Drummers Pathway Podcast

Episode 68 - Migdalia Van Der Hoven (Challenging Perceptions & Overcoming Obstacles)

This episode features my conversation with Migdalia Van Der Hoven.

Born and raised in Mexico, Migdalia studied at the Berklee College of Music and is now based in the UK. She’s an internationally acclaimed drummer renowned for her versatility. Currently active in UK musical theatre, her credits include the shows SIX the Musical, Little Shop Of Horrors, Cake the Musical and working with The Royal Shakespeare Company.

As the leader of the Migdalia Van Der Hoven Quartet, she has released 2 projects including the EP Girl Facing South and their debut album Point Of Departure, which was recorded at the famed Abbey Road Studios.

Migdalia is also the UK Ambassador for the organization “Women In Jazz Media”

In our conversation, we talk about her experiences growing up in Mexico and how that shaped her musical identity. We discuss overcoming the obstacles she has faced throughout her career, and why it’s essential to adapt your professional aspirations in order to live a fulfilling life as a creative artist, while managing a healthy work/life balance.

Follow Migdalia:
https://www.migdaliavanderhoven.com
https://www.instagram.com/migdaliavanderhoven/
https://www.facebook.com/migdaliavanderhoven1
https://www.youtube.com/miggytamez

Episode 67 - Stanton Moore (New Orleans Traditions & Musical Identity)

This episode features my conversation with Stanton Moore.

Stanton is best known as the founding member and drummer of the New Orleans funk band Galactic. His distinctive style blends the rich rhythmic traditions of New Orleans with elements of funk, jazz, and rock.

Beyond Galactic, Stanton has established himself as a sought-after session musician, collaborating with artists across multiple genres. He’s also released several acclaimed solo albums.

As an educator, Stanton shares his knowledge through his instructional books, videos, and online academy. His commitment to preserving and evolving New Orleans' musical traditions has made him one of the most respected drummers in the industry today.

In our conversation, we talk about his experiences growing up in New Orleans and how that shaped his musical identity. We discuss the fundamentals of being a successful student, establishing your career, and why it is essential to embrace a healthy work/life balance in order to maintain your positive well being. 

Follow Stanton:
https://www.stantonmoore.com
https://www.stantonmooredrumacademy.com
https://www.instagram.com/stanton_moore/
https://www.facebook.com/stantonmooremusic
https://www.youtube.com/@stantonmooremusic

Episode 66 - Nic Collins (Genesis, Honouring Legacy & Following His Own Path)

This episode features my conversation with Nic Collins. 

As the son of music legend Phil Collins, Nic has gone on to establish his own path as professional drummer and honour his father’s legacy

When he was still a teenager, Nic became the drummer for his father’s Not Dead Yet solo tour and was later invited to take over the drumset chair for the final Genesis tour. Currently, Nic is touring with Mike & The Mechanics and is also involved in his own original projects.

In our conversation, we talk about his experiences growing up as the son of a music industry icon, and how his father encouraged him to follow his passion. We also talk about his experiences and lessons learned on final Phil Collins and Genesis tours and establishing his own career. 

Photo credit by @mediaproductions_ (Jenna & Tevin Stoch)

Follow Nic:
https://www.instagram.com/nic_collins/

Phil Collins Drumeo Documentary

 

Episode 65 - Drum Recording Roundtable (Featuring Matt Starr, Victor Indrizzo & Jamie Wollam)

This episode, I had the pleasure to be joined by drummers Matt Starr, Victor Indrizzo and Jamie Wollam in a roundtable discussion on the subject of drum recording.

It was a great opportunity to share ideas and perspectives for recording drums in a home studio environment with these highly regarded musicians.

In our conversation, we talk about how they got started and how their processes have evolved over the years. We also discuss how to stay motivated when working on your own and why reaching out to experts for continued professional development is essential.

Links:
https://www.therealmattstarr.com
https://www.instagram.com/therealmattstarr/

http://www.indrizzodrums.com
https://www.instagram.com/victorindrizzo/

https://www.jamiewollamdrums.com
https://www.instagram.com/jameswollam/

Episode 64 - Adam Bowman (Finding Joy & Purpose In Living An Artful Life)

This episode features my conversation with Adam Bowman. 

Based out of Guelph, Ontario, Adam is an accomplished drummer and respected educator known for his musicality and versatility across different genres.

Throughout his career, Adam has toured extensively and contributed to numerous albums as a session player. In addition to his live and studio work, he is actively involved as an accompanist for modern and contemporary dance classes with IMAGEO Artworks and Dancetheatre David Earle.

As an educator, Adam is currently the drum set instructor at the University of Guelph, and also a facilitator for several community organizations that focus on creative expression and mental wellbeing through music.

In our conversation, we talk about how martial arts and the philosophies of Bruce Lee have inspired his approach to music and life. We also discuss the importance of living an artful life and despite the choices you have made in your life and career, that the bravest choice you can make is to change your mind.

