In this episode of Offbeat with Paul Hose, Paul sits down with the exceptional Rob Hirons — drummer, educator, manager and teacher at Music Learning Collective Marseille, and a long-standing friend.

Rob is a drummer of depth and feel, known not only for his groove but for his commitment to teaching and community-building. The conversation moves effortlessly between drums, life, relocation and the realities of building a sustainable creative career.

1. Rob’s early musical roots growing up in Yorkshire
2. Discovering the drums and developing his sound
3. The leap from the UK to Marseille in the south of France
4. Adapting to a new culture and music scene
5. The discipline behind great drumming — feel, time and musicality
6. Leading and teaching at MLC Marseille
7. Balancing performance, management and mentorship

There is plenty of drum talk — tone, groove, technique and the lifelong pursuit of pocket — but at its heart, this is a conversation about courage, friendship and creative evolution.

Rob’s journey from Yorkshire to Marseille reflects what many musicians quietly navigate: risk, reinvention and resilience. Moving countries for music is never just about geography — it’s about identity, opportunity and community.

Listeners will hear not just the story of a drummer, but of a creative professional who has built something meaningful in a new environment while staying true to his roots.

1. 🌐 Website: https://www.robhirons.com/
2. ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/RobHirons
3. 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robhirons/?hl=en

Available on all major podcast platforms.

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