SAMMI POTTS
Hello TC fam, It feels so good to bring another talented drummer to the forefront. This time around we're heading to Nashville by way of Stillwater,MN.
This young lady is an up & coming talent, who is definitely going places...literally. I connected with her while she is currently on tour with her band. I'm glad we were able to get this thing done. I really dig what she's got going on and she's got the goods to make happen for herself. Luckily before she blows up, we get to hear about her drum life so far. So, let's Talk Chop with Sammi, shall we...
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Where are you from?
I am originally from Stillwater, MN - A
cute little river town near the Twin Cities - but am currently
based out of Nashville.
My favorite music city.
Tell us something we may not know about the
Mpls. music scene… Although Minneapolis is best known for Prince, funk, and the “Minneapolis Sound”, Minneapolis has a
thriving musical theater scene. The city has several
professional theaters and a great culture for the performing
arts.
How did you get started with drums? I started playing percussion
when I was 8. My grandma took me to a Minnesota Orchestra
concert and I asked her who was the highest paid member in
the orchestra. She told me it was the timpanist, so I (an ever
business-minded 8 year old) decided to pick up percussion. I
later learned that the timpanist is definitely not the highest
paid orchestra member, but it sparked my love for percussion
- which led to my love of drum set - and I never looked back!
So, you played in a youth symphony when you were younger, how
was that experience?I joined the Minnesota Youth Symphony
when I was 13 and it really pushed me to refine my
instrument, learn high volumes of music, and pay attention to
detail. It has greatly affected my playing as a drummer and
taught me to pay close attention to sound as well as mallet
and stick choice.
Ok, you make your move to Nashville in 2013. A great place to grow
as a musician. What was the motivation for that move?I moved to
Nashville to study at Belmont University. Two of my biggest
musical influences, Zoro and Chester Thompson, were
professors in the drum set program and I was eager to study
with them while living in such a creative and musical city
How would you describe your playing style?My playing is
influenced by may diverse genres. I definitely think that my
classical and musical theater background taught me the
importance of detail and finesse. Most recently, I have been
focused on funk and gospel. Because of these influences, I try
to focus on giving the groove space while emphasizing
finesse and timing.
What projects are you working on now?I’m currently on the road
with a side project I’m leading, an all-female band called The
Reckless Charms. We’re overseas until the spring of 2019, so
I’m mostly focused on that until I get back to Nashville.
What type of band is The Reckless Charms?The Reckless Charms is an all female, Indie-Pop band. We cover pop songs but add a unique twist - four part harmonies and violin lead lines, usually with unique time signatures and tempos.
How did the band form?The lead singer (Noah Vonne) and I started the band with three of our friends freshman year of college. We formed the band as a bit of an experiment to see how far we could stretch the limits of traditional pop songs. That led to the development of our unique, indie sound. Although we formed the band as a side project, it has opened a lot of doors for us and I am excited to watch it grow!
Are you involved in the local music scene in your hometown, other than just playing in your band?I’m involved in the Nashville scene and love playing with songwriters, country artists, and churches in the area. When I’m not on tour, I typically rotate between local artists and play for their shows and recordings in Nashville.
What are some of your goals as a musician?One of my main goals
is to never stop learning. Every day, I try to immerse myself
in a music and videos so that I can continue to grow and
develop my craft.
You've played with some named artists, who else would would like to
play for?I would love to play for a top CCM artist, like Lauren
Daigle, For King and Country, or Hillsong. But it would also be
a dream to play for a top pop artist, like Bruno Mars. I love
his production, creativity, and funk influence.
I see you play in church as well. How important is that for you?Playing in church has significantly impacted my life. I first
started playing drum set in my little home church in
Stillwater. During that time, I cut my teeth on learning to play
with a band. I still love to play at my home church in
Nashville whenever I can. It keeps me grounded and inspired.
You're doing live shows and studio sessions. You like doing both?I
love studio work, but I actually prefer playing live shows. I
love the energy that the crowd brings with them to each
performance - it drives me to play my best. I especially love
the relationships that have blossomed from my time on the
road, as well as the constant adventure of traveling to a new place every night.
What are your touring experiences, if any?Immediately following
college, I toured with a husband and wife duo for a year and a
half. In between those runs, I subbed for a CCM artist named
Moriah Peters when I could. I’m currently on the road with
my all-girl band and plan on joining another tour when I
come back to Nashville in the spring.
Describe your current set up & gear - heads and sticks…ect?I work
with several boutique companies that I really love - Risen
Drums, Heartbeat Cymbals, and Alclair Audio. I play a
beautiful 5-piece maple kit from Risen - 20” kick, with 10”,
12”, and 16” toms. Right now I have an Aquarian Super Kick
on my bass drum and Evans EC Resonant heads on my toms. I
love the Studio and Custom line of Heartbeat Cymbals and
currently use 16” studio hats, a 22” studio ride, 16” and 18”
custom crashes, and a 16” holey crash. I use VicFirth Extreme
5As and DW hardware.
