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Renowned drummer and composer Antonio Sanchez (Birdman, Pat Metheny Group) joins us to discuss his latest projects, including the original soundtrack for the Apple TV+ series The Studio and his unique trio album featuring harp and banjo.

In this interview, Antonio breaks down his transition from touring drummer to film composer, sharing stories about the "constant struggle" of interpreting director feedback and the unique improvisational process used to score the Oscar-winning film Birdman. He also dives deep into the philosophy of drumming, explaining why musicians need to prioritise storytelling and offers advice for drummers looking to become composers.

This content was recorded live at the UK Drum Show 2025. If you want to buy tickets for next year you can find them here 👉 https://drumdog.vip/ukds-tickets

#AntonioSanchez #Birdman #JazzDrummer #FilmScoring #DrummingAdvice #TheStudio

00:00 - The drum community.
01:12 - Scoring Apple TV’s The Studio (Seth Rogen & Evan Goldberg).
07:56 - BEATrio.
10:50 - Upcoming projects and Three Times Three.
13:56 - The elusive Thom Yorke.
15:36 - Jazz Improvisation.
17:54 - "Drumitis Disease".
20:52 - The "Scrambled Eggs" analogy.
25:52 - How the Birdman score was improvised live to the script.
28:15 - Politics in Jazz and the "Stupidification" of culture.
31:45 - Advice for drummers who want to compose.

🔗 Want to dive deeper and take your skills to the next level? Visit the Drum Dog website here: https://drum.dog for access to a vast library of lessons from top drummers!

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In this episode, we're joined by Audrey Tate, the incredibly talented drummer of the iconic band Franz Ferdinand. Recorded during their tour, Audrey shares fascinating stories from the road, including their recent high-energy performance at Glastonbury Festival.

Audrey dives into the physical demands of drumming, discussing her pre-gig warm-up routines and her recent battle with "golfer's elbow," offering valuable advice for other musicians on how to stay healthy on tour. She also talks about the incredible surprise of having Peter Capaldi join them on stage for their hit song, "Take Me Out," and the story behind how that came to be.

We also get into the nitty-gritty of her drumming style and influences. Audrey explains how she balances honouring the band's 20-year history while bringing her unique flair to the drums on their new album, The Human Fear. She opens up about her hip-hop drumming background and praises some of her biggest influences, including Questlove and Stanton Moore, giving a special shout-out to the legendary Funk Brothers.

This is a must-watch for drummers and music fans alike, offering a rare glimpse into the life of a touring professional and the passion behind the performance.

00:00 - Introduction: touring in a heatwave
03:04 - The Glastonbury Experience
09:07 - The Peter Capaldi Surprise
12:27 - Pre-Gig Warm-up & Drummer Health
20:56 - The Hardest Franz Ferdinand Song to Learn
23:55 - Balancing Individual Style with the Band's Legacy
26:55 - Favourite Grooves from the New Album
30:09 - The Freedom of a Changing Setlist
33:50 - Drumming Influences (Questlove, Stanton Moore & more)
44:16 - The Dream Collaboration

Listen to Franz Ferdinand's new album, The Human Fear, on all major streaming platforms!

#audreytait #franzferdinand #glastonbury

🔗 Want to dive deeper and take your skills to the next level? Visit the Drum Dog website here: https://drum.dog for access to a vast library of lessons from top drummers!

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In this episode, we're joined by Rob Brian, a veteran session drummer and honorary Drum Dog ambassador. Rob shares stories from his extensive career, from his musical upbringing to touring with iconic artists like Siouxsie Sioux and Simple Minds.

Rob opens up about the intimidating experience of joining Siouxsie and the Banshees and the importance of respecting a band’s musical legacy. He also recounts a hilarious, yet stressful, career highlight: headlining a massive festival in Pasadena with Siouxsie and the dramatic events that almost led to the show being cancelled.

The interview delves into Rob's passion for drum history and his personal influences, as he names his four essential "desert island discs." He also discusses his love for Prince and his drumming on the album Parade, explaining how it shaped his understanding of combining acoustic and electronic drums.

