Volume 53 - Darien Guy

Once again, I am proud to bring another drummer to the forefront.
A young man who is not only talented but focused and eager to help those who want to learn. Looking to do more than just be a drummer, Darien is positioning himself to be a strong businessman in the inner-working of drum companies and being an author. 
When you see young katz like this, doing what they do, you know the future is in good hands. So, let's not wait any longer...let's see what Darien is Talkin Chop about. 

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Name or Stage Name: 

Darien Guy 

Where are you from? 

O'Fallon IL. Currently living in St. Louis Mo. 

How long have you been playing? 

21 years. Professionally since the age of 16. Starting touring in high school. 

What is or are your main genre of playing? 

I play all genres of music. I'm mostly known for gospel and orchestral/marching percussion. 

How did you get where you are now? 

I'm asked this question a lot, but to give you the best answer, it is just hard work and dedication. Being consistent and focused on my craft. 

What are your goals, short & long term? 

Short Term Goals, releasing my marching stick with Cooper Groove Drum Sticks. Release my joint book with Robb Ryan from Canada. Long term Goals, have my "Darien Guy Series Stick" in retail stores nationally/internationally. Being able to teach in other countries. Become session drummer. 

Do you have any specific countries abroad, you would like to teach in? 

I would love to teach in London, Italy, Africa. 

You don't hear a lot of players talking about Marching Sticks, let alone creating one what is your motivation behind this? 

Well here's a fun fact. I marched snare drum my senior year in high school. From there I played drumset in WGI and DCI. but I also taught different marching percussion programs when I wasn't touring. Playing with marching sticks helped out a lot when comes to my chops. Marching sticks are a lot heavier than drumset sticks. I have a lot love for marching percussion and Drumset. Creating sticks with Cooper Groove sticks has allowed me to be innovative. Creating the perfect balance between the two. I want people to try my stick as well as the Cooper Groove Sticks because they're a specialty stick. The benefits are endless. Decrease fatigue, stimulating pressure points. Memory grip, decrease shock in hands and arms. The list continues. If you have questions about my stick, feel free to contact me personally! 

Artists you would like to play for? 

Esperanza Spalding, Fred Hammond, Quincy Jones, Tosha Cobbs, Richard Smallwood,TyeTribbett 

I see you're involved with a couple of drum companies, please tell us which ones and how you got involved with them? 

I am at Cooper Groove, Marching Percussion Ambassador. I'm a Smyrna Cymbals USA Artist. I am also a artist of DGA-drum gear alliance. Sledge Pad Artist and in hopes to become a Mapex Artist 

I’m also happy to announce that I’ll be apart of INov8 Winter Percussion Staff for the 2017 WGI marching season! I’m truly honored to work with Dave Isaacs and the rest of the staff! I’m truly grateful to be apart of such an awesome team of educators. Great things to come for INov8 Percussion!!!

So, what are your duties as an ambassador for Cooper Groove? 

It's my job to spread awareness of the Cooper Groove Marching Percussion Products and educational resources. Teach clinics and other educational resources. 

Are you playing out with any projects right now? 

1. I’m working on a joint book with Rob Ryan. I am also working on a e-book for the Darien Guy Marching Series Drumstick. 

2. I’m also releasing a book on marketing strategies for the working musician.

Can you tell us more about your book with Ryan. What is it going to be about? 

I don't want to reveal too much information but, it will capture the interest from beginner to advanced players. Polyrhythmic based but also a few other surprises thrown in. 

A book on marketing strategies, What areas do you see musicians making the most mistakes? 

