Big Fat Five: A Podcast Financially Supported by Big Fat Snare Drum

In this episode, The Drum Panel returns with ME (Ben Hilzinger), alongside my co-host Eric Urrea (Marina City), Max Flanders (Lukas Nelson), and Dean Sinclair (Capital Soirée, Worry Club, Ostin) for a roundtable on the ever-fragile topic of taste. Today we discuss: How to handle unsolicited feedback without spiraling into existential dread The delicate balance between self-expression and being hireable Whether “good taste” is something you're born with—or can develop That awkward moment when a producer tells you to “play something you're already playing” Learning to interpret non-drummer feedback without losing your mind The anxiety of showing people your work… and how to move past it Whether your teenage influences are a crutch… or your secret weapon Developing your own voice in a world full of technically perfect drummers—and incoming AI Overcoming “red light syndrome” in the studio and learning to groove under pressure This one is for anyone who's ever questioned their taste, their technique, or their place in the industry. It's funny, raw, and packed with perspective. --- Get Your Copy of the Drummers on Drumming Book Today!

My guest today is Ari Hoenig — drummer, composer, educator, and all-around wizard behind the kit. Ari is known for his melodic, almost vocal approach to the drums, especially his ability to bend pitch and bring out distinct note choices on the instrument in a way that sounds nearly impossible. He's collaborated with artists like Chris Potter, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Joshua Redman, and many others, but it's his own solo work that really puts a spotlight on his creative spirit. In this episode, Ari walks through five records that helped shape his unique voice — from the expressive swing of Papa Jo Jones to the unconventional phrasing of Thelonious Monk. We also dive into Ari's early classical roots, why Keith Jarrett changed his musical DNA, and how he began developing his signature melodic drumming approach. Hope you enjoy the five records that shaped Ari Hoenig into the deeply expressive and fiercely original musician he is today. Join Ari's Patreon HERE ARI'S BIG FAT FIVE: Artist – Keith JarrettAlbum – BelongingRelease Year – 1974Key Track – "Spiral Dance"Drummer – Jon Christensen - Artist – Jo JonesAlbum – The Jo Jones Trio: The Everest YearsRelease Year – 1959Key Track – "Philadelphia Bound"Drummer – Jo Jones - Artist – Kenny GarrettAlbum – TrilogyRelease Year – 1995Key Track – "Wayne's Thing"Drummer – Brian Blade - Artist – Miles DavisAlbum – NefertitiRelease Year – 1968Key Track – "Nefertiti"Drummer – Tony Williams - Artist – Thelonious MonkAlbum – Monk's DreamRelease Year – 1963Key Track – "Monk's Dream"Drummer – Frankie Dunlop --- Get Your Copy of the Drummers on Drumming Book Today!

This week's guest is Billy Martin ... a world-renowned drummer, educator, visual artist, producer, and author. He has collaborated with some of the best, including (but certainly not limited to) John Scofield, John Zorn, Iggy Pop, Natalie Merchant, Flea and many more. Still, many people know him best for his work with Medeski, Martin & Wood, alongside John Medeski and Chris Wood. If you enjoy this episode, please go check out Billy's interview with Mike Dawson on the Drum Candy podcast titled “Improvising and Cultivating a Creative Mindset”. I recently re-watched his anti-instructional film, Life on Drums, and I can't recommend it enough. It's essentially a series of conversations between Martin and his first drum teacher, Allen Herman. These discussions delve into topics such as soloing, time, tone, phrasing, free playing, and so much more. Interspersed throughout are some pretty rad solo and duet performances…all filmed with a cinematic aesthetic. So check that out if that interests you.  Right off the bat, we dive into the topic of soloing — something Billy encourages all drummers to do first thing when they sit behind the kit (even if just for five minutes), before jumping into the records that shaped him into the remarkable musician he is today. BILLY'S CHOICES: Artist - Peter ToshAlbum - Legalize ItRelease Year - 1976Key Track - "Legalize it"Drummer - Carlton "Santa" Davis, Carlton Barrett - Artist - Stevie WonderAlbum - Talking BookRelease Year - 1972Key Track - "Superstition"Drummer - Stevie Wonder - Artist - Dr. JohnAlbum - Gris GrisRelease Year - 1968Key Track - "Mama Roux"Drummer - John Boudreaux - Artist - John ColtraneAlbum - Interstellar SpaceRelease Year - 1974Key Track - "Jupiter Variation"Drummer - Rashied Ali - Artist - Charles MingusAlbum - Mingus Ah UmRelease Year - 1959Key Track - "Better Git It In Your Soul"Drummer - Dannie Richmond - Artist - Lil' KimAlbum - Hard CoreRelease Year - 1996Key Track - "Queen Bitch" Artist - Wu-Tang ClanAlbum - Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)Release Year - 1993Key Track - "Wu-Tang: 7th Chamber - Part II - Conclusion"Drummer - RZA (producer / beat maker) --- Get Your Copy of the Drummers on Drumming Book Today!

