DAVID CHIVERTON
Hello everyone,
once again I hope to bring you another kool musician who has a great story to tell. So let's get it to it! The gentleman some of you may have seen or heard with some national touring artists. This is all from hard work and perseverance. Going through school and going through life's changes can put a toll on one's life and how you come out of those situations says a lot about your strength of character. We have a gentleman who embodies that character and have proven himself a valuable talent on scene.
I'm glad to be able to have drummers like David take part in this because I think it serves as a testament to all that we go through and the love we have for music and living a life with music as a cornerstone.
David Chiverton is a humble guy with a true understanding of musicianship and industry. I think it's pretty kool that he took the time to Talk Chop with me and share his drum life.
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Name or Stage Name:
David Chiverton or "Dchiv"
Where are you from?
Miami, Florida
So, How long have you been playing?
Since about 4 years old, so about 26 years
What got you into playing drums?
I was born and raised in the church. One Sunday morning, I believe I saw my aunt play the drums and I was captivated immediately....I would go every Sunday and sit right next to the drums...mocking whoever the drummer was at the time, I would learn to play every song exactly the way they did....I fell in love instantly!
How would you describe your days at F.I.U.?
To be honest, my college years were bitter sweet....In a musical sense, I had the pleasure of playing in the FIU big band, which really helped my reading, listening, musicality and a number of great things I use quite often to this day. Unfortunately, I lost my mother, aunt and grandmother during that time...As you can imagine, this made it EXTREMELY hard to stay positive and continue to finish out my degree. God was really the only way I was able to make it to the finish line and receive my BA in Jazz Performance.
Nicole Henry live at The Cotton Club, Tokyo
What are some of the things you had to overcome as a drummer? whether growing up or in the last few years...
I've had to overcome more than I have time to really go into....but some of the major hurtles would have to be losing my Mother, Aunt and Grandmother while I was in college...after losing them, I had to totally reevaluate why I wanted to continue music...Why continue? These people were my BIGGEST supporters...But with God's help, I was able to rebuild my confidence, finish school and regain my passion for music....
You have had the opportunity to work with some great artists already in your career. Can you tell us about working with high profile artists and how those experiences have helped your career?
Yes! I have been absolutely blessed to share the stage with some amazing artists....One major thing I've learned about working with major artists is that your "professionalism" should be maintained at all times. This means on and off the stage. From making sure you've retained the music for the gig.... to just being a great person to be around while working with that artist's crew. I really pride myself on making sure I keep a level of professionalism that will guarantee me a call back!
I listened to some of the music on your website and you have a nice collection of versatility on there. When did you know you would have to expand your drumming and musical vocabulary in order to pursue a more successful career?
Thanks so much for the kind words! I'd have to say it was in high school that I realized I had to do something to set myself apart from everyone else. I knew that this meant I had to venture out into multiple genres....This was my approach when I arrived to college....and Jazz was definitely that vehicle for me. I wanted to be able to play for 5 or 6 different artists in totally different genres all is the same week....thankfully, I have experiences like that on a record basis.
What are some of your goals, short & long term?
Short-term:
Record and produce as many records as I can...as a side man and for myself. I'd also like to do quite a bit more touring in multiple genres...And I definitely want to get more into being a touring clinician!
Long-term:
I'd like to open up an academy for the arts....covering everything from music to maybe even architecture.
I plan to become a Grammy award winning producer and musician....and of course, the normal stuff...having a beautiful wife and kids, white picket fence, etc. lol
What's the live music scene like in Miami?
It's actually growing pretty fast (Thankfully)...we had a few years when a lot of the popular spots musicians could play started to close down. Amazingly, in the past 2 years, there have been a few new spots opening up that are very receptive to the live instrumentation.
Are you still playing in church?
Most definitely....Even when I leave town for a gig, I try my hardest to get back for Sunday morning service!
Church kats, in this case, Gospel drummers have a unique take on drumming and it's relationship to the band, the choir/soloist and director. What is your view of the Gospel drummer?
Personally, I was never really a fan of the term "Gospel drummer." Mainly because I feel like guys who have gospel backgrounds (such as myself) are immediately categorized in that one style of drumming, no matter what type of gig they're on. As I stated before....knowing that I came from a gospel background, I knew I had to do something to stand out....Playing every genre as authentic as possible has always been my objective(without a 'gospel' accent). However, I've recently grown to realize that having a gospel background has done the exact opposite of what I was trying to get away from....it has given me my own sound and approach to any type of music I choose to play...I looked at it as a bad thing, but in actuality...it is exactly what helped shape me into the musician I am today.
Do you think kats that play in church allow themselves to be boxed in to the "Gospel Drummer" category and then find it difficult to move on to other genre projects?
Honestly, I see now more than ever a lot of Gospel guys venturing out into different genres....It seems like many musicians are starting to understand that just playing in Church or being categorized as a church musician isn't as lucrative as being a musician that is versatile in multiple genres.
In Gospel, there is a huge spiritual and emotional aspect to the music. as a drummer, do you try to convey the appropriate emotions through your playing?
Absolutely! To me...That is the great thing about a musician that comes from the church...we are bread to play in an environment that is filled with passion and emotion......we do it as an offering up to God....so, when it's done in the most sincere way, you can definitely feel the spiritual and emotional connection from a gospel musician in ANY genre.
List some of your accomplishments so far:
Just to name a few...
Receiving my BA in Jazz Performance at Florida International University
Touring with artists such as Lauryn Hill, Donnie McClurkin, Cris Cab, Nicole Henry, Troy Roberts Nu-Jive...many more!
Finally embarking on a few new adventures of my own, for my own brand.....but you'll have to stay tuned for that! Lol
For those that don't know..What is building a brand to you?
