|
|
Tell us about yourself: I've been playing drums since I was 12 years old. I started in my middle school marching band. Tell us about your band and how you became a member of it: Slaughter is pretty much a straight ahead rock band. We have five studio albums out and two live CD's. I was living in Texas playing in a local band when I heard that ex-members of the Vinnie Vincent Invasion were auditioning drummers and guitar players so I scraped up enough money for a one way ticket to L. A. and made the audition. What bands were you in prior to your current one: Nothing noteable. BlackSheep, Z-Rocks, Nemesis. Just local Texas bands. Who all have you worked with outside of the bands you've been in: Ross Robinson, Brian VanDerArk from the Verve Pipe, Randy Jackson from Zebra, Kik Tracee, Sister Whiskey, members of Kansas. How old were you when you took an interest in becoming a drummer: I was around 8 years old probably. I used to watch the Beatles cartoons before school and I thought Ringo was pretty cool. Why did you decide to pursue a career as a drummer: I never made a conscious decision to pursue it as a career. I just love playing. What bands were a major influence on you: The Beatles, Kiss, Led Zeppelin, Cheap Trick, Rush. Which drummers influenced you and why:
John Bonham - for his power and groove Tell us the specifics of your drumkit:
1 19" Sabian AA medium thin crash Do you do warm up exercises and if so, how do you warm up: Yes I usually warm up by playing some basic rudiments and stretching. What rudiments do you use: I love combining single, double and triple paradiddles and also reversing paradiddles. What other instruments can you play: Guitar and vocals. What piece of gear would you like to see come out: Reissue of Ludwig Vistalite drums. How do you feel about triggers versus mic setups: I think triggers sound good but I've never had good luck live with them. I tried using them but got lots of double triggers and misfires. How do you feel about playing to a sequencer for prerecorded backup vocals: We've never used that with Slaughter but I have with some other groups. I guess if the artist feels it adds to the music it's okay. What monitor system is best for you and what do you like to hear in the mix: I wear earplugs so I like a lot of high end in my mix so I can hear the click. Rock Stage mixes usually sound really bad because of the volume. I like an overall mix of all the instruments and vocals. Do you sing as well as play drums: I sing on the records but I don't usually sing live. Do you play to the guitar or with the bass guitar: Mainly the guitar. How do you achieve the best drum sound in a studio situation (room size for drums, mics, and placement): Depends on what kind of sound I'm looking for. I like wood walled rooms usually and we experiment with a combo of close drum mikes and various room mikes. What is your favorite drum sound on LP or CD: I don't have one fave. I like ours on Stick It To Ya for that time period. I like the sounds on the Metallica Black CD. Do you have pointers for anyone interested in learning to play drums and pursuing a career as a musician: Be dedicated and only do it for the love of the music. Not the money or fame. If that comes then fine but don't define yourself by it. Are you currently working on any special projects and if so, can you tell us about them: I was involved in a movie with Mark Walberg and Jenifer Aniston called "So you want to be a Rock Star", due out early next year sometime. Are there any particular bands you're listening to lately: Nothing specific. Any other comments: Thanks for the interview. Would you be interested in doing an interview for the website at a later date: No problem.
|