Drummers Pathway Podcast

This episode features my conversation with the legendary Rick Marotta. Rick began drumming at the age of 19 and quickly established his session career, going on to record with artists including Steely Dan, James Taylor, Carly Simon, John Lennon, Linda Ronstadt, Aretha Franklin, and many others. Known for his dynamic yet simple approach, his work has influenced many musicians throughout his decades...

This episode features my conversation with Brandon Green. Brandon is an internationally recognized biomechanics and fitness expert who specializes in optimizing performance and preventing injury for drummers. He’s the founder of Drum Mechanics and the creator of the Drum Fitness Program — an affordable, science-based training system designed to help drummers build strength, improve endurance, and...

This episode features my conversation with drummer Jerry Marotta. Renowned for his creative and dynamic musicianship, his playing has shaped the sound of artists including Peter Gabriel, Hall & Oates, Paul McCartney, Gowan, Tony Levin, The Indigo Girls, and many more. With decades of experience as both a live and session musician, Jerry brings a wealth of insight into drumming and the art of c...

This episode features my conversation with Aaron Comess. Growing up in Dallas, Texas and based in New York for the last 3 decades, Aaron is best know as the drummer for the multi-platinum funk-rock band Spin Doctors.  Known for his creativity and innovative drumming style,  Aaron is also an active session musician who has played on over 200 albums throughout his professional career. Aaron also mai...

This episode features my conversation with Russ Lawton. Growing up in Boston and now based in Vermont, Russ is best known as being the drummer for the Trey Anastasio Band for over twenty years. Highly regarded for his funk and afrobeat influenced style, he’s also currently active with his own projects including the instrumental trio LaMP and his duo project Soule Monde.  Russ is also an educator w...

This episode features my conversation with Dylan Wissing. Based in Hoboken, New Jersey, Dylan is a session drummer who has recorded for artists including John Legend, Drake, Kanye West, Jay-Z and Eminem. He is best known as the drummer on Alicia Keys’ Grammy award-winning hit “Girl on Fire” Highly regarded for his creativity and expertise in recreating classic drum tracks, he  also teaches the art...

This episode features part two of my conversation with legendary Producer & Grammy Award-winning engineer Bill Schnee.  On this episode, we continue our discussion about his experiences working with many iconic artists, his perspectives on education, and why it’s essential to focus on performance and artistry over production. If you haven’t had the opportunity yet, be sure to go back and check...

This episode features my conversation with the legendary Bill Schnee. Bill is a producer, Grammy Award-winning engineer, and author of “Chairman at the Board—Recording the Soundtrack of a Generation”, where he shares his experiences working on the records that made him highly sought after. In our conversation, we talk about how he got started in this industry, the value of having a mentor, and the...

This episode features my conversation with UK based drummer & educator Ciara Chinniah. As a graduate of the ACM Music College in London, Ciara has played many theatre shows and performed in bands across the UK, Europe and America. Embracing her passion for odd time signatures, she’s described as a Pop/Rock drummer with a progressive edge. Ciara is an in-demand educator and has established a su...

This episode features part two of my conversation with drummer Todd Sucherman.  On this episode, we continue our discussion about his experiences as a session musician, including working with the legendary Brian Wilson. We also talk about the lessons learned while working on his solo album “Last Flight Home” as well as his perspectives on education, managing social media and what defines success. ...

This episode features my conversation with Todd Sucherman. Todd is best known as the drummer for the legendary rock band Styx, a position he's held since 1996. Highly regarded for his precision, creativity and versatility, Todd has also established a successful career as a session musician and is one of the most respected drummers in the industry. Todd is an in-demand educator and is sought out wo...

This episode features my conversation with Migdalia Van Der Hoven. Born and raised in Mexico, Migdalia studied at the Berklee College of Music and is now based in the UK. She’s an internationally acclaimed drummer renowned for her versatility. Currently active in UK musical theatre, her credits include the shows SIX the Musical, Little Shop Of Horrors, Cake the Musical and working with The Royal S...

