Your Drummer's Resum

I thought this may be kind of fun, and get us to know the background of one another a little bit better. Some of it will cover subjects of other threads, but at least it will be lumped together as one now.

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How long have you been drumming and when did you start?

Why did you start drumming?

What is your drumming history? ie: bands, solo project(s), etc.

Your influences (musical or other):

Your Strong & Weak points in drumming:

Your Gear (list as much or little as desired):

What are your goals as a drummer?

Add anything extra you want.

Feel free to attach a video or link to an audio example of your playing, be it a solo or a band/project.

I get wordy, so sorry in advance.

I've been drumming seriously for about 8 years I think. I purchased my first kit when I was about 20-21, but had fooled around on the kit at my high school before. I also bought a cheap pair of drumsticks when I was in high school and pretended to play drums on pillows and boxes.

I've played the guitar since I was 16, and I remember being frustrated at the glut of guitarists in my area because it made it almost impossible to get into a band. I was also frustrated by the lack of drummers, and I wanted to be in a band so badly that I went to a pawn shop one day and bought a dilapidated Japaneses Slingerland copy and started banging away.

The first band I played drums in was a cover band called "Impaired Ability" (I know, terrible name) that played 60's and 70's rock (Hendrix, Nugent, Pink Floyd), 80's rock (Kiss, Ozzy), and 90's alternative (Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins, Alice in Chains). I wasn't really into the music, but I learned how to play with others and made quite a bit of money at the local bars for the 6 months I played with them. I'd love to play in another bar band someday.

The second band I played drums with was a punk rock type band called "The Worst Years". We were embarrassingly bad, but it was my close friends and I, and we had fun for about a year.

The third band I drummed for was an indie-type band called "Everyday" that I played with while in college. I remember being a horrible drummer when I started with them, and by the time we broke up 2.5 years later, I felt pretty competent behind a kit. It was a 2 year stretch before I'd play in another band again...

My most recent band is brand new and we've only been playing together for about a month or so. We're kind of an indie-pop band I guess. The kids I play with are quite a bit younger, but they're fun to play with, and I'm thankful for the opportunity to play with people again.

My first major influences were John Bohnam and Dave Grohl, but then I realized that you didn't have to pound the crap out of your drums and ruin drumheads to be a good drummer. Lately, I've really been influenced by Phil Selway of Radiohead, Brian Downey of Thin Lizzy, Buddy Rich, Brendan Canty of Fugazi, and Grant Hart of Husker Du.

I have a strong sense of rhythm and tempo, and am hampered by the fact that my rudiments are non-existant.

Gretsch Catalina Club kit and Zildjian A's.

To take lessons, learn rudiments, and to be the type of drummer that makes the band. So many times I'll see a band and think "Wow, great band, but the drummer absolutely blows me away and totally makes the band." I want that drummer to be me.

Anyway, looking forward to reading everyone's responses!

This has been done before but I'll add my 2 cents in:

How long have you been drumming and when did you start? Started when I was 6 and a half...stopped in '92, getting back into it as of last year to teach my granddaughter the ropes. I'm currently 52...

Why did you start drumming? Parents recognized the desire right off and got me training throughout.

What is your drumming history? ie: bands, solo project(s), etc.

Way too many to list. Played professionally full time for almost 21 years as a living. The bigger venues were Brass Managerie, Fantasy, 2nd Coming Showband and the Admirals Showband. I was old full time road soldier. Training: Yeager's Music Store (in Baltimore), Peobody Conservatory/Prep, Towson State University...BS Degree in Music Education/Percussion & Composition. On 3 albums...2 with TSU jazz Ensemble and 1 with Second Coming (all original). Recorded many demos and commercials...nothing national...

Your influences (musical or other):

Bonham, Garibaldi, Brewer, and a ton of the old soul/stax/motown drummers

Your Strong & Weak points in drumming:

Solid time, used to be pretty fast, musical phrasing. My weak points are that I'm not linear thinking enough...locked into too much "old style" formats...

Your Gear (list as much or little as desired):

Currently only '63 Ludwigs, Sabian & Zildjian crashes, Zildjian mini cup ride, Ziljian High China Platinum

What are your goals as a drummer?

To have fun at it again and not have it be work. Exercise...

Add anything extra you want.

I've had my time...now go have yours! It's a great ride!!!! (no pun intended...well maybe just a little):thu:

Well, not to give away my age. I started playing in 4th grade band. I had no interest in the the other instrument choices, so I chose drums. Back then, music was one of the thing our school district took serious and band was HUGE. Through High School I was in Orchestra, Marching, Drum Corps, & Jazz Band. Also starting hacking away w/ local friends and Garage Bands. College, Marriage, Kids, Life.. Took me away from the drums for a while. I got back into playing full time about 5 years ago now.

The thought of hitting stuff appealed to be more than blowing stuff.

