Volume 40 - Devin Beaman

Devin Beaman 

*


So..this edition of TC is a special one for me as I got to interview a longtime, childhood friend of mine. We've known each other since around 6th grade or so...when he & his mom joined my church. We used to to hang out during choir rehearsals and cause trouble, just being boys. But one thing that we always had in common was music and drums. Now that we have grown older and have families, we don't get to hang out like we would like to and just talk shop but when we do, we make the most of it. I am very proud of his accomplishments as a musician and as a husband & father. I definitely looking fwd to seeing him do more great things.
He just released a brand new drum video featuring his own original composition, which you will see & hear. He is also working on some other kool stuff that's gonna drop soon.
It's very kool to have a project and then to be able to have your friends support you and participate in that project.
Ladies and Gents, today my friend, Devin Beaman is Talkin' Chop.

Name or Stage Name: Devin Beaman

Where are you from? Philadelphia,Pa

How long have you been playing? 

Starting hitting on stuff at the age of 2.

What is or are your main genre of playing? 

Don't really have a main genre. I love playing or trying to play every style of music .

How did you get where you are now?

Good support from friends and family, and persistence.

Your Mom (Helena Venters) is an amazing vocalist and someone I have had the pleasure of playing with for a long time at church, How did she influence your musical career?

My mom was the reason how I discovered the drums . She brought me to one of her rehearsal when I was very young , and that was the beginning of the dysfunctional relationship between me and the drums, lol.

Ms. Helena singing "Respect"
*Not with Devin

What was it like like playing gigs with your mom?

Gigging with my mom was a good thing .She has a beautiful voice. And most of all, I've learned some things from her along the way .

What are your goals, short & long term? 
Put out a ton of creative

content (solo EP) and play with some headlining artist or a band and most of all, hope to inspire someone along the way ! 😃

Artists you would like to play for? 
Who ever wants to hire me but would love to play
Gwen Stefani .

List some of your accomplishments:
I played with Bow Wow Wow , Meg Lee Chin , The Randies and Oslo .

Do you have your own band?
Yes, we are called The Idea. 

Do you play any other instruments?
Keys 

What are your touring experiences, if any?
I've toured with Bow Wow Wow , Meg Lee Chin and the Randies.

w/ Bow Wow Wow - "I Want Candy"

Describe your current set up & gear - heads and sticks...
Currently I am playing on a Custom kit made by Rob's Recipe Drums w/ Supernatural Cymbals , and I'm using Vic Firth sticks and Remo drumheads. Vic and Remo are a marriage made in heaven to me . Both products give me the sounds and comfort I aim for when I'm playing.

Do you have multiple kits and snares?
No, not yet 

Which wood shells do you prefer? 
I like both Birch and Maple, each one serves it purpose.

What would be your ideal gear setup? .
Mapex MyDenity or Saturn V kits and Meinl Cymbals

How would you describe your drumming style?
Sometimes peaceful and sometimes extremely violent ! 😬

Why the drums?
The sound of them and the way they look ! 

If you weren’t playing drums, what would you be doing? 
I probably be focusing more on Art . I love to create !

How has drumming impacted or changed your life?
It built up my confidence through the years. It is a very therapeutic instrument to me . I love the drums! 

Is the music business your career? 
Not 100 % yet , but working on it .

Are you involved in the local music scene in your hometown?
Yes , I'm playing with a few local groups right now. 

Name 5 of your drumming influences?
Will Kennedy, John Bonham , Keith Carlock , Steve Jordan and Dennis Chambers. 

Why?
Groove and Pocket .

Can you name an inspiring concert that made you want to go home and start shedding? 
When I saw The Jacksons at the age of 7. 

How much time do you practice? 
Not a enough . 

Are you involved in local Shedding sessions? 
Not involved at all . But very open to to finding one to be involved in .

Describe your current gig(s)
All cover bands right at the moment . Working on original content too.

Do you record drum videos of yourself?
Yes I do, working on new stuff right now . 

This is "Toil" an original track by Devin Beaman

Why?
The freedom to create and it is great for you to put yourself out there as a artist .

How has this helped you?

It has helped me realize that I am capable of doing something on my own .

