Ringo Starr Turns 70

On this day, July 7, 2010, Ringo Starr turned 70. I can’t imagine being a drummer and not knowing who Ringo is, but in case you aren’t familiar with him, he was the drummer for the Beatles. Ringo was, and is, a fantastic drummer. He has amazing creativity, and a great feel. He has composed some of the most signature and recognizable drum parts in existence today. He celebrated his birthday at the Hard Rock Cafe in New York at a “Peace and Love” movement.

I know I have not been updating at all lately, and for that I am sorry. I have grown increasingly busy in the last 6 months or so, and have been swamped with other commitments. I do intend to get back into posting regularly, and staying on top of the latest drum news, and general drumming awesomeness. As always I greatly appreciate you reading what I post, and I hope you will check back soon!

Slipknot’s “The Pig” Found dead in Iowa

Paul Gray, who was only 38 years of age, was found dead in his Iowa hotel early Monday morning. Gray was one of Slipknot’s 3 founding members along with Joey Jordison, and Shawn “Clown” Crahan, and was one of the only members that remained in the band, and on the same instrument. He has been Slipknot’s bass player since the beginning, and has appeared on every record. Making this even more tragic is the fact that he and his wife were expecting a child. No cause of death has been announced. Click HERE to read a full article on the matter.

Claudio Montuori – Portuguese Street Performer

This is a crazy video I came upon of a street performer in Portugal named Claudio Montuori known as the “Portuguese Bird Man.” His act is really interesting and unique, check him out!

RIP Dio

Ronnie James Dio was one of metal’s all time great singers. Famous for his work with Black Sabbath, Rainbow, and his own band Dio among others, his career spanned decades. He died early Sunday morning at the age of 67 after battling stomach cancer for nearly a year. Read the full article HERE

Interview With Dawes Drummer Griffin Goldsmith

If you haven’t heard of Dawes, chances are you will soon. This ATO Records band is growing rapidly, and for good reason. Their debut record “North Hills” featuring the single, “When My Time Comes” has a distinct Americana/Soul vibe, a sound that’s gaining ever increasing popularity across the country. This group has no trouble staying busy, as they spend most of their time on tour with such notable acts as Band of Horses, Deertick, and Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros. They were a hit at the 2010 SXSW Music Festival, and recently made their television debut on the Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson.

Griffin Goldsmith, Dawes drumming phenom, along with bassist Wylie Gelber, holds down the rhythm section with style, and class. His solid groove, tasteful fills, and vintage tones reminds one of such legendary drummers as Ringo Starr, and Levon Helm. Griffin was kind enough to take time out of Dawes’ hectic schedule to let me interview him regarding his playing, tones, and influences.

1) At what age did you start playing drums?

I started playing drums at the age of twelve

2) I understand that your father is former Tower of Power, and Sweathog singer Lenny Goldsmith. Was he a significant musical influence or inspiration for you growing up? Also, who are some of your other musical influences, both drummers and non drummers?

I would say that my father is one of the most influential people in my life. He raised me on a strict diet of Funk, Soul, and R & B music. His preferences lean towards a locked in ryhthm section as the basis of a song. He is very much responsible for my preferences as a player.

3) Have you ever taken lessons, or had any professional musical education?

I’ve taken lessons from a couple different players, but never extensively. I was self taught for the first couple of years that I played, and then took some lessons from Stuart Johnson, Willie Ornellas, and one of my dads oldest friends Frosty. I am currently taking from James Gadson. I am so grateful to have taken from all of them, as they are all some of my favorite drummers. As for musical education, I grew up playing piano and singing, and know all of my basic theory.

4) It seems that Dawes maintains a pretty intense tour schedule. What’s the craziest road experience or gear failure story you can tell me about?

I wouldn’t even know where to begin with the tour stories. A lot of wild things happen on the road. Just last night our tour manager sliced his knuckle off. We were on tour with Deertick recently, and I went through three snare drums in phoenix.

5) I love your drum and cymbal choices both live, and on Dawes’ debut record “North Hills.” What brand of drums and cymbals do you use, and what inspires your particular tone/instrument choices in both live, and studio situations?

I’m currently playing a ‘61 Rogers black oyster kit. I have a ’40s wfl snare drum that has been one of my favorite drums for a while. That drum is always with me on the road, and recenly in Portland I picked up a ’20s Ludwig, and Ludwig snare that I’ve been using a lot. I play a 24″ k Light Ride and next to it a 20″ Constantinople Light Ride. My hats are custom A’s that I like a lot, but I would like to get some new ones once I have the money. In terms of live drum sounds, I like my drums to be open. I don’t ever put anything inside of them. Most of my drums are tuned low, and I don’t necessarily mind a beat up head. For the recording process of North Hills, I used all of our producers gear. He is a great drummer himself and his studio is ready-made. His drums already sounded so good that it didn’t take much after he put the mics on them.

6) I noticed at the show that you sing harmony on just about every tune, and even took over the lead vocal for one song. What is your role in the Dawes songwriting process?

My brother Taylor writes all of the songs himself. However, what you would hear in one of his demos usually differs greatly from how you would hear it at our live show, or on a record. We work through all the arrangements as a band. The harmonies either come about naturally, or we will sit down and work them out. In either case we always try to be meticulous about them.

7) Could you tell me a little bit about how you construct your parts, and what you listen for, or reference when you write drums for a song?