A bunch of cover bands... crossing all the genre's. Same thing, only the names change. I got fed up playing covers... felt like a whore. So now I play in an orginal rock project called The Terribles. You go to the link to hear some recent rough studio cuts.

Right Now... JB, Grohl, and T. Hawkins

Strong: Rudiments and Tempo. I'm never off time. Very strong groove/pocket drummer Weak: Some of the more intricate tribal stuff. aka Tool. Double Bass. I suck at it.

Yamaha Rydeens Gigging; Yamaha Recording Customs Home/Studio; Zildjian Cymbals

Just personal improvements (Speed, Independence, etc..) ... as far as playing out, just play out and having fun. Breaking Girls Hearts. Record. No real delusions of grandeur.

The day you stop trying to imitate other drummers, is the day you finally become one.

How long have you been drumming and when did you start?

ive been playing percussion for 6 years, and drumset for abour 4

Why did you start drumming?

its a release of energy and emotion, and its a hell of a workout.

What is your drumming history? ie: bands, solo project(s), etc.

played with a grunge-ish band called "bleach" for a year, gigged a few times. wasnt working out. played in a metal band, resuscitation for a few months, moved my style more to jazz and light rock playing. currently playing with a party/jam band, "kenny and the underwater sea creatures" and a blues band, "hurricane". play in school marching, concert, and jazz bands.

Your influences (musical or other):

God, my teacher Joe Mekler (one of the greatest drummers ive met), all the greatest drummers, from portnoy to weckl to buddy rich.

Your Strong & Weak points in drumming:

strong points - im crazy. i come up with things not many others will think of. i mesh styles together to create my own special blend of technique and style.

weak points-need to work on my left hand chops and upgrade my kit.

Your Gear (list as much or little as desired):

ludwig accents. ddrum maple snare. zildjian cymbals

What are your goals as a drummer?

to teach music to others and become the best i can be.

Add anything extra you want.

in regards to my weak points....anyone wanna give me some gear? haha lol

I started drumming in 1983. My friends were starting a band and asked what I wanted to play. I said, synth. I could never afford a synth so my friends eventually said pick drums or bass. I chose drums. I bought a beat-to-hell kit out of the paper for $225 the next day.

I loved what I was hearing from Rush. I listened intensely to everything Neil Peart did. I wanted to make drum beats that sounded like that. Also, I've always been musical. I started on guitar in '77 I think, and began messing with keys a few years later. Drums were a good match for me though, since I'm a 'nervous tapper' by nature.

I've been in numerous bands over the years. Some good, others not so good. Some played out and were successful, in others we just recorded our weird ideas. I've played many different styles. Currently I'm working with a friend of mine on a recording project, and I'm considering playing for an arena rock styled band (Journey, Boston, REO, Loverboy, etc), which I will probably not do....but then again maybe.

Neil Peart was my main inspiration. From there I drifted off into more fusion oriented stuff; Weather Report, Mahavishu, etc. I couldn't pinpoint an influence anymore, it's all over the map. These days I listen to a lot of dance oriented stuff, so it's mostly humans interacting with machines anyway. If I like it, it gets incorporated into what makes me tick.

Strength:

I have a lot of natural talent. I've always had a strong aptitude for music. I can get a lot out without having to work very hard at it.

Suck Factor:

My strong aptitude made me lazzzzzy and undisciplined. I could have been really {censored}in good at my instruments if I just spent some time working on them. But usually once I've had my musical fix on a drum or a guitar, I just walk away from it. A good musician develops their craft on their instrument, but I'm greedy. I make the instrument give me what I want and then I tell it to get outta my face. Some guys treat chicks this way.

Nothing special really. Yamaha Stage toms and kick, which I bought in '85. Zildjian, Paiste, UFIP overhead. Pork pie 12" snare. I've thought about replacing the Yamaha's but I've never heard anything in a higher priced kit that ever stopped me in my tracks. Put 20' between you and a drumkit in an ambient room and they pretty much all sound the same. So I just continue getting mileage out of what I own.

I also have some cool synths, and various drum modules, but mostly I work in Reason now. I have an affinity for electronic sounding stuff. I love the sound of an electronic tom or snare. Any sound that reminds of the arcades I used to frequent when I was a teen.

I'd like to front a band. We need more drummers as front men. I think that would be cool.

How long have you been drumming and when did you start?

Let's see, I played for a year or so as a tiny kid back in 1988, but really started in 1994, so 14 years I suppose.

Why did you start drumming?

I got a kit for my 5th birthday, played it til it broke, took lessons, teacher said I was great for my age but I lost interest. When I started junior high, they made us pick band or choir, and I was shy and didn't want to sing, so I picked band. I did the drums because it seemed fun, and I got a kit shortly thereafter.

What is your drumming history? ie: bands, solo project(s), etc.

I played in a punk band from 95-98 (made one CD), did some solo stuff for a couple years, played in a modern rock band from 99-05 (made two CD's), played in a screamo band from 05-06, played in a weird indie band in 06, then stopped playing. Set up the drums a few months ago and am currently trying to gear up my chops and enough motivation to get back into music.