Do you concentrate on Chops or Grooves? 
Groove always!

Phantogram - Howling at the Moon Drum Cover

Are you into electronic drums at all?
Yes I am 

Doing any programming? 
Not yet

Are you a songwriter as well?
Yes I am , working on my own EP.

Do you sing and play?
A little , not as much as I would like.

Do you prefer studio sessions,local live gigs or touring?
I love all of them !

Do you prefer being in a band (artist) or being a sideman?
I prefer more of being in a band , because of being involved in the creating process.

Do you have a crazy or interesting gig you can share with us? 
Played the Greek Theater for the first time and a drumstick flew out of my hand on the first song and almost hit the singer in the head! Embarrassing! Lol

What are your words of wisdom for your fellow drummers out there?
Stay true to yourself and be yourself. 

Any Last Words, Links, Hashtags and Thank You’s???

Stay strong and focus out there, everyone. I would like to thank God , with him all things are possible! Thank you DeHaven you are the man! Also would like to thank Collin Hilborne and Georgia Prentice from Prentice Practice Pads ,Clay and Tami Drayton from Phatfoot Drum Harness,and JC Clifford from DrumTacs. These are some of the best drum products out there today. Go to my website 

www.devinbeaman.com
(all of my social media links are on my site as well) the links to their sites are on my endorsement page. Feel free and check them out. FB Page
Also, last but not least, I want to thank my wife and my kids. It is always awesome to have people who love you and support you in this journey that we involve ourselves in called drum life ! Thank you to you all.

Devin and his wife Shannon

Devin with his two youngest kids

(This is why we do what we do)

Big THANK YOU to my homie Devin!
Even though you're a Philly guy, I got your back! (Pittsburgh Baby!) hahaha!!
Man, thx so much for doing this interview and sharing your drum life and your music with us. You are doing your thing and I hope all your dreams are fulfilled.

Well, there you have it Devin Beaman a kool guy and a great talent. I hope you all enjoyed this edition of TC. Make sure you guys swing by Devin's Soc. Med. pages and drop him a 'Hello' and show your support.

Dummers: If you or someone you know would like to be interviewed and promoted on Talkin' Chop...
Hit me up.
If you're out there hustling in this music game, I wanna hear about it, so everyone else can hear about.
*It's FREE PROMO!!!!

DeHaven de@oliomusic.com
www.facebook.com/talkinchop
www.facebook.com/dirtyde
http://twitter.com/talkinchopblog


#DrummersSupportDrummers  #TalkinChop  #DrumLife

Devin, Glen Miller, Scott 'Pistol' Crockett and DeHaven
@ a GC Drum Off Competition


I'M OUT!

DeHaven is sponsored by - Soultone Cymbals, SilverFox Drumsticks, Cympads, Cymbag, Phatfoot Drum Harness

Volume 39 - Korian Hannah

KORIAN HANNAH

Hello once again, my drummer fam and readers of Talkin' Chop.
I bring you greetings from the sunshine state, Florida.
(via my office chair in Cali.)
This interview is a good one and hope you dig it. We're gonna get into some Gospel and some Blues and a little of everything in between. Like all of the previous interviewees, this kat is another great example of the hustle. Enticed by and driven by the sound and feel of 'the drum' at a young age, Korian submitted to this thing called music and it's beautiful ambassador, Drums.
Growing up in church, getting his training and moving on to other genres and using his craft wherever he can. He has proven himself to be a kat you call and count on.

With continuing aspirations in music, from playing with national artists to completing his solo EP and bringing to fruition his own band, this brother has got a lot going for himself and I'm glad he took the time to Talk a little Chop with me..and you.


*

Name or Stage Name: 
My name is Korian Hannah/adrummerslove

Where are you from? 
I am from Miami, Florida born and raised in the county, Dade 

How long have you been playing? 
I've been playing drums for over 20 years

What is or are your main genre of playing? 
Gospel and Blues. However I am fluent in all music genres 

How did you get where you are now? 
I am the drummer at my church, St. Peter's Missionary Baptist Church and I have learned that walking by faith and not by sight knowing Gods favor is upon me will lead me down the right paths and to the right people. Knowing this has made networking, self promoting and building healthy relationships with anyone I encounter, possible.