It's not that drummers or musicians make mistakes. It's more so, they're unaware of branding, marketing, advertising etc. with my experiences and education I've learned through my time in the business, It has allowed me to want to share and help drummers build their following and or brand. I'm very grateful to be apart of Symrna Cymbals and the other drum businesses I'm in. Taking the knowledge I've learned through my experience sharing with other is my life goal. So with my book it will give drummers and musicians a detailed outline of how to market their products, advertisements campaign strategies, building a membership list etc. I'm very excited to get it out and I'm looking forward to release it. If you'll like to get first shoot me an email at guydarien09@gmail.com 

What are your touring experiences, if any? 1. When I marched WGI winter guard international with Gateway Indoor Percussion. I toured from 2008-2011 with that organization. 2. Toured with Colts Drum and Bugle Corps from Dubuque, Iowa in 2010 3. Clinic tour in 2016... cities were, Los Angeles, California, Chicago, Illinois, Jesup, Iowa, Sacramento, California 

So, with your clinic tour. How did you find that experience? Did you have a specific focus that you presented to the attendees? 

My clinic tour was great. I love teaching and expanding young minds. My primary focus was “ Finding the perfect balance between marching percussion and drumset” 

Darien Clinic WTHS

Describe your current set up & gear - heads and sticks...ect? 1. Cooper Groove Sticks 2. Symrna Cymbals 3. Mapex Drums 4. Sledgepad 5. 1964 in ears 

Would you consider yourself a gear junkie?  

Not really, lol but I do love my gear! 

Which wood shells do you prefer, and why?  

I prefer Birch, it leaves a very distinct sound in and out of studio. 

Do you have a “Dream Kit”?  

I love the sound of a Sonor or Yamaha kit 

How do you describe your drumming style? 

You can say my style is very versatile. I can sit in, in any genre and be comfortable playing their music. I challenge myself every 6 to 7 months striving to learn new styles of music. Opening up my mind to different rhythmic ideas is very important as a drummer.

Why the drums? 

Drums were my first love. Some of the musicians who inspired me were drummers. 

If you weren’t playing drums, what would you be doing? 

I'm pretty sure it would have to be something music related and the COO of a Cymbal Company, Symrna Cymbals USA 

How has drumming impacted or changed your life? 

Yes it has, it has allowed me to inspire musicians around the world. I'm very grateful to be in the position in life. 

Are you involved in the local music scene in your hometown, other than just playing in your band? 

I am an active musician for Enjoy Church.tv and New Life in Christ. 

What do you enjoy most about playing at church? 

First, I'm a child of God, I love God because he gave me the gift to play drums and being able to share it with the world. I love playing in church cause it allows me to connect people with God through my music, my worship and praise. I grew up in church and my connection to Christ came through the connection of people. Playing in church allows me to be free, and being able to connect with God spiritually through music. Also, I love to see the talent comes from the church. Gospel music can be bit challenging when it comes to certain artist or musicians that are in the church. So to see up and coming musicians rise to the top, do to their background in the church gives me the drive to work harder. Because I was the kid who sat on the front row each Sunday looking at my cousin Mario Hubbard play drums, which has lead us both to do great things in life.

Name 5 of your drumming influences? 

1. Tony Royster Jr. 

2. Rob Woodie 

3. Andre Boyd 

4. Mario Hubbard 

5. Calvin Rodgers 

Darien w/ Rob Woodie

Name an inspiring concert that made you want to go home and start shedding? 

After seeing Fred Hammond in concert with Calvin Rodgers on Drums. 

How much time do you practice? 

2 hours a day. 

What types of things do you work on, in those sessions? Independence, rudiments, articulation and grooves.

Do you record drum videos of yourself? if so, how has it helped you? sometimes in performances but mainly in my practice sessions. It allows me to see if my hands suck or not laugh out loud

Do you have a crazy or interesting gig you can share with us? 

I might have the opportunity to work in Shanghai, China with motive music in DCI fellowship. With this opportunity I'll be able to teach the marching percussion arts. 

What are your words of wisdom for your fellow drummers out there? 

Create opportunities for yourself on the business end of things. Make sure that your skill set is just as strong as your business model. Be open to ideas and connect with many drummers and companies as possible. 

