove MPL (Sponsor) 39:19 Record Every Gig 42:49 Sonique Drums (Sponsor) 43:47 Dealing with Personal Loss 46:49 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor) 47:31 Reflection, Praise & Gratitude 1:00:08 Social Media and Consistency 1:08:05 Closing Questions 1:11:24 Outro
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2025 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
14 Mar 2025
Grace Goodman: Belmont Grad to Touring Drummer, Supporting Women in Music, Nashville Indie Rock, Professionalism & Showmanship
01:19:43
Grace Goodman is a Nashville-based drummer known for her dynamic performances and versatility across a wide range of musical genres. A recent graduate of Belmont University (Class of 2024), we dive into Grace's rapid transition from college to professional touring into Nashville's indie rock scene. Since graduating, Grace has toured with Odie Leigh, opening for Shakey Graves, and recently wrapped up a three-month headlining tour across the United States and Canada. Over the past year, she has also performed at prominent festivals such as Treefort Music Fest, Shaky Knees Festival, Kilby Block Party, Calgary Folk Festival, Hinterland Music Festival, and Outside Lands Music Festival. Grace shares insights on her drumming techniques, the significance of inclusivity in the music industry, and memorable moments from tour. We discuss topics essential for aspiring drummers, such as professionalism, stage energy, showmanship, and the importance of following your Plan A. We hope you enjoy!
Chapters: 00:00 Intro 1:46 Welcome, Grace! 2:39 Graduating from Belmont 6:03 On Tour w/ Oston and Knox 17:26 Touring While in College 21:00 Early Life and Musical Influences 32:13 Drum Box (Sponsor) 32:55 All-Female Bands and Empowerment 40:00 Women Supporting Women in Music 42:07 Finding Community in Nashville 43:33 Drum Supply (Sponsor) 44:32 'Bro Really Went Flying' (Showmanship) 52:14 Groove MPL (Sponsor) 53:25 Learning Music Without Charts 1:05:57 Sonique Drums (Sponsor) 1:06:55 Closing Questions / Tattoo Stories 1:18:24 Outro
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2025 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
28 Mar 2025
Raven Pfeiffer: On Tour w/ Girl Named Tom, Choosing the Right Gigs, Mastering Ableton, Living Healthy & Landing Endorsements
01:43:41
Hailing from Charlotte, NC, Raven Pfeiffer moved to Nashville in 2021 where she currently performs, co-writes, and tours with several artists across different genres, most notably with American folk sibling trio, Girl Named Tom. A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Raven studied under renowned performer, composer, and producer, Rick Dior (James Taylor, Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles), and earned a B.A. in Music with a concentration in percussion and a B.A. in German Translation.
In this conversation, we discuss the importance of committing to gigs that push you to learn new skills, like mastering Ableton, and dive into an emotional discussion about physical health as Raven opens up about her intense health scare in 2017. From battling illness to thriving on stage, her story is a testament to resilience and dedication. We also explore her musical influences, from Jen Ledger of Skillet to jazz greats like Elvin Jones and Dave Weckl, and her experience in landing endorsements, including Doc Sweeney Drums and Paiste Cymbals. We hope you enjoy!
