Acts you drum with? Where to begin? I have many projects all bubbling away… I often play with many famous and wonderful international musicians, singers and conductors and also our greatest Australian artists; both touring and recording. I'm very honoured to be first call for anything with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra that requires a drum kit.
What's your kit set up? An incredible sounding and beautiful looking kit comprising of 22-inch bass drum with double bass drum pedals, a snare with three settings of snare tension, 12-inch, 10-inch toms and a 16-inch floor tom.
Do you attend many events like the Vintage And Custom Drum Expo? I am drumming at events like this from time to time and I love performing when it is on the main stage, as the production and lighting can be set up beautifully to create an experience for the audience.
What are you going to talk about/play at the Expo? I have two major topics and I'll have a drum kit in the workshop. I'll also be talking about and demonstrating the rudiments of drumming, about the basic strokes and how they can be used musically within fills, musical soloing and colouring the music.
Are you planning to catch any of the other performances? I enjoy being totally "on deck" for the whole day and catching everyone playing and demonstrating and see what instruments have been created. It's inspiring seeing and hearing the other performers. We can pick up interesting ideas from everyone.
What advice would you give to a beginner drummer attending the Expo? Keep your ears, eyes and mind open to new possibilities for your drumming and music. Allow yourself to be inspired by the differences between approaches musically but also in terms of really special instruments. An instrument can make you play a different way!
If you could drum with any performer, who would it be and why? I would love to play with Lyle Mays, who is one of my absolute favourite musicians. He's the keyboard player who played with Pat Metheny for many years.
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When and where can we catch you at the Expo? 9.30am. I'm running a two-hour workshop for a limit of 20 people. It will be intensive and include playing with me as well. There will also be a second kit on stage. Bring sticks and brushes! I am playing on the main stage in performance mode at 3.30pm for 75 minutes.
