This episode features my conversation with drummer Allison Miller.

Based out of New York, Allison is an award winning musician, composer and educator who is highly regarded for her jazz improvisational skills showcasing her versatility and dynamic approach to the drum set.

Allison was named as a Rising Star Drummer in Downbeat magazine's 67th Annual Critics Poll and Best Jazz Drummer in Jazz Times’s 2019 Critics Poll. She is also the first recipient of the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation’s Commissioning Grant. The product of this commission is her immersive multi-media project, Rivers In Our Veins, dedicated to celebrating America’s waterways. In our conversation, we talk about how sharing your own personal development can inspire others to overcome anxiety and embrace their own artistic voice. We also discuss her approach to composition and the creative process for “Rivers In Our Veins, and why it’s essential to follow your creative paths despite the life obstacles you may encounter. Follow Allison: https://www.allisonmiller.com https://www.instagram.com/alliboomboom/ https://www.facebook.com/AllisonMillerBoomTicBoom

This episode features my conversation with drummer Rob “ Beatdown “ Brown.

Based out of Toronto, Rob is a self taught musician who discovered his passion for drumming as a teenager and developed his skills by analyzing and playing along with the music that inspired him.

After leaving a full-time retail job to pursue a career in music back in 2012, Rob quickly circulated through the local scene performing and recording with a wide variety of artists in the R&B, jazz, contemporary Christian, and pop country scenes.

In 2017, Rob transitioned to full-time YouTube content creator. Since then, his educational drum channel has rapidly become one of the most recognized and popular channels on the platform with over 300,000 subscribers.

In our conversation, we talk about what it takes to develop and remain relevant to establish a successful presence on YouTube. We also discuss how sharing your own challenges and personal development can inspire others to embrace their own obstacles. Follow Rob: https://www.robbrownondrums.com https://www.youtube.com/@RobBeatdownBrown https://www.instagram.com/beatdownbrown7/ https://www.facebook.com/RobBrownOnDrums

This episode features my conversation with renowned drummer & educator Jim Riley. Originally growing up in Boston, Jim went on to study at the University of North Texas where he received his degree in Music Education.

In 1997, he moved to Nashville and established himself as one of the most respected and versatile drummers there. For 20 years, Jim was the drummer and bandleader for the multi-platinum group, Rascal Flatts and has worked with many established artists throughout his career. He is currently an Adjunct Professor of Drumset Studies at Belmont University.

Jim is internationally recognized as a clinician and educator and in 2007, he established his Drum Dojo school where he inspires and teaches students of all levels to develop their skills and passion for music. He is also the author of 3 books including the award winning method The Survival Guide For The Modern Drummer.

In our conversation, we talk about why it’s important to believe in your potential and not be afraid to face challenges. We also discuss the value of a well rounded education and what the definition of success means to him. Follow Jim: https://jimrileymusic.com https://www.facebook.com/jimrileythedrummer https://www.instagram.com/jimrileymusic/

This episode features my conversation with drummer Davide DiRenzo.

Based out of Toronto, Davide is highly regarded as one of Canada’s most versatile and in-demand drummers. He has performed and recorded around the world with a wide range of artists including Cassandra Wilson, jackSoul, Tom Cochrane, Tomi Swick, Holly Cole, David Wilcox, Molly Johnson and many more.

In addition to his extensive studio experience working with some of the world’s top artists, Davide also works out of his home studio, where he records and sends drum tracks to artists and producers all over the globe.

In our conversation, we talk about the role positive studio etiquette plays assuring that each session runs effectively. We also discuss why it’s essential to maintain a growth mindset and explore each new learning opportunity to let go of our own self doubt and embrace our potential.

This episode features part two of my conversation with drummer Nate Morton.

On this episode, we continue our discussion about his experiences on The Voice and Rockstar series. We also talk about his perspectives around finding success in the music industry and working to find balance in your life.

If you haven’t had the opportunity yet, be sure to go back and check out episode 39 which features part one of our interview. Follow Nate: https://natemorton.com https://www.facebook.com/natemortondrums https://www.instagram.com/n8drumz/

This episode features part one of my two part conversation with drummer Nate Morton.

Based out of Los Angeles, he is the highly regarded drummer for the house band on NBC’s The Voice. Previously, Nate was the drummer for the reality series Rockstar:INXS & Rockstar: Supernova, and was also part of the house band for the Bonnie Hunt Show.

Nate has also worked with such diverse artists as Paul Stanley, Cher, Vanessa Carlson, Natalie Cole, Miley Cyrus, Madonna and many others.

As a graduate of the Berklee College Of Music in Boston, he has become a respected educator and loves to inspire others to find joy in the pursuit of music.

In our conversation, we discuss how he found his passion for music early in life and how his determination to become a professional musician has lead him along different paths that allowed him to establish a successful music career.

We also talk about why it’s essential to value and find joy in the opportunities that are available to you.

Follow Nate: https://natemorton.com https://www.facebook.com/natemortondrums https://www.instagram.com/n8drumz/

This episode features my conversation with drummer David Abbruzzese.

Growing up in Texas, David discovered his passion for music early on and began to develop his skills as a drummer through his work with many local bands.

In 1991, through a recommendation from drummer Matt Chamberlain, David went to Seattle to audition for Pearl Jam, who were just getting ready to release their debut album.

He became a member of the band and held that position from 1991-1994, during which time, he recorded the iconic albums VS and Vitalogy.

After working with Pearl Jam, David continued to establish himself as a freelance drummer and has gone on to work with multiple artists showcasing his creative and versatile approach to the drums.

In our conversation, we talk about his early inspirations and how his passion for music helped to develop his creative approach.

We discuss the process of recording the VS and Vitalogy albums and what it was like working with renowned producer Brendan O’Brien.

We also talk about what he’s been up to since Pearl Jam and why it’s essential to appreciate all the opportunities that are presented to you.

Follow David: https://www.facebook.com/david.abbruzzese

https://www.instagram.com/daveabbruzzese/

This episode features my conversation with drummer Dave Patel.

Actively involved in the Toronto music scene for over 30 years as a professional drummer, Dave has played on over seventy albums, many jingles, and has worked extensively with numerous artists in different genres demonstrating his ability to adapt to any musical situation.

He was a student at both York University and Humber College, and studied privately with Jim Blackley, Paul DeLong, Vito Rezza among others.

Dave is also an in demand educator who has taught privately in the Toronto area for over 20 years. Currently, he is a faculty member at the renowned Metalworks Institute where he is actively involved in their Music Performance & Technology Program.

In our conversation, we talk about the importance of experiencing live music situations because you never know where that inspiration will take you. We also discuss his approaches to teaching and why it’s essential to not get caught up in self deprecation, and to remain committed to following your desired path. Follow Dave:

https://www.instagram.com/davepateldrums/

https://www.facebook.com/david.patel.794

https://www.youtube.com/@davepateldrums9781

https://metalworksinstitute.com/faculty/dave-patel/