Chapters: 00:00 Intro 2:13 Welcome, Raven! 8:39 Forensic Anthropology, Early Years 15:24 College Years and Musical Growth 20:17 Drum Box (Sponsor) 21:00 Studying German Translation 26:42 Drum Supply (Sponsor) 27:42 Choosing Nashville Over Academia 42:49 Groove MPL (Sponsor) 44:00 Musical Inspirations and Influences 55:48 Raven's Favorite Crayon 1:00:47 Endorsements and Networking 1:08:29 Marketing & Social Media for Musicians 1:13:59 Sonique Drums (Sponsor) 1:14:38 Health Journey, Diet & Lifestyle Changes 1:30:22 Music City Audiology (Sponsor) 1:32:40 Learning Songs Quickly 1:38:34 Favorite Local Spots in Nashville 1:42:07 Outro
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2025 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
11 Apr 2025
Matt Nolan: Drummer for Lainey Wilson, From New Orleans Jazz to Country's Biggest Stages, Sobriety and Mental Health, Studio Recording, The Importance of Listening
02:37:01
We’re excited to welcome Matt Nolan to the podcast! Since 2020, Matt has been the touring drummer for Lainey Wilson, in addition to working with artists including Maggie Rose, Them Vibes, Brandon Whyde, The Morrison Brothers Band, and Rude Music - a rock and roll group led by Matt and his brother Kevin. In this wide-ranging interview, Matt shares his unique musical journey from studying Jazz in New Orleans to moving to Nashville and eventually landing the gig with Lainey Wilson. Matt shares valuable insights on handling moments of pressure, playing bigger stages, supporting your bandmates, touring sober, and the importance of listening. We hope you enjoy!
Chapters: 00:00 Intro 2:26 Welcome, Matt! 8:52 Behind the Scenes: CMA Awards 27:56 Drumming Influences 35:23 Drum Box (Sponsor) 36:08 Early Musical Influences and Upbringing 39:01 Getting Booed at Your 1st Gig 55:08 Drum Supply (Sponsor) 56:11 Goals in High School 1:00:11 Johnny Vidacovich and New Orleans Jazz 1:10:32 Discovering Country Music 1:21:48 Dealing w/ Competition & High-Stakes 1:24:44 The Drummer's Role 1:26:59 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor) 1:27:37 Playback & Tracks 1:42:48 Groove MPL (Sponsor) 1:44:06 Recording Lainey's 3rd Studio Album 1:55:48 Touring Sober and Band Dynamics 2:00:37 Mental Health on the Road 2:04:39 The Importance of Listening 2:10:23 Pre-Show Rituals and Techniques 2:14:39 What Makes a Successful Show? 2:29:30 Music City Audiology (Sponsor) 2:30:13 Closing Questions 2:34:47 Outro
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2025 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
24 Aug 2021
Nathan Sletner: How to Get Gigs, Releasing Your Subconscious, Hot Dogs & More
01:12:22
Welcome to Nashville Drummers Podcast Episode 1! The first two episodes feature interviews from our co-hosts, Dan Ainspan and Nathan Sletner. Stay tuned as we sit down with Nashville's drummers, including players from music cities near and far.
About Nathan: Born in Redding, CA, Nate moved to Nashville 5 years ago and has quickly made a name for himself. Often seen on the streets of Broadway, (first from cooking hot dogs!) Nate now performs in several rock bands for Broadway's most popular's venues including Tootsies and Kid Rocks. When not playing shifts downtown, Nate is on the road touring with Artists Thomas Gabriel and Dustin Kines.
As a progressive drummer at heart, Nate is involved in a few up-and-coming acts including Crusade (Nashville) and Fly In Formation, who recently released their debut EP.
Nate is a recent Meinl Artist and drumset educator at Music Lab Nashville.
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2025 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
23 Sep 2021
Dan Ainspan: Pearl Drums, Skill-Stacking, Video Games & More
01:02:24
Join us in Episode 2 of Nashville Drummers Podcast! Nate goes 1-1 with co-host Dan Ainspan as we learn a bit about Dan's upbringing and the unique internship opportunity that brought him to Indiana, and eventually to Nashville. We also discuss the benefit of cross-functional skillsets, and how balancing your time away from the drums can actually help you improve.
About Dan: Dan Ainspan is currently the Jr. Marketing Manager, Band & Orchestra Products for Pearl Corporation, based in Nashville, TN.
A Slingerlands, NY native, Dan attended the State University of New York College at Oneonta where he received a B.A. in Music Industry with Double Minors in Percussion Performance and Audio Production. At Oneonta, Dan studied percussion with Dr. Julie Licata and drum set with The Mars Volta drummer Blake Fleming.