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

I would like to thank Talkin' Chop for the opportunity to share my story my thoughts with this drum community. It is my job and my calling in life to share as much as I can with upcoming inspiring musicians.
https://darienguy.wordpress.com/
Facebook - artist page

I really want to thank Darien for sharing a little bit of his drum life with us.

Having that strong marching background has given this kat a different perspective and develop his style and approach to drumming.

I look forward to seeing his progress and success down the road.

If you guys get a chance, drop by his website or soc. med. and say hello. For those interested in his new stick or his book (coming soon) or maybe you just have some questions, hit him up.

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If you or someone you know needs a little free promo for their drumming career, maybe you're in a band or you work as a side man, play in church or a cover band? Hit me up and let's get you out there!

Contact: 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 52 - Go-Go Ray

GO GO RAY

Hey TC Family,

I hope this latest installment finds you well. And for those of you who may not be feeling great, I have called on the "Drum Counselor" to see if we can't help you out.

From the great state of Texas is where you will find our latest artist. A gentleman who has been working it for years and handling it like a pro. Genre after genre, Groove after groove, Go-Go is definitely a top notch talent and gives the gig exactly what it needs, with a little Go-Go thrown in ;)

So, if your feeling a little low have a seat or lay down and let the Drum Counselor help you get through whatever is troubling you, in your drum life.

Go-Go Ray is here to Talk Chop and we here to listen.

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Name:

Go-Go Ray

How did you get the name 'Drum Counselor'?

I didn’t want to use the words instructor and teacher when I started giving lessons.

Where are you from?

Dallas, TX

How long have you been playing?

39 years

What are your favorite genres to play?

Funk, Fusion, Jazz, Latin and Rock

How did you get where you are now?

Lots of lessons, practicing, listening, networking and gigging.

What are your goals, short & long term?

Short term goal – Improve my musicianship every three months.

Long term goal – Always continue to play live and in the studio.

Artists you would like to play for?

Alice Cooper, Miles Davis, Michael Jackson, Oz Noy, Prince and Frank Zappa.

List some of your accomplishments:

1992 Guitar Center Drum-Off Winner, 2010 Roland V-Drums Winner, 2014 Project Backstage Drummer of the Year, 2016 Online One FM Drummer of the Year

You're currently playing with Samantha Fish Band, how did that gig come about?

Samantha was looking for a drummer. My name was mentioned to her. I was in a band hosting a jam. She played a song with me. She left a CD for me at Explorers Percussion. She hired me to sub for two shows. After the second, show offered me the gig.

w/ Samantha Fish Band

Have you been playing a lot of blues gigs prior to this?

No. I was playing everything else except blues.

Listening to the music, you guys are cover a lot of ground within the blues, country, folk, americana vibe...How do approach those differences yet keeping it a consistent vibe?

I must play a certain way for each style. I’m allowed to make each style interesting without going overboard. There must be a groove that makes you move.

w/ Samantha Fish Band

With Samantha, you guys are doing some originals and covers live, are you also recording with her?

I haven’t recorded with her. I’m her touring drummer. I’m enjoying my position because it allows me to study the studio drummers the CDs.

Do you like being in a 3-piece band?

I LOVE it!!! There’s nowhere to hide in a trio.

"War Pigs" by Samantha Fish Band

You recently won the Midwest Music Awards 'Drummer of the Year' first off, Congratz on that! How does it feel when people appreciate your work in that way? 

Thank you!!! It’s very overwhelming. The fans made that happen in a huge way. I had 62% of the votes. I must practice MORE now.

Do you play any other instruments?

Yes, I do. Guitar, Bass and little bit of Keys.

What are your touring experiences, if any?

Billy Goat (1994-1997), Cameo – sub (2004), Mike Dillon’s Go-Go Jungle (2006-2009), Sister Hazel – sub (2008), Samantha Fish (2011 to present) and Anthony Gomes – sub (2014)

Playing with Cameo. How was that experience? I hear it can be a demanding gig for the drummer, since Larry is a drummer as well.

It was a GREAT experience. Larry is all about the groove. Strong pocket!!! When he counts off the song, his tempo is the law. 