This episode features my conversation with Stanton Moore. Stanton is best known as the founding member and drummer of the New Orleans funk band Galactic. His distinctive style blends the rich rhythmic traditions of New Orleans with elements of funk, jazz, and rock. Beyond Galactic, Stanton has established himself as a sought-after session musician, collaborating with artists across multiple genres...

This episode features my conversation with Nic Collins.  As the son of music legend Phil Collins, Nic has gone on to establish his own path as professional drummer and honour his father’s legacy When he was still a teenager, Nic became the drummer for his father’s Not Dead Yet solo tour and was later invited to take over the drumset chair for the final Genesis tour. Currently, Nic is touring with...

This episode, I had the pleasure to be joined by drummers Matt Starr, Victor Indrizzo and Jamie Wollam in a roundtable discussion on the subject of drum recording. It was a great opportunity to share ideas and perspectives for recording drums in a home studio environment with these highly regarded musicians. In our conversation, we talk about how they got started and how their processes have evolv...

This episode features my conversation with Adam Bowman.  Based out of Guelph, Ontario, Adam is an accomplished drummer and respected educator known for his musicality and versatility across different genres. Throughout his career, Adam has toured extensively and contributed to numerous albums as a session player. In addition to his live and studio work, he is actively involved as an accompanist fo...

This episode features my conversation with drummer Mike Dawson. Based out of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Mike is the Chief Creative Officer for Drum Factory Direct and also the host of the popular Drum Candy podcast. Prior to his current role with Drum Factory Direct, Mike was the Managing Editor for Modern Drummer magazine from 2004 - 2020, and along with Mike Johnston, was the co-host of the popul...

This episode features my conversation with drummer Paul Wertico. Based out of Chicago, Paul is highly regarded for his fearless approach, artistry and musicality. He is best known for being the legendary Pat Metheny’s drummer for 18 years, during which he recorded multiple Grammy award winning albums. Paul is a bandleader and prolific composer who has released numerous projects under his own name....

This episode features my conversation with drummer Alphonso Young Jr. Based out of Virginia, Alphonso is highly regarded for his versatility and musicality. Throughout his 50 year career, he has worked with numerous high profile jazz artists, but is best know for his work with the Eric Byrd Trio, of which he has been a member for over 20 years. Alphonso is a music teacher with the Loudoun County P...

This episode features my conversation with Andy Zildjian, who is the President  and CEO of Sabian Cymbals. Based out of Meductic, New Brunswick, the Sabian Cymbal company was established in 1981 by Andy’s father, Robert Zildjian. The company is highly regarded for its artistry and dedication to craftsmanship, focusing on traditional manufacturing processes and continuing to innovate to meet the de...

This episode features my conversation with drummer Jake Sommers.  Originally from New York and currently based in Nashville, Jake is highly regarded for his versatility and dynamic playing. He is best known as the touring drummer for country superstar Luke Combs, which is a position he has held since 2015. Discovering his passion for music at a young age, Jake went on to study music at the Univers...

This episode features my conversation with Tim Carman.  Tim is an accomplished drummer and respected educator known for his musicality and versatility across a variety of genres.  Growing up in the Boston area and currently based in Denver, his passion for drums started at a young age. He studied with several renowned teachers, honing his skills and exploring various drumming techniques. Throughou...

This episode features my conversation with Paul Quin. Based out of Tampa, Florida, Paul is a highly regarded lawyer and professional drummer who has dedicated his career to educating creative artists in navigating the industry. Born and raised just outside Liverpool, England, Paul began his career as a drummer at the age of 13 when he starting working with his older sister who was a professional s...

This episode features my conversation with drummer, Gene Champagne. Born and raised in Hamilton, Ontario, Gene is a founding member of the Juno award winning band The Killjoys. In 2016, he became the drummer for Canadian music icons, Teenage Head, a band that was very influential in his development years. Gene is also a singer and songwriter and currently is the frontman for his own project, Gene...

This episode features my conversation with drummer & motivational speaker, Angelo Pentaris. Based in Greece, Angelo was born with cerebral palsy and quadriplegia. At 4 months of age, the doctors said that he would not be able to move his arms and legs, therefore not allowing him to lead an independent life. Through the support of his parents and their belief that he would be capable of living...