What are some of your goals? 
Short term Goals are to finish my EP. Long term goals are to be on a musical level that will enable me to be financially independent. Not having to work 3 jobs and gig a lot to make ends meet. 

Artists you would like to play for? 
Oh boy what artist don't I want to play for? At one point in time, I wanted to play for Kelly Price so bad lol. However with so many great artist out now I'll be glad to to have the opportunity to play with one of them. 

List some of your accomplishments- 
Had the ability to tour the East Coast last year with Rockin Jack Band, Endorsed by Soultone Cymbals and Queen City Drums, attended NAMM Convention in 2016, played and toured with the Lee Boys, Eliza Neals and Christina Robinson.

Do you have your own band or do your freelance? 
I have started my own band, 2JK, where currently we are the house band at Spitters for their open mic events. Most of the work I acquire is from freelancing. On the other hand, I play consistently with a Juke band (www.jukepostblues.com)

Do you play any other instruments? 
I started out on the drums however while in middle school, high school and College, I played the sousaphone. Since then I've learned how to play Bass Guitar and started learning keys. 

What are your touring experiences, if any? 
My first tour was with The Lee Boys back in 2010. Since then I have been on the road with them a few more times as a sub. I recently did tour with an artist by the name of Rockin Jake. Being on the road has its perks especially if you're with a group that likes to have a good time and doesn't have ego and attitude issues. The only part I would say that gets to me is missing my kids, family and my church.

Describe your current set up & gear -   
I am currently using a Gretsch Catalina Maple kit (which I've had for about 8 years and is still in perfect condition) 10", 12" Rack Toms 14" & 16" Floor Toms, 22" Kick and a choice of snares, I also currently use Evans EC2 Coated Drums heads. Soultone cymbals setup is 13" Vintage Hi-Hats & 14 Extreme Hi-Hats, 17" Custom Brilliant crash, 16" Extreme Crash, 21" Vintage ride, 17" FXO 12 Effect Crash, 15" & 18" Gospel Crashes. Now when it comes to sticks. I'm all over the place lol. I use a pair of Aaron Spears signature Sticks by Vic Firth, Chris Coleman signature sticks by Vic Firth, I use Vator Gospel Fusion sticks and you know the bag of 10 pairs of sticks from Guitar Center, yea those are always a great deal lol. 

Do you have multiple kits and snares? 
I have one kit that I have had for 8 years and it is still in great condition, I have an electronic kit that I use for practice, rehearsals and to record drums sessions using addictive drums 2. I have 5 snares also. 

Which wood shells do you prefer? 
I've never been really big on wood. They all have a unique tone that can be used in many different genres. As long as you find the right heads to use and tune them well for whatever genre it is, in my opinion, you will have a nice sound. 

Do you have a “Dream Kit”? 
 When I was little I used to want Mike Portnoy's Purple Dream Theater kit Lol. Now, just give some good quality drums and I'm good to go lol. After attending NAMM this year and seeing so many other drum companies if I did have a dream kit, Love Drums struck my attention while at NAMM

How would you describe your drumming style? 
Pocket with a little seasoning. 

Soultone Cymbals - Korian Hanna - Bass-n-Drums

Why the drums? 

That's where it's all started lol.. Sitting by the drummer in church as little boy waiting for offering or the end service to get on the drums. My moms friend and my brother were in a quartet signing group and I would go to the rehearsals and just watch and listen. Until one day the drummer stopped playing for the group and what better chance to get and I started playing drums for the group, Trueway Gospel Singers. 

If you weren’t playing drums, what would you be doing? 
I would probably be playing Bass guitar or Keys

How has drumming impacted your life? 
Drumming has impacted my life by helping me become more meek, humbled and wanting to leave behind a legacy for my family. I've built many relationships that have become very important to me. It has given me the chance to travel, learn, explore, and so much more. 

Is the music business your career? 
Although I have two part time jobs yes I consider music business to be my career. 

Are you involved in the local music scene in your hometown? 
Yes I am very much so. When not gigging I try to support other local artist in different events or possibly sit in when needed or even if it's just to jam.