What's your current set up & gear - heads and sticks...ect?

Yamaha Oak Customs Drums – 5 piece, Yamaha Hardware and Pedals, Paiste Cymbals, Aquarian Drumheads, Promark Drumsticks, Cympads, Humes & Berg Cases, Carmichael Drum Thrones, Sweet Spot Drum Dampeners, Sennheiser Mics, 64 Audio Earbuds and a Sennheiser IEM System.

Are you a gear junkie?

Uh oh!!! You know my secret. LOL! I’m trying to control it.

Do you have a “Dream Kit”? 

3 snares, 3 kicks, 3 or 4 rack toms, 3 floor toms, 3 gongs and LOTS of cymbals.

That's a kool dream kit idea, so what gig would you be playing this kit on?

Any gig that has the space for it. Ha Ha!!! I would use that kit in any situation. It would really come in handy for the end of the very last song of the show. LOL!!!

How do you describe your drumming style?

Groove with accuracy, feel and conviction.

Why the drums?

As a kid, I always thought the drummer was cool. Lots of movement and hitting things. I wanted to be a part of that.

If you weren’t playing drums, what would you be doing?

Delivering mail, selling insurance or performing autopsies.

How has drumming impacted or changed your life?

Drumming has allowed me to see the world, meet lots of people, stay in shape

Are you playing music full time?

I’m playing and teaching music full time. It’s a blessing.

When it comes to teaching, has any of your students played something that caused you to take what they did and use it?

Gregg Bissonette said "Good composers borrow. Great composers steal." I'm a great composer with my students. Ha Ha!!! My students are always playing something cool. I let them know when I'm using their ideas. 

Do you go out and support other artists, when your home?

Yes, I do. It’s always great to see the other artists perform.

Name 5 of your drumming influences? why?

Tony Williams – Bringing power to Jazz/Ride Cymbal patterns

Vinnie Colaiuta – Fearless, Technique

Terry Bozzio – Very creative

John Bonham – Single Bass Drum Technique, Power

Dennis Chambers – Accuracy, Speed, Grooves

Name an inspiring concert that made you want to go home and start shedding?

Dave Weckl Band, Prince (Sheila E, John Blackwell), Joey Heredia, The Bar-Kays (Mike Beard), Nerve (JoJo Mayer), Alice Cooper (Glen Sobel) and Vinnie Colaiuta.

How much time do you practice?

Not enough. I get to practice when a student misses a lesson.

What types of things do you work on, in those sessions?

Grooves, Fills, Warm-ups and Creativity.

Go-Go Ray solo - Beyond Failure Drum Tribe Birthday Bash 2013

Do you record drum videos of yourself? if so, how has it helped you?

Sometimes I do record videos of myself. It helps a lot. You see and hear what’s working for the music and things you should NEVER play again.

I saw your 2010 Roland V-Drums contest winning performance, really great stuff! a very kool and well put together piece. Do you do a lot of electronic drum work?

Thanks for the kind words!!! I’m not doing a lot of electronic drum work these days, but I hopefully that will change.

Go-Go Ray - Grand Prize Winner, Roland V-Drums Contest 2010

Do you prefer studio sessions, local live gigs or touring?

I prefer studio sessions and touring, but if I’m available for a local live gig, I will be there to provide a solid foundation.

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

Being in band allows for more creative input. Being a sideman allows you to play parts created by others. 

Do you have a crazy or interesting gig you can share with us?

I played a show with a display of potato chips behind me.

What are your words of wisdom for your fellow drummers out there?

Learn all you can, keep your mind sharp and never give up.

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

BIG thanks to God, family, friends, musicians and fans for allowing me to be me.

Thanks to DeHaven for this wonderful opportunity.

www.drumcounselor.com

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Does everybody feel a little better? I know I do.

I want to thank Go-Go for sharing his drum life with us. I really dig his versatility and passion. You can see and hear why people want to work with him and why he will never be outta work.

