In this episode, we sit down with Joel Plotnik, the longtime drummer for Phil Wickham. Joel shares his incredible journey from the early days of youth group to playing on the biggest worship stages in the world. We dive deep into the realities of being a "hired gun" in Los Angeles, why he decided to pursue a career in software engineering while still touring, and how to maintain a heart of humility when the spotlight is on you.🕒 TIMESTAMPS

• 02:15 – The 20-Year Journey: How Joel got started with Phil Wickham (and the brother-in-law connection).
• 12:40 – The LA "Hired Gun" Life: Touring with secular acts, the Disney gig, and facing industry burnout.
• 24:55 – The Great Pivot: Why Joel went back to school for 5 years to become a Software Engineer.
• 36:20 – Musical Influences: Why worship drummers need to listen to music outside of the church.
• 45:10 – Staying Grounded: Navigating ego, humility, and the importance of the local church volunteer.

💡 KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Excellence is a Tool: Joel explains how technical preparation allows you to be spiritually "present" during a set.
• Diverse Listening: To find your "voice" as a drummer, Joel recommends studying players like John Bonham and bands like Death Cab for Cutie.
• Sustainability: How to balance a 9-to-5 corporate career with a high-level touring schedule.
• The Local Church: Encouragement for the volunteer drummer—your role is just as vital as those on the big stage.

🔵 FREE DRUM LESSONS WITH DRUMEO FOR 30 DAYS

• http://lp.musora.com/worship-drummer?oid=24&affid=54

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🥁 DRUM SAMPLES FOR WORSHIP

• https://worshipdrumsamples.com/
  

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🎙️ THE WORSHIP DRUMMER PODCAST

• Apple: https://apple.co/3ofPXIm
• Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3HdLmiG

👋 CONNECT WITH US

• Joel Plotnik: https://instagram.com/joelplotnik
• Jon Manna: https://instagram.com/jonmanna
• Worship Drummer: https://instagram.com/worshipdrummer

Some of the links are affiliate links. Affiliate links mean I earn a commission from qualifying purchases. This helps support my channel at no additional cost to you. #worshipdrummer #HeartBeforeBeart #worship #PhilWickham #JoelPlotnick #Drumming #MusicCareer #SoftwareEngineer #ChristianMusic #Podcast #BehindTheScenes #TourLife

Two-time Grammy-winning drummer and producer Paul Mabury sits down with Jon Manna for a deep dive on drumming, producing, worship culture, and longevity. From 12/8 vs 6/8, to building parts that serve the song, to the story behind “Hosanna,” this one plays like a masterclass. You’ll hear practical practice tips, click-track wisdom, the exact snares and cymbals Paul reaches for, and the heart behind serving the church with your craft.

TIMESTAMPS00:00 — Intro + Why Paul Mabury Matters04:15 — Paul’s Early Story: From Jazz School to Hillsong17:30 — The Story Behind “Hosanna” + Understanding 12/8 vs. 6/833:40 — Developing Groove, Space, and the Paul Mabury Sound49:55 — Building ‘That Sound’ + Selling to Splice1:00:10 — House of Worship Project with Darlene, CeCe, and Michael W. Smith1:25:45 — Encouragement for Worship Drummers + Final Thoughts

MENTIONS AND LINKS

• Paul Mabury on Instagram
• That Sound on Splice
• Ludwig Black Beauty 5x14 snare
• Zildjian K Constantinople cymbals

If this helped you, share it with a drummer, your worship pastor, or your whole team, and subscribe for more.

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🎙️ THE WORSHIP DRUMMER PODCAST

• Apple
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👋 CONNECT WITH US

• Jon Manna on Instagram
• Worship Drummer on Instagram

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Some of the links are affiliate links. Affiliate links mean I earn a commission from qualifying purchases. This helps support my channel at no additional cost to you.

#worshipdrummer #HeartBeforeBeart #worship

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Join me as I sit down with Malachi O’Connor, the 22-year-old Los Angeles drummer for Forrest Frank on the Child of God Tour. Malachi shares his inspiring journey from late-night practice sessions and church youth group gigs to touring nationally and performing for thousands.

Chapters

00:00 – Intro & welcome

01:15 – Malachi’s musical beginnings and church roots

06:30 – Choosing drums as a career & family support

14:00 – Breaking into the LA music scene and first tours

24:30 – Advice for aspiring drummers and character over chops

32:45 – Quick-fire fan questions (gear, practice tips, faith)

Malachi talks about the discipline behind professional drumming—preparation, humility, and faith—and offers encouragement for anyone chasing a dream in music.

Follow Malachi on Instagram: https://instagram.com/yourboymalachi

🔵 FREE DRUM LESSONS WITH DRUMEO FOR 30 DAYS ⁠⁠http://drumeo.com/affiliate/worshipdrummer?oid=88&affid=54⁠⁠

🥁🎥 WD's SWEETWATER GEAR SHOP ⁠⁠https://www.sweetwater.com/shop/worship-drummer/⁠⁠

🎙️ THE WORSHIP DRUMMER PODCAST

Apple: ⁠⁠⁠https://apple.co/3ofPXIm⁠⁠⁠

Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠https://spoti.fi/3HdLmiG⁠⁠⁠

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• Camera - ⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3OqYwgu (Amazon)⁠⁠
• Lens 1 - ⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3WsZkHm (Amazon)⁠⁠
• Lens 2 - ⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3cJO6pS (Amazon)⁠⁠
• Shure SM7B Mic - ⁠⁠https://imp.i114863.net/JrO25e⁠⁠ (Sweetwater)
• Rode PSA1 Professional Studio Arm - ⁠⁠https://imp.i114863.net/6bnEBE⁠⁠ (Sweetwater)
• Rode RODECaster Pro 2- ⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3NXhP0f⁠⁠ (Amazon)
• SD Card - ⁠⁠https://imp.i114863.net/rnLXAd⁠⁠ (Sweetwater)

Some of the links are affiliate links. Affiliate links mean I earn a commission from qualifying purchases. This helps support my channel at no additional cost to you.

#worshipdrummer #HeartBeforeBeart #worship

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