Welcome back to Drummers on Drumming, powered by Big Fat Snare Drum. In this part two episode, I continue my deep-dive chat with co-host Eric Urrea (Marina City) — picking up right where last week's marathon conversation left off. Today we discuss: The most useful failures musicians face (and how to reframe them) Why “pocket” means something different on every gig Learning to own your voice — whether as a hired gun or band member How to stay mentally and physically sane while on the road Why doing non-music things on tour actually fuels your art We open up about imposter syndrome, ADHD, burnout, and what it really takes to balance creativity with professionalism. --- Get Your Copy of the Drummers on Drumming Book Today!

Welcome back to Drummers on Drumming, powered by Big Fat Snare Drum. In this episode of The Drum Panel, I'm joined by my co-host Eric Urrea (Marina City, The Catching) for a laid-back but honest conversation about drumming, the music industry, self-worth, and everything in between. We had originally planned to bring on a guest, but when that fell through, we decided to just catch up and hit record—which, honestly, ended up being exactly what we needed. Today we discuss: A belief we both held about drumming early on that we've since let go of. Why learning kick drum patterns is my first step when tackling new material. The very real anxiety of walking into a new gig and playing in front of a band for the first time. Our approach to charting vs. memorizing—and why it changes depending on the situation. Whether drummers deserve songwriting credit and how we navigate that conversation. The difference between publishing and master rights, and what every drummer should understand about the business. Our evolving definitions of “making it” as working musicians. How our instruments can feel like both a source of pride and frustration—and how that ties into self-worth. The constant push-pull between confidence and impostor syndrome, and how we deal with it. If you're navigating your own creative path, juggling multiple projects, or just trying to stay inspired through the ups and downs, I think this episode will hit home. --- Get Your Copy of the Drummers on Drumming Book Today!

Welcome back to Drummers on Drumming, powered by Big Fat Snare Drum. In this episode of The Drum Panel, host Ben Hilzinger is joined by Sterling Laws and Fred Eltringham for an insightful roundtable on all things DRUM. Meet the Panelists: Sterling Laws: Grammy-nominated drummer from the Pacific Northwest, now based in Los Angeles, known for collaborations with Olivia Rodrigo, Kim Gordon, and more. Fred Eltringham: Nashville-based drummer, a mainstay with Sheryl Crow since 2012, with credits including The Wallflowers, The Chicks, and kd lang. In today's episode, we discuss: Dream pieces of gear from music history. Albums they wish they could have witnessed being recorded. Balancing technique and groove, and the idea that overemphasis on technique might mask a lack of feel. Essential, budget-friendly gear they rely on. Personal experiences of re-evaluating their approach to the drum set. Common drumming advice they find questionable, such as rigid techniques or creative limitations imposed by producers. Trends in drumming they're eager to see fade. Identifying traits that distinguish amateur drummers in live settings, like cymbal choices and hi-hat control. --- Get Your Copy of the Drummers on Drumming Book Today!