This conversation is a must-watch for drummers looking for career advice, and music fans curious about the stories behind some of rock's most legendary bands.

00:00:00 - Introducing Rob Brian, Honorary Drum Dog
00:03:02 - Rob's Musical Journey and Career Overview
00:11:57 - The Story of Joining Siouxsie and the Banshees
00:26:22 - Career Highlight: Headlining the Pasadena Festival
00:34:52 - Starstruck Moments: From Kiefer Sutherland to Yoko Ono
00:52:48 - Rob's Four Desert Island Drumming Discs
01:03:09 - Rob's Upcoming Appearance at the UK Drum Show

Links & Info
Learn more about Rob Brian's drumming style by checking out his masterclasses on the Drum Dog website, covering Buddy Rich, Ian Paice, and Tony Williams - https://www.drum.dog/

You can find more information about the upcoming UK Drum Show in Liverpool and purchase tickets on the official website - https://theukdrumshow.com/

Rob's website - https://www.robertbrian.co.uk/

#robbrian #siouxsiesioux #drums

🔗 Want to dive deeper and take your skills to the next level? Visit the Drum Dog website here: https://drum.dog for access to a vast library of lessons from top drummers!

🔔 If you enjoyed this video, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more drumming content, gear reviews, and lessons from some of the world’s best drummers!

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In this interview, we sit down with Ollie Usiskin, a well-regarded session drummer who's played across a huge range of genres. Ollie shares his experiences working on a wide variety of music projects, from a free-jazz duo with an electric cello player to a heavy metal album with actor Christopher Lee.

Ollie discusses his career as a session musician, including his philosophy on preparation and his approach to adapting to different musical styles. He speaks candidly about his collaborations with legendary musicians like producer Jimmy Haslip (Yellowjackets) and guitarist Carl Orr (Billy Cobham), emphasising the importance of treating everyone with respect and humility.

A major focus is on Ollie's deep appreciation for fusion music. He talks about his love for the genre and the influence of iconic drummers like Tony Williams and his band Lifetime. In a brilliant story, Ollie recalls meeting Tony Williams and even being offered the chance to be his drum tech, and reflects on the incredible energy of his performances.

This interview is a must-watch for drummers and music fans, offering valuable insights on professionalism, learning, and the importance of staying grounded in a world of musical legends.

00:00:00 - Introduction to Ollie Siskin
00:01:25 - Working with Producer Jimmy Haslip
00:04:45 - The Free-Jazz Duo Project
00:07:42 - The Trio Zone Album & Collaborations
00:19:45 - Working with Legends & the Christopher Lee Story
00:27:52 - Ollie's Versatile Playing Style
00:38:31 - The Influence of Tony Williams
00:41:40 - Meeting Tony Williams: An Incredible Story
00:54:19 - Drummers Collective & Final Words of Wisdom
00:56:09 - Dorset Drum Festival & Tuning Workshops

Links & Info
Ollie's Bandcamp - https://ollieusiskin.bandcamp.com/

#ollieusisikin #tonywilliams #drums

🔗 Want to dive deeper and take your skills to the next level? Visit the Drum Dog website here: https://drum.dog for access to a vast library of lessons from top drummers!

🔔 If you enjoyed this video, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more drumming content, gear reviews, and lessons from some of the world’s best drummers!

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Benjamin Shannon—Australian drummer, composer, conductor, and rhythmic explorer- was kind enough to join us for an interview. Known for his work with Dropbear Lodge, Benjamin talks about his unique approach to experimental music and the art of conduction. We touch on everything from RuneScape to orchestral improvisation, personal fulfillment, and redefining what it means to be a musician in the modern world.

Whether you're a percussionist, composer, or just someone figuring out your creative path, tune in!

