Dan Durecki
Hey there my fellow tub-thumpers,
It's time for a little bash & clash!
This edition of TC takes us to Detroit Rock City, a great historical city for music. It's always kool to run into a kat from the motor city, who's doing some good 'ol rock n' roll! With his band in tow, Dan Durecki is throwing down some classic rock vibes with garage band, punk band intentions. Great energy and attitude propels his drumming and his Physical Therapist background helps to keep body in shape. Sounds like he's got it covered, so let's uncover his drum life and Talk a little Chop.
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Name or Stage Name:
Dan Durecki. No real stage name. Friends call me Danno
Where are you from?
Born in Detroit, MI. Raised just north of the famed "8 mile road". In fact, I used to ride my bike past the trailer park in the movie to go buy drumsticks at Gus Zoppi's music on 8 mile.
Are you still in the Detroit area?
If so, how's the live music scene there?
Yes. Proud Detroiter here. The scene is different here than in other "music cities" like Austin, Nashville, etc. There are a ton of awesome musicians and bands here, but not enough venues that support live, original music. You would be very hard pressed to try and live solely off income from music.
How long have you been playing?
going on 40 years
What is or are your main genre of playing?
Rock, but I'm schooled in rudimental snare drumming and gravitate more towards funk in my overall style.
How did you get where you are now?
Just kept at it. Setting goals for myself and working on achieving them.
What are your goals, short & long term?
It's a different world now in the music biz. As an independent artist the internet is awesome in the ability to reach a huge audience. However, you're also just a drop in this giant sea of talent and noise out there. People acquire music differently now than they did 10-20 years ago. I don't know if they appreciate it as much as we did back in the day either. It's kind of disposable now. So to answer the question, Short term would be to get our new EP to a wider market. Long term would be to get to the point where my music is more than just an expensive avocation.
The Luck Outs - One Night Stand / GMo Show Veterans Day Show
If you could, what artists you would like to play for?
I would cage fight a dude to get the drum chair for Danko Jones! LOL
Please list some of your accomplishments so far:
Well, I won a few American Guild of Music awards when I was young for drum solo. I taught drums for 4 years while I was in graduate school for Physical Therapy. One of my students took first place in his first ever drum solo competition at the AGM. I've had the opportunity to play with some big names around the Detroit and national scene. I've been interviewed on a UK radio show.
You are currently in the band The Luckouts, How did the band form?
Liz Scaris, the lead singer and guitarist of The Luckouts was previously the bass player in a very popular band here in Detroit called The Ruiners. They actually toured internationally. Well, she was looking to start a new project and be the front person & guitarist. It was originally a 4 piece with her long time friend Gretchen Domino on bass, Gary Chechak on lead, and Jim Faulkner on drums. Jim and Gary left to start a different project and I answered the call to fill the drum chair. When I joined, I gave the band a more powerful and energetic feel, so we just decided to keep it a 3 piece.
Are you one of the songwriters in the band?
Yes. The stuff on the first album is all Liz, Gretchen and the previous guys. I wrote "I Come Alive" and co-wrote "On My Way" from the second album. The new 5 song EP "Twisted" is all a collaboration of us three, with equal credits on all the songs.
The Luckouts - Devil Girl Music Video
Do you play any other role in the band other than drummer?
I kind of handle promotion as well. Also, my Wife Lisa plays a managerial role with booking, accounting, and generally lighting a fire under our sometimes lazy asses! Lol.
Have you guys done any touring?
We have all toured individually with our previous bands. As the Luckouts we have just done small Midwestern, day drive / weekend trips. Nothing long haul yet.
What is your approach to drumming while playing on The Luckouts?
My approach is the same no matter who I play with. Play for the song. With The Luckouts, I'm definitely more visible, and I get to just go all out. I'm a heavy hitter anyway and our music allows me to lay into it.
You guys have a kool classic rock sound, is that how you see yourselves as a band?
Thanks! Yeah, I guess. It's kind of hard classifying our sound when people ask. There are so many different genres now. I don't know if the general public even knows what you're talking about when you say something like "Oh, my band is goth death metal" Lol. You know? It's like there are all these little sub-sets of rock now. We get pegged as a punk band mostly, but I think we're really more Post-punk, straight up rock. There's a garage element to us, but our new EP is really a departure for us. It is well-produced and is a more accurate representation of the 3 of us, and where we want to go sonically.
Is there an album out or in the works?
Why yes there is! The new EP is called "Twisted". It is available through Amazon and all the usual download sites. Or you can contact the band and we'll send you one at luckouts@gmail.com
Watching your music videos, you are a pretty animated guy behind the kit. Is that natural for you? You seem like a outgoing kat.
Thanks! Yes, I was the class clown and I love to be the center of attention. I love performing and playing, so what you see is all me having fun.
The Luck Outs / The GMo Show
Name one gig that The Luckouts would love to play, venue, festival, tv ect...
If we're dreaming... then Pinkpop Festival in the UK. The Europeans seem much more involved in live rock and eclectic musical tastes. Also would love to do either South by Southwest or North by Northwest in Toronto.
Can you describe your current set up & gear for us?
I play Tama Superstar birch drums, 12" tom, 16" floor tom, 22" bass. I use a variety of snare drums. I have a DW 5x14, Tama 7x14 which is my go to, and a vintage Roger's 5.5x14. I use Zildjian A Custom cymbals, a 22" ride, two 18" crashes, 13" hi-hats, a 14" oriental china with a 14" crash together as a trashy x-hat, and a 19" Sabian China. I use DW 5000 double pedals and a DW 9000 hi hat stand. All my other stands are Tama. I also use and endorse Igen custom drumsticks.