No matter the genre, make sure the groove is there. 

You guys make sure you stop by his Soc Med pages and say "hello". If your you're not busy, make sure you catch him with Samantha Fish or any other artists he's playing for, when they come to your town.

Continued success and keep it groovin' Go-Go!!

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Do you know a drummer that should be interviewed for Talkin' Chop?

Maybe it's you!

Contact me and let's make it happen.

DeHaven - de@oliomusic.com

www.facebook.com/dirtyde

www.facebook.com/talkinchop

http://twitter.com/talkinchopblog

www.dehavendrummer.com 

#DrummersSupportDrummers  #TalkinChop  #DrumLife

I'M OUT!

DeHaven is sponsored by:

Soultone Cymbals, SilverFox Drumsticks, Cympad, Cymbag & Phatfoot Drum Harness

Get you very own DRUMMER Tee
#DrummersSupportDrummers

Only avail at www.dehavendrummer.com 

Volume 51 - Josh Thieler

JOSH THIELER

 photo by Chris Smith

TC #51 Takes us to a favorite city of mine. Pittsburgh, PA
We find a young kat who is making his way in the heavy music world. Josh has his own band and works with some other projects as well. He also does PR work for artists. This guy is really doing things his way and making a name for himself. It's always a good thing when you see drummers who are leading the way in projects yet also know how to be a side man. So, if you like it metal and hardcore or maybe you like to grind and sludge, maybe just straight up death! This is what Josh is all about and his band proves it.
Let's see what all the TALKin' Chop is about....



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Name or Stage Name:

Josh Thieler

Where are you from?

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

So, how long have you been playing and Why the drums?

My parents had a band since before I was born. They did not have a drummer for the longest time so it was kind of expected that I learn to play the drums. They gave me piano lessons starting at age 7, and I hated it. When I was 11, I got to start taking drum lessons briefly. I started performing with my parents’ band (Remnant) 6 months later. I played with them until I was 15, and I had hundreds of shows with them. By that time, I started playing for four different churches, so I stuck with drums.

You have been and are involved in some pretty hardcore bands, is that your primary genre?

My Dad got me into metal when I was 3 years old by giving me Vengeance Rising’s “Released Upon the Earth” and Tourniquet’s “Stop the Bleeding” on cassette tape. I loved it instantly, and I have spent my whole life finding new subgenres and artists to feed my need for more. Metal will always be my first love and primary genre. 

I am interested in writing with a dark folk/indie/postpunk something or other. I have wanted to do something in the strain of Sufjan Stevens, Chelsea Wolfe, or the Avett Brothers for a long time. I’ll do it eventually, but I am doing what I really want to do right now.

How did you get where you are now?

Practicing a lot, saying “yes” to things, and being nice to people. 

What are your goals, short & long term?

Goals. I always have goals. I’m always working on something. My goals are to stay active, record more (for everyone), and to continuously grow as a drummer.

Artists you would like to play for, if you had the chance?

I think it would be a lot of fun to play drums for Norma Jean or Zao. If Spitfire ever got back together, I would drop everything to play with them.

List some of your accomplishments:

I have recorded multiple releases for Slaves BC, an as-of-yet unreleased album for Twilight Fauna, done a short tour with Grave Robber, and recorded for a secret also unreleased collaboration between an American acoustic/spoken word artist and a Ukrainian noise artist. Other things in the works, but I’m not allowed to talk about them.

Playing in multiple projects, how do you manage that?

Slaves BC is my baby. I started that band with my two best friends, so that band will always come first. Anything else that I participate in, I make sure that they know that Slaves comes first. I mostly like to record for other bands. That way, I can set that time aside and do it, but I have no future obligations weighing me down.

Tell me about the band SLAVES BC?

In Slaves BC, we are trying to write the music that I want to hear. We mix a bunch of different subgenres like Grind, Black and Death Metal, Hardcore, Sludge, and Doom. I listen to a lot of different kinds of bands and I like to keep it interesting by blending the styles. 

