This episode features my conversation with the legendary Rick Marotta. Rick began drumming at the age of 19 and quickly established his session career, going on to record with artists including Steely Dan, James Taylor, Carly Simon, John Lennon, Linda Ronstadt, Aretha Franklin, and many others. Known for his dynamic yet simple approach, his work has influenced many musicians throughout his decades - long career.

Rick has also composed music for television including the hit series Everybody Loves Raymond.

In this episode, we talk about the early opportunities that lead to working with some of music’s biggest icons, his emphasis on simplicity in his approach, and the lessons he learned which helped him to establish a successful career. Follow Rick: https://www.instagram.com/rickmarotta/ https://www.facebook.com/rick.marotta/

This episode features my conversation with Brandon Green.

Brandon is an internationally recognized biomechanics and fitness expert who specializes in optimizing performance and preventing injury for drummers. He’s the founder of Drum Mechanics and the creator of the Drum Fitness Program — an affordable, science-based training system designed to help drummers build strength, improve endurance, and play pain-free for life.

In this episode, we discuss the importance of ergonomics, maintaining consistency and discipline to ensure success, and why rest is an essential aspect to personal development. Brandon has also graciously provided podcast listeners with a free 7 day trial for his program and the link can be found in the episode notes. Drum Forever Fitness Program - 7 Day Free Trial https://www.drummechanics.com/7daysfree Follow Brandon: https://www.instagram.com/drummechanics/ https://www.youtube.com/@brandondrummechanics https://www.facebook.com/brandon.green.378 https://www.drummechanics.com/ https://www.stratainternalperformance.com

This episode features my conversation with drummer Jerry Marotta.

Renowned for his creative and dynamic musicianship, his playing has shaped the sound of artists including Peter Gabriel, Hall & Oates, Paul McCartney, Gowan, Tony Levin, The Indigo Girls, and many more. With decades of experience as both a live and session musician, Jerry brings a wealth of insight into drumming and the art of collaboration.

In this episode, we talk about the creative process, his experiences working with some of music’s biggest icons, and how his artistic journey continues to evolve. Our episode begins with part of our discussion about artwork he has collected over the years and why it’s so essential to support artists. Follow Jerry: https://jerrymarotta.com https://www.instagram.com/jerrymarottadrums https://www.facebook.com/JerryMarottaDrums/ https://www.youtube.com/c/jerrymarottamusic

This episode features my conversation with Aaron Comess.

Growing up in Dallas, Texas and based in New York for the last 3 decades, Aaron is best know as the drummer for the multi-platinum funk-rock band Spin Doctors.

Known for his creativity and innovative drumming style, Aaron is also an active session musician who has played on over 200 albums throughout his professional career. Aaron also maintains an active solo career and has released numerous albums featuring his own compositions and collaborations with other artists. In our conversation we talk about his studies at both the Berklee College of Music and The New School in New York, embracing your creative voice and the importance of always striving for excellence.

Follow Aaron: https://aaroncomess.com/ https://www.instagram.com/acomess/ Facebook

This episode features my conversation with Russ Lawton.

Growing up in Boston and now based in Vermont, Russ is best known as being the drummer for the Trey Anastasio Band for over twenty years.

Highly regarded for his funk and afrobeat influenced style, he’s also currently active with his own projects including the instrumental trio LaMP and his duo project Soule Monde.

Russ is also an educator who has a passion for helping others to embrace their own creative voice. In our conversation we talk about his early influences which helped to inspire his musical style. We also discuss his approach to composition, and what he feels are essential traits when collaborating with others.

Follow Russ: https://russlawton.com https://www.ilikelamp.com https://soulemonde.com https://www.facebook.com/russ.lawton.7 https://www.instagram.com/russlawton/

This episode features my conversation with Dylan Wissing.

Based in Hoboken, New Jersey, Dylan is a session drummer who has recorded for artists including John Legend, Drake, Kanye West, Jay-Z and Eminem. He is best known as the drummer on Alicia Keys’ Grammy award-winning hit “Girl on Fire”

Highly regarded for his creativity and expertise in recreating classic drum tracks, he also teaches the art of recording and session drumming at his website “Creating The Sound. In our conversation we talk about his early influences, lessons he learned from his studies with session greats Kenny Aronoff & Shawn Pelton and the keys in establishing yourself as an in demand studio musician. Follow Dylan: https://dylanwissing.com https://www.creatingthesound.com/ https://www.instagram.com/dylan_wissing_drums/ https://www.youtube.com/@DylanWissing https://www.facebook.com/indiestudiodrummer

This episode features part two of my conversation with legendary Producer & Grammy Award-winning engineer Bill Schnee.

On this episode, we continue our discussion about his experiences working with many iconic artists, his perspectives on education, and why it’s essential to focus on performance and artistry over production.

If you haven’t had the opportunity yet, be sure to go back and check out episode 72 which features part one of our conversation. Episode 72

Follow Bill: https://www.billschnee.com Chairman At The Board Amazon

This episode features my conversation with the legendary Bill Schnee.

Bill is a producer, Grammy Award-winning engineer, and author of “Chairman at the Board—Recording the Soundtrack of a Generation”, where he shares his experiences working on the records that made him highly sought after. In our conversation, we talk about how he got started in this industry, the value of having a mentor, and the factors that are essential to make a great record. We also discuss his experiences working with some of the most iconic drummers of our generation.

As this interview ran close to 2 hours, I have divided it into 2 episodes, so let’s sit back and get started with Part 1 of my interview with Bill Schnee. Follow Bill: https://www.billschnee.com Chairman At The Board Amazon