Why did you choose the particular gear you're using?
When I was a young drummer I was attracted to Tama for their heavy-duty hardware and drums. Plus I admired a lot of their artists. After I outgrew my vintage Roger's kit, the first kit I bought with my own money was a Tama, and I just stuck with them. I use DW pedals because after a lot of trial and error, they just work best for me.
Are you a drum gear junkie?
Not really. I'll admit, I'm not up to date on all the current products, and I'm not that guy who has to know all about the new shit, or the guy that has to have the newest thing. I don't follow trends. I stick with what works and what has stood the test of time. I mean I love going to the drum shop and walking around drooling as much as anyone else, but My wife keeps me on a short leash as far as purchasing equipment! LOL
Do you have a “Dream Kit”?
Yeah, I'd love to have Rikki Rocket from Rocket Drums build me a custom kit.
How do you describe your drumming style?
I describe myself as a basher with occasional moments of brilliance! Lol. With the Luckouts, I'm just a powerhouse. But I actually like laying back and playing groove and chops when I can. I sit in occasionally around town with some blues cats that are friends of mine and that's always a nice change. I also get together with former band mates once a year and we do a Dio benefit for cancer. It's gotten to be a pretty big thing. Like 8 bands all playing Dio covers. Cozy Powell is a bad ass!
Why the drums?
I took to them early. There was always a drum set in my house. My older brother wanted to play when he was younger, so I used to go play them when I couldn't even reach the pedals. Over time, I just took them over.
If you weren’t playing drums, what would you be doing?
Well, I'm also a Physical Therapist, so that subsidizes my weekend rock-star lifestyle!
How has drumming impacted or changed your life?
Music in general has made me more compassionate, open, emotional. It breaks down all barriers. When musicians get together and play, it doesn't matter what color, nationality, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, or language you speak. We can communicate and create, and bond without ever saying a word. And that is magical brother... That is what this world needs.
Are you doing music full time?
No. It's a tough gig to do full time. And as much as people see Detroit as a music town, our scene here is tough. I'm glad I have my PT degree to be my steady income.
Being a physical therapist, does that mean you have great advice for us drummers on how to keep our bodies in shape and deal with recovery? lol...
Yes I think I do! I think drummers in general have good coordination and body awareness. It kinda comes with the territory. But if you're having any issues, I am trained in movement science and as a drummer and former instructor, I feel especially qualified to help.
Name 5 of your drumming influences? why?
John Bonham: Power, groove, feel.
Stewart Copeland: Style, sound, energy.
Steve Gadd: Funk chops.
David Garibaldi: Groove, pulse, style.
Jeff Porcaro: feel, pocket.
Name an inspiring concert that made you want to go home and start shedding?
I saw The Police in concert on a cable TV show in 1979 or 80 at my neighbor's house, and literally knew at that moment I wanted to try and play music for real. I remember that feeling I got watching that show, and I wanted to make other people feel that way too.
How much time do you practice?
Not as much as I did when I was younger. I work on my hands everyday. I have a practice pad in my living room and spend an hour or so nightly working on rudiments. I probably get in about 3 hours a week on the kit. I work on patterns, groove, and then I'll work on new concepts like improving L hand independence or improving double bass technique.
Do you have a crazy or interesting gig you can share with us?
We opened for Starship at a big festival here in Michigan which is on the St. Clair river which is northeast of Detroit. We got to ride this huge barge, which was actually a floating stage, down the river and played to people lined up along the shore and boaters the whole way until it docked at the festival site where we played another set to the crowd there. It was a pretty cool gig.
What are your words of wisdom for your fellow drummers out there?
Keep the passion alive. Keep smacking the skins in whatever capacity you can. We are all part of one big song. One musical family. Let your voice be heard. Love.
Last Words, Links, Hashtags and Thank You’s???
I want to thank my family for allowing me to follow my passion. My wife Lisa for being my muse. My fellow Detroit musician brethren for being the toughest, rockinest mo-fo's out there. And to all our fans old and new... Thank you for letting me rock you!
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I want to thank Dan for sharing his drum life and insights with all of us. Make sure you guys say 'Hello' to Dan and see if he can give some tips on keeping your body in good shape. Drumming is hard work and can punish the body.
If you or someone you know would like to be interviewed for Talkin' Chop, Hit Me Up!
DeHaven - de@oliomusic.com
www.facebook.com/dirtyde
www.facebook.com/talkinchop
twitter.com/talkinchopblog
#DrummersSupportDrummers #TalkinChop #DrumLife
I'M OUT!
DeHaven is sponsored by:
Soultone Cymbals - Silverfox Drumsticks - Cympad - Cymbag - Phatfoot Drum Harness
DRUMMER merch & accessories
I want to thank Dan for sharing his drum life and insights with all of us. Make sure you guys say 'Hello' to Dan and see if he can give some tips on keeping your body in good shape. Drumming is hard work and can punish the body.
If you or someone you know would like to be interviewed for Talkin' Chop, Hit Me Up!
DeHaven - de@oliomusic.com
www.facebook.com/dirtyde
www.facebook.com/talkinchop
twitter.com/talkinchopblog
#DrummersSupportDrummers #TalkinChop #DrumLife
I'M OUT!
DeHaven is sponsored by:
Soultone Cymbals - Silverfox Drumsticks - Cympad - Cymbag - Phatfoot Drum Harness
DRUMMER merch & accessories
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