Drum Candy: Recent Episodes
Mike Dawson
Hosted by Drum Factory Direct chief creative officer Mike Dawson, Drum Candy is the definitive podcast for gear-obsessed drummers with an insatiable hunger for non-stop shop talk. Each episode will include product demos and interviews with the world's top drummers, builders, producers, and product designers. Shell types, bearing edges, snare wires, hoop shootouts, tuning, muffling... every component of the drumset and drum sounds gets dissected, discussed, tested, and reviewed here on Drum Candy.
Practical advice on developing an inner pulse, choosing timeless gear, prepping a sub, and more from Wallflowers and Butch Walker drummer Mark Stepro
www.drumfactorydirect.com Hosts Mike Dawson, Tom Wendt, and Dave Throckmorton share 10 of their personal favorite performances by legendary post-bop drummer/composer Joe Chambers
This is the second part of our thought-provoking chat with legendary audio engineer and studio owner John McBride.
Legendary engineer and studio owner John McBride shares a wealth of knowledge about producing, mixing, songwriting, drum miking, and much more. Stay tuned for part 2!
In this episode, host Mike Dawson interviews the Hooters' David Uosikkinen before the band embarks on a run of dates in Europe and then it's first US in decades.
Host Mike Dawson shares his approach to dialing in the perfect snare drum sound. Shop the best prices and widest section of drum parts and accessories at: www.drumfactorydirect.com.
Hosts Mike Dawson, Tom Wendt, and Dave Throckmorton share 10 of their personal favorite performances by legendary modern jazz/pop drummer Brian Blade
In this episode, we talk about the new Headhunters album "Speaker in the House" with jazz/funk legend Mike Clark, make final comparisons of six different Bucks County 5.5x14 8-ply wood shell snares, explore ways to be creative with the paradiddle-diddle, and much more.
In our third wood snare comparison series, we examine cherry, oak, and ash drums. We also finish up our chat with Zach Danziger, and share some cool ways to play the flammed mill rudiment.
In this episode, we interview modern drumming great Zach Danziger, check out a vintage Camco drumset at Hawthorne Drum Shop, compare maple, birch, and walnut snare drums, and much more.
Every wondered about the differences between wood species in snare drum shells? How to practice flam taps creatively? This is the episode for you! We also wrap up our interview with legendary Brazilian jazz great Duduka da Fonseca, and we check out a vintage Pearl Wood-Fiberglass kit at Hawthorne Drum Shop. For the best prices and selection on drum parts, accessories, hardware, and more, visit www.drumfactorydirect.com.
www.drumfactorydirect.com, www.stickshed.com In this episode, we compare all the PureSound snare wire options, interview Brazilian jazz legend Duduka da Fonseca, share some double paradiddle accent patterns, check out a vintage WFL Porto-Pak drumset, and much more.
In this episode, host Mike Dawson interviews Jerry Gaskill of legendary alternative rock band King's X, and he chats with Steve Stecher of Doc Sweeney Drums about their innovative new HolloCore snare series. The main segment compares German-style and standard steel snare wires of different widths. Thomas Wendt is back to teach us all how to play a jazz shuffle. After a fielding a few listener questions, the show concludes with the Warehouse Pick of the Week.
In this episode, host Mike Dawson interviews NYC-based drummer/percussionist Willy Rodriguez about the making of the new Mars Volta album. He also compares some basic snare wire models to help you figure out which is best for your own needs. The education segment explores ways to practice flam accents so that they cross over the bar line. The Shop Talk segment focuses on some super-cool new Rogers Powertone drums at Hawthorne Drum Shop. After fielding a few listener questions, we share our Warehouse Pick of the Week.
In this special episode, hosts Mike Dawson, Tom Wendt, and Dave Throckmorton share 10 of their personal favorite performances by legendary drummer/composer/bandleader Tony Williams.
This sixth episode of season 2 of the Drum Candy Podcast includes part 2 of our 5x14 metal snare shootout with top online educator Mike Johnston, another great hang with modern jazz great Kenny Washington, the final chapter in our Drum Mechanics series with fitness and biomechanics expert Brandon Green, simple but effective exercises for displacing paradiddles, and much more.