Name 5 of your drumming influences? why? 
My first musical influence was Mike Portnoy. When I was about younger the church I played for at the time had just bought a new Tama Star Cast Kit and it came with an instructional VHS Cassette Tape with Mike Portnoy, Kenny Aronoff, and Thomas Lang I believe were featured in this video. I admired Mike Portnoy segment. I would rewind his part and try to study his playing however he was way to skilled for me to keep up with. Next came along Mr. Calvin Rodgers. I first heard of him playing with Pastor John P. Kee and New Life Community Choir on the Not Guilty Album. His fills and placement are amazing along with precision. Next I would have to say Tony Royster Jr. His style of playing is very urban. I got a chance to shake his hand and sit next to him at Joy the Drummers event in California for NAMM 2016. Next we have Eric Moore. His speed around the kit is just unheard of lol. The combinations he puts together are very well thought out. Aaron Spears, this guy is just solid and powerful. I've always thought he had an advantage of being a leftie playing right handed

Name an inspiring concert that made you want to go home and start shedding? 
Going to any concert for me just makes me want to get better. I've been to many concerts and afterwards there is just this feeling that sometimes can't even be explained only felt.

How much time do you practice? 
I try to practice at least 1-2 hrs a day

Are you involved in local Shedding sessions? what do you get out of those sessions? 
I haven't been to any shedding sessions in such a long time and if they have them I really don't know about them because I'm always working or gigging. 

Describe your current gig(s) 
I'm a full time drummer at my church, St. Peter's Missionary Baptist Church (www.stpetemiami.org) I am currently playing with a band named Juke (www.jukepostblues.com), and whoever else calls. 

Do you record drum videos of yourself? how has it helped you? I most certainly do record myself. It's helps with promoting myself by putting little promo videos together, sharing on social media, and listening back to hear mistakes as well as observe what others see.

aDummersLove Promo Vid

Do you concentrate on Chops or Grooves? 
Grooves are very important 

Are you into electronic drums or programming? 
I'm into programming for the most part. I've done a couple sessions on electronic drums. 

Are you a songwriter? 

Yes, I am a songwriter currently working on an EP.  

As a songwriter, what do you want to say with your lyrics and music?

As a songwriter I write how I am feeling spiritually at the time where I believe it takes people to place that we can all relate to. So in my lyrics I keep it simple and encourage people to believe and keep the faith no matter what life throws.

If anyone would like to donate, all donations are welcomed at www.gofundme.com/adrummerslove

Do you sing and play? 
I was raised singing and playing quartet music. 

Do you prefer studio sessions, local live gigs or touring? I prefer studio sessions because I can always go back and listen to myself playing to see what can be done better and how I can potentially improve playing.

Do you prefer being in a band (artist) or being a sideman? 
I prefer a band. 

aDrummersLove Promo Vid (2014)

Do you have a crazy or interesting gig that you can share with us? 
Just imagine a drunken guy trying to take the guitar off of the guitar player while he is playing and stumbling over his pedal box destroying cables. Lol that night was pretty interesting. And needless to say the bouncers picked him up and literally threw him out.

What are your words of wisdom for your fellow drummers out there? 
First and foremost keep God first in all you do. No matter what people may think about your playing, no matter how many calls you don't get, no matter how many people you reach out to to help you grow musically or whatever the case may be, do the best you can until you get better. Never give up. There will be dry seasons where calls are not as high as the usually are. However, that's not the time to get discouraged. Use the time to practice, network, and connect with other people, go out and be entertained by other musicians and network some more. 

Last Words, Links, Hashtags and Thank You’s??? 
 I can't end this interview without thanking God for thinking of me to bless me with the gift, everyone that believed in my vision and prayed for me and help me rise to stardom. Thank my mother for always being supportive and willing to help me out in every area. I have to definitely thank my lovely, beautiful, magnificent better half, that is crazy enough to put up with me and really demonstrate her love for me by always being in my corner. She is the epitome of "beside a good man, there is a great woman." I love you dearly. I have to personally say thank you to my Pastor, without your guidance it may have taken me longer to get where I am today. And my last thank you is to you for giving me this opportunity to share a piece of my life with those who follow your blog. I really appreciate it

Follow me on Instagram @adrummerslove hashtag #adrummerslove, Follow my Facebook artist page adrummerslove and my personal page Korian "ingoditrust" Hannah. Also here is the link to my promo videos on YouTube that I created for networking. 