Building a brand is what will attract more work....it allows people and possible employers to learn more about who you are and what you do.....from a great website, to high quality video footage and photos....they are all essential in building a brand and being taken seriously as a musician or an artist in this industry.
w/ Lauryn Hill on Fallon
Do you play any other instruments?
I can get around the piano a little...but I hope to play both the piano and guitar fluently really soon.
Describe your current set up & gear - heads and sticks...ect?
My setup kinda varies because I'm always playing a few different types of gigs on the weekly...however, pretty simple usually...
Jazz: 2 rides(20" and 22"), 2 snares(14", 1 snare doubles as a tom), kick(20"), hats( 14" or 15")
Jazz fusion: may just add a rack tom and floor (10" or 12" and a 14")
Gospel or more hard hitting gigs: 2 racks, floor( 10,12,16), kick(22"), 2 crashes (18"and 19"), ride(22"), hats (14"), splash (10")
Sticks: Vic Firth HD4s, SD4s or AJ3s
Heads: kinda trying out a few different companies and sounds between Remo, Evans and Aquarian
I am a proud Endorsee of Gretsch Drums, Zildjian Cymbals, Vic Firth drumsticks and Gibraltor Hardware. 👍🏾
Which wood shells do you prefer?
Maple has always worked great for me and everything I do.
Do you have a “Dream Kit”?
No, not really....but I am in love with the new RN1 Renown kit by Gretsch drums....Please go check it out....sounds incredible!!!!
How do you describe your drumming style?
I'd say I'm a melting pot of influences...from Gospel to Jazz...from Funk to Hip Hop.....from Pop to Folk Music....I love and want to play it all!!!!
Troy Robert's Nu Jive, Mademfaselle
If you weren’t playing drums, what would you be doing?
Well, because of my size and because my dad was heavy into sports....I could see myself playing football or basketball....However, when I was a kid, I would dream about becoming an astronomer....I've always been infatuated with space, the universe and the unknown....That would have been pretty cool! Lol
How has drumming impacted or changed your life?
Being a musician, in many ways, has actually saved my life....the neighborhood I grew up in was pretty rough and there are many ways to ruin your life....I've seen quite a few friends go down the wrong path....By God's grace, I was able to make something of myself.
Name 5 of your drumming influences? why?
"Tony Williams"- Creative Genius, Always pushed boundaries
"Brian Blade"- Incredible sensitivity with the music, Explosive
"Calvin Rodgers"- Created a whole new sound for Gospel, A catalog of Vocabulary for Gospel drumming
"Jeff 'Tain'Watts"- Master of Intensity without getting in the way, changed the way I listened to Jazz
"Jeremy Haynes"- Another amazing Gospel drummer with more of a jazzy approach to Gospel Music....his sound can never be duplicated
Name an inspiring concert that made you want to go home and start shedding?
Waaayy too many to talk about....but once I had the privilege of doing a drum clinic with Drum King "Dennis Chambers".....lets just say I realized I hadn't even scratched the surface of what I thought it meant to play the drums lol....Life changing experience!
How much time do you practice?
I usually try to spend at least 10 to 20 mins a day in the practice room....my days can get pretty crazy at times...so I at least make it a point to do that everyday.
What types of things do you work on, in those sessions?Mainly, a few wrist and hand balance exercises on the snare and around the kit....and most likely, if I have some shows that week, I practice on that music.
Do you record drum videos of yourself?
if so, how has it helped you?
I have to admit...I was against that when it first started getting pretty popular via social media...mostly because I felt like the practice room is the place you should sound your WORST! lol....This is because I was trying to work on the things that REALLY needed improvement....however, there are a few cool moments that I capture here and there that may be cool to share with others....Going back to check out those vids helps me to see what I really need to work on.
Dchiv Bday Party
Do you prefer studio sessions, local live gigs or touring?
I love them all for a million different reasons...
Studio sessions: honesty at its best, a magnifying glass on your playing....helps keep you sharp
Live gigs: An outlet for expression, creativity and energy
Touring: A great way to see the world, meet new ppl, a challenge to make the same show interesting every night
Do you prefer being in the "sideman" role or would you like to have your own project?
I'm definitely not a fan of the spotlight.....but I have been itching lately to do my own project....I'm hoping I can pull that off real soon
Do you have a crazy or interesting gig you can share with us?
Hmmm...too many to mention...but I'll say that I've toured with some pretty interesting artists in my career that have taught me a lot about the "gig life", the road and even a lot about myself....those situations made me better in the long run
What are your words of wisdom for your fellow drummers out there?
Never stop the pursuit of being a better you, than you were yesterday.... Things will happen in your life that will sometimes make you question why you even want to keep doing this....but those are the moments you have to push harder to become better....be so busy working to be great that you don't have time to even consider giving up!
Last Words, Links, Hashtags and Thank You’s???
Thanks so much to DeHaven for allowing me share a bit of myself with everyone who reads this...it was a pleasure!
David Chiverton: FB
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Well, another great drummer has spoken and given us a small insight into his world. A perspective on the industry, that I hope will help another up & coming musician.
David, thank you so much for taking the time and for giving the readers a small glimpse into you drum life. We all appreciate it and wish you continued success!
I hope guys reach out to our brother, David and drop a "hello" on him when you get a chance.
Being able to share and promote you guys is why I do it but the community as a whole is driven by the relationships we form through music, drumming and life.
Would you like to be featured on Talkin' Chop? Do you know a drummer that needs a little more exposure?
Well, I am ready if you are. Just hit me up and let's make it happen.
DeHaven - de@oliomusic.com
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