Post by Heather on Feb 9, 2012 20:25:23 GMT -5
Huge thanks to Dan for taking the time to answer these questions!
When did you start and what got you interested in playing the drums?
I started when I was 8 years old, 31 years ago,(wow). I had a really great teacher David Schneider from the Music Cellar in Winnipeg for many years. We are still good friends today. After Winnipeg, I took the music program at Grant MacEwan College in Edmonton. I met and played with a lot of great musicians while I was there. After Edmonton, I headed to Vancouver to continue playing and studying music.
How did you come to be the drum tech for Sum41?
I had filled in as a drum tech for Nickelback around 2000, shortly after Greig(Sum 41's former manager) contacted Nickelback to see if they could recommend someone. I got a call while I was golfing in Vancouver. We were playing for $ and I got in shit from my buddies for picking up my ball. I got the gig though, a couple weeks later I flew to LA for the first gig. They forgot to mention the first thing I had to do was pick up the van that had previously caught fire. Interesting first day.
What steps are taken by you to set up for a Sum41 show?
Well, I have been doing production advance as well as monitors and drums, so I start around a month away from the gig and reach out to the local production people that will supply lights, sound, and rental equipment for that day. I have a few things I send out to everyone, stage plot, input list, and rental gear requirements. This changes depending on how much of our own gear we are carrying with us, whether we are on a bus or flying gig to gig. Fast forward a month to gig day. My day usually starts around 11am, we unload the gear from the trailer and set it all up for a 4pm sound check. The band comes in and plays a couple songs, then we are done till showtime. Usually dinner/nap time. Our show would typically start around 10pm so around 8pm I will start making sure everything is ready for the show. This would include: tuning drums, water, towels, set lists, testing in ear monitors, changing batteries and mixing drinks. 15min before the show we will usually gather for a pre show shot of Jack or Goose then away we go. During the show I am behind the monitor desk. After the show we take about an hour to pack everything up. Then its Miller time!
What personal preferences does Stevo have for his drum set?
Steve has a pretty normal drum setup. He uses Nashua 300 duct tape to tape his hands together when they start falling apart, I need to have a bunch of that around. Also towels/water/booze nearby. I write the days set list on his snare drum for him in Sharpie. I need to make sure it is accurate. There have been a couple awkward moments when I forgot to make a change, which there a lot of, usually minutes before the show starts.
What is the most common adjustments made to set ups from venue to venue?
The gear setup mainly stays the same day to day, The biggest challenge comes when we use all rental gear. Some countries are more difficult than others. Some local crews are easier to deal with than others. Hands down the easiest place to tour is Japan. They really have their shit together over there!
What is the main function of the monitoring systems during a show?
Sum 41 uses in ear monitors. Each guy has a set of custom molded ear buds made by JH Audio. They sound amazing! Think of your white iphone buds times a thousand! Each guy has a different mix which I control from side stage.
What steps are taken for the transportation and renting of gear?
If we are on a bus, generally we haul a trailer with the gear. Otherwise, I co ordinate shipping through a transportation company. We have a gear list called a Carnet that is essential for getting our gear in and out of foreign countries. If we need to rent some gear for a show, I take care of that long before we get there with my production advance.
What would you say has been the biggest change in Stevo's or Sum41's set up and live sound over the years?
In the early years, Steve had a double bass setup, now he uses a double pedal. We added a piano for Brown Tom a few years ago. Deryck is very particular with how the sound is out front. Since he produces and records the records, he knows exactly how he wants it to sound so he works closely at sound check with our front of house audio guy.
What are your thoughts about Sum41's "Blood In My Eyes" being nominated for a Grammy?
It's about time! Great riff in that song. The whole record is amazing. I believe it really is the best offering to date.
What are your top Sum41 songs?
Pieces is an amazing song, but I celebrate the entire catalogue! Love the fast stuff, Stevo is an amazing drummer to watch every night. I never get tired of watching this band perform.
You've become quite well known in the Sum41 fan community, what do you think of that?
I am truly honored to have spent a decade working for Sum 41, not only is the music awesome but so are the band guys. It's really cool to see them grow as human beings. I have a lot of respect for them. We are like family and have a great time touring together. I think it's pretty cool when I get recognized by the fans, they are the best!
Follow Dan on twitter: @moyseture