Working Drummer

Jeff Brown started his musical journey in Southern California, eventually moving to Nashville, TN when he was 19 years old. He cut his teeth touring and recording with rock bands throughout his 20s, working as a hired gun for both studio sessions and touring artists across many different genres. His resumé includes Reeves Gabrels (David Bowie/The Cure), Paramore, Steve Cropper, Phil Vassar, Thomas Rhett, Casey James (American Idol), Steel Magnolia (Can You Duet), Bucky Covington (American Idol) and many more. His home studio, Shrug Sound Studio is where he records drum tracks remotely and mixes songs for clients all over the world. He also engineers tracks for fellow drummers that don’t have a space to record. Repeat clients Ed Toth (The Doobie Brothers) and Kevin Murphy (Tonic/Jon Pardi), among others, rely on his accessibility, professionalism, and quick turnaround times. His studio is a comfortable and enjoyable place to record music.

In this episode, Jeff talks about:

What has changed for him since our first interview in 2015

Taking control of your career

Jeff’s time as a drum tech

Tuning for a variety of scenarios

Finding the magic and energy when tracking by yourself at home

Work flow hacks in the home studio

AI vs a real person tracking

Keeping up with the tech

Taking a break from performing live

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Gustavo Cortiñas was born and raised in Mexico City. His interest in drumming and jazz took him to Loyola University in New Orleans where he studied with Johnny Vidacovich, and on to Northwestern University in Chicago, where he has lived and worked since. His sixth album as a leader is entitled "The Drum Also Sings."

In this episode, Gustavo talks about:

Growing up in Mexico City, the son of two educators, and being surrounded by all kinds of music

Being inspired by the individuality of jazz heroes who came through Mexico City, from Dave Weckl to Dave King to Brian Blade

How circumstances intervened to steer hims path toward both New Orleans and Chicago

The immediacy and accessibility of seeing and hearing jazz drummers in an intimate setting

“The immigrant blessing”

His new record being “conceived during a period of personal and collective difficulty”

The ancestral connection between drums and voice

Gustavo’s new record

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Chase Adam's musical journey started when he was just three years old, collaborating with his father Thurman in the field of music. He spent many years performing in church and later pursued music education at school, specializing in various genres like concert, symphonic, jazz, and marching percussion. Throughout his early years, he played a significant role in establishing the Indianapolis Colts Drumline and the Indiana Pacers "High Octane" Drumline, while also sharing his expertise with local high school drumlines and offering private lessons. As a skilled freelance drummer living in Nashville with his wife and son, he divides his time between touring with The Frontmen, entertaining audiences at local clubs, and making valuable contributions to recording sessions.

In this episode, Chase talks about:

What and how to practice as a professional

Recording on his first “master session”

Using drum corp experience in a musical way on the kit

Staying sane on the road

Drumming with The Frontmen

Grooving and making music without the click

Confidence and authority behind the kit

Playing Lower Broadway in Nashville

Dealing with a family tragedy

Home studio work

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Chris Draper is a drummer, author, and performance coach based in London. After coming up on the city's Jazz and Fusion scene as the drummer in the house band at the legendary Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club, Chris began getting opportunities in musical theatre, culminating in landing the drum chair on the West End production of Hamilton.

His new book, "The Inner Athlete: A Musician's Guide to Performance Conditioning," is the result of what Chris learned through rehabilitation after sustaining two traumatic brain injuries and subsequently getting certified as a personal trainer.

In this episode, Chris talks about:

No longer having a home studio, and not missing it

How a chance meeting at a pub led to his musical theatre career

Playing in the house band at Ronnie Scott’s jazz club in London

How some college programs are becoming more open to commercial music, especially when it comes to drums

The traumatic brain injuries and subsequent recovery that inspired him to write “The Inner Athlete”

What regulation is, physiologically, and different ways to do it

The power of breath work 

Why conventional weight training and athletic conditioning doesn’t work best for musicians

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Reuben Spyker is a master technician who has built his career as an educator, artist, and innovative drummer.  Reuben has developed teaching programs that emphasize efficient playing, critical observation, and creativity.  Most recently, Reuben has combined his obsession with detail and interest in art to create an original signature snare drum with the help of master snare builder Ronn Dunnett.  

In this episode, Reuben talks about:

    The many facets of Reubens career

    Using curiosity as inspiration

    Finding joy in things like drawing, building things and Davinci

    Working closely with Ronn Dunnett to build a custom snare drum

    The importance of critiquing yourself

    The power of focus

    Reuben’s different teaching courses

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