Your influences (musical or other):

Dave Thomas (Terramara) - drum teacher for about five years, taught me everything from proper technique to snare work to linear drumming. Really helped with my timing, my creativity, independence, ESPECIALLY with my dynamics and control.

Dave Grohl (Nirvana, Foo Fighters) - who started in the early/mid-90's and DIDN'T look up to Grohl? One of the big reasons I picked up the sticks.

Jeremy Taggart (Our Lady Peace) - most people cite Bonham as their big power rock drummer, but because I was a child of the 1990's, he was my Bonham. Amazing, powerful drummer, creative, I like to think I got my strong backbeat from him.

Danny Carey (Tool) - loved the power and precision, and speed and creativity. I used to listen to Aenima over and over on the school bus, hearing all the tom work that shadowed the music. So of course now I'm all over the toms when I can be. And since a lot of the non-drummers think it's the coolest thing ever, more people should do it

Dave King (Love Cars, Halloween Alaska, Happy Apple, Bad Plus) - a lot of my musical approach to songs, dynamics, and creativity came from this guy. He's probably the most amazing drummer I've seen live (and I've seen a lot), but he's not flashy. He's a jazz guy but I love his indie and pop stuff, so it's a different approach. Accenting the 4 instead of the 1, heavier cymbals and lighter snare, etc.

Actually, the drummers above are pretty different, so it's kind of cool that way.

Your Strong & Weak points in drumming:

Strong points - my dynamics are pretty solid, my drums are always tuned well and I can make them sound more like an instrument than a bunch of drums and cymbals, I learn very quickly and help song structures, and am pretty good at coming up with good parts to fit songs.

Weak points - my time could be a bit more solid as I tend to either push or sit back in the pocket, I can get busy and flashy (especially live), I have an ego the size of a skyscraper which makes it hard for me to play with mediocre musicians, I'm not as creative as I'd like to be (especially with music outside my comfort zone).

Your Gear (list as much or little as desired):

Currently, using a Raven custom kit, all 8-ply, mostly double 45 edges:

8x12, 13x15, 16x18 toms with Aquarian Studio X's over Ambassadors

17x22 kick with PS3 front and back

7x14 snare with Aquarian Studio X coated over Ambassador snare

7x13 snare with coated Ambassador over Ambassador snare

I'll be building a new kit this summer, either Riolo or Saluda shells:

8x10, 9x12, 12x14, 14x16 toms with clear EC2's over G1's

18x24 kick with EMAD behind EQ3

6x14 snare with G1 coated over Hazy 300

7x13 snare with G1 coated over Hazy 300

And Saluda cymbals:

14" medium Mist hats, 18" medium Mist crash, 19" medium dark Mist X crash, 22" heavy Mist Hybrid ride, 19" medium Voodoo china

What are your goals as a drummer?

I want to make beautiful music with good friend and play FOR FUN, NOT FOR MONEY. Unfortunately, I can usually only find people that want to do one of those three things.

Add anything extra you want.

Ok.

Feel free to attach a video or link to an audio example of your playing, be it a solo or a band/project.

Two of my bands (neither is a great reflection of my playing or favorite music):

http://www.myspace.com/sofarweare

http://www.myspace.com/sleepsinashes

How long have you been drumming and when did you start?

I've been drumming for about two-three years, since I was sixteen and I got myself a drum pad and a pair of sticks.

Why did you start drumming?

I'm one of those prolific multi instrumentalists that has to able to play anything he can hear in his head.

What is your drumming history? ie: bands, solo project(s), etc.

I've played with two bands, as well as done quite a bit of solo work, just multitracking and stuff.

Your influences (musical or other):

Bill Bruford. Max Roach. Squarepusher. Aphex Twin. I really into like, jungle and bebop and crap. Rhythms that make you think, you know?

Your Strong & Weak points in drumming:

I reckon I can swing like a mother, I got a hardcore sweet sense of rhythm, I'm a complete master of the moeller, free stroke, and ghost notes in a musical context. Thing is, I can't work double bass. My feet just can't do it, so half of the rock/metal bands out there don't want anything to do with me.

Your Gear (list as much or little as desired):

Little cocktail drum kit. I'm working on a bigger set but I'm too po'.

What are your goals as a drummer?

Sell out and make cash.

Add anything extra you want.

I have a johnny rabb drumbal because I'm a loser.

How long have you been drumming and when did you start?

I was 9 when I started playing. I'm now 49.

Why did you start drumming?

Whenever bands were on TV I always watched the drummer and thought nothing could be cooler than doing what he was doing.

What is your drumming history? ie: bands, solo project(s), etc.

Got my BS in Music Ed. with a concentration on percussion. After college I played in local bands playing covers, and side gigs playing jazz (on drums and vibes). My mallet percussion skills have fallen off over the years. I was lucky enough to record a CD with my brother (a Berklee trained guitarist) that we presented to our parents in gratitude for putting up with the noise for so many years. My playing trailed off in my 40's when I was diagnosed with Meniere's Disease and my ears weren't recovering from the volume of sound the bands would produce.