Hey Hey Hey, give it up for Korian Hannah!!
It's always a good feeling to know there are some good katz out there and they have an incredible love for music. Musicians who want to share the gift the have been given with others.
Korian, thx for being a part of TC. I am thankful for you sharing a piece of your drum life with us. Can't wait until you come back to Cali or when I get back to Miami, so we do lunch.(i'm for real)
Hey everybody, please make sure you hit up Korian and drop a hello on one of his pages and support his EP project and make a donation. I know he would greatly appreciate it!

I hope you guys enjoyed getting to know aDrummersLove (i dig that)
I think it's appropriate bcuz we drummers got nothing but love.

Drummers, tell your drum buddies about Talkin' Chop.
And for those that would like to be interviewed, hit me up.

DeHaven - de@oliomusic.com
www.facebook.com/talkinchop
www.facebook.com/dirtyde
http://twitter.com/talkinchopblog

#DrummersSupportDrummers  #TalkinChop  #DrumLife


I'M OUT!



DeHaven is sponsored by Soultone Cymbals - SilverFox Drumsticks - Cympad - Cymbag - Phatfoot Drum Harness

Volume 38 - Rikki Woods

RIKKI WOODS

                                                       *

Hey Drum fam,

it's nice to be back at it. I was on vacation with my family and before that my band Olio had a show in Anchorage, AK for the Road to Warped Tour Kick-off show.

I have missed bringing you drummers and their drum lives and stories. So let's get to it, shall we?!

Today I bring you a kool lady who has been in the music game for a long time but only in the drum game for a few years. She is already a busy working drummer, playing in 3 bands, all while holding down a 9-5 and raising a family. (applause!) #DrumMomsRock.

She is also a really kool person with a great sense of humor. I met her on FB and I always look fwd to her comments, when I'm ranting about stupid music stuff.

I am glad she finally agreed to do Talkin' Chop. I believe everyone out there has some to offer and deserves a spotlight. Well the light shines on Rikki Woods right now and she is Talkin' Chop!

Name or Stage Name: Rikki Woods

Where are you from? 
Born in Bronx, NY...now live in beautiful NW New Jersey 

How long have you been playing? 
Just over three years, but I’ve been a musician almost my entire life and wish I began playing much earlier in life, but still thrilled that I play now.

What is or are your main genre of playing? 
Punk and Rock

How did you get where you are now? 
Where am I again?

What are your goals, short & long term? 
Have fun, learn as much as I can before I die, gig steadily, continue writing new songs.

Name some artists you would like to play for? 
Anyone who will have me, but honestly, no one in particular.

Give us a list of some of your accomplishments – 

Three time finalist in International Hit Like a Girl contest…top 3 “fan favorite.” Second place in Foxy Drummer’s (stick manufacturer) drum solo contest. Role model, particularly for women, and especially those over 40. It’s never too late to pursue your passions.

Hit Like a Girl Excerpt from 2016 Contest

Do you have your own band?  
Details….I have three bands. One is a punk band called The Bathwater. I play drums and sing backup and occasional sing lead, although when our fist singer quit, I did all the singing and drumming. Not fun…not at some of those speeds. My second band is called Infinite Parallels. We are a 90’s grunge cover band. I’m the singer but I switch drums/vocals with the drummer for a few songs. I play for Hot Flashes, although we only gig a couple of times a year now. We are an all-female power trio and play original music, as well as select covers from the 60’s-now.

Do you play any other instruments? 
I haven’t played my other instruments for a while, but I played them for close to 25 years. I play clarinet, flute, bassoon, sax, guitar (really poorly), in addition to drums and vocals. I will sometimes break out a clarinet to cover a violin solo in a song (like Green Day’s “Good Riddance.”) I was an extremely advanced woodwind player.

