Nashville Drummers Podcast

Dan Ainspan / Nathan Sletner

Meet the up-and-coming players within Nashville's diverse drumming community, plus interviews with special guests from music cities near and far. Hear their stories, be inspired, and share some laughs along the way. read less
MusicMusic

Episodes

Eric Pritchard: Drumming for Megan Moroney, Cracker Barrel, Playing for Television,  Mental Health & Mentorship
5d ago
Eric Pritchard: Drumming for Megan Moroney, Cracker Barrel, Playing for Television, Mental Health & Mentorship
Send us a Text!Today we welcome to the podcast Georgia native Eric Pritchard! Eric is currently the drummer and bandleader for rising country star Megan Moroney. Eric shares with us his journey back to his high school years where he was classmates with Megan, to moving to Nashville and playing their 1st Whiskey Jam together — the band has never looked back. Since the arrival of “Tennessee Orange,” Moroney has achieved such milestones as making her debut at the Grand Ole Opry and selling out her first-ever headline run (the spring 2023 Pistol Made of Roses tour). Megan is currently on a summer tour opening for country legend Kenny Chesney, ahead of a fall headlining tour in support of her anticipated sophomore album Am I Okay?. In this candid interview, we laugh over Eric's obsession with Cracker Barrel, learn of Eric's professional approach to the gig, why saying thank you is so important, and why mentorship continues to play a major role in Eric's life. We hope you enjoy!Chapters:00:00 Intro 1:25 Vertical Drum Co (Sponsor) 2:11 Teaching 7th Grade Math 11:41 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor) 12:23 Meeting Meg in High School 14:37 1st Whiskey Jam in Nashville 19:11 Cinematic Performance 25:24 CMT Awards31:12 Drum Supply (Sponsor) 32:11 Playing for Television40:40 Drum Box (Sponsor) 41:21 Drumming Influences 52:03 The Megan Moroney Show 57:30 Sonique Drums (Sponsor) 59:23 Cracker Barrel 1:08:57 Mentorship & Mental Health 1:20:19 OutroThank you to our Episode Sponsors:Vertical Drum Cohttps://verticaldrumco.comLow Boy Beatershttps://lowboybeaters.comDrum Supplyhttps://www.drumsupply.comDrum Boxhttps://drumbox.spaceSonique Drumshttps://soniquedrums.comConnect with Eric:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epritch_drumsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@epritch_drumsMusic Featured in this Episode:"Young Squire" - TrackTribe"Up Above" - Letter BoxIntro Drum GrooveRecorded by Taylor Friesth at Garden Groove Studios in Nashville, TNhttp://www.garden-groove.comMixed by Jackson Maddox------Interview by: Dan Ainspan, Nathan SletnerRecorded April 2024 in Nashville, TNConnect with us:WebsiteInstagramTikTokYouTubeFacebookRecorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TNPodcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART ⓒ 2024 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
Devin Attard: Country Goes Metal | Drumming for Austin Snell, Practice, Patience, Persistence, Social Media, Endorsements, & Living to Inspire
Apr 18 2024
Devin Attard: Country Goes Metal | Drumming for Austin Snell, Practice, Patience, Persistence, Social Media, Endorsements, & Living to Inspire
Send us a Text!At only 24 years-old, Detroit, Michigan native Devin Attard was born to play the drums, but he lives to inspire. Having only moved to Nashville just a few years ago, Devin has quickly become known around town as a personality and driven professional; often playing shifts on Broadway when he's not on tour with rising country star Austin Snell.In this wide-ranging interview, Devin stresses the importance of the 3 Ps: Practice, Patience, and Persistence, his strategic views on social media, branding, and landing endorsements, overcoming an autoimmune disease, and how he's developed his unique musical style bringing metal energy to the country music arena. We hope you enjoy!Thank you to our Episode Sponsors:SJC Drumshttps://www.sjcdrums.comLow Boy Beatershttps://lowboybeaters.comMusic City Audiologyhttps://www.musiccityaudiology.comDrum Supplyhttps://www.drumsupply.comDrum Boxhttps://drumbox.spaceSonique Drumshttps://soniquedrums.comConnect with Devin:Website: https://devinattarddrums.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/devinattardTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@devinattardYouTube: Devin's YouTubeMusic Featured in this Episode:"Wildfire" - Austin SnellIntro Drum GrooveRecorded by Taylor Friesth at Garden Groove Studios in Nashville, TNhttp://www.garden-groove.comMixed by Jackson Maddox------Interview by: Dan Ainspan, Nathan SletnerRecorded March 2024 in Nashville, TNConnect with us:WebsiteInstagramTikTokYouTubeFacebookRecorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TNPodcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART ⓒ 2024 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