Welcome back to Drummers on Drumming…a podcast powered by Big Fat Snare Drum. I'm back with another installed of Big Fat Five — a segment of the podcast where we dive into the five records that shaped the way great drummers approach their craft. My name is Ben Hilzinger and today's guest is someone whose playing and educational work has impacted me personally in a big way. David Garibaldi is not only the legendary drummer of Tower of Power, but his book Future Sounds has been one of my go-to practice tools ever since my good friend Sarab Singh first turned me onto it. In this conversation, David shares the five records that shaped his unmistakable sound and approach to rhythm. I'm so honored to have him on — let's get into it. I hope you enjoy my chat with David Garibaldi. Cheers! --- Get Your Copy of the Drummers on Drumming Book Today!

We're back with another installment of the Big Fat Five—where I invite on a drummer that inspires me to break down the five records that shaped their voice behind the kit. My name is Ben Hilzinger and today's guest is Jacopo Volpe. Born and raised in Italy, Jaco has played with Vanilla Sky, Post Malone, Damiano David, The Bloody Beetroots, Salmo, Portugal. The Man, and a bunch more. He's got power, chops, groove, and the kind of confidence that only comes from playing on the biggest stages in the world. I'll let Jaco tell you more about his journey, but for now, let's dive into the five records that helped shape who he is behind the kit. Cheers. --- Get Your Copy of the Drummers on Drumming Book Today!

Welcome back to The Drum Panel—a roundtable-style discussion on all things drums. This week, I'm joined—as almost always—by my co-host Eric Urrea, and today's special guest is Jeremy Taggart: longtime drummer for Our Lady Peace and co-host of the Taggart and Torrens podcast, where he blends his love of music, comedy, and all things Canadian. At the end of the day, we're just good buddies—and those are the kinds of people I like to have on The Drum Panel. This episode kicks off in the middle of a little rant I was having about a recent encounter with David Garibaldi… which, if you stick around long enough, you just might hear for yourself. Let's hop in. Cheers. In this episode, we discuss: Jeremy's dream piece of music memorabilia The records he wishes he could've been a fly on the wall for Making peace with not keeping every skill sharp—and choosing what to let slide to serve your personal sound Singing while drumming A round of Word Association And of course…Trivia! --- Get Your Copy of the Drummers on Drumming Book Today!

What is up!? We're back with another installment of Big Fat Five, where I invite on drummers who've inspired me to break down the five records that helped shape their unique voice behind the kit. This week's guest is Sam Cohen—a Canadian drummer who, much like Marco Kleebauer a few weeks back, popped up on my Explore Page and instantly caught my ear. Sam also makes music under the name Glitter Party—a solo pop project he writes, records, and mixes entirely in his home studio up in Toronto. It's raw, nostalgic, catchy, and perfectly saturated—DIY in the best sense of the word. He does a great job of setting up his backstory and artistic approach right at the top of our chat, so I'll shut up—for now. Hope you enjoy the five records that shaped Sam Cohen into the musician he is today. Cheers! Check out all of Sam's links HERE SAM'S BIG FAT FIVE: Artist - Amy Whinehouse Album - Back to Black Release Year - 2006 Key Track - "He Can Only Hold Her" Drummer - Homer Steinweiss - Artist - James Brown Album - Star Time Release Year - 1991 Key Track - "I Got The Feelin'" Drummer - Clyde Stubblefield, Jabo starks, Melvin Parker - Artist - Al Green Album - Lets Stay Together Release Year - 1972 Key Track - "Lets Stay Together" Drummer - Al Jackson Jr - Artist - The Band Album - Music from Big Pink Release Year - 1968 Key Track - "The Weight" Drummer - Levon Helm - Artist - John Coltrane Album - Giants Steps (mono) Release Year - 1960 Key Track - "Countdown" Drummer - Art Taylor --- Get Your Copy of the my book Drummers on Drumming Today!