DFD Warehouse Pick of the Week: Tambourines! Shop now at https://www.drumfactorydirect.com/index.php?main_page=advanced_search_result&search_in_description=1&keyword=tambourine
Don't miss out on our Labor Day Special: the "Do All" snare drum pack with a 5x14 seamless aluminum snare, 16-, 20-, and 42-strand wires, single- and double=ply coated heads, Moongels, extra straps and cord, and more! Available for a limited time at www.drumfactorydirect.com.
In episode 3 of season 2, host Mike Dawson concludes our exploration on how the tuning of bottom drumhead of a snare affects sound and response. The featured artist is NYC jazz drummer Andy Watson, the education segment covers how to swing the ride cymbal (by Thomas Wendt), and in the Shop Talk segment, we dig into some drumming mechanics with trainer Brandon Green. We conclude by fielding a listener question and sharing our DFD warehouse "pick of the week."
In this debut episode of season 2, host Mike Dawson discusses and demonstrates how the tuning of bottom drumhead of a snare affects sound and response, then he finishes up his interview with Stella Mozgawa and Bryan Hollon of the EDM project Belief, picks the brain of Jefferson Shallenberger at Sugar Percussion about snare beds, and fields a few listener questions. We also have another great jazz drumming essentials lesson with Thomas Wendt, and the show concludes with another great "warehouse pick of the week."
In this debut episode of season 2, host Mike Dawson demos 12", 13", 14", and 15" snare drums at identical tunings, interviews Stella Mozgawa and Bryan Hollon of the EDM project Belief, visits Hawthorne Drum Shop to check out some vintage Ludwigs, and fields a few listener questions. We also have a great lesson on jazz drumming essentials with Thomas Wendt.
In this episode, touring drummer and serial entrepreneur Mike McKee (Delta Rae, Baldman Percussion, Drum Team Collective) discusses how he launched his companies, how products are developed, and much more.
The great funk/rock/pop/R&B drummer Erik Hargrove sits down with David Throckmorton to chat about playing drums with James Brown and much more
Modern jazz great Lewis Nash discusses a range of topics, from developing a swing feel, preparing for studio sessions, tuning, and much more.
Hosts Mike Dawson, Thomas Wendt, and David Throckmorton share 10 amazing recordings featuring modern drumming pioneer Jack DeJohnette
How to practice improvisation, limiting self-criticism, choosing gear for the gig, and much more with Dub Trio/Birth's Joe Tomino
Houston-born drummer, composer, and educator Reggie Quinerly shares some of the most important things he's learned from the jazz greats that have shaped the musician he is today.
In this episode, hosts Mike Dawson, Thomas Wendt, and David Throckmorton share 10 amazing recordings featuring legendary jazz drummer Art Blakey.
In this episode, the great drummer/educator Brian Wolfe (the Dap Kings, David Byrne/St. Vincent, etc.) discusses how he developed his drumset curriculum at West Virginia University, the beauty of the Ludwig Acrolite snare drum, and 10 amazing R&B/soul tracks. https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4vOl-d1jz0RqMjsQNmznKCCQyFMJHKGv
In this episode, drummer/producer/engineer Jim Eno (Spoon) discusses his approach to production, writing drum parts, and much more. We also check out a unique Corder drumset at Hawthorne Drum Shop.
Giuseppe Capolupo pulls double-duty as tour manager and drummer with the modern metal band The Devil Wears Prada.
In this episode, Mike sits with Thomas Wendt and David Throckmorton to share their favorite moments on record by legendary modern jazz drummer Roy Haynes. We also check out a great vintage Rogers Holiday drumset at Hawthorne Drum Shop.
In this episode, modern jazz drummer/leader Jonathan Barber shares tips for leading a band, taking care of business, his favorite Istanbul Agop cymbals, and much more. We also check out an interesting vintage Deri drumset at Hawthorne Drum Shop.
In this episode, legendary jazz/fusion drummer/keyboardist/composer Gary Husband (The Trackers, Allan Holdsworth, John McLaughlin, etc.) talks about his current drum setup and tuning preferences, how he developed such incredible clarity on the kit, and much more. In the Shop Talk segment, we check out a fantastic '70s Premier kit with 3-ply mahogany drum shells.
In this episode, Austin-based drummer Steve Bidwell of the psychedelic soul band Black Pumas discusses how he gets his sound from backline drumkits, his pre-show warmup, and the unique light touch of Afrobeat legend Tony Allen, plus much more. The Shop Talk segment focuses on a vintage Gretsch Broadkaster drumset from the 1950s.
In this episode, host Mike Dawson answers a handful of listener submissions and frequently asked questions and we check out a cool Japanese Black Jack stencil kit at Hawthorne Drum Shop.
In this episode, top Pittsburgh-based bassist Paul Thompson discusses his favorite rhythm sections of all time, what he looks for in a drummer, and much more. In the Shop Talk segment, we try to identify the origin of a mysterious vintage drumset with Chris Hawthorne of Hawthorne Drum Shop.
In this episode, we chat with Mitch Zlotnik of Audimute about the physics of sound, soundproofing versus sound treatment, and various other topics relating to treating the space in which we drum. We also visit with Chris Hawthorne of Hawthorne Drum Shop to talk shop about the resurging Ludwig Standard series.
In this episode, Chris Hawthorne of Hawthorne Drum Shop in Pittsburgh discusses his favorite vintage drums and cymbals, how to shop for used gear, and which things do and don't affect the sound and value of older instruments.
In this episode, Pittsburgh-based modern jazz drummer and bandleader David Throckmorton discusses his preference for drums, cymbals, and tuning, and he shares his top 10 albums released in the past forty years.
In episode 41, we sit with Pittsburgh-based jazz drummer and historian Thomas Wendt to discuss his preference for old A cymbals over old K's and some of the legendary jazz drummers who've come out of southwestern Pennsylvania.
In this episode, Korn drummer Ray Luzier discusses making records during a pandemic, the snare that always wins out, playing with power without breaking your body, and much more.
In this episode, modern funk, jazz, and hip-hop drummer, producer, composer, and bandleader Adam Deitch (Lettuce, Break Science, John Scofield, etc.) takes us on a deep dive into the essentials of the funk drum sound and how it relates directly to modern-day hip-hop.
In this episode, top pop/R&B/hip-hop drummer, musical director, and bandleader Rashid Williams (John Legend, Jill Scott) discusses how he's adapted and diversified his efforts to keep his career evolving and his creativity flowing.
In this episode, modern jazz great Johnathan Blake discusses his musical upbringing in Philadelphia, the Philly versus New York sound, his unusual but ergonomic setup, and more.
In this episode, modern jazz drummer, author, and educator Ulysses Owens Jr. shares insight into what is required to play with an authentic jazz sound.
In this episode, top touring drummer Brendan Buckley (Shakira, Perry Farrell, Morrissey) shares his approach to building rigs for different gigs, what it takes to be a first-call musician and more.
In this episode, UK session great Ash Soan (The Matrix, Adele, Seal, Sam Smith, Cher, etc.) discusses what he's practicing to keep his playing on the cutting edge, how he tunes, which drums get the most use at Windmill Studio, and how his new Gretsch signature 7x12 purpleheart snare came to be.
In this episode, world-renown drummer/composer/producer/educator Billy Martin offers techniques, tips, and tactics for becoming a more creative artist.
In this episode, top Southern California-based session drummer Dan Bailey (Father John Misty) walks us through his process for recording the best drum sounds possible and discusses some of his favorite pieces of gear for recording and playing live.
In this episode, top studio drummer (John Mayer, Lady A, and more) discusses everything from drumstick selection to tracking with loops and more.
In this episode, Broadway touring drummer Quinton "Q" Robinson of the Temptations show "Ain't Too Proud to Beg" talks about how he landed the gig, what's involved in taking a major production on the road, how he chooses gear, and much more.
In this episode, top Nashville touring drummer Keio Stroud (Big & Rich) discusses choosing gear for a small home studio, why he plays such a massive live rig, and what it takes to be a last-minute sub on high-pressure arena tours.
In this episode, world-class percussionist Damon Grant gives us a crash course on basic percussion techniques, tuning, patterns, and more.
In this episode, acclaimed drummer/producer Joey Waronker (Roger Waters, Beck, Thom Yorke) talks about selecting gear for tour, why Fiberglass kits rule, and much more.
In this episode, world-renown session and touring drummer Josh Freese (Sting, Devo, Offspring, Vandals) discusses his recent ventures into buying vintage drums, why having reliable gear matters most, and much more.
In this episode, legendary Nashville session drummer Chris McHugh goes deep on selecting snares, building parts, and much more.
In this episode, top remote session Drummer Dylan Wissing discusses his process for recreating classic breakbeats, selecting gear for tracks, and more.
In this episode, pro-rock great Todd Sucherman shares his approach to tuning, choosing gear, part-writing, and more.
In this episode, top American cymbalsmith Nick Margarite of NickyMoon Custom Cymbals shares insight into selecting cymbals, the secrets of bronze alloys, and how he does modifications and repairs.
In this episode, top touring and session drum tech Kenny Sharretts (Dead and Company, Elvis Costello, Janet Jackson) shares a ton of tips on tuning, drumhead choice, and more, as well as the one piece of gear he can't leave the house without.
In episode 20, longtime Jason Aldean drummer/producer/author/public speaker Rich Redmond talks live and studio gear, getting the gig, and his first snare.
Drummer, producer, and social media master Tim Baltes recalls the origins of his comedic alter ego "Timbo from Keno," shares some tips on getting the most from vintage drums, and discusses his first snare.
In episode 18, veteran touring drummer Kevin Murphy (Jon Pardi, Tonic, Randy Houser) shares insights on what it takes to work as a professional-level player, talks gear and tuning, and reminisces about his first snare drum.
Custom drum builder Chris Carr of Bucks County Drums takes us on a deep dive into the anatomy of a drum and his earliest snare builds.
In this episode, Snarky Puppy's Larnell Lewis talks about his latest projects, how he tunes and chooses drums, and the story behind his first snare.
In the episode top indie drummer/producer Aaron Gilbert Steele (Portugal. the Man, José James, Hayley Williams, etc.) talks about his recent shift away from collecting gear, transitioning into a new career direction as a producer/writer out of Nashville, and his first and favorite snare drums.
In this episode, Jean-Paul ("JP) Gaster sits down with host Mike Dawson to talk about getting back into touring, preproduction for the next record, maintain a record label during a pandemic, and his approach to getting his legendary big, beefy rock drum sound.
In this episode, Branford Marsalis Quartet's Justin Faulkner dives deep into his philosophy on making creative music on the spot, and he shares his approach to tuning and treating his drumset for different rooms. He also reminiscences about his first three snare drums.
In this episode, top session drummer Nir Z discusses snare selection, drumhead choices, dampening tricks, recording with drum machines, and more. Plus he reminiscences about his first childhood snare drums.
Top touring and session drummer Matt Chamberlain shares thoughts on gear selection, approaching music in the studio, and his first snare drum.
NYC-based touring and session drummer/producer Gunnar Olsen shares stories about his first snare drums and recreating programmed parts live with Puscifer.
LA session drummer Blair Sinta shares insights into how he selects and chooses drums and snares, and he shares the stories on his first few snare drums.
Sugar Percussion's Jefferson Shallenberger shares his philosophies on drum building, as well as some history on his earliest custom drums. Host Mike Dawson also demos two Sugar Percussion snares: a 6x14 yellow Alaskan cedar and a 5x14 painted poplar.
Wilco's Glenn Kotche shares insight into composing music for drumset, how/when he adds gear to his collection, and some cool stories about his first snare drums.
In this episode, Death Cab for Cutie's Jason McGerr shares insights into selecting gear for recordings and touring and his first few snare drums.
Modern jazz great/composer/bandleader Antonio Sanchez discusses his approach to film scoring and shares his thoughts on drum sounds and his earliest experiences with gear.
In this episode, modern drumming great Mark Guiliana shares stories on how he gets his ideal snare drum sound for different gigs and chats a bit about maintaining his creative process during COVID19. We also demonstrate the third upgrade to our cheap steel snare, this time incorporating an internal muffler and wide 42-strand wires.
Host of the "Big Fat Five" podcast and Eve 6 drummer Ben Hilzinger shares his favorite snare sound, the unfortunate fate of his first professional snare, and what he would do to upgrade a cheap entry-level snare drum to make it gig-ready. We also implement and demonstrate some of Episode 2 guest Mike Johnston's ideas for upgrading the same drum.
Top online drum educator Mike Johnston discusses pivoting his business during COVID19, his first snare drums, and gives some great suggestions for upgrading an old entry-level steel drum.
In this debut episode of "Drum Candy," host Mike Dawson sits down with Lion King drummer Carter McLean to discuss how he's kept creative and productive during COVID19, getting back to playing shows, his first snare drum, how he tunes, and how chooses drums for his collection. Dawson also gets Carter's suggestions for how to trick out an old entry-level steel snare.