If you weren’t playing drums, what would you be doing?I can’t
imagine doing anything else now, but I considered going to
school for physical therapy back in college. I think I would
have loved to work in PT or a similar branch of the medical
field.
How has drumming impacted or changed your life?Drumming and
touring have significantly impact on my life and how I view
the world. I have been able to meet people from all walks of
life and it has really challenged me to see the world from a
different perspective.
Name 5 of your drumming influences? why?I’ve been very heavily
influenced by drummers who are not only incredible players,
but incredible people. Zoro (Lenny Kravitz, Bobby Brown) has
been one of my biggest mentors and inspirations, along with
Steve Goold (Sara Bareilles, Ben Rector) and Lester Estelle
(Kelly Clarkson). I also listen to a lot of Steve Gadd and Neil
Peart.
Name an inspiring concert that made you want to go home and start
shedding?That’s tough! One of my favorite concerts from this
past year was Ariana Grande on her Dangerous Woman tour.
I am a huge fan of her drummer.
How much time do you practice?In college, I used to practice 4+
hours a day, but it is much more difficult to find time to
practice on the road. I typically try to at least warm up on a
drum pad everyday when I can’t get to a full kit.
What types of things do you work on, in those sessions?I rotate
through different areas that I feel like I need work on - bass
drum, left foot independence, hand speed, and different
styles (latin, jazz, etc). I love watching videos of my favorite
players and trying to emulate their work. I also spend a
majority of my practice time learning new songs for my artists.
I know some of us have that "one thing" that bug us about our playing, do you have that one thing?I would really love to improve my kick speed. I've always felt like it has been held my playing back. I compensate by using the heel-toe technique on an extended footboard, but I still have a lot of work to do!
Do you record drum videos of yourself? if so, how has it helped you?I do! It has been one of the most powerful learning methods
for me. It has really refined my feel and timing and has also
helped me focus on my stage presence.
Do you have a crazy or interesting gig you can share with us?Probably my favorite gig ever was playing in the music video
for Carrie Underwood’s single, "Love Wins". I got to drum with
color powder and smoke machines going off all around me. By
the end, I was completely covered in color powder and it took
me days to get it out of all of my stuff, but it was so worth it!
Carrie Underwood - "Love Wins"
What are your words of wisdom for your fellow drummers out there?It’s very important to never forget that music is a gift.
Whenever you get discouraged, remember that so many people would love to be able to do what you do. Always look
for inspiration, whether through watching videos or attending
live concerts. Finally, never hesitate to reach out to your
favorite players - they just might be willing to meet up with
you and share their stories with you!
Last Words, Links, Hashtags and Thank You’s???Thank you so
much to my sponsors - Risen Drums, Heartbeat Percussion,
Alclair Audio, and SKB Cases. They are some of the best
companies in the business!
Thank you to my mentors, Kory Andry and Zoro, for all of your
hours of teaching and inspiration.
Thank you to my friends and family that have been my
constant support and encouragement and have pushed me to
do what I love.
And lastly, thank you to DeHaven and Talkin’ Chop for
including me in your blog!
I would love to connect with you!
You can find me at: www.sammipots.com
IG - @Sammiflowerpotts
FB - www.facebook.com/sammi.potts
Yet again, another great look into one of players in the drum community. Big Thx to Sammi for taking the time out of her busy schedule to share with all of us her drum life. It's really kool when you see people like this, living their dream. I see a bright future for Sammi. And I second that piece of advice about "reaching out..." to some of your heroes. The smallest encounters can make a difference. We all need some encouragement along the way. That's one of the reasons why I love the drum community.
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As always, if you or anyone you know would like to be the subject of Talkin' Chop, please hit me up!
DeHaven - de@oliomusic.com
www.facebook.com/dirtyde
www.facebook.com/talkinchop
Instagram.com/drummerdehaven
twitter.com/talkinchopblog
Big Thx to all of my drum partners:
SJC Drums, Soultone Cymbals
Cympad, Cymbag, Sweet Spots
Phatfoot Drum Harness
#DrummersSupportDrummers #TalkinChop #DrumLife
I'M OUT!
Yet again, another great look into one of players in the drum community. Big Thx to Sammi for taking the time out of her busy schedule to share with all of us her drum life. It's really kool when you see people like this, living their dream. I see a bright future for Sammi. And I second that piece of advice about "reaching out..." to some of your heroes. The smallest encounters can make a difference. We all need some encouragement along the way. That's one of the reasons why I love the drum community.
*
As always, if you or anyone you know would like to be the subject of Talkin' Chop, please hit me up!
DeHaven - de@oliomusic.com
www.facebook.com/dirtyde
www.facebook.com/talkinchop
Instagram.com/drummerdehaven
twitter.com/talkinchopblog
Big Thx to all of my drum partners:
SJC Drums, Soultone Cymbals
Cympad, Cymbag, Sweet Spots
Phatfoot Drum Harness
#DrummersSupportDrummers #TalkinChop #DrumLife
I'M OUT!
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