Alec Parrish: How to Land Bigger Gigs | Ableton & Tracks, Relationships Over Auditions, Being Prepared, Coffee & Tattoos
Apr 5 2024
Alec Parrish: How to Land Bigger Gigs | Ableton & Tracks, Relationships Over Auditions, Being Prepared, Coffee & Tattoos
Send us a Text!Alec Parrish is a drummer, music director, and Ableton designer based in Nashville, TN. While he is characterized by an impeccable feel and serving the song, Alec's playing style is powerful and charismatic. With his background in Ableton programming, Alec often uses hybrid drum kits both live and in the studio. Growing up in musically rich Athens, GA, Alec's influences of pop, indie, and rock music have carried heavily into his professional career. Alec is currently touring as drummer and music director with Nashville Country artist Alana Springsteen, but his other credits include Walker Hayes, Danielle Bradbery, Carter Faith, Tenille Arts, Tyler Rich, & Caylee Hammack. Alec has created or contributed to the Ableton shows for Alana Springsteen, Danielle Bradbery, Devin Dawson, Morgan Evans, Tenille Arts, Ryan Hurd, ZZ Ward, Ingrid Andress, Alexandra Kay, and Eli Young Band. He is also available for remote sessions with live or programmed drums. In this wide-ranging interview, Alec shares his thoughts on tracks in popular music, the tactics and mindsets needed to be a professional drummer prepared for any gig, and why good working relationships are paramount for success in this industry. We hope you enjoy!Chapters:00:00 Intro 2:37 Welcome, Alec!3:48 C2C Fest w/ Alana Springsteen20:04 Growing up in Athens, Church & Being Prepared29:07 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor)29:48 UGA, Move to Nashville34:16 Developing Relationships, Working at Pinewood39:18 Getting Bigger Gigs, Meeting Danielle Bradbery47:47 Fill Credit on "Runaways"51:10 Patreon (Bonus Content!)53:15 Meeting Alana57:19 Garden Groove (Partner)1:05:45 Music City Audiology (Sponsor)1:06:27 Tracks in Today's Music1:16:37 Drum Supply (Sponsor)1:17:34 Buying Property in Nashville1:20:30 Nashville Coffee & Restaurants1:25:57 Drum Box (Sponsor)1:26:35 Early Childhood & Influences1:41:44 Dealing w/ Imposter Syndrome1:56:17 Sonique Drums (Sponsor)1:57:14 Alec's Tattoos2:04:29 Wrap-Up2:05:38 OutroThank you to our Episode Sponsors:Low Boy Beatershttps://lowboybeaters.comMusic City Audiologyhttps://www.musiccityaudiology.comDrum Supplyhttps://www.drumsupply.comDrum Boxhttps://drumbox.spaceSonique Drumshttps://soniquedrums.comConnect with Alec:Website: https://www.alecparrish.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/alecparrishMusic Featured in this Episode:"Runaways" - Danielle Bradbery"Maybe They Were Right" - Kayla HallIntro Drum GrooveRecorded by Taylor Friesth at Garden Groove Studios in Nashville, TNhttp://www.garden-groConnect with us:WebsiteInstagramTikTokYouTubeFacebookRecorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TNPodcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART ⓒ 2024 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
Beau Kuther: Drumming for Smallpools | Growing up in the MySpace Era, Being an Indie Band in 2024, Creating Memorable Live Shows
Mar 15 2024
Beau Kuther: Drumming for Smallpools | Growing up in the MySpace Era, Being an Indie Band in 2024, Creating Memorable Live Shows
Send us a Text!Hailing from Bend, Oregon, Beau Kuther is best known as the drummer for indie rock trio Smallpools. Beau grew up in the Warped Tour era idolizing bands like Incubus and 311, and where MySpace was how people discovered you. He spent much of his adolescent years touring and moving to new cities to chase his passions, including Portland and eventually Los Angeles, where he would first meet Sean Scanlon and Michael Kamerman of Smallpools. The band spent the first 2 years touring opening for Twenty One Pilots, Grouplove, Walk The Moon, and Two Door Cinema Club. Now 10 years into their career, Smallpools has amassed an impressive following of superfans and is about to release their 3rd studio album on the heels of a U.S. headlining tour kicking off April 2024. Beau discusses what it's like being an indie band, the songwriting process, and the challenges of releasing music in today's TikTok era. We hope you enjoy!Chapters00:00 Intro 2:05 Welcome, Beau3:33 Growing up in Oregon11:49 Balancing Multiple Interests17:34 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor)18:16 Early Influences (Copeland, Sexton)23:43 Move to Portland, Kaddisfly, Warped Tour25:17 MySpace Era28:17 Touring as an Indie Band33:29 