SLAVES BC

How did you come up with the name Slaves BC & What does it mean?

I got it from 1st Corinthians 7:22 in the Bible. "For the one who was a slave when called to faith in the Lord is the Lord's freed person; similarly, the one who was free when called is Christ's slave."

I wanted to just do "Slaves" but that was already taken. Slaves Before Christ is a more obvious nod to the verse so I went with that. 

Are you singing lead in this band as well?

I am. 

"Crawling Through Nothing to Nothing" drumcam

There aren't a lot of us that sing and play, was this born out of necessity or just something you always wanted to bring to the table?

When we started the band, it was just the three of us. I was always supposed to be the vocalist, but we did not have a drummer. We weren’t playing shows at first, so I just played drums. When we started playing shows, we had a drummer for a bit, but it didn’t work out. So since the end of 2012, I was doing drums and vocals at the same time. For about a year now we have had a friend filling in on live vocals which has been great.

Now, with the kind of music you're playing, it's very dynamic. Is it difficult working in the vocals?

Ha, it is terrible. I am out an out of shape smoker, so doing the kind of vocals I do with the kind of drums I do really takes it out of me. My wife said to me one night after a show, 

“Honey, why were you making those faces? It looked like you were tired and in pain the whole time.”

I explained that it was because I was tired and in pain the whole time.

"God Has Turned His Back" + "Crawling Through Nothing To Nothing" drumcam

As Indie bands, you have to hustle to make things happen... do you perform any other roles in the band, other than drummer?

You have to love the hustle, haha. I do all the album art, art for shirts, and some show posters. I handle all the social media, PR, management, and booking for the band. 

How did the PR thing happen?

I had been doing the PR for the band myself. When I was sending out the press release for our full length earlier this year, I was having trouble getting in contact with one site. So I asked someone who does PR, and they said, “Yeah, we don’t have that contact either but here is what we would charge you for PR”. I was seriously quoted thousands of dollars. I couldn’t believe it. It turned out that I actually had more contacts than the PR company charging thousands to these underground bands. So I decided to continue doing it myself and offer bands exposure at a much more reasonable rate.

*This is how you help the music community. Find a need and fill it.

What are your touring experiences, if any?

My touring experience is limited compared to a lot of my friends. I have noticed that when we play outside of Pittsburgh it always feels like a big deal. It seems like people take us much more seriously outside of our hometown. Part of that is probably just the amount of shows we have played in Pittsburgh. Everyone thinks “I’ll skip this show; I can always go to the next one”. We don’t tour much just because we have to play shows around the weekends. We all have full time jobs and wives/girlfriends that we don’t want to leave for long periods of time. With that said, we want to do more!

Describe your current set up & gear - heads and sticks...etc.?

I have a Yamaha Stage Custom Advantage kit that used to be an 11 piece that I have cut back to a 4 piece. 

I exclusively use Saluda Cymbals. Saluda customizes each cymbal according to what you want. They sound as gorgeous as they look and last me years, rather than months. My current setup is the following:

Diamond 6" bell

Earthworks 15" heavy hi-hats

Glory 14" inverted China

Glory 16" heavy crash

Glory 18" heavy crash

Glory 20" heavy rough bell ride

Glory 22" heavy china

I have a revolving roster of snare drums that I use depending on my mood or what project I am using them for.

I use Vic Firth 7A’s in my left hand and 5A’s in my right hand.

I use Evans Onyx heads for my 14” rack tom and my 16” floor tom.

I switch up my snare heads constantly, but I always use Evans heads on my snares.

I use the Aquarian Superkick III kick drum head. 

I use a DW 9000 double kick pedal.

photo by Amy Dawn

Do you have a “Dream Kit”? 

My “Dream Kit” would look pretty similar to my current kit. I have no desire to use any heads other than Evans, and I would never use anything other than my Saluda cymbals. I have been really interested in working with Mullins Custom Drums. Mullins does fantastic work: absolutely gorgeous drums both in look and sound.