Any touring experiences? 
Just local east coast NY/NJ/CT/PA. Had the opportunity in the 1980’s when I sang with a thrash metal band, but it’s not what I wanted to do. I might have made a different choice if I was a drummer back then.

Describe your current set up & gear - heads and sticks...
 Let’s see…I have two kits. One is a classic Pearl Export, but an older set that was sitting unused in a warehouse. It’s a discontinued model and absolutely gorgeous. 20” bass, 18” floor, 16” & 14” toms, snare. It’s honestly the best kit I’ve heard live that wasn’t a famous band. My other kit is a vintage (early 1980’s) Pearl Pakemaker kit. This kit was only sold in Japan. It’s a nine piece (but not double bass), gorgeous, gigantic, chrome kit, affectionately known as “The Terminator.” It has a 24” bass drum, 22” and 20” floor toms, 18”, 16”, 14”, 12” and 10” rack toms and a snare that I love. I currently have this kit for sale, and I’m tempted to not include the snare, but we’ll see.  I chose these kits because I fell in love with them at first sight and first stroke. I use Remo Ambassador and Evans heads on the Exports, and Remo Starfire/Starfire Pinstripe on The Terminator. Hard to get indeed. I have some “Pearl” heads just in case.

I use Vic Firth American Classic 5A nylon tip sticks and endorse Soultone Custom Cymbals…both chosen after trying everything under the sun. 5A’s were like coming home and my Soultones were like finding the sound of heaven.

Which wood shells do you prefer? 
I do not have a preference. Maybe as I become more experienced I will.

How do you describe your drumming style? 
Unconventional in ways. I’ve had people say they enjoy watching me play. I find this curious, as while drumming is visual, I’d like people to enjoy listening to me. J My style is still evolving. I’ve had to teach myself to not be a basher when I play. My first teacher told me I’m an animal. That’s really not what I was aiming for. A former bandmate helped me to develop better dynamics. I’m still somewhat of a beginner really. Overall, I’m told I’m good and that I’m badass…HA HA. I will say that is my style…badass.

Why the drums? 

I have always wanted to play the drums. It was my first instrument of choice back when I was 8 years old, but my parents told me no. Ironically, in my 40’s when I started playing, my mother told me no. I just laughed and told her she no longer has any say…and no I don’t live with them. I chose the drums not only because I always wanted to play, but because my son, who was 8 years old at the time, decided to take up the guitar. He wouldn’t practice though, so I decided to lead by example and take up an instrument that was totally alien to me. I took lessons in the same music store, at the same time as his lesson. I showed him the value of practice and what happens when you do so. Well, he quit guitar after a year and I’m still playing. (He is now a “star” trombone player in his school.) I wish I picked up a pair of sticks long ago. The challenges of independence, speed, learning new rhythms and fills is never ending. It’s such a psychological instrument.

THE BATHWATER- Pretty Vacant - The Sex Pistols Cover

If you weren’t playing drums, what would you be doing? 
Eating chocolate. Riding roller coasters around the world.

How has drumming impacted or changed your life? 
It’s brought me back into music after a long hiatus. I sang in a few bands over the years, but I could play drums every day of the week now if I wanted to. I cannot believe I get paid to play the drums. It blows my mind. With the exception of being with my family, I am happiest and most at peace when I’m behind a kit.

Is the music business your career? 
I wish it was. If I started playing when I was younger, I would have tried to make music my career.

Are you involved in the local music scene in your hometown? Yes. I play with many local musicians and in local venues. I also play out of the local area.

Name 5 of your drumming influences? why? 
I don’t really have drumming influences. I have favorite drummers. I adore Gene Krupa…style, showmanship, chops. I love watching and hearing Roy Mayorga, Tre Cool has some great grooves without over playing, Shannon Larkin is killer, Joey Jordison is a tiny beast, Nicky "Topper" Headon, Dave Grohl, Chad Smith, Roger Taylor, Mick Fleetwood. Eric Carr produced my band in the 80’s, before I played drums and I was really impressed by how he could adapt his style from what he was playing in KISS to jamming some jazz and to filling in with my thrash band until we could find a female drummer. Remembering this was a true influence as I started playing and learning.