Your influences (musical or other):

Drumming: Buddy Rich, Bill Bruford, Elvin Jones, Jack DeJohnette, Billy Cobham.

Musical: Bach, Beethoven, Stravinsky, Mahavishnu Orchestra, YES, John Coltrane, The Grateful Dead.

Life: My Mom and Dad

Your Strong & Weak points in drumming:

Strength: Feel and Versatility

Weakness: My right foot

Your Gear (list as much or little as desired):

Three kits - two Tama Artstar II, one Pearl Prestige Session.

Cymbals - too many to list. Some of the name brands are Zildjian, Paiste, Sabian, Wuhan, Bosphorus, Istanbul, and UFIP.

Hardware - Tama and Pearl stands. DW, Camco, Pearl and Tama bass drum pedals. Tama, Pearl and Hayman hi-hat stands.

Lots of assorted percussion as well.

All this and my son decided he wanted to play the trombone when they asked him back in 4th grade.

What are your goals as a drummer?

I've decided I'd like to start playing again, but just for fun.

1989/1990 - 1998, 2006-current

My mother said it was the one thing my Dad couldn't do, Music Videos, etc.

Was one of the very few Jr. High students allowed to pay in the high school jazz band. Also was in Marching and Concert band. Many 2 or 3 person bands that never got to the point of naming ourselves as a group. Played in another schools talent show, took 3rd (probably docked us because I was from a rival school - lol), played in a couple of other bands that would stick long enough to get a rep, then fall apart because of drugs/girls/stupidity. Played a few shows with one band...I've played more shows with the band I'm in now though...

1990's "grunge" bands, but also others such as tool, AIC, korn, Manson...1980's "hair" bands...1970's rockers...Zep, sabbath, priest...

Strong: whatever isn't my weak point

Weak: Easily influenced by tempo, sometimes I try to do too much and over-complicate things, I'm not a "soloist" by any means. Ask me to sit at a kit and show them something - I'll look like a 3mo player with no talent. Get me in a band, and it's a complete 180. I've had people blow me off as a newb, then hear me play with a band and appologize to me, buy me drinks and are blown away. I used to be the "soloist" type, then I got bored with it, and think it's pretty funny/stupid now...drummers that take 20 minutes of hitting everything before the band starts playing just to show what they can do...then the band starts, and he doesn't do any of it, and barely keeps time...

See sig

Continually improve

How long have you been drumming and when did you start?

blah blah blah blah

Why did you start drumming?

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What is your drumming history? ie: bands, solo project(s), etc.

blah blah blah blah

Your influences (musical or other):

blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah

Your Strong & Weak points in drumming:

blah

Your Gear (list as much or little as desired):

bl

What are your goals as a drummer?

blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah

Add anything extra you want.

blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah

as stated earlier... this is not a new concept... but what the hell, right?

How long have you been drumming and when did you start?

i started when i was knee high to a grass hopper, i now stand at 6'1''

Why did you start drumming?

cuz i got soul, and i'm super bad

What is your drumming history? ie: bands, solo project(s), etc.

old band was Audry II, last year we were nashvilles most unique band as declared by the Nashville Scene. now, i just jam with some friends.

Your influences (musical or other):

Buddy Rich.

Your Strong & Weak points in drumming:

all strong, except my hi hat, but that is only because i just lost my left toe, and it hurts like hell to use the hats.

Your Gear (list as much or little as desired):

pdp sfx kit, tama warlord snare, zildjian 13'' k/z hats, 21''md. th. a ride, and a wuhan 16'' china, that i drilled into to make riveting an option.

What are your goals as a drummer?

to be the best.

How long have you been drumming and when did you start?

My dad played the drums, so when i was a kid i was constantly fooling around on his kit but i seriously started playing about 3-4 years ago. im now 17

Why did you start drumming?

My dad played the drums, and i enjoyed keeping a beat

What is your drumming history? ie: bands, solo project(s), etc.

I am currently in a band Fear of Heights (www.myspace.com/fohmusic) i also play guitar and bass so sometimes i write my own stuff, i also jam with friends every now and then

Your influences (musical or other):

i play the upright bass so thats how i learned most of my musical stuff, but my drumming was influenced by travis barker (i was a huge blink fan a few years ago) but im also influenced by pink floyd, the beatles, switchfoot, and some metal every now and then, but i mainly try and play my own style

Your Strong & Weak points in drumming:

i'm not a blazing speed/hit all the drums at once kinda guy. i play kindof in a "less is more" approach, but if i feel its necesary i will do some fast stuff. i do do some double bass, but i dont have enough stamina to do it for extended periods of time

Your Gear (list as much or little as desired):

I play with a 70's premier kit the dimensions i cant remember but its a fairly standard sizing. i only use 2 of the toms though(12" and floor) i use whatever hardware i can find, as long as it can stand up to my drumming. i use a 21" Zildjain A Sweet ride, 14" zildjian mastersound hats, a 14" thin paiste alpha crash, an 18" zyn crash, a 18" zildjian oriental china trash, and a 10" stagg splash.

i also sometimes use 9" zil-bel, an 11"(i think) wuhan china w/ rivets, and an 8" stagg splash. aswell as some pulse roto-toms, rogers congas, and some old bongos.