#benjaminshannon #drums #drumming #dropbearlodge

0:00 - Intro
03:45 - Not Just A Drummer
05:16 - Conduction
16:30 - Find Your Voice
19:27 - Dropbear Lodge
22:14 - Koala Artwork
25:00 - 2:3 2:3 (The Rhumba of the Beast)
29:43 - Drumming Inspiration
38:26 - Other Instruments
39:49 - Career Trajectory
46:05 - Definition of Musician
51:09 - Fulfilment

Ben’s YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@eightshotringcaps

Ben’s bands:

- Dropbear Lodge - https://open.spotify.com/artist/5jP16Yld1XSUCqHB9cr7b6?si=DelXzAkpR0qOJ6gG46mWQw
- Milton Man Gogh - https://open.spotify.com/artist/7lJr0UXDR1svi3WbDV1EsV
- Shamin - https://open.spotify.com/artist/0VislzoNw40ZenecDnO7AR
- Kodiak Empire - https://open.spotify.com/artist/0KcuADSthqPxAn5iKRdQmT?si=rkGetZyMRmWMSQxpnmvohA&nd=1&dlsi=8b1d04facaeb4b2e

Artists mentioned in the interview:

Artisans Workshop - http://www.jonathandimond.com/discography-artisans.html
Basil’s Kite - https://www.youtube.com/@basilskite6145
The Chats - https://open.spotify.com/artist/1aQ7P3HtKOQFW16ebjiks1?si=kFHKiPJ-RiqU6ggPcH5Q_A
King Stingray - https://open.spotify.com/artist/3hA0yUEuLvjqvxtMlqznDb?si=1IeFFv2sRhekbDi2wxKNdg
Mark Guiliana - https://open.spotify.com/artist/798TUNb6IfpsZzMkkzVGu1?si=B3Tzf0YeS8mjqeLgSbODXw
Louis Cole - https://open.spotify.com/artist/6uIst176jhzooPMetg2rtH?si=_D-xV_79QSmxWKcw_QrZgg
The Mars Volta - https://open.spotify.com/artist/75U40yZLLPglFgXbDVnmVs?si=CGbOqyIfSiKMKHwhrzInTA
The Dillinger Escape Plan - https://open.spotify.com/artist/7IGcjaMGAtsvKBLQX26W4i?si=BGgAHE4TTjSlFB0pmluSdg
The Contortionists - https://open.spotify.com/artist/7nCgNmfYJcsVy3vOOzExYS?si=3CbiqtaZQWWDoKcF2C5x7A
A Day to Remember - https://open.spotify.com/artist/4NiJW4q9ichVqL1aUsgGAN?si=VI0oxks_QAK2qB-8f6DEUQ
Parkway Drive - https://open.spotify.com/artist/159qqlGwzE04xyqpfAwRLo?si=Xa9wMLV5QiqbXey-K9sKAg
Born of Osiris - https://open.spotify.com/artist/4HgqjpBaWctBWVHafQIpRt?si=SwdhkKUfQBCyAAj5lKX8dw
After the Burials - https://open.spotify.com/artist/0uNj4RxFjG0iVPlZS753en?si=drd3QyPgSsSkddB-OQhlKg
As Blood Runs Black - https://open.spotify.com/artist/4LjQpQc5NB5G02zqfEIex7?si=z27jLZijQUaFPIN7bJMOdA
The Black Dahlia Murder - https://open.spotify.com/artist/4xTDPgk4jHCF0qui3dH6BS?si=eg6zZnorQZOXEJL6vVdUcA
Oceansize - https://open.spotify.com/artist/0Opj9xi9HHrH0L9uHAKnKm?si=168fAyIISD6X8A4rp9R25w
Cog - https://open.spotify.com/artist/6gD6Pm7jo3mmKgDtyMruA6?si=cfJBjnW7TbSvjaknyjUlBA
Dead Letter Circus - https://open.spotify.com/artist/3NW2VkBpoHFv327eSuH490?si=TvYx1OG9Sm2J3ktAmX5y-A
Deftones - https://open.spotify.com/artist/6Ghvu1VvMGScGpOUJBAHNH?si=0Psed_rHSImsD1lrGHUU3w
Tool - https://open.spotify.com/artist/2yEwvVSSSUkcLeSTNyHKh8?si=nN2QFadzRbmm-dkt-lMkiw
Sun Ra Arkestra - https://open.spotify.com/artist/5V5vvh5MgM7vDuPp4lJYkh?si=zd9_xeZgR7-r2Q-lX4SQ0A