After graduating in 2015, Dan relocated to Indianapolis, IN to pursue an internship with the Percussive Arts Society. Upon completion of the program, Dan was hired on full time as Social Media & Web Content Manager.
At Pearl, Dan is responsible for implementing various marketing activities for Pearl’s Educational, Marching, Concert, and Adams branded products. He enjoys engaging with Pearl’s online social communities, as well as working with Pearl’s best-in-class roster of Artists and Educators across the United States and abroad.
When Dan isn’t drumming, he enjoys going on hikes, watching sports, and helping friends and clients with their own marketing projects.
Join us for Episode 3 of Nashville Drummers Podcast! Today we feature our true 1st guest on the podcast, and we were thrilled to finally sit down with our good friend Jeffrey Adami. We discuss his background in worship drumming and how that has played a major role in his musical journey and fulfilling his true purpose. Jeffrey discusses his unique practice approach in active listening and how a part-time job as a janitor kept him motivated during 2020.
About Jeffrey: Jeffrey Adami is a professional touring/session drummer currently residing in Nashville, Tennessee. He has been playing for 15+ years, and has played for notable acts such as Peabod, Leanna Crawford and Krigarè. He is versatile in many genres of music including rock, jazz, metal, funk, gospel, pop, and contemporary worship.
Jeffrey graduated from Northwest University near Seattle, WA in May 2020 with a degree in Contemporary Music Industry: Recording Arts Track. In Seattle, Jeffrey played regularly in five music groups including a local pop act, an indie rock band, a gospel worship band that plays for a choir comprised of 130 vocalists, his university’s worship team that travels the Pacific Northwest during the summer, and another worship team that also travels along the Pacific Northwest and sometimes internationally. Jeffrey now lives in Nashville and plays with a worship collective called WNDRS Worship that is signed to Save The City Records.
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2025 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
12 Nov 2021
Taylor Friesth: Drum Education, Finding Your Path, Publishing a Book, Live Looping!
01:37:38
Join us in Episode 4 of Nashville Drummers Podcast! Today we feature our good friend Taylor Friesth. We learn about his unique background and journey to Nashville, his passion for education that led him to publish his 1st book, 'The Sly Hat', and how he's learned to define his own unique path.
About Taylor: Colorado native, Taylor Friesth, is a performer, author, and educator who has delved deeply into drumming since the age of 6 years. Since then he has performed on stages such as Red Rocks and Folsom Field. His drumming has led him to perform with various groups from GRiZ to New Orleans style brass band Guerrilla Fanfare. His versatility has given him a wide range of musical abilities that has resulted in a unique sound of his own.
Taylor has found a love for teaching drums ever since middle school where he began to give private lessons to local kids in his neighborhood. As a 13-year-old, Taylor would reach his audience by distributing drum lesson flyers throughout his school and local music shops. Over time his teaching would expand to go online where he started his website TFdrums.com, a website devoted to showing drummers how to expand and rethink how they look at the drum set. His dedication to finding the most effective way to teach each individual student is something he still works on to this day.
In 2016, Taylor released his book “The Sly Hat”, a 13 chapter book focused on how to use your hi-hat foot as a part of your grooves and fills, as opposed to having it keep a steady pulse under what you are playing. The book caught the attention of drummers such as Gordy Knudtson (former head of percussion at McNally Smith College of Music, and drummer for the Steve Miller Band), Rod Morgenstein (former head of percussion at Berklee College of Music, and drummer for Winger), and Skip Hadden (Weather Report), and even received a review in the 2018 November edition of Modern Drummer.
Today, Taylor teaches local drum clinics featured around his book, The Sly Hat, and works with students from all over the United States through his website TFdrums.com
Join us in Episode 5 of Nashville Drummers Podcast! Today we feature our good friend Ethan Harb. Ethan moved to Nashville a few years ago from Santa Barbara, California. He's currently one of Nashville's most sought-after drummers on Broadway and has a work ethic second to none. We dive deep into his journey to Nashville and the risks he's taken so far to get him to where he is today.
