SCOTT BAUGHN
Hey Fam,
I gotta tell ya, I am so glad I'm doing this interview for TC. I have been awaiting this one for awhile, don't know why but I had a feeling this was a drum life to be explored.
First off, Scott has a very kool wrap on his drums which was one of the reasons we connected. He is also a really kool guy and a dope drummer. One of the great things about social media and being a musician is you get to meet other kats in the game. And when those friends are other friends of yours and drummers featured on TC it's a good sign, you're dealing with some righteous peeps!
Secondly, this guy is a hero in every since of the word. Touring all over the country, playing in a number of bands, helping feed the hungry in the community only to be diagnosed with MS and yet this guy keeps on rolling. Through pain and fatigue Scott is still living his dream and going hard. Ready to take on a busy 2017 and take his music all over the world.
But for now he is Takin' Chop and giving us an insight to his courageous drum life.
*
Name or Stage Name:
Scott Baughn (Punisher)
Where are you from?
Owasso, Oklahoma
How long have you been playing?
Since the age 9, but started playing shows from age 14
What is or are your main genre of playing?
Hard Rock & Metal
How did you get where you are now?
Drive, Determination, Practice (lots of practice) Networking and staying Humble
You have already done a lot in your career, what are some of your goals now?
Currently recording a new release with the band DEATHGRIP, want to get that out and work to tour Europe and Asia again.
If you could, what artists you would like to play for? KISS, Judas Priest, Thin Lizzy, Primal Fear... just to many to list
List some of your accomplishments:
You've been a road dog since back in the day, what have those experiences done for your drumming?
As one might expect getting to play many nights a week for months at a time in many different genres of music has really improved my timing, chops and my writing. As well as it has taught me to work with others in different areas. Drumming is basically a service industry. Unless your working your own project, your working as a service provider and you have to be able to give that client or clients what they want. Even if you don't always agree with it.
You have toured around the world, Do you enjoy it?
Yes very much. It's a lot of work, but rewarding as hell. I've got to visit countries and see and do things most people can only dream of. All because I practiced, networked and learned my craft. But mostly cause I love being a drummer, it's all I ever wanted to do. and it's paid off over the years. 2 pieces of hickory have basically taken me pretty much around the world.
Right now, you're in two band projects Deathgrip & Ruff Justice. How do you balance the two?
It can get troublesome at times. December 26th 2013 I was diagnosed with MS. So I have to concentrate more and it takes twice as much energy to get things done. Currently DEATHGRIP is my main project as Ruff Justice is taking some time off for everyone to work on some other projects. But when both bands were working a lot it was crazy to say the least. Fortunately this is all I do, so I don't have to balance a day job and bands anymore.
Are you a different drummer for each band?
To a point yes. DEATHGRIP is old school metal and Ruff Justice in an 80's style melodic hard rock band. So it does take a little different mind set with each band. But to anyone that knows my playing it's really obvious it's me playing in both bands
So, let's talk about Ruff Justice first. There is a new line-up and re-issues are being released by Retrospect Records. What's the plan for this band? New Album?
Hit the road?
As I mentioned above, the new line up of RJ is in a holding pattern right now. We have been recording and writing on the new release and have issued one video in 2016 "In God We Trust" and we'll be releasing another new video after the first of 2017 called "The Darkness Within" No shows are planned at this time, but that too could change in the coming year.
It's been awhile since Ruff Justice has been in operation, what brought about the resurgence?
It can be a long story but I'll try to be brief. I formed the original line up in 1992 we toured and released one EP and 2 full length CD's until late 1996. After many years away from the project while I was touring with other bands as a hired gun. My wife found that we were still getting some airplay in Europe, the Original pressing of the CD's were selling online for well over $400 US and we were being heavily boot legged overseas. So it was just a matter of all this stuff getting sold and none of us were getting any royalties from it. So, I worked with Retrospect Records to get the past catalog re-issued, put together a new line up, started writing new material and doing shows and festivals like Rocklahoma in 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015...
How does it feel having new guys in the band?
It was odd at first, but everyone fell in and it became a good working situation really quickly.
Now, let's talk Deathgrip. What kind of band is this?
This band is an old school metal band in the vain of Judas Priest, Iron Maiden with some new feelings from like Primal Fear and even a bit of Korn thrown in here and there.
How did the band form?