What are your goals as a drummer?

just to get better every time i play.

Add anything extra you want.

How long have you been drumming and when did you start?

37 years. Got my first pair of sticks from my cousins for my 3rd birthday. ("here, give him these. . .maybe he'll shut up")

Why did you start drumming?

Because I firmly believe that God Himself wanted me to do so. He gave me this gift. I'm gonna play w/ it for as long as He lets me.

What is your drumming history? ie: bands, solo project(s), etc.

Been in bands since I was an early teen. In my 40s now. Still playing gigs and doing studio work. I'll never stop.

Your influences (musical or other):

Too many to list.

Your Strong & Weak points in drumming:

I'm smooth ("{censored} man, you make it look effortless" has been said to me often). But I'm WAY lazy and don't practise enough.

Your Gear (list as much or little as desired):

3 kits -- two vintage Ludwigs, one mid 80s Pearl DLX.

What are your goals as a drummer?

To keep time.

Add anything extra you want.

To keep time well.

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How long have you been drumming and when did you start? 26 years, 23 years with my own kit. Started air drumming/pillows/practice pad in 82' and on my own set in 85'

Why did you start drumming? I wanted to be a rock star. I was really into Journey and other classic rock and I wanted to be the drummer playing the arena that night. I really can't explain the draw towards drums other than to watch a drummer live or on TV just fasinated me. I wanted to do that and I loved music.

What is your drumming history? ie: bands, solo project(s), etc. I was just always air drumming, in my room with headphones on. Jammed with some friends in high school. We played a few local parades, festivals. Friends dad knew a group that played old swing and country for nursing homes and the like (Talk about a group grateful to hear you play) Filled in a few times with different church's services. After high school played in a few bands with some people I knew of from high school and others I met later. Played a few banquets, yard parties, company picnics and a few bars.

Later on got caught up in work and life. Still played at home. Went awhile without a set in the 90s, then busy with college and later living in places where I couldn't set up and practice. Past 5 years have gotten a nicer set and practicing regularly and have played in church a few times a few years back.

Your influences (musical or other): Steve Smith, Phil Collins, Steve Gadd, all the classic rock drummers from the 70's-80's

Your Strong & Weak points in drumming: I am good on 4/4 time, I can keep a good groove and play along with almost any type of older music. Classic rock, modern country, pop, Heavy rock, Soul, Blues, Disco etc.

I am weak on reading drum music, really technical drumming, advanced rudiments and have never tried double bass.

Your Gear (list as much or little as desired): Yamaha Stage Custom 7 piece (8-10-12-13-16" Toms, 22" bass, Ludwig Acrolite 14" snare and Yamaha 14" Steel snare, Zild and Sabian cymbals:A series/AA/ HH, DW4000 single pedal

What are your goals as a drummer? To keep time and have a very local band that I can play and jam with just to have something on the side for fun and love of playing and people who want to listen to a live band.

Add anything extra you want.I like the quote by GCR "when you quit trying to drum like someone else, then you are a real drummer with your own sound"[

How long have you been drumming and when did you start?

I've been playing for about 27 years. Started in 5th grade.

Why did you start drumming?

At the time, I was learning to play guitar (copying my older brother) but my heart just wasn't into it. Then one day my brother brought home Permanent Waves by Rush and started to play along to it. (Alex Lifeson was his guitar hero) I walked into the room just as "The Spirit of Radio" came on and ya'd think I'd be drawn to the guitar part in the beginning. I was... but not nearly as much as the drums captivated me. It took all 30 seconds for me to immediately realize I was playing the wrong instrument all this time. So I grabbed some wooden paint mixing sticks and a couple of empty coffee cans and started emulating the drum parts on that makeshift drum kit. And the rest is history.

What is your drumming history? ie: bands, solo project(s), etc.

First band was a 3-piece made up of myself and two friends from school who both played guitar. I was in 7th grade and they were in 8th grade. We formed the band to enter the school talent show. We played two songs and I played a drum solo. We were gods after that show.

In High School I was in a cover band that played mostly Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, and Ozzy tunes. Hey it was the 80's and everyone ate that stuff up. We played at so many parties, most of them got busted up by the cops for noise and underage drinking violations. It didn't matter though... we had fun and all the chicks dug it.

In college I sort of put drumming on the back burner and played in a couple of short-lived cover bands here and there... but it wasn't really that a priority, so I all but gave up drums by the time I was a Junior.