Move to LA, Odd Jobs38:46 Sonique Drums (Sponsor)39:44 Smallpools45:18 Releasing Music in 202452:56 Writing Process as a Band59:30 Drum Box (Sponsor)1:00:10 Headlining Tour, Live Shows & Superfans1:07:20 Chainsmokers Collab1:09:21 SNL & TV Performances1:13:07 Drum Supply (Sponsor)1:14:06 Current Setup1:15:59 Endorsements1:19:16 Wrap-Up1:29:33 OutroWe'd like to thank our Episode Sponsors:Sonique Drumshttps://soniquedrums.comLow Boy Beatershttps://lowboybeaters.comDrum Boxhttps://drumbox.spaceDrum Supplyhttps://www.drumsupply.comMasters of Maplehttps://mdrums.comConnect with Beau:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beauknowsdrumsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beauknowsdrumsConnect with Smallpools:Website: https://www.smallpoolsmusic.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallpoolsYouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@SmallpoolsMusic Featured in this Episode:"Dreaming" - Smallpools"Fake A Happy Face" - SmallpoolsIntro Drum GrooveRecorded by Taylor Friesth at Garden Groove Studios in Nashville, TNhttp://www.garden-groove.comMixed by Jackson Maddox------Interview by: Dan Ainspan, Nathan SletnerRecorded March 2024 in Nashville, TNConnect with us:WebsiteInstagramTikTokYouTubeFacebookRecorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TNPodcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART ⓒ 2024 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
Garden Groove Nashville: Building a Home Studio, Working with Good People, How to Get Clients, Creativity & Community
Feb 23 2024
Garden Groove Nashville: Building a Home Studio, Working with Good People, How to Get Clients, Creativity & Community
Send us a Text!We are excited to partner with Garden Groove! The new home of Nashville Drummers Podcast.Garden Groove was born out of a desire to create a space where musicians, entertainers, teachers, and learners could come together. Tucked away as a private soundproofed studio, Garden Groove offers a quiet and relaxed environment for creativity to thrive and grow. They understand the allure of the Nashville music community and aim to be a magnet for like-minded individuals who want to hone their skills and connect with others in the industry.We'd like to thank our Episode Sponsors:Sonique Drumshttps://soniquedrums.comLow Boy Beatershttps://lowboybeaters.comMusic City Audiologyhttps://www.musiccityaudiology.comConnect with Garden Groove:Website: http://garden-groove.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/garden_groove_nashville YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GardenGrooveRecordingSpaceTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@garden_groove_nashville Music Featured in this Episode:"Told Ya" - TjfIntro Drum GrooveRecorded by Taylor Friesth at Garden Groove Studios in Nashville, TNhttp://www.garden-groove.comMixed by Jackson Maddox------Interview by: Dan Ainspan, Nathan SletnerRecorded February 2024 in Nashville, TNConnect with us:WebsiteInstagramTikTokYouTubeFacebookRecorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TNPodcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART ⓒ 2024 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
Luke Sumner: Being a Pro the Right Way | Growing up in Nashville, Worship Drumming, Identity, Recording, & Staying Motivated
Feb 7 2024
Luke Sumner: Being a Pro the Right Way | Growing up in Nashville, Worship Drumming, Identity, Recording, & Staying Motivated
Send us a Text!Born and raised in Nashville, TN, Luke was surrounded by the music industry from a young age. Throughout his childhood, he continued to develop his musical skills with his involvement in school and church. After high school, he attended Union University for Percussion Performance before transferring to Lipscomb University and becoming one of the first graduates of the Commercial Music program. Luke has since had the privilege of working with artists such as Sam Hunt, Conner Smith, Switchfoot, Tiera Kennedy, The Warren Brothers and many more. In this wide-ranging conversation, Luke shares invaluable advice on what it means to be a professional and how to stay motivated and humble in this ever-changing profession. We hope you enjoy!Chapters:00:00 Intro 1:57 Sonique Drums (Sponsor)2:55 Welcome, Luke / Sketch Comedy4:44 Growing up in Nashville12:32 Worship Drumming14:37 Playing with the Click24:07 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor)25:04 Percussion & Music Education27:30 Union University, Lipscomb's Commercial Music Program33:55 Drum Cartage & Mentors39:55 Relationships & Comunity44:43 Being a Pro & Doing Things the Right Way46:28 Drum Charts51:39 Musical References & Being Prepared1:01:45 Choosing