When you sit behind your kit, what is the first thing that comes to mind?

Zao’s “Five Year Winter” or Dillinger Escape Plan’s “Panasonic Youth”

I see you have played for a number of churches over the years, what kind of stuff are you doing, Christian Contemporary, Worship Music, Traditional?

No one has ever asked me about that, haha. It depended on the church mostly. Some of them were more traditional, some were mostly middle aged, and some were very young. So I did a lot of Christian Contemporary and Worship Music. We also did that thing that all churches do by trying to take pop culture songs and either recreate them or “find Christ” in the message of the songs. This led to a lot of things that make me glad YouTube wasn’t around at the time really.

Is it easy for you to switch gears, when you play with your band projects?

It is. I incorporate aspects from all the styles I play into everything I do. Whenever I’m playing with a different project, I just allow a little more of one influence or another to shine through a little more.

If you weren’t playing drums, what would you be doing?

There are other things to do? WHAT?! If you mean what would I be doing in a band, then I guess I would just be doing vocals. That is what I have done when I’m not playing drums in a band. I am trying to teach myself guitar though because I’ve always wanted to. Once I get that down more, I will be doing a bunch of solo stuff as time allows. One of those projects is pretty solid and just waiting on me to finish leveling up on guitar and I’ll have a place to put out the record.

How has drumming impacted or changed your life?

Not to get weird, but you asked. I had a rough patch a while back. I was an alcoholic for a couple of years, and I stopped doing music and art. I drank all day every day. I stopped talking to most people I knew. I stopped going to church. I would literally drink from the minute I woke up until the minute I passed out. There were a couple times I almost just ended it all. 

One of my best friends in the world came to me one day and was like “you have to stop all this”. He told me that I was going to start doing music again. He set up a tryout with a band called Inhale Exhale and said, “ok, you have a month. Get back into it.” So I did. I quit drinking. I played drums after work every day. Sometimes I would play until 4 in the morning for that month. I ended up not getting in Inhale Exhale, but by that time, I had recovered from alcohol and regained my hunger for music. I’ve been doing music again ever since. 

Well, not to keep it "weird" I think it's very kool to see how the power of music can help a person overcome a bad situation

Thx for sharing that. You never know who you can touch with that story.

That is my point for sharing it. I believe that there can be redemption in all things. The redemption that can be found in our darkness is by sharing that story with others that are living in that darkness right now. If I can make it out, you can make it. 

Are you playing music full time?

I am not. I have an awesome day job working for a medical software company. If you tally up all the time I spend writing, playing, doing art, PR, writing for different music sites, doing band management and label management, and everything else I do, it would be a full time job.

photo by Chris Smith

Name 5 of your drumming influences? why?

Ted Kirpatrick from Tourniquet. That was the band that got me into metal and got me interested in drums. Ted wrote and recorded most of the music/instruments on the Tourniquet albums. He is just an all-around musical genius. The stuff that he plays to this day blows me away sometimes.

Daniel Davison from Norma Jean. When I first heard “Bless the Martyr, Kiss the Child” by Norma Jean, I had never heard anything like it. So chaotic and intense. The drums were so unconventional and fun to play. 

Frost from 1349. That dude is just nuts. The stuff that he does with that band is just impossible. Watching the drumcam videos of him is some of fastest and most intense drumming I’ve ever seen.

Ben Koller from Converge/Mutoid Man/All Pigs Must Die every other band ever. Ben Koller is all around insane. He plays it all. The intensity and subtle intricacies that he interweaves through all of his material just blows my mind. He always looks like he is having the best time.

Every drummer that the Dillinger Escape Plan has ever had: mostly Chris Pennie, Gil Sharone, and Billy Rymer. Anytime I would ever feel like I am getting too big of a head, I just listen to any of DEP’s records or watch videos of any of their drummers. This always shames me to the point of just crying on the floor vowing to never play drums again. Seriously. Where do people like that even come from? It makes no sense that they are real human beings. 