Deathgrip front man and brain child Matt Story had been touring as the vocalist for Omen for a few years when after a show in Germany he decided it was time for him part ways with that band due to personal reasons. The record label DSN Music, California told him to form a band around his vocals and they would sign it.
I know you guys have played ROCKLAHOMA FESTIVAL, sharing the stage with some great heavy bands.How kool was that?
This was Deathdrip's 1st time through ROK. It was my 5th. But as always it is such a huge rush to share the stage with as great bands. But to do it at festival Like ROK is extremely Stimulating to say the least. Deathgrip has been told we will be at Rocklahoma 2017 as well as many other festivals, but nothing yet set in stone.
Are you guys working on a new project?
We are finishing up recording the New release for DSN Music ( DEMONIZER ) set for an early 2017 release date and have just finished to new video for the title track. we will be starting the follow up videos for the songs "Ride" and "Masters of War" in January 2017
Describe your current set up & gear - heads and sticks...etc?
Tama Grandstar II drums, 12" 13" 14" 16" 18" toms with 24" kicks with a custom configured Gibraltar "Spider Rack". I am endorsed by SOULTONE Cymbals,Percussion Dynamics CYMBOLT and SILVERFOX Sticks. I use 2-18" 1-17" 1-16" 1-12" Extreme Crashes, 2-18 FXO Chinas, 1-18 Custom Brilliant China, 14" Custom Brilliant Hats and a 21" Extreme Ride. All on CYMBOLT quick release mounting system. I also use custom 5B nylon tip sticks from Silverfox. I pack it all safely in Humes & Berg Enduro and Olympic ATA rated cases.
How did you come up with idea for you custom design for your kit?
I have always been a WWII history buff, and had always wanted an airplane finish drum kit. Working with Brien at Sic Skinz Custom Drum raps in Seattle he was able to provide me with a super durable and easily applied drum skin in the design of a 1942 British Spitfire fighter plane.
Why the drums?
I started out on trumpet in like the 4th grade school band in Owasso, Oklahoma. it only took a few weeks for the band directer to talk my parents into letting be play drums. cause I suck at trumpet... I just loved working as the back bone to music even at that early age.
I started out on trumpet in like the 4th grade school band in Owasso, Oklahoma. it only took a few weeks for the band directer to talk my parents into letting be play drums. cause I suck at trumpet... I just loved working as the back bone to music even at that early age.
How do you describe your drumming style?
I'm not a real flashy drummer, but don't mistake that for being boring. I have always prided myself on my showmanship and my want to communicate my emotions through drumming. I am a very aggressive and hard hitting drummer with an in your face style that tend to draw in the audience.
If you weren’t playing drums, what would you be doing? In the early days when I was in-between bands or tours I would drive trucks. My father was an over the road truck driver for 46 years. So my Mother always told me I was just like my father and was part Gypsy. I love to travel and really enjoy doing it with a band.
How has drumming impacted or changed your life?
It pretty much as been my life. Not sure what I would have done without it.
Are you doing music full time?
Yes, been lucky enough to do so most of my life
Are you involved in the local music scene in your hometown, other than just playing in your band?
Not really much anymore. MS has lessened my involvement in anything much other than what I have to do to keep my own bands and career a float. So, since your diagnosis, how have things changed for you? as a musician and as a person.
It has definitely changed things for me quite a bit. I was sick for 18 months before they figured out what was wrong with me. Spent a lot of time in the hospital, while still managing to do shows and make rehearsals. There were several times during the 18 months before my diagnosis, I felt like just giving up to be honest. Not knowing is even worse than knowing actually. I've had to change the way I do things I have to make sure that I keep my energy saved for the important things that I have to do. Which generally ends up being things with my music career. I haven't had to work full time since my diagnosis. I still do a lot of shows but I'm not on the road for months at a time like I used to be. I'm hoping that 2017 will bring some more Road shows for longer periods of time. To include a lot of the festivals that we have done and our booking and 2017 and hopefully some European dates as well. My biggest issue with MS is fatigue and pain. The pain and nerve damage in my arms and legs can make it very difficult being a drummer as one might figure. But I'm hard-headed and I love what I do so I keep pushing and hoping that I can continue on for many more years.
Is music even more so a source of healing for you now?