What is up?! Welcome back to Drummers on Drumming — a podcast powered by Big Fat Snare Drum. My name is Ben Hilzinger, and today's episode is a little different. A few months ago, I was sent a book by drummer and educator Mark Feldman — founder of Bang! The Drum School. The book is called Drumming Decoded: The Secret Code to Quickly Go From Newbie to Confident Drummer. It's a relatively quick read at around 180 pages, but it's surprisingly comprehensive. Now, I usually try to steer clear of too much “insider baseball” on this podcast because I want everyone to feel part of the conversation. That said, I also realized I haven't really addressed beginner drummers directly in a lot of my content. So I brought Mark on not only to promote his book (which I do recommend — link's in the show notes), but also to have a conversation about building a solid foundation from day one. And while this book and convo are definitely geared toward novice drummers, there are a ton of takeaways that can help any drummer — no matter where you're at in your journey. So, whether you're just picking up sticks for the first time or you're revisiting the fundamentals, I hope you dig this episode. Even if you think you've heard it all before... you might just grow a little more. Here's to the beginners — keep going. You got this! Check out Bang! The Drum School HERE Snag your copy of Drumming Decoded HERE --- ALSO...Get Your Copy of the my book Drummers on Drumming Today!

Episode 13 of The Drum Panel Welcome to The Drum Panel—a show where a rotating group of professional drummers engages in roundtable discussions pertaining to all things DRUM. For today's panel, we have my co-host Eric Urrea and special returning guest, Mike Robinson. Today we discuss: What the hell does it mean to be "rock"? Dealing with social anxiety and imposter syndrome while trying to network for your career. Why the word "networking" is gross --- Get Your Copy of the Drummers on Drumming Book Today!

This is another installment of Big Fat Five, a segment where I ask some of my favorite drummers to break down five records that had a major impact on their approach to music. This week, I'm joined by Marco Kleebauer—an Austrian drummer and producer who very recently popped up on my Instagram Explore page… and instantly peaked my interest. His drumming is minimalist yet experimental, and his analog-leaning recording approach is exactly the direction I want to explore with my own sound. This is just another reason I love doing this podcast—I get to discover someone new, connect with them, and then bring them to your attention, too! Go check out his website HERE where you can purchase his original music, grab some drum break packs, and explore playlists featuring artists he's either collaborated with or who've used his drum breaks in their own music. And some exciting news… Marco is releasing a book called Notes on Drum Recording by the end of this year. It's all about how to record drums in a small, less-than-ideal room—which, let's be honest, is the reality for most of us (myself included). So be sure to follow him on Instagram—not only for a bunch of reasons you'll soon discover, but also to stay updated on the book's release. Marco dives into his backstory right at the top of our chat, so I'll get out of the way. But I implore you to listen to the entire episode—he sprinkles some very tasty nuggets throughout. Alright, here are the five records that helped shape Marco Kleebauer into the highly sought-after producer and drummer he is today. Cheers! Check out his website HERE Follow him on Instagram HERE --- Get Your Copy of the Drummers on Drumming Book Today!

This is another installment of Big Fat Five, a segment where I ask some of my favorite drummers to break down five records that had a major impact on their approach to music. Today, I'm joined by Dee Simone, a Bay Area-raised dummer currently based in Los Angeles. She's funky, powerful, dynamic, and incredibly versatile behind the kit. I have to give credit where it's due—this interview wouldn't have happened without Bill Burr. I was listening to his podcast when he gave a glowing review of Doechii's recent Tiny Desk Concert for NPR, specifically shouting out Dee's playing. For those who don't know, Bill is a fantastic drummer himself, so that endorsement sent me down a rabbit hole of Dee's performances. Obviously, I have zero regrets. Dee has shared the stage with an impressive list of artists, including Doechii, Alison Wonderland, and Madame Ghandi to name a few. She's done a lot, yet she remains humble and hungry, and this was a really fun conversation. Read Dee's Shoutout LA Feature HERE --- Get Your Copy of the Drummers on Drumming Book Today!

