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

🥁🎥 WD's SWEETWATER GEAR SHOP

• https://www.sweetwater.com/shop/worship-drummer/

🥁 DRUM SAMPLES FOR WORSHIP

• https://worshipdrumsamples.com/
  

🎤 📷 🎥 GET OUR GEAR LIST

• https://worshipdrummer.ck.page/gear

🎙️ 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.

🥁🎤 📷 🎥 WD SWEETWATER SHOPhttps://sweetwater.sjv.io/mOjDOZ

🥁 DRUM SAMPLES FOR WORSHIPhttps://worshipdrumsamples.com/

🔵 FREE DRUM LESSONS WITH DRUMEO FOR 30 DAYShttp://lp.musora.com/worship-drummer?oid=24&affid=54

🎙️ THE WORSHIP DRUMMER PODCAST

• Apple
• Spotify

👋 CONNECT WITH US

• Jon Manna on Instagram
• Worship Drummer on Instagram

🔴 SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELhttps://www.youtube.com/worshipdrummer?sub_confirmation=1

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

Get music for your videos or livestream from Soundstripe. Sign up for FREE ➡️ https://bit.ly/3nLIPUX

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

WD's CAMERA, AUDIO, AND GEAR

• 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

Get music for your videos or livestream from Soundstripe. Sign up for FREE ➡️ https://bit.ly/3nLIPUX⁠

🎧 In this episode of the Worship Drummer Podcast, we chat with John Miles Brockman and his dad, John Brockman, about the journey of a young drummer who’s already making waves in the worship world. From playing pots and pans as a toddler to sitting in with top worship teams, John Miles’ story is equal parts inspiring and humbling. We talk about parenting, platform, pressure, and keeping the focus on Jesus.

Whether you’re raising a young musician or trying to steward your own calling, this one will encourage and challenge you.

Timestamps

00:00 - Intro & Meet the Brockmans

02:53 - Discovering the Gift Early

07:59 - First Church Gigs & Learning the Ropes

12:43 - Studying Drummers & Influences

16:35 - Creating Space for Young Musicians in Church

23:10 - Balancing Playing and Spiritual Growth

29:30 - Social Media, Going Viral & Staying Humble

37:00 - Endorsements, Opportunities & Testimonies

42:00 - Navigating Fame, Pressure & Criticism

54:00 - Final Words from John Miles & What’s Next

🔗 Follow John Miles BrockmanWebsite, Merch, Drum Samples & Links: ⁠johnmilesbrockman.com⁠

👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more stories from worship drummers shaping the sound of the church.

#WorshipDrummer #JohnMilesBrockman #WorshipDrumming #NextGenDrummer #DrummerInterview #worshipdrummerPodcast

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

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

🎙️ THE WORSHIP DRUMMER PODCASTApple: ⁠⁠https://apple.co/3ofPXIm⁠⁠Spotify: ⁠⁠https://spoti.fi/3HdLmiG⁠⁠

WD's CAMERA, AUDIO, AND GEAR

• 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. Get music for your videos or livestream from Soundstripe. Sign up for FREE ➡️ ⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3nLIPUX⁠
• • 
    

🎥 In this episode of the Worship Drummer Podcast, we sit down with Aaron Raney, drummer and tour manager for the Christian band CAIN, live at the Kingdom Bound Festival. Aaron shares his incredible journey from his humble beginnings in a small Pentecostal church in Texas to playing major festivals, touring with CAIN, and managing their crew.

🏆 Topics covered in this interview

• ​00:00 - Introduction and Aaron’s Early Drumming Inspiration
• ​02:07 - From Middle School Band to Professional Drumming
• ​04:22 - Studying Music at Baylor and Belmont Universities
• ​07:18 - Balancing Drumming and Tour Management with CAIN
• ​12:54 - Running Ableton Tracks and Music Directing (MD)
• ​17:16 - Advice for Drummers on Growing Their Career in Christian Music
• ​23:55 - The Role of Faith and Perseverance in Aaron’s Journey

👉 Follow Aaron Raney on Instagram

👉 Follow CAIN on Instagram

📱 Follow us on social media

Worship Drummer on InstagramJon Manna on Instagram worshipdrummer.com-----------------

🎤 📷 🎥 GET OUR GEAR LISThttps://worshipdrummer.ck.page/gear

WD PATREON - POV and BTS CONTENThttps://www.patreon.com/worshipdrummer

🥁 DRUM SAMPLES FOR WORSHIPhttps://worshipdrumsamples.com/

🔵 FREE DRUM LESSONS WITH DRUMEO FOR 30 DAYShttp://lp.musora.com/worship-drummer?oid=24&affid=54

🎙️ THE WORSHIP DRUMMER PODCASTApple: https://apple.co/3ofPXImSpotify: https://spoti.fi/3HdLmiG

🚨GET WORSHIP DRUMMER MERCHhttps://worshipdrummer.com/shop/

🔴 SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELhttps://www.youtube.com/worshipdrummer?sub_confirmation=1

WD's CAMERA, AUDIO, AND GEARDrum Audio Interface: https://imp.i114863.net/2rY77D (Sweetwater)

Evans G2 Drum Heads: https://imp.i114863.net/RyaEE7 (Sweetwater)

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.

Get music for your videos or livestream from Soundstripe. Sign up for FREE ➡️ https://bit.ly/3nLIPUX

#worshipdrummer #HeartBeforeBeat #ChristianMusic #DrummerInterview #TourLife #DrummingTips #AaronRaney #WorshipDrums #MusicDirector #KingdomBound #DrumGear #MusicIndustry #WorshipDrummerPodcast

Join us for an incredible episode with Abel Orta Jr, the lead producer of Lakewood Music. Abel takes us on his journey from being a young drummer in San Antonio to becoming a pivotal figure in worship music production at Lakewood Church. Hear how his dreams of pop music evolved into a calling to create worship experiences. He shares about his music-filled upbringing, the importance of parents in nurturing gifts, and how modern tech is making a wide variety of music more accessible than ever. Abel also gives us a behind-the-scenes look at producing Lakewood Music and talks about his passions outside the studio—like fostering dogs and baking sourdough bread. Whether you're a music lover, an aspiring producer, or just enjoy great stories, this episode is packed with pro tips, personal insights, and inspiration. Plus, don’t miss his advice on social media and the unforgettable story of performing at Yankee Stadium. You don’t want to miss it!