About Ethan: Ethan Harb started drumming at the age of nine and has since become a versatile and sought-after drummer and performer. He has appeared on stage with legendary acts such as Dishwalla, Steppenwolf, Nancy Wilson, and Alan Parsons. Ethan can be found on Broadway's biggest stages and on tour with acts including Bear Redell, Dillon James, and Ben Gallaher.
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2025 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
23 Dec 2021
Kayleigh Moyer: Proactivity & the Art of Curiosity | How to Be a Professional + Building a Home Studio
01:24:48
Join us for a special Episode 6 - our last of 2021! Today we feature the talented Kayleigh Moyer. We hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did, as Kayleigh is one of the most motivated and hardest working individuals you'll meet.
In Episode 6 we learn about Kayleigh's unique classical background, how she built a home recording studio and survived the pandemic, and the steps she's taken to market herself successfully as a modern drummer ready for any gig thrown her way — and then some...
As Mentioned in the Episode: Seth Godin's Purple Cow Kayleigh's Pearl Drums Artist Page
Music Featured in this Episode: Drums by Kayleigh Moyer Intro:"Got a Match?" (Chick Corea arrangement) Outro: "A June Suprise" (Tribal Arrangement by Kayleigh Moyer)
About Kayleigh: Kayleigh Moyer is a Session and Live Percussionist/Drum Kit player and Clinician based in Nashville, TN.
When she is not on the road playing for breakout country and pop stars and innovative string groups, Kayleigh works as a session player and instructor out of many revered Nashville recording studios, as well as her own state-of-the-art home studio.
Kayleigh is featured playing marching snare on ESPN College Gameday’s intro song alongside country legends Big & Rich, aired weekly across ESPN and ESPNU. She has recorded videos with Post Modern Jukebox and completed a two-year world tour with Barrage 8, where she was also named Courtesy Faculty and Artist in Residence at Florida Gulf Coast University.
Kayleigh’s performance alongside Keith Urban at the CMT Artists of the Year 2015 Live TV Awards show was nominated for CMT's Performance of the Year.
Interview by: Dan Ainspan, Nathan Sletner Recorded November 2021 in Nashville, TN
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2025 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
26 Jan 2022
Nico Medina: Being a Total Team Player | Gratitude, Drum Corps, Ableton and Sports
01:37:58
Join us for Episode 7 - our first of 2022! Today we feature the well-known Nico Medina.
In Episode 7 we dive deep into Nico's unique drum corps background and what it takes to be a true team player both on and off the stage. Nico has a great attitude and it was a pleasure to meet him and talk all things drumming. We hope you enjoy.
About Nico: In a world filled with drummers, Nico Medina is a well-versed and experienced artist on drumset, hand percussion, touring, production, and programming.
His past 15 years were spent performing rock, country, jazz. latin, hip hop, concert, and church styles. In addition, Nico's work programming Ableton tracks on multiple live tours, for a variety of artists, has been heard by tens of thousands across America and the UK. In fact, because of a recent performance, Nico was flown to LA to film and provide voice-over work for a national television commercial.
Nico devotes his life to achieving the perfect combination of technique, groove, time, and feel for every project he undertakes. Reading his performance/tour credits one clearly sees Nico is an in-demand artist. In fact, in 2021, Nico performed 343 shows including weekly residencies in top-tier clubs on Lower Broadway in Nashville. February 2020 introduced Nico and his talents to the UK and Scotland during two weeks of well-received tours, clinics, and collaborations culminating with a live TV broadcast on BBC Scotland.
Nico's expertise on building and programming Ableton tracks keeps his client list full. In addition to his touring and local performances, Nico maintains a busy schedule producing music, beats, and tracks for a variety of artists. Reach out to Nico via phone, email, or Instagram to schedule a lesson, session, or tour today.
Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART
ⓒ 2025 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
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