Drummers Pathway Podcast

Episode 56 - Gene Champagne (The Killjoys, Teenage Head and Pursuing Creative Opportunities)

This episode features my conversation with drummer, Gene Champagne.

Born and raised in Hamilton, Ontario, Gene is a founding member of the Juno award winning band The Killjoys. In 2016, he became the drummer for Canadian music icons, Teenage Head, a band that was very influential in his development years.

Gene is also a singer and songwriter and currently is the frontman for his own project, Gene Champagne and the Unteens, who recently released their EP, “Let’s Jet.”

In our conversation, we talk about his early musical influences and what it was like to grow up as part of the thriving Hamilton music scene. 

We also discuss his experiences recording and touring with The Killjoys and what his creative approach is as a songwriter.

Follow Gene:
Facebook - Gene Champagne Music
https://www.instagram.com/genechampagne_official/

Episode 55 - Angelo Pentaris (Embracing Obstacles & Changing Perceptions)

This episode features my conversation with drummer & motivational speaker, Angelo Pentaris.

Based in Greece, Angelo was born with cerebral palsy and quadriplegia. At 4 months of age, the doctors said that he would not be able to move his arms and legs, therefore not allowing him to lead an independent life. Through the support of his parents and their belief that he would be capable of living a life without limitations, Angelo began a daily regiment of physio-therapy when he was 9 months old. 

It was through his perseverance, commitment to exercise  and physical movement, that Angelo was able to overcome his disability. 

He discovered the drums through his passion for music and went on to pursue a Bachelor Of Music degree at the Los Angeles College Of Music. After graduating, Angelo began a career as a professional musician and opened his own production studio.

He also established himself as a motivational speaker, who has inspired many others to not let limitations stand in their way, allowing them to face their fears and embrace their full potential.

In our conversation, we talk about his diagnosis and how he was able to overcome the obstacles that he faced. We discuss why it’s essential to commit to doing the work that is required to achieve your goals and why it’s important to not allow other’s perceptions of your capabilities deter you from achieving your dreams.

TED Talk - Moving From Fear To Faith
Spotify

Follow Angelo:
https://www.angelopentaris.com
https://www.instagram.com/angelopentaris/

 

Episode 54 - Victor Indrizzo (Creative Conversations, Working With Alanis & Overcoming Addictions)

This episode features my conversation with drummer, Victor Indrizzo.

Based out of Los Angeles, Victor is an in-demand session drummer who is highly regarded for his creative approach and versatility. He is the current drummer for music icon Alanis Morrissette, a position he has held for over 15 years.

At a young age, Victor became fascinated with the process of how records were made. This fascination inspires him to continue learning and evolving as a musician as he embraces different creative opportunities.

In our conversation, we talk about how his discovery of music at a young age both inspired him and also offered a way to escape from the chaos in his life. 

We discuss his journey through addiction and recovery and how it is possible to maintain a career while coping with anxiety, by establishing genuine relationships.

We also discuss why it’s essential to develop your listening skills in order to ensure that you are maintaining genuine creative conversations.

Follow Victor:
http://www.indrizzodrums.com
https://www.instagram.com/victorindrizzo/
https://www.facebook.com/VictorIndrizzo

Episode 53 - Matt Starr (Working with Sarah McLachlan & Embracing Creative Exploration)

This episode features my conversation with drummer, Matt Starr.

Born and raised in Toronto, Matt began his musical studies at the age of 5 learning the violin. At 13, it was his discovery of the Beatles and drummer Ringo Starr which launched his journey as a drummer.

Matt pursued formal music education at the University Of Toronto, but after a couple of years, felt that it wasn’t what he was seeking and left to pursue other options.

In search of inspiration, he traveled to New Jersey to study with legendary jazz drummer Joe Morello, reigniting his passion for music. Matt also studied with Jim Chapin and studio legend Bernard Purdie.

After relocating to Los Angeles in 2001, Matt established a successful career as an in-demand session drummer, who is know for his creative approach and ability to adapt to many different musical styles.

He has gone on to work with artists such as Sarah McLachlan, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Chris Shiflett from the Foo Fighters, Christopher Cross, Lisa Loeb and many more.

In our conversation, we talk about what it’s like working with Sarah McLachlan and how that gig came about. We also discuss his experiences studying with the legendary Joe Morello, and why he embraces opportunities that allow for creative freedom and expression.

Follow Matt:
https://www.therealmattstarr.com
https://www.instagram.com/therealmattstarr/

Episode 52 - Mike Sleath (Working with Shawn Mendes & Visualizing Your Dream)

This episode features my conversation with drummer, Mike Sleath.

Based out of Toronto, Mike is best know as the drummer for internationally acclaimed artist, Shawn Mendes. Developing his passion for music at a young age and led by his perseverance and positivity, Mike has navigated his own way through the music industry.

His energy and enthusiasm for his work is infectious and he has become highly sought after by numerous artists for both live and studio work.

In our conversation we talk about his passion for music, the obstacles he has encountered, and how he was able to pivot to overcome the roadblocks in his career path. 

We also discuss why he finds the concept of visualization an essential tool and how it allows him to prepare for any situation.

