Real (GOOD) Drums for churches - Churchfront Podcast | Joey Parish cover art

Real (GOOD) Drums for churches - Churchfront Podcast | Joey Parish

Real (GOOD) Drums for churches - Churchfront Podcast | Joey Parish

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 Apply to Join Churchfront Premium Apply to Join Churchfront Pro Free Worship and Production Toolkit Shop Our Online Courses Join us at the Churchfront Conference Follow Churchfront on Instagram or TikTok: @churchfront Follow on Twitter: @realchurchfront Gear we use to make videos at Churchfront Musicbed SyncID: MB01VWQ69XRQNSN Church Front Worship and Tech Podcast - Episode with Joey Parish Guest: Joey Parish - Founder of Parish Drums Episode Description Join us for an in-depth conversation with Joey Parish, founder of Parish Drums and longtime touring drummer with Chris Tomlin and Shane & Shane. Discover how one drummer's need for portable gear led to a complete rethinking of drums designed specifically for worship contexts. From canvas drum heads to brush techniques, Joey shares practical insights for worship teams looking to solve volume and space challenges. Key Topics Covered Joey's Background Started playing in church in 5th/6th grade with a pawn shop drum kitEarly touring with Chris Tomlin (the "little east Texas guy in a cowboy hat")Years on the road with Shane & Shane, learning nuanced, acoustic-focused drummingTransition from bus tours to flying and the birth of Parish Drums The Parish Drums Innovation The Problem: Need for consistent, portable drums for fly datesThe Research: Existing portable kits were too heavy (70+ lbs without cases)The Solution: Custom-built nesting kit under 50 lbs, fits in airline luggageEvolution: From 14" bass drum to current 18" bass drum design Design Philosophy Wood Choices: Mahogany exterior, poplar interior (softer, less dense woods)Bearing Edges: Rounded edges for less resonance and more controlShell Depth: Shorter drums for quicker decayGoal: "Dead, thumpy" drums that don't require extensive muffling Revolutionary Canvas Heads Patent Pending: First-of-its-kind cotton canvas drum headsBenefits: Extremely quiet, removes high frequencies, maintains attackTesting: Road-tested extensively during Shane & Shane Christmas tourSound: Natural muffling without sacrificing musical quality Playing Techniques for Worship Brush Advocacy: Nylon bristle brushes for volume control and articulationBrush Development: Creating improved brushes to solve durability issuesDynamic Range: Learning to play from whisper-quiet to full volumeAdaptability: Removing drums as needed to fit the room/moment Practical Tips for Worship Drummers In-Ear Monitor Mixing Counter-intuitive Tip: Turn problem instruments UP in your mix to naturally play softerSimplification: Turn off crowd mics, choir mics to maintain timing focusClick Track: Use plenty of click for solid timing foundation Transitioning from Rock to Worship Understand the Mission: Create an environment for corporate worshipKnow the Songs: Learn originals thoroughly before adaptingBuild Vocabulary: Play with different worship leaders to develop adaptabilityEmbrace Dynamics: Move beyond on/off playing to gradual dynamic shifts Room Adaptation Play the Room: Adjust setup and dynamics to fit the spaceLess is More: Sometimes removing elements serves the music betterAcoustic Partnership: Leave space for other instruments to fill Technical Insights Microphone Approaches Versatility: Parish drums work well with any standard drum micsPreference: Beta 98s on toms for wood hoop compatibilityStudio Standard: 421s on toms, large diaphragm dynamics on kickMonitor Mix: Often removes bottom snare mic from personal mix for clarity Drum Tuning and Setup Locking Tension Rods: Maintain tuning stability during transportHead Choices: Evans 56 Calftone (synthetic calfskin) for natural feelSnare Wires: Uses 12-strand instead of typical 42-strand for volume controlShell Materials: Prioritizes control over projection and resonance Shane Bernard Collaboration Insights Musical Partnership Extreme Dynamics: Shane plays from inaudible whisper to full volumePercussive Approach: Shane thinks like a drummer on guitarNegative Space: Musicians fill each other's gaps rather than competingReal-time Adaptation: Shared musical language allows for spontaneous changes Learning from a Master Observation Period: Spent month doing sound before playing, learning the partsMusical Vocabulary: Built understanding of Shane's musical thinkingDynamic Response: Learned to match and complement extreme dynamic ranges Business and Ministry Integration The Worship Initiative Partnership Resource Support: Financial and operational backing for growthShared Mission: Equipping churches with better tools for worshipContent Creation: Part of comprehensive worship training platform Church Applications Volume Control: Primary solution for churches struggling with drum volumeSpace Efficiency: Fits in corners, small stages, intimate settingsAesthetic: Eliminates need for drum shields in many casesConsistency: Same sound every service, regardless of room acoustics Resources and Connect Parish Drums Website: parishdrums.comInnovation: Canvas heads and improved brush designs coming soonFocus: Drums ...
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