Name an inspiring concert that made you want to go home and start shedding?

Seeing Norma Jean or The Chariot live always made me want to go home and play. Those guys always looked like they had so much fun. 

Seeing dudes like Steve Schwegler from Pyrrhon or Josh Cohen from Die Choking do the opposite. Those guys are inhuman. They make me want to go home and give my drums away. 

How much time do you practice?

I try to practice every day.

What types of things do you work on, in those sessions?

I either work to improve songs that we are currently writing, jam along to my favorite records, or write drums for other bands I’m recording for. I like to watch drum workshops or drumcams on YouTube and try new techniques. I also like to go through snare drum teaching books, but I go through those using my feet to get better/faster at double pedal.

"God Has Turned His Back" drumcam (just drums)

You record drum videos of yourself, so how has this helped you?

 It helps in a bunch of ways. I can better see my mistakes and identify those problem areas so I can improve. Honestly, watching those drum cam videos has been a real confidence booster. I’m usually pretty down on myself with my ability and performance, so having that video actually helps build me up and let me know that I’m doing alright. 

Do you prefer studio sessions, local live gigs or touring?

I love touring, but I would definitely say studio sessions. I love pushing myself and seeing what can be created with passion and collaboration. Nothing beats the feeling of nailing a take or getting those first mixes back. 

Are you a Pittsburgh sports fan?

No.

(we need to talk, lol)

Do you have a crazy or interesting gig you can share with us?

This is not a real gig, but I’ll tell it anyway. I was in college to be a youth pastor way back (that’s where I met my dudes in Slaves BC). As part of my college schedule, I had to volunteer at a church as a youth leader. A girl that I knew decided that I was going to work with her at her church. So I showed up and they were like “Oh, good, the drummer is here”. They asked me if I had brought my kit. I was very surprised and said no, since I had never met or talked to these people before. They said, “Oh well. We hear you are good, so you are playing drums with our worship team tonight. There is our drumset”. Now, I look at this kit, and it was the standard no-name donated kit that most “hip” churches had. They did not have a drum throne or a snare stand or drum sticks. So, I had to sit on a pew, with the snare drum on my lap, and use (no joke) wooden serving spoons to play with people I had never met before. That was a truly humbling and embarrassing experience. 

There is a picture, I’ll see if I can find it somewhere... (found it!)

(all of us church kats can relate bro, trust me!)

When it's all said and done, what do you want your legacy to be?

Now that is a loaded question that I could right thousands of words on. I suppose that I am true to my passions. I want to be known for grace, love, and black metal.

What are your words of wisdom for your fellow drummers out there?

Practice daily, always look for new music, you can always be better, put yourself out there, be nice, and only do this what you love. If you are doing it for any other reason, then stop.

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

This has been awesome, thank you for taking the time to interview me. 

As far as links, check out my main band, Slaves BC at slavesbc.bandcamp.com (or Spotify/itunes)

Follow Slaves BC on YouTube for more drumcam videos. Follow me on Instagram (cvrsedbreath) for lots of pictures/videos of Boston Terriers, drum stuff, and beer. 

Talk to me on Twitter https://twitter.com/CVRSEDBREATH






Yo Josh, thx man for sharing your drum life with us. Big Thank You for your testimony, I believe there are others out there who needed to read that and they also need the support of others around them to help them get through those difficult times.
Wishing you, your band Slaves BC and all of your other projects nothing but success. Keep pushing and never stop!
btw- I won't hold it against you, that you're not a Steelers, Pirates or Penguins fan, lol.




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I hope you all enjoyed Josh and his band.
Remember, you and your band can be profiled on TC.
Maybe you're a studio player or you play in different bands around town or on the road? It doesn't matter. Let's get your drum life out there. 
Contact me:
DeHaven  de@oliomusic.com
www.facebook.com/dirtyde
www.facebook.com/talkinchop
http://twitter.com/talkinchopblog


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I'M OUT!




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