After I graduated I woke up one day, looked at myself in the mirror, and said "WTF Man... you've spent so many years and invested so much time and effort getting good at the drums, and now you're just going to give it up?!?!? Screw that... I want to play again!!!" And with that I went out and bought a brand new kit and auditioned for a local metal band playing covers and originals who recently fired their other drummer. I got the gig and played with them for a few years until we broke up.

During that time I had become kind of well known in the local scene among other musicians, so as soon as we broke up I was immediately contacted to join a new band that was just forming.

So that band, Grigori3, went on to get signed by a local label and we put out an album. I left last year to start a family, and here I am now.

I still work on recording projects... I'm currently working on two projects with other musicians, some local, some overseas. I like the arrangement now because I don't have to commit to a regular practice and gigging schedule that would pull me away from my family and my 6 month old son. At some point when I'm ready, I'll join or form another band because I really miss being on stage and performing.

Your influences (musical or other):

Mostly hard rock, metal, Progressive, and I also like trance/electronic and Industrial. My all time favorite band is and always will be Rush. However lately I have been listening to bands like Killswitch Engage, In Flames, Lacuna Coil, Pagans Mind, Soilwork,

Drumming influences growing up were, first and foremost, Neil Peart. I also took some influence from others such as Nicko McBrain, Steward Copeland, John Bohnam, Mike Portnoy, Mickey Dee, Tommy Lee, Simon Phillips,

Your Strong & Weak points in drumming:

Strong points: Very solid on double bass at moderate speeds. I'm pretty good at independence, and very smart and creative with writing new parts. I'm also very aggressive as a player, but more importantly, I have the maturity to know when to play for the song and not be a douchebag that puts a big fill in every other measure.

I'm not real strong in buzz rolls or jazzy kind of playing. Then again, I never really took any time to learn that stuff. I guess my weakest thing right now is my stamina... and that's simply a matter of being out of drum shape because I haven't been playing long sets in a band lately... just short stints in the recording studio with plenty of time to take breaks in between takes. Mostly, my right arm gets a little tired when doing fast 16ths on the hihat or ride.

Your Gear (list as much or little as desired):

DW drums, Zildjian cymbals, Gibraltar hardware/rack, Tama pedals and hihat stand, Promark sticks, Evans heads, Yamaha electronics, and a bunch of mics and recording gear based on a protools system in my home studio.

What are your goals as a drummer?

At this point in my life, I'd like to get a little more smooth at higher speeds on double bass. I'm not interested in learning how to play 52000 beats per minute on my kick drum, but I would like to smooth out my technique so my legs don't tense up so much when I go faster. I'd also like to improve my stamina a bit... which is something that comes naturally anyway once I commit to getting into drum shape.

Add anything extra you want.

Have a nice day

26 years. I started about 26 years ago. I don't remember the date exactely.

At 10 years old, for no apparent reason, I said to my grandma who wanted me to play saxaphone "If I am going to play anything it's gonna be the drums..." I didn't start playing until I was 14. At about 13 years old, I saw a commercial for "Mattel Synsonic" drums where they showed a reall drummer play on a real kit then another guy copied the same thing on the Synsonics. I guess that's what got the ball rolling. The drum bug hit me hard.

I have been in a ton of bands, all local. The last ten years I have been heavily involved with fill-in opportunities so the amount of bands I have played with has tripled. I am currently involved with three bands: a classic rock band, I back a female country singer, and fill in with a country-rock band a couple of weekends a month.

My friends I started playing music with (you know who you are...Matt, Bob, Tiff, Rob, my brother Matt etc etc etc) , Stewart Copeland, Frank Zappa, 70's AM pop music, Neil Peart, John Bohnam, Richie Hayward, Dave Weckl, Gadd, Vinnie, Tony, Chick Corea, my cousins Leo David, Rich, John and George, Terry Bozzio, Jim Chapin, Steve Smith, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Jeff Porcaro, Supergrass, Yes, Jeff Beck, the Who, the song "Late in the Evening".

Strong: Good time, good left hand, good feel (things I have been told). I believe I am a good, reliable musician that get the job done. I know my place in the music. I don't overplay. I have a professional attitude and people appreciate that....I keep getting work. I have been told a lot "whoa, it didn't feel like we had a different drummer tonight". I analyze technique, and people come to me and ask questions.

Week: I'd like to feel more in control when things are really rockin on stage, it seems like I feel "sloppier" when the volume is up and I'm hitting hard. I would like to hit "less" hard also. I'd like to develope my doubles a lot better...I like to use more doubles on tom-work. I'd like to take more chances and actually do some of those tom-fills I practice at home..I tend to get back-off and keep it simple. I can't read music very well.

'94 GMS 5pc. 24" BD

'05 Grestch Renown 5pc. 22" BD

'73 Ludwig 4 pc. 26" BD

'99 Ludwig 5pc. 22" BD (padded up in basement for practice)

Roland 4pc. T-3 module (for practice)

lots of Zildjian cymbals (I use 2 crashes, ride, hihats, and a splash at a time) I interchange them as needed for the gig.

