WILL SARVER
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Hello my TC peeps!
I'm back with another talented drummer. Sent to me by way of TC artist Darien Guy (#53).
That's exactly how this thing works. We have a great community and we should all network together and help promote each other and our works. I am definitely glad to help promote this young man, Will Sarver. Another young passionate player with ever growing skills and determination. He is also in a pretty kool band that is creating their own mixed genre of groove. I can see Will is one of those guys who is on his way to great things and making the most of the opportunities put in front of him. Let's find out what happened when I put the Q&A of Talkin' Chop in front of him.
Name or Stage Name: Will Sarver
Where are you from?
Levittown, Pennsylvania
How long have you been playing?
20 years
What is or are your main genre of playing?
I would say I don’t have a specific style or genre. I don’t like to limit myself to just one specific genre - I enjoy playing all of them.
How did you get started playing?
My dad used to play and had drums around the house. I picked it up easily. It came naturally to me.
Was your dad a professional drummer?
My dad was not a professional drummer. It was a hobby for him that he did for fun. I have him to thank for playing tunes from the 60's and 70's in the car. I consider myself an "Old Soul" when it comes to my musical taste and style. It shaped me into the player I am today.
Concert band, Jazz band, Marching band..How have these experiences to shaped you as a musician?
These experiences shaped me into the musician that I am because they challenged me to play different styles of music and different techniques. They also opened my ears to listen to different types of music. Also, my worth ethic came from that. I learned a lot of skills about being a professional.
I'm glad you mentioned 'Ears' How long do you think it took you to train & trust your ears?
It certainly didn't take long. For starting so young I didn't have a choice to read, so my ears were my only option. I had to trust not only my ears but the players around me. My brother is a fantastic musician and being able to play with him and other advanced players was a great experience for me. It opens yours ears to hear creativity and style and how to play and fit in with others. Being able to trust your ears in my opinion is probably one of the most important tools you can have in music. Most of the times you just have to sit in and play without music in front of you. I prefer it that way. Gets your head out of the sheet music and more into listening to others around you. I can't say this is enough to other musicians, listen listen listen!
What are some things you would like to achieve?
I would like to tour the world someday and be able to play and enjoy music full time for as long as I can.
Any artists you would like to play for?
I would love to play for Pharrell Williams, Bruno Mars, Steely Dan, Tower of Power, and 1975 just to name a few. If you were to ask me a month from now, I would give a totally different list because I would love to play for any big artist out there. I just love to play.
List some of your accomplishments:
-Playing in London & Italy
-Was a part of New Years Parade in London
-Played with and opened for a bunch of world-class musicians, such as Wayne Bergeron, Bill Watrous, Dick Oatts, Denise Donatelli, Scott Lee, Neil Kirkwood, Wycliffe Gordon, and Gerald Clayton Trio.
Also, opened up for Kurt Elling at the Berks Jazz Fest.
-Performed at St. John’s Cathedral in London
-CooperGroove Signature Artist
-Symrna Signature Artist
Do you play any other instruments?
I’m all about drums and percussion.
Have you done any touring?
Yes. London, Italy, and some smaller tours on the East Coast.
Where do you go to listen to live music and how's the scene?
Mostly the Philadelphia and New Jersey area. Philly has it all going on but the surrounding areas provide a lot of opportunities to listen to live music. Lots of big venues so it brings in some of the best players from across the globe. That being said, it can be very competitive. Always have to get creative and put yourself out there.
Describe your current set up & gear - heads and sticks...ect?
My drum sets include my very first drum set that I got, which is an older Ludwig set from the 90’s that I restored. My second setup is a Gretsch Catalina Club. My cymbal setup is the Symrna Araf Series and that inclues 13 inch hats, 16 and 17 inch crashes, and a 20 inch ride. I also use CooperGroove sticks, Remo drum heads, Moongels and a Pearl Demonator pedal. The rest of the hardware is PDP and Gibraltar and Pearl.
You recently became an artist endorser for Cooper Groove sticks and Symrna cymbals. How did those relationships come about?
My band mate, Charles Laurita told me to check out CooperGroove and started to become friends with Carlo Cooper and eventually became an artist. Carlo introduced me to Darien Guy from Symrna and the rest is history. Both great companies and great guys.
Do you have multiple kits and snares?
Yes, the more, the merrier. I try to create different sounds.
Do you have a favorite piece of equipment?
I would say my piccolo snare that my parents got me as my first drum. I still play with it today.
What is it about that piccolo that you like so much?
That drum has a lot of sentimental value but it sounds great. Has a clean snappy tone to it and has held up well over the years. It's not my main snare but it's always on my side ready for action. When the piccolo is out, you know it's about to get funky!
Which wood shells do you prefer?
I prefer birch and maple wood. I like birch because of it’s high, punchier sound, but the warm tones of the maple wood sound great for a lot of different styles of music.