the Right Gear 1:04:25Identity1:10:59 Music City Audiology (Sponsor)1:11:42 Going One Step Further1:18:47 Relationships & Being Present1:26:47 Drum Supply (Sponsor)1:27:47 Memorable Venues (Grand Ole Opry, Red Rocks)1:38:50 Staying Hungry & Goal-Setting1:47:01 1st Ryman Show (Michael McDonald)1:49:35 Home Studio Recording1:55:25 Wrap-Up Questions2:04:00 OutroWe'd like to thank our Episode Sponsors:Sonique Drumshttps://soniquedrums.comLow Boy Beatershttps://lowboybeaters.comMusic City Audiologyhttps://www.musiccityaudiology.comDrum Supplyhttps://www.drumsupply.comConnect with Luke:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lukesumner7TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lukesumnermusicMusic Featured in this Episode:"Outskirts" - Sam Hunt"I Hate Alabama" - Conner SmithIntro Drum GrooveRecorded by Taylor Friesth at Garden Groove Studios in Nashville, TNhttp://www.garden-groove.comMixed by Jackson Maddox------Interview by: Dan Ainspan, Nathan SletnerRecorded December 2023 in Nashville, TNConnect with us:WebsiteInstagramTikTokYouTubeFacebookRecorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TNPodcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART ⓒ 2024 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
Lemuel Hayes: Know Enough to Be Dangerous | Overcoming Injury, Getting Gigs, Social Media & Photography
Jan 22 2024
Lemuel Hayes: Know Enough to Be Dangerous | Overcoming Injury, Getting Gigs, Social Media & Photography
Send us a Text!Raised in Athens, GA, Lemuel "Lemmy" Hayes has called Nashville home for over 10 years, and has the breadth of music industry experience of a true seasoned pro. He's worked with a wide variety of artists, including Berlin, Cindy Wilson of The B-52s, Nicki Bluhm, Dead Horses, Kylie Morgan, and Spencer Crandall, among many others. In this very raw, 2-hour conversation, Lemmy recalls the many ups and downs of his journey to Nashville, including persevering through a serious arm injury, being a tour manager in Europe, and his stories of working various odd jobs inside and outside the industry. Lemmy offers his perspective on social media for both artists and players, and how he discovered his second passion for photography. We hope you enjoy!We'd like to thank our Episode Sponsors:Low Boy Beatershttps://lowboybeaters.comDrum Boxhttps://drumbox.spaceNelson Drum Shophttps://www.nelsondrumshop.comConnect with Lemmy:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lemuel.wavInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lemuel.jpgWebsite: https://www.lemuelhayes.comMusic Featured in this Episode:Dune Boi Bumper - Lemuel HayesBe Alright - Kudzu Duo Intro Drum GrooveRecorded by Taylor Friesth at Garden Groove Studios in Nashville, TNhttp://www.garden-groove.comMixed by Jackson Maddox------Interview by: Dan Ainspan, Nathan SletnerRecorded December 2023 in Nashville, TNConnect with us:WebsiteInstagramTikTokYouTubeFacebookRecorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TNPodcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART ⓒ 2024 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
Tim Miller: Toone Towels | Starting a Business, Production & Engineering, Careers in the Music Industry, & Why You Should Go to College
Jan 5 2024
Tim Miller: Toone Towels | Starting a Business, Production & Engineering, Careers in the Music Industry, & Why You Should Go to College
Send us a Text!Tim Miller is a recording and mix engineer, producer, and musician originally from Philadelphia, PA, currently based in Nashville. With a passion for music that took root at a young age, Tim first delved into the world of audio during his high school years. Tim Miller made the move to Nashville to attend Belmont University, where he earned a degree in Audio Engineering and a minor in Music Business. Since graduation in 2021, Tim has credits with a long list of artists and producers including LOCASH, Trey Lewis, Craig Campbell, and an array of others. In addition to his audio engineering skills, Tim is a professional live and studio drummer. We hope you enjoy!We'd like to thank our Episode Sponsors:Low Boy Beatershttps://lowboybeaters.comDrum Boxhttps://drumbox.spaceDrum Supplyhttps://www.drumsupply.comDetox Househttps://detoxhousenashville.comConnect with Tim:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timmymillerengineerWebsite: https://www.timmillerengineering.comToone Towels:https://www.instagram.com/toone_towelsMusic Featured in this Episode:Stefanie Joyce - Resurrection Day (Produced by Tim Miller) Intro Drum GrooveRecorded by Taylor Friesth at Garden Groove Studios in Nashville, TNhttp://www.garden-groove.comMixed by Jackson Maddox------Interview by: Dan Ainspan, Nathan SletnerRecorded December 2023 in Nashville, TNConnect with us:WebsiteInstagramTikTokYouTubeFacebookRecorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TNPodcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART ⓒ 2024 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