Follow Adam:
https://www.adambowman.com
https://www.instagram.com/adambowmanmusic/
https://www.facebook.com/adam.bowman.16

Episode 63 - Mike Dawson (Drum Candy Podcast & Elements Of Professionalism)

This episode features my conversation with drummer Mike Dawson.

Based out of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Mike is the Chief Creative Officer for Drum Factory Direct and also the host of the popular Drum Candy podcast.

Prior to his current role with Drum Factory Direct, Mike was the Managing Editor for Modern Drummer magazine from 2004 - 2020, and along with Mike Johnston, was the co-host of the popular Modern Drummer Podcast.

Mike maintains an active online presence and is highly regarded for his expertise in everything from drum gear to education.

In our conversation, we talk about the importance of versatility, the essential characteristics of professionalism required to navigate a career in the music industry, and Mike’s passion for creative explorations.

Photo by Jordan Bellotti

Follow Mike:
https://www.instagram.com/mikedawsondrums/
https://www.youtube.com/@MikeDawsonDrums
https://www.facebook.com/mike.dawson.545
Drum Candy Podcast
https://www.drumfactorydirect.com

Episode 62 - Paul Wertico (Creative Explorations & Working With Pat Metheny)

This episode features my conversation with drummer Paul Wertico.

Based out of Chicago, Paul is highly regarded for his fearless approach, artistry and musicality.

He is best known for being the legendary Pat Metheny’s drummer for 18 years, during which he recorded multiple Grammy award winning albums.

Paul is a bandleader and prolific composer who has released numerous projects under his own name. Frequently sought after for his creativity, his work can also be heard on hundreds of recordings with many artists.

As an educator, Paul has been teaching privately for over 45 years and is also an Associate Professor of Jazz Studies at Roosevelt University’s Chicago College of the Performing Arts.

In our conversation, we talk about how his curiosity to explore different musical genre’s has inspired his creative approach. We also discuss his work with the Pat Metheny Group and how he uses his personal experiences to inspire others to get outside their comfort zone, allowing them to find their own creative voice.

Follow Paul:
https://www.paulwertico.com
https://www.instagram.com/paulwertico/
https://www.facebook.com/paulwertico1

Episode 61 - Alphonso Young Jr (Contemporary Approach To Traditional Teaching Fundamentals )

This episode features my conversation with drummer Alphonso Young Jr.

Based out of Virginia, Alphonso is highly regarded for his versatility and musicality.

Throughout his 50 year career, he has worked with numerous high profile jazz artists, but is best know for his work with the Eric Byrd Trio, of which he has been a member for over 20 years.

Alphonso is a music teacher with the Loudoun County Public Schools and is also currently on faculty at Shenandoah University & Gettysburg College where he is a leading authority on drum set performance.

In our conversation, we talk about how he adapts traditional methods to develop contemporary approaches when learning the fundamentals. We also talk about the importance of incorporating musical applications into each lesson and why it’s essential to be open to learning as much from your students as they do from you.

Follow Alphonso:
https://www.instagram.com/alyoungjr/
https://ericbyrdtrio.com/trio/alphonso-young-jr/

Email:
ayoung@su.edu

Episode 60 - Andy Zildjian (SABIAN Cymbals Legacy & Artistry)

This episode features my conversation with Andy Zildjian, who is the President  and CEO of Sabian Cymbals.

Based out of Meductic, New Brunswick, the Sabian Cymbal company was established in 1981 by Andy’s father, Robert Zildjian. The company is highly regarded for its artistry and dedication to craftsmanship, focusing on traditional manufacturing processes and continuing to innovate to meet the demand of their consumers.

In our conversation, we talk about legacy and how family dynamics lead to the formation of the Sabian Cymbal company. We also discuss the manufacturing processes, how they adapt to create new product lines and why it’s important to develop and promote education.

Follow Sabian:
https://sabian.com
https://www.instagram.com/sabiancymbals/
https://www.facebook.com/SABIANCymbals
Sabian Education Network

Episode 59 - Jake Sommers (Networking Essentials & Working with Luke Combs)

This episode features my conversation with drummer Jake Sommers. 

Originally from New York and currently based in Nashville, Jake is highly regarded for his versatility and dynamic playing. He is best known as the touring drummer for country superstar Luke Combs, which is a position he has held since 2015.

Discovering his passion for music at a young age, Jake went on to study music at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia where he earned his Music Performance Degree in 2013.

After graduating, Jake moved to Nashville to pursue a professional music career. He worked regularly on the Broadway circuit in downtown Nashville, seeking out any opportunity to perform.

In our conversation, we talk about the importance of building genuine relationships through networking in order to establish your career. We also discuss why it’s essential to be prepared for every opportunity and maintain a positive attitude.

Follow Jake
http://www.jakesommersdrums.com
https://www.instagram.com/jakesommers7/
https://www.facebook.com/jake.sommrs7
Photo Credit - David Bergman