Do you have a “Dream Kit”?
Yes, I’ve always been obsessed with Yamaha Recording Customs.
How do you describe your drumming style?
My style is very laid back, funky, and groovy.
Tell me more about the Charles Laurita project: What kind of music are guys doing?
The band consist of a rhythm section with a 3-piece horn section. We classify the music as "Alterna-Funk." It's all original music that is written by Charles Laurita. He's a very talented musician. We film and edit all our own videos and recently just built our very own recording studio. Recording and film have become a huge part of the group. I can't really compare the sound to any other group out there and to me that's the way it should be. Make it your own. It's truly one of a kind!
Charles Laurita & the Mischief
Do you guys have an album out yet?
The band currently has a 7 track EP out and the new album is in its final stages of mastering. " Interstellar Fortuneteller" is 13 track album that was produced, mixed and mastered by Charles Laurita and myself. I can't give you a release date but it's very soon!
Charles Laurita & the Mischief - "Ratrace" Live
So, If you weren’t playing drums, what would you be doing?
Probably law enforcement or military.
How has drumming impacted or changed your life?
It’s definitely challenged me. I’ve learned how to improvise with not only playing, but with life in general. It’s always kept me busy and focused on a goal.
Charles Laurita & the Mischief - "On Monday" (official video)
Are you doing music full time?
That’s a tricky question. I work at it as a full-time job, but I’m just waiting for the right time and opportunity. I also have a full-time job on top of that. The ultimate goal is to play music full time.
Name 5 of your drumming influences? Why?
Pharrell is definitely one of them. David Garibaldi is another, Stanley Randolph is another one, Keith Carlock, and Bernard Purdy. They’re all very versatile players that fit into every situation, very creative, and everything they play is enjoyable to listen to.
You are the first person to Mention Pharrell on Talkin' Chop. Some people don't know he is drummer. What is it about his playing intrigues you?
I have my brother to thank for introducing me to Pharrell. Most like you said don't know that he's a drummer and most only heard of him from his most recent projects. I was listening to Pharrell when he was with the Neptunes and N.E.R.D. His is a true musical and creative genius. His playing is so smooth and simple but it's very complex at the same time. I know that won't make sense to most but just listen to his albums. Trying to play with that much groove only takes years of playing and relying strictly on your ears. His playing and the music he creates is all rhythm and groove. Pharrell leaves nothing untouched. He fills in every single crack and space of his songs with tasty licks and melodies. He's got it all going on!
Name an inspiring concert that made you want to go home and start shedding?
Probably seeing Steely Dan.
How much time do you practice?
I practice and work on music around an hour to two hours a day, whether that is editing music or listening to music. I’d love for it to be more, but there is not enough time in the day.
What types of things do you work on?
I work on listening, recording, and making sure that the drumming sounds and feels good and is consistent.
Is there one particular thing that is still bugging you, to play correctly?
Trying to translate what I have in my head for my hands and feet to play. That’s the worst!
Do you record drum videos of yourself? if so, how has it helped you?
Yes, I do. It helps me analyze my playing and it puts it under a microscope for me to fix and work on mistakes I have. It also helps me find areas that are lacking.
Are doing any studio work?
All the time. Trying to record and put out videos often with the band I am currently in, which is Charles Laurita and the Mischief. Charles and I just set up a studio in my house.
Do you have a crazy or interesting gig you can share with us?
I’d say playing at a jazz club in Italy. The people over there are very into music. They’re on a whole other level. The energy was really exciting and a lot of fun to play.
What are your words of wisdom for your fellow drummers out there?
Open your ears and listen to as much music as you can. Take any opportunity to play or watch people play. Listen, go to concerts, and learn from everybody.
Last Words, Links, Hashtags and Thank You’s???
Thank you to everyone who has supported me - my parents, friends, family, my girlfriend, teachers, Carlo Cooper, Darien Guy, Charles Laurita and the band. I wouldn’t be able to do what I do today without the support of all of you guys.
This is another example of a good musician, honing his craft and staying focused on the job at hand. Using all of the techniques that were open to him and creating his own path.
Yo Will, keep up the great work man!
Thx so much 4 taking the time to share with us, pieces of your drum life.
I wish you nothing but success in all your endeavors.
Hey fam, make sure you swing by Will's FB page and drop a "Hello" on him. Also, don't forget to purchase his bands EP and sign up on their email list & get the new album when it drops!
#SupportIndieMusic #NetworkWithOther
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For those of you wondering, "How do I get featured on Talkin' Chop?"
Just hit me up. It's that easy
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
DeHaven is sponsored by:
Soultone Cymbals - Silverfox Drumsticks - Cympad - Cymbag - Phatfoot Drum Harness
DRUMMER Apparel & Accessories
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