Drummers Pathway Podcast

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

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

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

This episode features my conversation with Tim Carman. 

Tim is an accomplished drummer and respected educator known for his musicality and versatility across a variety of genres. 

Growing up in the Boston area and currently based in Denver, his passion for drums started at a young age. He studied with several renowned teachers, honing his skills and exploring various drumming techniques.

Throughout his career, Tim has toured extensively and contributed to numerous albums as both a bandleader and session player. In 2020, Tim ’s work earned him a nomination for Session Musician of the Year by the Boston Music Awards.

Currently, Tim is an active member of the bands Parlor Greens & Canyon Lights.

As an educator, Tim is dedicated to inspiring his students through his approach to developing musicality and creative application of practical methods. He is also the author of 5 books including the highly regarded Haynes-ISM & Philly-ISM methods.

In our conversation, we talk about how studying with some legendary teachers influenced his musical approach and perspective as an educator.  We also discuss the concepts behind his method books and the obstacles of staying true to your creative path while finding balance in your life.

Follow Tim
https://timcarmandrums.com
https://www.instagram.com/tcarmandrums/
https://www.facebook.com/tim.carman.92

Parlor Greens
https://www.parlorgreens.com/
https://www.instagram.com/parlorgreens

Canyon Lights
https://www.canyonlightsband.com
https://www.instagram.com/canyonlightsband

This episode features my conversation with Paul Quin. Based out of Tampa, Florida, Paul is a highly regarded lawyer and professional drummer who has dedicated his career to educating creative artists in navigating the industry.

Born and raised just outside Liverpool, England, Paul began his career as a drummer at the age of 13 when he starting working with his older sister who was a professional singer. He then went on to establish a freelance career working with numerous bands in the UK. 

It was through these experiences that he discovered his interest in learning about the business and legal rights for artists which inspired him to pursue a career in law.

In our conversation, we talk about the importance of following your passion, networking by being kind and respectful to build genuine relationships, and why it’s essential to seek out professional advice in order to protect yourself and your creative work.

Follow Paul:
https://www.facebook.com/paul.quin
https://www.saxongilmore.com/attorneys/paul-m-quin/

 

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/

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/

 

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

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/

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