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Legendary drummer Bill Bruford reflects on everything from his drumming hiatus and short-haul European air travel to current projects and favourite tracks to play across his career. It was a real privilege to speak to Bill and hear him discuss his battles with drumming burnout, earning a doctorate in musicology, and what it truly means to find your voice behind the drums. We, of course, spoke about his stint with prog rock giants King Crimson and Yes and focused on a couple of tracks in particular. It was such a pleasure to speak with Bill and gain his insights on so many fascinating topics to do with drums and music—this is one not to miss!

00:00 - Intro
01:25 - Drumming Hiatus
04:40 - Return to Drums
08:00 - Social Media & AI
13:00 - Favourite Tracks
15:50 - Earthworks
16:46 - Indiscipline
20:00 - Bill’s YouTube Channel
21:57 - The Talking Drum
24:01 - Connecting with the Music
26:11 - Advice for Young Bill Bruford
28:40 - Advice for Young Drummers
30:35 - Dream Collaboration
33:40 - The Bruford Sound
32:15 - Ari Hoenig
39:55 - Analysis of a Band’s Sound
41:14 - Small vs. Big Venues

Links:

Pete Roth website: https://www.peterothtrio.com/
Bill Bruford website: https://billbruford.com/
Bill Bruford YT Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGCjL570rm8Gs8j2d5yenZw
If Summer Had Its Ghosts - Bill Bruford, Ralph Towner, Eddie Gómez: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/If_Summer_Had_Its_Ghosts
Ari Hoenig: https://www.arihoenig.com/

#billbruford #kingcrimson #progrock #drums

🔗 Want to dive deeper and take your skills to the next level? Visit the Drum Dog website here: https://drum.dog for access to a vast library of lessons from top drummers!

🔔 If you enjoyed this video, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more drumming content, gear reviews, and lessons from some of the world’s best drummers!

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In this episode, we sit down with Sam Jones, a leading drummer, producer, and DJ from London's vibrant jazz scene. Known for his work with artists like Sons of Kemet, Joe Armon-Jones, and Nubya Garcia, Sam shares an in-depth look at his musical journey and professional life.

Sam opens up about his unconventional start—from playing the oboe to a "mashed-down kit" from eBay—and the unique challenges of being a professional musician in London without a permanent practice space. He reveals his highly structured approach to practice, which he divides into three phases: maintenance, rehearsal, and learning, sharing his go-to exercises for staying sharp and fluid on the drums.

He also provides fascinating insights into his creative process, discussing the influence of drummers like Chris Dave and Jojo Mayer. Sam breaks down the origins of the iconic grooves on Nubya Garcia’s new album, Odyssey, explaining how he blends inspiration from Cuban rhythms, dubstep, and hip-hop to create his unique sound.

00:00 - Introduction: A Musician's Life and a Legendary Barber
01:02 - Sam's Musical Beginnings and Early Influences
06:09 - The Challenge of Practising in London
08:06 - Sam's Practice Philosophy and Routine
16:16 - The Influence of Jojo Mayer and Chris Dave
20:46 - Breaking Down the Groove on "Set It Free"
27:06 - The Story Behind "Solstice" and Its Hidden Groove
52:48 - Golden Advice for Drummers

Links & Info

Check out Sam's website: https://www.barrelljonesmusic.com/
Listen to Nubya Garcia's 'Odyssey' here: https://open.spotify.com/album/1ZoZu4AeEVIKybGiGgOYdd?si=896hKEC5THG9pialncAOtA

#samjones #drums #nubyagarcia #sonsofkemet #obongjayar

🔗 Want to dive deeper and take your skills to the next level? Visit the Drum Dog website here: https://drum.dog for access to a vast library of lessons from top drummers!

🔔 If you enjoyed this video, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more drumming content, gear reviews, and lessons from some of the world’s best drummers!

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