My music has always been a source of healing, so to speak emotionally and it is even more so now. But the exercise I get from being a musician and specifically the drummer really helps my physical well-being as well as writing songs and remembering songs helps my cognitive ability to stay up to par. With five large lesions in my brain the biggest of which is in my memory area I have to make sure an exercise that portion of my brain a lot. So music suits that very well. My neurologist told me that my past experience as a musician and how strong that portion of my brain is anyway has really helped it not to deteriorate any more than it has. That in itself is one of the other reasons why I am definitely one who believes in school music programs as it helps develop young brains.
You been involved with DRUM DAY TULSA. Tell us about that project.
Drum Day Tulsa was a great passion of mine for many many years. My ole & close friend Mike DePetrillo (TC#14) started the drum day food drive years ago. I was at the very first one and never missed one until I was hit with my Multiple sclerosis (MS) which caused me miss the last few years. In fact I was the Number one food donator the second year with 1500 cans of food donated personally. which is a record i'm proud of and i believe has never been broken
Name 5 of your drumming influences? why?
All 5 influences are pretty much for all the same reasons. I'm a basic hard hitting drummer with an emphasis on on keeping time and doing it with style and power. these guys are all of that, and much more...
Cozy Powell - Jeff Beck, Rainbow, MSG, Whitesnake, Black Sabbath, Gary Moore and many others
Brain Downy - Thin Lizzy, Gary Moore
Dave Holland - Trapeze and Judas Priest
Scott Travis - Hawk, Racer X, The Scream, Judas Priest and Fight
Peter Criss - KISS
Name an inspiring concert that made you want to go home and start shedding?
Thin Lizzy 1975, KISS 1976 and 1977, Iron Maiden 1983 and Rainbow
( with Cozy Powell ) in 1983 as well
How much time do you practice?
Because of my MS issues I don't get to practice as often as i would like, and certainly not as much as i used to. But a couple of times a week on my own and then a couple of times a week with my bands.
What types of things do you work on, in those sessions? I generally work on on the new songs the bands are writing at the time. Or I will work on songs we have already finished to stay up on them. I still do some personal rehearsals with a click track, but I don't used it as I used to when I was playing many different types of music with great tempo changes
Do you record drum videos of yourself?
if so, how has it helped you?
I don't record vids of just myself, but I do watch the videos of the band and it helps me to keep my meter as well as my showmanship up to a level in which I think it need s to be. Kinda like a football team watches films from past games.
Do you try to bring a "live" approach to the studio when recording?
ALWAYS... I'm a live player. I much more enjoy my time in a live setting.
What types of things do you like to do away from music, on your down time?
I love auto racing.... I don't race. But I am a fan. Drag racing, NASCAR, IRL. at home I just Grill, Chill and swim in pool and hang out with my hound dogs
Do you have a crazy or interesting gig you can share with us?
Wow, way to many come to mind. But I'll have to say my time touring with the USO bands were always interesting. For just the areas of the world I got to go to if nothing else. Greenland, Kosovo, Jordan, Egypt just to name a very few.
What are your words of wisdom for your fellow drummers out there?
Have passion... If you don't truly love it... find something else... It will consume your life, so if your not ready to spend a lot of time doing it... it's best to look elsewhere... cause it can be a rough life. I would not change mine for anything... But be ready to struggle. It will make you who will become.
Last Words, Links, Hashtags and Thank You’s???
#ilovemyjob #soultone #silverfox #cymbolt #deathgrip #rocklahoma #dsnmusic
Last words:
"SOME SUCCEED BECAUSE THEY ARE DESTINED...
... OTHERS BECAUSE THEY ARE DETERMINED"
All I can say is "Brave" and Scott is definitely a "Punisher" on those drums.
Scott, thank you so much for sharing your drum life with us. You're are an inspiration my friend.
I wish you nothing but success in your future and may all of your projects blow up big time! And take care of yourself, we need warriors like you out there.
You guys make sure you go to Scott's webpages and say "Hello" he is a good kat to know.
*
Hey, do you know of a another drummer with a great drum life?
Maybe you're out there hustlin', doing your thing and you want some free promo for your career or you band?
Well, hit me up and let's make it happen!
DeHaven - de@oliomusic.com
#DrummersSupportDrummers #TalkinChop #DrumLife
I'M OUT!
DeHaven is sponsored by:
DRUMMER Apparel & Accessories
No comments:
Post a Comment