Follow Mike:
https://www.instagram.com/mikesleathdrums/
https://www.facebook.com/MikeSleathDrum

Episode 51 - Jon "Bermuda" Schwartz (Industry Perspectives, Weird Al & Polkamania!)

On this episode, I’d like to welcome back drummer Jon “Bermuda” Schwartz for his second appearance on my podcast.

Bermuda is best known as the drummer with the iconic "Weird Al" Yankovic, which is a position he has held for over 4 decades.

In between projects with Weird Al, he continues to play and record with other L.A. area artists and maintains an active online presence.In our conversation we discuss the concepts behind a series of articles he wrote for DRUM magazine entitled “Tips Of The Trade”, where he offers his advice and perspectives on establishing yourself in the music industry.

We also talk about some of his creative processes when working with Weird Al, including his work on the recently released Polkamania medley and the band’s plan to go back on tour in the new year.

For those interested in learning more about Jon and his story, please check out episodes 10 & 11 of the podcast.
Episode 10
Episode 11
Polkamania!
Endorsement FAQ
NAMM FAQ

Follow Bermuda:
https://www.bermudaschwartz.com
https://www.facebook.com/bermudaschwartz
https://www.instagram.com/thegreatbermuda/

Episode 50 - Chris McHugh (Working In Nashville & Maintaining Artistic Integrity)

This episode features my conversation with drummer Chris McHugh. 

Chris moved to Nashville from New Jersey in 1985 to start his professional career. Known for his rock solid grooves, he is highly regarded as one of Nashville’s most respected session drummers. His work can be found on multiple gold & platinum selling albums from artists such as Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood, Garth Brooks, Amy Grant, Toby Keith,  Rascal Flats and many more.

I first became aware of Chris through with work with Keith Urban and was inspired by not only his powerful drumming on many of Keith’s most beloved songs, but also by his incredible stage presence in the live concert setting.

In our conversation we talk about how he started to break into the Nashville studio scene. We discuss his perspectives on what it takes to establish yourself in the studio environment and why it’s important to remain true to who you are as an artist. 

We also talk about why it’s invaluable to have mentors in your life, and how your definition of success begins to change as you reflect upon your own life experiences.

Follow Chris:
http://www.chrismchugh.com
https://www.instagram.com/thechrismchugh/
https://www.facebook.com/chris.mchugh.986

Episode 49 - Josh Trager (Sam Roberts Band & Overcoming Anxiety)

This episode features my conversation with drummer, Josh Trager. 

Originally from Montreal and currently based in Toronto, Josh is an accomplished musician who established a professional career after studying at the Berklee College of Music. 

At the age of 20, he was personally selected by guitar legend Frank Marino to join the band Mahogany Rush and held that position until 2005. Josh is best known as the drummer for the platinum selling Sam Roberts Band and has continued to record and tour with the band for 2 decades.

In our conversation, we talk about how Josh discovered his passion for music and how his experiences at the Berklee College Of Music helped him adapt and establish his professional career. 

We also talk about anxiety and how we can begin to change our mindset to overcome challenges we may be facing. 

Photo by Daniel D’Souza

Follow Josh:
https://www.instagram.com/jtrager24/
https://www.facebook.com/joshtrager

Episode 48 - Bruce Becker (Perspectives On Education & Freddie Gruber)

This episode features my conversation with renowned drummer and educator, Bruce Becker. 

Known for his long time affiliation with drum guru Freddie Gruber, Bruce is highly regarded as an expert in Freddie’s unique approach to understanding the principles of physical movement and its application to developing flow on the Drumset.

Bruce is also an accomplished musician and went on to establish a professional career as a session player for a variety of artists. He is probably best known for his work with the David Becker Tribune, which is a project he co-led with his brother for over 30 years.

He is sought out as teacher by many of the most respected drummers in the industry and is also the author of the book Puzzles, Rhymes & Riddles and his most recent release The Ultimate Guide To Syncopation, which discusses his approach and applications when using Ted Reed’s classic method book.

In our conversation, we talk about how he discovered his passion for music, his experiences working with Freddie Gruber and how he uses his own personal experiences to inspire, assist and educate others.

Follow Bruce:
https://brucebecker.com
https://www.instagram.com/brucebeckerdrums/
https://www.facebook.com/bruce.becker1
https://hudsonmusic.com/instructors/bruce-becker/

Episode 47 - Ray LeVier (Drumming In Flow)

On this episode, I’d like to welcome back Ray LeVier for his second appearance on my podcast.

Based out of New York, Ray is an in demand drummer who divides his time between session work, composing and teaching.

Ray recently completed work on his new book “Drumming In Flow” which is a guide to concentration, creativity and incorporating breathing techniques in drumming, which allows you to achieve consistent peak performance. 

In this interview, we discuss how his motivation to write the book was to overcome some of his own obstacles. We discuss the value of meditation and breathing techniques to achieve relaxation and focus and why it’s essential that we don’t overlook the value of a relaxed and positive mindset. We also discuss the inspiration behind his latest single, Uncharted Destiny. 

For those interested in learning more about Ray and his story, please check out episode 18 of the podcast. 

Episode 18 - Ray LeVier

Drumming In Flow - Hudson Music
Uncharted Destiny

Follow Ray:
https://raylevier.com
https://www.facebook.com/rlevier
https://www.instagram.com/raylevier/