How much time do you practice? 
Not as much as I’d like or when I first started playing. I need to get back to more targeted practices rather than learning or perfecting songs. I find I play more often than I practice. I practice alone 2-4 times a week, usually for a total of around 4-8 hours. I rehearse with my bands around 7 hours a week. (plus I work 40 hours a week and raise a family.)

Describe your current gig(s): 

Everything from fairs and festivals to clubs, fund raisers/benefits, and one of my favorites-outdoor concerts.

Do you record drum videos of yourself? why? how has it helped you? 
I record videos of myself to see how I sound against original recordings (when playing covers), and more importantly, to see visuals of a number of things, including where to make technique tweaks, better kit set up, and my personal favorite – to perfect crazy drummer faces.

Do you concentrate on Chops or Grooves? 
Both and need to better concentrate on both.

Are you into electronic drums? 
No. I can’t stand them. There are a few I’ve heard that sound okay, but the cheaper ones sound like banging on plastic beach pails.

Are you a songwriter as well? 
Yes.

Do you sing and play? 

Yes I do.

THE BATHWATER - 

Drama Queen at Palisades Fair 6-25-2016

Do you prefer the studio or live gigs? 
Live gigs all the way. I’ve not toured as a drummer. I’d love to but at this time in my life it’s unrealistic.

Do you prefer being in a band (artist) or being a sideman? 
I love being in a band.

Do you have a crazy or interesting gig you can share with us? They all are. Every gig is an experience! This is a little gross, but funny. There was one gig where multiple bands played during the night. Bands loaded in backstage while the band before them was getting on stage and the last band got off the stage. There were only two ways out from back stage…through the load in/out door or across the stage. The door backstage was not allowed to be opened once the band on stage was playing, and courtesy was not to walk across the stage when another band was playing. I got stuck back stage for the band before mine’s set…played our set…got stuck backstage during the band after us. I never got to speak with people who came to see us. During my time back stage I needed a bathroom. It was a dive bar (I love playing dive bars). The bathroom back stage had a sign that said it was out of order. Well I HAD to go. There was no light and the room was pitch black. I used it. I don’t even know if there was water in the bowl. Couldn’t wait to shower afterwards…that didn’t happen until 8 hours later!

I once played a gig and I had forgotten to pack a snare stand. I found a folding chair that didn’t have a flat seat. It was indented to be more comfortable I guess. It worked fine as a snare stand for the show.
(folding chair for snare stand, a lot of us church kats know about this one, lol)

What are your words of wisdom for your fellow drummers out there? 
Practice practice practice. Slow and steady wins the race…Skills and speed will come. Bad habits are hard to break.  Play from your heart. The best compliment I ever received was when I first started playing. An accomplished musician said he enjoyed playing with me. I told him I wished I was better. He replied, “Anyone can gain chops, learn skills. You have HEART and no one can teach that.”

Last Words, Links, Hashtags and Thank You’s???

“I’d like to thank the academy for this distinct honor.”

Thank you to my family for their support, as difficult as it can be at times...and to my amazing band mates in The Bathwater, Infinite Parallels and Hot Flashes.

Rikki Woods: facebook.com/x.rikki.woods.x reverbnation.com/rikkiwoods, youtube.com/rikkiwoods

The Bathwater: facebook.com/TheBathwaterNJ, TheBathwaterNJ.com, Reverbnation.com/TheBathwater

Infinite Parallels: facebook.com/InfiniteParallels, Reverbnation.com/InfiniteParallels

Hot Flashes: facebook.com/HotFlashesBand

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Ladies and Gents, that is Rikki Woods.
She is a character! Out there getting her hustle on and playing her drums and loving it!
Thank You Rikki for sharing a little of your drum life with us. I wish you nothing but success in music but more importantly with your family.
Hey Fam, make sure you hook up with Rikki on Soc. Media and tell her I sent you and show her some love and encouragement.

Would you like to be interviewed on Talkin' Chop?
Do you know a drummer that needs some promo?
Contact me: DeHaven  de@oliomusic.com
or @
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http://twitter.com/talkinchopblog

#DrummersSupportDrummers  #TalkinChop  #DrumLife


I'M OUT!