DW pedals and Hihat stand.

Be more versitile and be able to play more styles convincingly. I just want to be respected in my area and be a first-call guy. I would like to be in an original project and explore my inner creativity. I play guitar and would like to get back to writing...I havent done it a while. I would like to work on my double bass. One day I want to tackle "The New Breed" book by Gary Chester. I want to develope reading more. I don't want to lose facility around the drum set. I might want to teach in the future.

Music is the best. Drums rule. I love the "drummer family" mentality us drummers seem to have. It's just a great thing to be involved with.

How long have you been drumming and when did you start?

4-5 years ago, i started when my uncle moved to korea and left me his drumset and his guitar. I chose drums.

Why did you start drumming?

I played around with the drums/guitar for a few months then I started to pick up drumming better, so i bought some books and ran with it.

What is your drumming history? ie: bands, solo project(s), etc.

I've been in a few bands nothing too serious although the one I'm in now (Oven Fresh, no myspace just youtube it) which is a cover band has been popular around our school and we've been asked to play some charity shows, sadly 3/5 of our band is seniors and we will be disbanding after this school year.

Your influences (musical or other):

I take a lot from different players and try to incorporate what i like most about them, Mars Volta's thomas pridgen's bombastic hits, jojo mayers syncopation and ghost notes, benny grebs groove style, etc

Your Strong & Weak points in drumming:

I like to think i have a pretty unique groove style and i use a lot of short breaks in my drumming to accent parts, dont have the chops of a metal drummer though.

Your Gear (list as much or little as desired):

Pacific LXE Tiger Ash set, various Sabian AA/AAX cymbals and one Zildjian A Custom crash

What are your goals as a drummer?

Just to keep getting better and make sure I'm having a blast doing it

Add anything extra you want.

This forum has taught me a lot about drums/drumming and it really has effected my playing

How long have you been drumming and when did you start?

11Years. I started when I was 12.

Why did you start drumming?

My mom says that I beat on pots and pans for as long as she can remember. I don't think that I could imagine NOT wanting to drum.

What is your drumming history? ie: bands, solo project(s), etc.

High school marching band and all that good stuff.

Zombies Everywhere

Icari

and lots of church gigs

Your influences (musical or other):

A lot of pop punk stuff gets me going. But really anything that can be technical too.

Your Strong & Weak points in drumming:

I have no problem following through on a hit.

But I can lack creativity sometimes. Its like I get in ruts.

Your Gear (list as much or little as desired):

SJC kit - white sparkle with black chrome tube lugs.

Orange County snare - 10ply, lime green glass glitter, vented.

DW Hardware

What are your goals as a drummer?

I want to always be getting better.

So what if this thread's been done before? These responses are fun to read. BeakerArk, nice video! You're a great drummer! And siberian, I know what you mean when you say you heard "Spirit of Radio" and wanted to play drums. The first time I heard Rush, I wanted to play the drums too.

How long have you been drumming and when did you start?

I've been drumming for about 4 years, began in mid 2004.

Why did you start drumming?

I started drumming because I used to fantasize about playing the drums when I was a bit younger, tapping my hands, fingers and feet subconsciously. That's when I initially noticed that I had a definite interest in drumming, and consequently I began playing a year and a half later.

What is your drumming history? ie: bands, solo project(s), etc.

A black metal solo project of mine which has not yet surfaced, as well as a current metal/death metal/core band that doesn't really look like it'll outlast another month, due to a conflict with members.

Your influences (musical or other):

My drumming is influenced primarily by black metal drumming, but I listen to a fair amount of drumming styles, and I try to take in everything I hear to become a better drummer in general. I also pay very close attention to the precision of drum machine work, and so that would also be an influence of mine for certain.

Your Strong & Weak points in drumming:

Strong: Precision, speed, endurance. Weak: I have some trouble doing fancy hi-hat work, and sometimes I just can't get out of the rut of certain beats that I like to play.

Your Gear (list as much or little as desired):

5 piece Tama swingstar with an additional ludwig accent tom, Sabian and Zildjian cymbals, DW and Pearl hardware, Dw 5000 pedals, mapex and pulse piccolo snares, and nova 5A sticks.

What are your goals as a drummer?

Personal improvement in all areas of drumming. I also want to learn various styles in the future, and I want an extremely high amount of endurance and precision, because ultimately I believe those are two very important aspects of drumming.

How long have you been drumming and when did you start?

At this point I've been playing for something like 22 years. I was in the 5th grade when I started taking snare drum lessons.

Why did you start drumming?

Perhaps I showed an early aptitude to music, dunno really. Never stopped though.

What is your drumming history? ie: bands, solo project(s), etc.

I have been in bands on and off since high school. Current project,

Very cool, thanks everyone for responding.

How long have you been drumming and when did you start?

A WHOPPING three months!!

