Drum Candy

In this episode, modern jazz drummer/leader Jonathan Barber shares tips for leading a band, taking care of business, his favorite Istanbul Agop cymbals, and much more. We also check out an interesting vintage Deri drumset at Hawthorne Drum Shop.

In this episode, legendary jazz/fusion drummer/keyboardist/composer Gary Husband (The Trackers, Allan Holdsworth, John McLaughlin, etc.) talks about his current drum setup and tuning preferences, how he developed such incredible clarity on the kit, and much more. In the Shop Talk segment, we check out a fantastic '70s Premier kit with 3-ply mahogany drum shells.

In this episode, Austin-based drummer Steve Bidwell of the psychedelic soul band Black Pumas discusses how he gets his sound from backline drumkits, his pre-show warmup, and the unique light touch of Afrobeat legend Tony Allen, plus much more. The Shop Talk segment focuses on a vintage Gretsch Broadkaster drumset from the 1950s.

In this episode, host Mike Dawson answers a handful of listener submissions and frequently asked questions and we check out a cool Japanese Black Jack stencil kit at Hawthorne Drum Shop.

In this episode, top Pittsburgh-based bassist Paul Thompson discusses his favorite rhythm sections of all time, what he looks for in a drummer, and much more. In the Shop Talk segment, we try to identify the origin of a mysterious vintage drumset with Chris Hawthorne of Hawthorne Drum Shop.

In this episode, we chat with Mitch Zlotnik of Audimute about the physics of sound, soundproofing versus sound treatment, and various other topics relating to treating the space in which we drum. We also visit with Chris Hawthorne of Hawthorne Drum Shop to talk shop about the resurging Ludwig Standard series.

In this episode, Chris Hawthorne of Hawthorne Drum Shop in Pittsburgh discusses his favorite vintage drums and cymbals, how to shop for used gear, and which things do and don't affect the sound and value of older instruments. 

In this episode, Pittsburgh-based modern jazz drummer and bandleader David Throckmorton discusses his preference for drums, cymbals, and tuning, and he shares his top 10 albums released in the past forty years.

In episode 41, we sit with Pittsburgh-based jazz drummer and historian Thomas Wendt to discuss his preference for old A cymbals over old K's and some of the legendary jazz drummers who've come out of southwestern Pennsylvania.

In this episode, Korn drummer Ray Luzier discusses making records during a pandemic, the snare that always wins out, playing with power without breaking your body, and much more. 

In this episode, modern funk, jazz, and hip-hop drummer, producer, composer, and bandleader Adam Deitch (Lettuce, Break Science, John Scofield, etc.) takes us on a deep dive into the essentials of the funk drum sound and how it relates directly to modern-day hip-hop.

In this episode, top pop/R&B/hip-hop drummer, musical director, and bandleader Rashid Williams (John Legend, Jill Scott) discusses how he's adapted and diversified his efforts to keep his career evolving and his creativity flowing.

In this episode, modern jazz great Johnathan Blake discusses his musical upbringing in Philadelphia, the Philly versus New York sound, his unusual but ergonomic setup, and more.

In this episode, modern jazz drummer, author, and educator Ulysses Owens Jr. shares insight into what is required to play with an authentic jazz sound.

In this episode, top touring drummer Brendan Buckley (Shakira, Perry Farrell, Morrissey) shares his approach to building rigs for different gigs, what it takes to be a first-call musician and more.

In this episode, UK session great Ash Soan (The Matrix, Adele, Seal, Sam Smith, Cher, etc.) discusses what he's practicing to keep his playing on the cutting edge, how he tunes, which drums get the most use at Windmill Studio, and how his new Gretsch signature 7x12 purpleheart snare came to be.

In this episode, world-renown drummer/composer/producer/educator Billy Martin offers techniques, tips, and tactics for becoming a more creative artist.

In this episode, top Southern California-based session drummer Dan Bailey (Father John Misty) walks us through his process for recording the best drum sounds possible and discusses some of his favorite pieces of gear for recording and playing live.

In this episode, top studio drummer (John Mayer, Lady A, and more) discusses everything from drumstick selection to tracking with loops and more.

In this episode, Broadway touring drummer Quinton "Q" Robinson of the Temptations show "Ain't Too Proud to Beg" talks about how he landed the gig, what's involved in taking a major production on the road, how he chooses gear, and much more.

In this episode, top Nashville touring drummer Keio Stroud (Big & Rich) discusses choosing gear for a small home studio, why he plays such a massive live rig, and what it takes to be a last-minute sub on high-pressure arena tours.

In this episode, world-class percussionist Damon Grant gives us a crash course on basic percussion techniques, tuning, patterns, and more.

In this episode, acclaimed drummer/producer Joey Waronker (Roger Waters, Beck, Thom Yorke) talks about selecting gear for tour, why Fiberglass kits rule, and much more.

In this episode, world-renown session and touring drummer Josh Freese (Sting, Devo, Offspring, Vandals) discusses his recent ventures into buying vintage drums, why having reliable gear matters most, and much more.

In this episode, legendary Nashville session drummer Chris McHugh goes deep on selecting snares, building parts, and much more.