I try to listen to the song more than anything else. The song is always the main priority and I try to let it come through as well as it possibly can. My favorite drummer of all time is al Jackson, and all he really does is get great sounds, and then play the backbeat. Nobody grooves harder then he does. He’s also much more reserved when recording, and when the time comes to play live, he plays a little bit more which gives the show more energy.

Do you play any instruments besides drums?

My first instrument is piano, but it didn’t come as naturally to me as the drums did.

9) Where is Dawes going from here? are you guys writing for a new record, or primarily focusing on touring in 2010?

We take any time that we have to arrange new songs, but it’s a hard thing to do on the road. For now we’re gonna keep touring North Hills, and gradually work more and more new songs into our live set.

Check out Dawes on the Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson!

Me Recording Drums in Los angeles

Hey all! Sorry I haven’t been posting much lately. I have been super busy, but fear not! I am hitting the road for a short tour very soon, and will be posting about the places we visit and play along the way. Also look out for a great artist feature/interview for the month of April coming in the next week or so.

Lately I have been doing lots of session work, and recently managed to get a video of myself tracking at Eagle Rock studios in Los Angeles. This is from a session I did for a local pop singer. I hope you all enjoy, and again be on the lookout for cool drum stuff coming soon!

Win 3 Awesome Prizes Including a Limited Edition Black Eliminator Double Pedal With Case On Pearl’s Website Now!

Right now in the “News” section of their website, Pearl is advertising a contest with some great prizes. Go check it out and enter! Its super easy, and the prizes are awesome. Click HERE to go to the contest entry page. Happy drumming, and good luck!

A little Easter Bunny Drum Solo

Happy Easter Everyone!!

A7X Uses The Rev’s Favorite Drummer Mike Portnoy For The Next Record

Avenged Sevenfold recently announced on their website that they will be recording their next record with Mike Portnoy of  Dream Theater. A7X’ s former drummer, James “The Reverend” Sullivan, was found dead in his home early this year. Mike was Jimmy’s favorite drummer, hence why he will be doing the next record. The Reverend was a fantastic drummer, and an influence to many. Click HERE for a full article on the matter.

Interview with Greg Garman, Drummer for Selena Gomez and the Scene

I recently caught up with Greg Garman, drummer for Selena Gomez and The Scene. He was kind enough to let me interview him regarding with his gig with Selena, his drumming, and today’s music industry. Greg has been playing with Selena since August of 2009, and has had some amazing experiences along the way.

Selena Gomez Released her debut record, “Kiss and Tell,” in September of 2009 on Hollywood Records. She has been in the industry since she was six years old when she was cast on the show Barney and Friends. She also starred in the hit Disney show Wizard’s of Waverly Place, and a handful of television movies. She is an insanely hard worker, and is quite seasoned for her age. Check out Greg’s interview below!

Q: How long have you been playing drums?

A: I have been playing drums for about 11 years. My mom played drums while she was pregnant with me. That may have affected my need to be a drummer.

Q: Who are your current endorsers?

A: Sabian and Tama

Q: What drums and cymbals do you use and why?

A: These companies have great products, and great people working for them. It’s great to be endorsed by big companies, because they usually have a setup similar to mine wherever we play. Most of the time I am not playing my own personal gear. If I ever need anything from these companies, they are always there to back me up.

Q: Did you receive any professional training?

A: I took drum lessons throughout my high school years. After that I enrolled into the Musicians Institute. That place opened my eyes as to how hard you need to work in order to be great at what you do.

Q: What was it like auditioning for someone like Selena Gomez, and how did it feel getting the gig?

A: Auditioning for Selena was great. By this time I had put myself through enough uncomfortable situations to feel pretty relaxed during the process. The only way to get better at something is to do it. No matter the outcome, you will learn from the experience and move on. I was honored to get the gig, and still am. It just makes you feel like you are doing a good job at what you do. It has definitely boosted my confidence.

Q: Before your first show, how long did you rehearse for?

A: We rehearsed for about two months before the first show.

Q: Were the rehearsals laid back, or regimented?

A: As long as everybody remains professional, the rehearsals are light and fun. You know you show up on time, come prepared, and brush your teeth. Loren Gold was our jump start musical director. He has worked with a lot of bands, and is a great musician. We all put our faith and respect into his method. It was awesome working with him.

Q: I saw you on Dick Clark’s New Years Rockin’ Eve. Does that rank at the top of your list of experiences with Selena so far, and are there others that stand out as your favorites?

A: It seems like every show we do is the coolest thing I’v done. I take so much away from the experiences we have. New Years Eve was for sure one of the coolest. It’s really neat to witness all the behind the scenes action for TV shows especially.

Q: Has playing with a major label artist altered you perspective or outlook on the music industry, or your place in it?

A: Playing at this level has made me realize how complex the industry is, how much of a small world it is, and how much of it has nothing to do with actually playing your instrument. I keep in mind that even though this is the coolest job ever, I have a job to do. Drums are my livelihood, and are because I am incredibly passionate about the whole thing, and am always striving to get better. The moment you settle on your level, you start sucking. There’s always room to grow. It doesn’t matter who you are, or whom you play for.

Q: What lies ahead for Selena Gomez and The Scene?

A: It looks like we’re doing a promo trip to Europe in April, followed by more tour dates at the end of summer. Selena is the hardest working human being I know. She is a great role model, and I am very fortunate to be able to play drums in a band with her.

Check out Greg playing with Selena on the Ellen show

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