Why did you start drumming?

I've always been curious about the drums, but I felt like I needed to have real drums for my music project/band and I decided to just buy a kit and see what happends, and I'm very glad I did so.

What is your drumming history? ie: bands, solo project(s), etc.

Just three months of self taught drumming, and currently working on a two man black metal project called Bitter Dawn.

Your influences (musical or other):

Fenriz of Darkthrone, Anders Kobro of Carpathian Forest and just black metal drummers in general.

Your Strong & Weak points in drumming:

Strong: I seem to be picking up the basics fairly quickly, and I've got a decent ear when listening to my own drumming and others.

Weak: Inexperianced, uneducated, left foot.

Your Gear (list as much or little as desired):

five piece Tama Rockstar in black, DW5000 double bass pedals and hi-hat stand, PDP 10" open tom, DW Collector Series all natural maple snare, DW sx brass snare, Zildjian (A Custom 17 crash, A 20" Ping Ride, A custom 8" splash), Sabian (AAX 17" stage crash, 16" Paragon crash, 10" Paragon splash, unknown Sabian hats), Wuhan 12" Crash and 10" splash.

What are your goals as a drummer?

Just to be a good drummer with some creativity, and to get a good grasp on steady flowing double kicks.

How long have you been drumming and when did you start?

I've been playing drums for about 18 years, and I started in 1990.

Why did you start drumming?

I always wanted to play the drums.

What is your drumming history? ie: bands, solo project(s), etc.

When I was in grade school, my older brother who played in a band saw that I could play the bass drum (basic ac/dc beat) the first time I sat down at a kit. Fast forward a number of years, and he ended up giving me a kit when his band broke up (64 Ludwig gold/champ. sparkle). I've been in a number of bands, and my two current bands are in my sig. Some international exposure/press and played the '03 Milwaukee metal fest with Shrine of Scars, all of which was interesting.

Your influences (musical or other):

My two biggest influences are Gene Hoglan and Peter Wildoer. I get a lot ideas from all types of music, but primarily they come from metal bands/drummers.

Your Strong & Weak points in drumming:

Strong: self taught, good sense of time, work ethic, and dependability.

Weak: self taught (can be a weakness at times), bad wrists from 23 years of skateboarding.

Your Gear (list as much or little as desired):

DW Collectors (Keller era circa 1994-ish)

16x22 (2), 8x10, 10x12, 12x14, 14x16, 16x18.

Two primary snares are a Tama Hand Hammered Copper snare 5.5x14 (3mm thick shell), and a Spaun Bell brass 5.5x14 (3mm thick shell).

Also have a DW snare that matches my kit, and Pearl Free floating snare

What are your goals as a drummer?

To continue to improve as a drummer, and to continue to have fun playing music.

Add anything extra

Drumming has given me the opportunities to meet some really cool people, and meet my two biggest influences Peter Wildoer and Gene Hoglan. You don't get that with professional athletes.

How long have you been drumming and when did you start?

Started when I was four. Had my first Jr. Ludwig kit by 5. Played till around 19. During that time I played in the jr high band, but the H.S. band wanted me. I was too young for that so I quit out of boredom. Played in several local bands from 13 - 19. Was a lead singer in FL from about 21 - 26, then dropped out of music all together. Picked up drums again 1 1/2 years ago. Now play in a Blues Gig and a Old School Hard Rock / Metal band. Not makin' any $, but at my age, I don't give a sh*t either. I just want to have fun

Why did you start drumming?

Had an older brother who played. Apparently my family noticed and encouraged it early on. After the Jr. Ludwigs, I later took his Ludwig Mother of pearl kit, (think Ringo), and played it till I sold it, which was stupid.

What is your drumming history? ie: bands, solo project(s), etc.

Only local acts where I was living at the time.

Your influences (musical or other):

Buddy Rich and Kruppa early on. Then moved through the British invasion bands on to Bill Ward, Kevin Ellman (Utopia), Albert Bouchard (B.O.C.)

Your Strong & Weak points in drumming:

I had to steal this a little from SYMBOLIC (sorry James) 'cause it's all very true for me also. The school band stint didn't leave much of an impression on me.

Strong: self taught, good sense of time, work ethic, and dependability, perfectionist.

Weak: self taught (can be a weakness at times), having my struggles with double pedals since getting back into it. I was always a single pedal player, but it's coming along

Your Gear (list as much or little as desired):

2000 Lacquer Finish Tama Rockstars- 7 piece. ddrum dominion ash 13x7" snare, Witt Percussion solid oak 6x14", Pearl Steel snare, Roland SPD-S, a multitude of cymbals, Axis pedals

What are your goals as a drummer?

To play better then I ever did before. Have fun. Buy more stuff to have more fun- repeat that over and over.

Add anything extra

Best thing I think I ever did for myself is to start playing drums again- oh, other then gettin' clean. Now I'm a better player and although my addiction's expensive, I can pass a piss test and I remember my parts.