Neal Yakopin: Drumming for Nate Smith | TourLaunch LLC, Adapting to the Music Industry's TikTok Era
Dec 15 2023
Neal Yakopin: Drumming for Nate Smith | TourLaunch LLC, Adapting to the Music Industry's TikTok Era
Send us a Text!Pittsburgh, PA native Neal Yakopin arrived in Nashville in July 2020 and in a few short years has become a well-known and respected player, currently touring with country star Nate Smith.Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania native Neal Yakopin arrived to Nashville in July 2020 and eventually began working with Sony Music Nashville singer-songwriter Drew Green, who has written songs for Florida Georgia Line and Conner Smith. In 2022, Neal joined Nate Smith’s band for a six-show tour followed by a Fall tour with American country music singer Brett Eldredge. During this time, Nate's “Whiskey On You” single was gaining traction and landed No. 1 on Canada's country radio chart for six weeks, making the song the longest-running No. 1 country debut by a male vocalist in the country's chart history.Since then, Neal has performed at Nashville’s most revered country music venues: The Ryman, Bridgestone Arena, and the Grand Ole Opry, as he looks ahead to a busy 2024 touring season including support for Morgan Wallen's One Night At A Time tour alongside Nashville's Bailey Zimmerman and Lauren Watkins.In this interview, we discuss Neal's approach to live shows, how he started a business TourLaunch LLC, and the current state of the music industry’s TikTok-driven era. We hope you enjoy!We'd like to thank our Episode Sponsors:Low Boy Beatershttps://lowboybeaters.comDrum Supplyhttps://www.drumsupply.comDetox Househttps://detoxhousenashville.comConnect with Neal:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nealyakopindrumsTourLaunch:https://www.tourlaunchnashville.comhttps://www.instagram.com/tourlaunchMusic Featured in this Episode:Nate Smith - Alright, Alright, Alright (Apple Music Sessions)Intro Drum GrooveRecorded by Taylor Friesth at Garden Groove Studios in Nashville, TNhttp://www.garden-groove.comMixed by Jackson Maddox------Interview by: Dan Ainspan, Nathan SletnerRecorded November 2023 in Nashville, TNConnect with us:WebsiteInstagramTikTokYouTubeFacebookRecorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TNPodcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART ⓒ 2024 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC
Jake Robinson: Shed Culture in Nashville | Overcoming Anxiety, Spontaneous Artistry, & the Power of Boredom
Oct 13 2023
Jake Robinson: Shed Culture in Nashville | Overcoming Anxiety, Spontaneous Artistry, & the Power of Boredom
Send us a Text!On September 30th, we were stoked to be part of the 1st-ever 615Shedz event hosted at Drum Box Nashville. Today we sit down with the founder of 615Shedz, Jake Robinson, a Fort Myers, FL native who moved to Nashville in 2022 upon graduating from the Berklee College of Music. Recording extensively in the Berklee studios, gigging around the Boston scene, spending hours each day in the practice rooms, and hosting late-night drum sheds, Jake was always finding some way to be involved with the community. Since moving to Nashville, Jake has built a reputation of being one of the most unique and versatile drummers in the scene, specializing stylistically in Jazz Fusion, R&B/Hip Hop, Funk, Neo-Soul, and Rock. In this wide-ranging interview, we discuss the benefits to a drum shed and why you should give one a try, ways to overcome fear and anxiety behind the drums, and the cultural perception of old vs new Nashville. We hope you enjoy!We'd like to thank our Episode Sponsors:Drum Boxhttps://drumbox.space Drum Supplyhttps://www.drumsupply.comConnect with Jake:Website: https://www.jacobrobinsondrumz.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacobrobinsondrumz 615Shedz: https://www.instagram.com/615shedzMusic Featured in this Episode:Wrong Guy - Scott Levi Jones & The Holy CowChanging Tides - Slow AnimalsIntro Drum GrooveRecorded by Taylor Friesth at Garden Groove Studios in Nashville, TNhttp://www.garden-groove.comMixed by Jackson Maddox------Interview by: Dan Ainspan, Nathan SletnerRecorded October 2023 in Nashville, TNConnect with us:WebsiteInstagramTikTokYouTubeFacebookRecorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TNPodcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART ⓒ 2024 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC