On this episode, I’d like to welcome back drummer Jon “Bermuda” Schwartz for his second appearance on my podcast.

Bermuda is best known as the drummer with the iconic "Weird Al" Yankovic, which is a position he has held for over 4 decades.

In between projects with Weird Al, he continues to play and record with other L.A. area artists and maintains an active online presence.In our conversation we discuss the concepts behind a series of articles he wrote for DRUM magazine entitled “Tips Of The Trade”, where he offers his advice and perspectives on establishing yourself in the music industry. We also talk about some of his creative processes when working with Weird Al, including his work on the recently released Polkamania medley and the band’s plan to go back on tour in the new year.

For those interested in learning more about Jon and his story, please check out episodes 10 & 11 of the podcast. Episode 10 Episode 11 Polkamania! Endorsement FAQ NAMM FAQ

Follow Bermuda: https://www.bermudaschwartz.com https://www.facebook.com/bermudaschwartz https://www.instagram.com/thegreatbermuda/

This episode features my conversation with drummer Chris McHugh.

Chris moved to Nashville from New Jersey in 1985 to start his professional career. Known for his rock solid grooves, he is highly regarded as one of Nashville’s most respected session drummers. His work can be found on multiple gold & platinum selling albums from artists such as Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood, Garth Brooks, Amy Grant, Toby Keith, Rascal Flats and many more.

I first became aware of Chris through with work with Keith Urban and was inspired by not only his powerful drumming on many of Keith’s most beloved songs, but also by his incredible stage presence in the live concert setting. In our conversation we talk about how he started to break into the Nashville studio scene. We discuss his perspectives on what it takes to establish yourself in the studio environment and why it’s important to remain true to who you are as an artist.

We also talk about why it’s invaluable to have mentors in your life, and how your definition of success begins to change as you reflect upon your own life experiences. Follow Chris: http://www.chrismchugh.com https://www.instagram.com/thechrismchugh/ https://www.facebook.com/chris.mchugh.986

This episode features my conversation with drummer, Josh Trager.

Originally from Montreal and currently based in Toronto, Josh is an accomplished musician who established a professional career after studying at the Berklee College of Music.

At the age of 20, he was personally selected by guitar legend Frank Marino to join the band Mahogany Rush and held that position until 2005. Josh is best known as the drummer for the platinum selling Sam Roberts Band and has continued to record and tour with the band for 2 decades.

In our conversation, we talk about how Josh discovered his passion for music and how his experiences at the Berklee College Of Music helped him adapt and establish his professional career.

We also talk about anxiety and how we can begin to change our mindset to overcome challenges we may be facing. Photo by Daniel D’Souza Follow Josh: https://www.instagram.com/jtrager24/ https://www.facebook.com/joshtrager

This episode features my conversation with renowned drummer and educator, Bruce Becker.

Known for his long time affiliation with drum guru Freddie Gruber, Bruce is highly regarded as an expert in Freddie’s unique approach to understanding the principles of physical movement and its application to developing flow on the Drumset.

Bruce is also an accomplished musician and went on to establish a professional career as a session player for a variety of artists. He is probably best known for his work with the David Becker Tribune, which is a project he co-led with his brother for over 30 years. He is sought out as teacher by many of the most respected drummers in the industry and is also the author of the book Puzzles, Rhymes & Riddles and his most recent release The Ultimate Guide To Syncopation, which discusses his approach and applications when using Ted Reed’s classic method book. In our conversation, we talk about how he discovered his passion for music, his experiences working with Freddie Gruber and how he uses his own personal experiences to inspire, assist and educate others. Follow Bruce: https://brucebecker.com https://www.instagram.com/brucebeckerdrums/ https://www.facebook.com/bruce.becker1 https://hudsonmusic.com/instructors/bruce-becker/

On this episode, I’d like to welcome back Ray LeVier for his second appearance on my podcast.

Based out of New York, Ray is an in demand drummer who divides his time between session work, composing and teaching.

Ray recently completed work on his new book “Drumming In Flow” which is a guide to concentration, creativity and incorporating breathing techniques in drumming, which allows you to achieve consistent peak performance.

In this interview, we discuss how his motivation to write the book was to overcome some of his own obstacles. We discuss the value of meditation and breathing techniques to achieve relaxation and focus and why it’s essential that we don’t overlook the value of a relaxed and positive mindset. We also discuss the inspiration behind his latest single, Uncharted Destiny.

For those interested in learning more about Ray and his story, please check out episode 18 of the podcast. Episode 18 - Ray LeVier

Drumming In Flow - Hudson Music Uncharted Destiny Follow Ray: https://raylevier.com https://www.facebook.com/rlevier https://www.instagram.com/raylevier/

This episode features my conversation with the legendary David Garibaldi.

Best known for his work with the iconic group Tower Of Power, David is one of the most influential drummers of our generation, and a renowned educator who inspires others to explore new concepts and embrace their own creative voice.

Follow David: https://www.facebook.com/davegaribaldi https://www.instagram.com/davidgaribaldimusic/

This episode features my conversation with drummer Aaron Spink.

Known for his versatility, Aaron is a freelance musician and educator based out of Ajax, Ontario.

After studying Jazz Performance at Humber College, Aaron embarked on a career that has seen him work with numerous artists in many genres in both live and studio environments. Aaron is also highly regarded as an educator and clinician and is currently on faculty at the Yamaha School Of Music.

In our conversation, we talk about his experiences and lessons learned through his post-secondary education. We also discuss his philosophies and perspectives as an educator and what he considers to be some of the fundamentals for success. Follow Aaron: https://www.facebook.com/aaron.spink.9 https://www.instagram.com/spinko84/ https://www.youtube.com/@AaronSpinkDrums https://www.tiktok.com/@spinko84

This episode features my conversation with drummer Allison Miller.

Based out of New York, Allison is an award winning musician, composer and educator who is highly regarded for her jazz improvisational skills showcasing her versatility and dynamic approach to the drum set.

Allison was named as a Rising Star Drummer in Downbeat magazine's 67th Annual Critics Poll and Best Jazz Drummer in Jazz Times’s 2019 Critics Poll. She is also the first recipient of the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation’s Commissioning Grant. The product of this commission is her immersive multi-media project, Rivers In Our Veins, dedicated to celebrating America’s waterways. In our conversation, we talk about how sharing your own personal development can inspire others to overcome anxiety and embrace their own artistic voice. We also discuss her approach to composition and the creative process for “Rivers In Our Veins, and why it’s essential to follow your creative paths despite the life obstacles you may encounter. Follow Allison: https://www.allisonmiller.com https://www.instagram.com/alliboomboom/ https://www.facebook.com/AllisonMillerBoomTicBoom