Post by Heather on Jun 29, 2009 14:50:53 GMT -5
1. What led you to choose Pearl and Sabian brands for your kit? How do you vary your drum kit from the studio to live performances?
I chose Sabian cymbals because not only do I love their traditional crash/ride/hat sounds, but their other sound inventions have proven absolutely indespensible to me. For example, I was having trouble reproducing some of the more electronic types sounds on Avril's songs, and out of nowhere, they unveiled the Choppers, which are layered, tuned metal plates made of special cymbal alloys. That invention alone literally solved a BIG problem I was having making Av's live show happen.
As far as my Pearl Masterworks drums, they just sound amazing. To me, they are real ROCK drums that can also deliver a loads of other flavors of music as well. And their hardware is SO versatile. I can change the position of a drum or cymbal in 3 seconds! They've also invented a new way of constructing drums, layering many different types of woods to create the best sound, as opposed to using only one wood all around the kit (as most drums are constructed).
When recording, my setup is generally much smaller and simpler. I use whatever sizes, drumheads or cymbals that compliment the particular song we're recording. Live, I use a lot more drums because many of Avril's songs have very different drum sounds. For example: At the beginning of "Complicated" I play a little baby 13" kick, a jingle shaker, and a baby 10" snare to sound more like the tight, dry drum machine on the record. But later in the song, I play the big 24" kick and the deep 14" snare to sound bigger and more rocking in the choruses.
2. During the Avril Lavigne's 2007 Best Damn Tour, what steps went into setting up the drums and how does that differ from indoor to outdoor venues?
It doesn't really vary at all from indoor to outdoor.
A lot of planning went into the setup because of the many different drum sounds and song types that on Avril's records. "Sk8tr Boi" and "I'm With You" are very different songs and sounds, as well as songs like "Hot" or "I Don't Have To Try". Because of that, Pearl & Sabian REALLY helped me find the right drums & cymbals for her show. I have a bass drum, a baby bass drum, 3 snares, 3 hi hats, 4 toms and a lot of toys... If you've seen the kit, it's pretty impressive!
3. How has the industry changed (good and bad) during your career?
I think a GOOD change has been that now more than ever, people have access to different music easily, cheaply and quickly through the internet. Some BAD things about that are that because it's fast, cheap and easy, many people don't value music as much as they used to. They don't realize how special it can be. Some have also begun to think that they shouldn't be asked to pay for it, or that artists somehow don't deserve to be paid.
Also, existing technology has enabled bad singers & players to sound way more talented than they really are on recordings, as well as live (with lip syncing and backing tracks.) Definitely a bad thing. I'm fortunate to say that I've never played with a major artist that wasn't talented enough to actually sing & play the notes that the audience hears. Also, let me happily go on record as saying I've NEVER seen Avril lip-sync ONE note
4. What do you find most rewarding about being a professional drummer?
The privilege of playing music for my fun AND my living, and to be able to travel and see the world with great friends. Also, professional drumming was what allowed me to find a great friend like Avril.
5. What was different about working with Avril as opposed to other artists?
I guess the first thing is that Avril known and loved worldwide, in SO many countries. Most artists I've played with are known in the US and UK, and maybe somewhat in Japan. I mean, last year we played an Avril concert in a town in China that had never even SEEN a concert before.
Musically she's different for me because of the fast, punk-ish energy of a lot of her songs. All tempos and grooves are special or intense in their own way, and I used to play a lot faster back when I did live Drum'n'Bass back in New York, but some of her songs are the fastest I've ever been able to play for huge audiences.
Also, no other artists I've played with were drummers too... AND had a drumkit on stage as cool as mine!
6. What are your thoughts on Sum41's Steve Jocz as a fellow drummer?
1- He OWNS fast, hard hitting punk and thrashy rock.
2-He's freaking hilarious.
3-I'm extremely jealous of him for both.
7. What's your best drum trick?
Hmmm. All my best tricks are stolen from other drummers... So I guess you can't call them mine!
8. What do you have planned for 2009?
Because I'm answering these questions so late in the year for you (sorry!),
most of my plans are already under way! I've recorded for several artists-some of which I can't mention- and currently touring the US & Europe with Gavin Degraw. Also, I was surprised to place second in Modern Drummer's "Best Pop Drummer 2009" poll. Also, I'm moving into my new house with my wife & Cairn Terrier puppy, Moxie!