Episode 12 of The Drum Panel Welcome to The Drum Panel—a show where a rotating group of professional drummers engages in roundtable discussions pertaining to all things DRUM. Today, we've got two fantastic guests joining the conversation: First up is Eric Leiderman. Eric is a producer at Late Night with Seth Meyers, where for years he oversaw the rotating drummer chair—regularly bringing in incredible drummers to fill in with the 8G Band when bandleader Fred Armisen couldn't be there. Eric's done a ton to elevate the drumming community, and we're stoked to have him on. We're also joined by Neal Daniels, an amazing drummer who's worked with artists like Liz Phair, LP, and Matchbox Twenty. Neal always brings thoughtful perspectives to the panel, and we're excited to have him back. Today we discuss: How can drummers authentically promote themselves online without feeling fake? How do we maintain our artistic voice while making a living playing pop gigs? Is recording yourself the key to growth? Should every drummer learn double pedal? How can drummers practice self-compassion? Which historic recording session would you have loved to witness? --- Get Your Copy of the Drummers on Drumming Book Today!

This week's guest is Fred Eltringham! If you listened to our recent episode with Sterling Laws, you heard Fred get a lot of love as one of Sterling's five picks—so it was an honor to finally have him on the show himself. And I gotta say…his voice is so soothing and calm. Puts mine to shame. Fred has been playing with Sheryl Crow since 2012, but his résumé also includes The Wallflowers, The Chicks, kd lang, Willie Nelson, Gigolo Aunts, Juliana Hatfield, Ben Kweller, and plenty more. He's a steady, calm ship at sea behind the kit, and it seems like songwriters line up around the block to work with him. In addition to his international touring with Sheryl, you can catch him on Instagram whenever he's doing something cool in Nashville—especially with Jules Belmont, as part of their tasty little instrumental group. So, please enjoy my chat with Fred Eltringham about the five records that shaped him into the musician he is today. Cheers! --- Get Your Copy of the Drummers on Drumming Book Today!

This week's episode is going to be a little different. I'm starting a new, perhaps self-indulgent series where I pose a question on the Big Fat Snare Drum Instagram and make an episode out of your responses. Maybe it'll stick. Who knows?…but these are the conversations I have with my musician friends anyways, so now I'm just pushing record. The first question posed was “which records helped define the 70's drum sound?”. We got A LOT of responses and opinions were certainly shared (THANK YOU!) Ihad to shave a 5,000 hour playlist down to a handful of songs. Then, I called up my good buddy and amazing drummer, Jake Reed, to chat with me about his views on 70's recording techniques and listen to the songs with me. Please enjoy! --- Get Your Copy of the Drummers on Drumming Book Today!

Welcome back to Drummers on Drumming, the podcast powered by Big Fat Snare Drum. This is another segment of Big Fat Five, where I invite my favorite drummers to break down the five records that shaped their approach to the instrument. Today, I'm joined by my friend Chris “Woody” Wood, drummer for the internationally loved band, Bastille. Since exploding onto the scene with Bad Blood in 2013, Bastille has become a staple of modern alt-pop—balancing sweeping, atmospheric moments with massive sing-along choruses. Woody's playing is a perfect example of how space, groove, and feel can elevate a song without ever getting in the way—something especially crucial in an arena-sized band like Bastille. But make no mistake, he still finds his moments, keeping his playing fresh, musical, and relevant for well over a decade. Beyond the kit, Woody is just a hilarious and thoughtful dude. He even co-hosts his own podcast, Away Days w/ Woody and Piers, a comedic deep dive into the world of away football fandom. We get into all of that and more—while uncovering the five records that shaped him into the drummer he is today. --- Get Your Copy of the Drummers on Drumming Book Today!

Episode 11 of The Drum Panel Welcome to The Drum Panel—a show where a rotating group of professional drummers engages in roundtable discussions pertaining to all things DRUM. For today's panel, we have my co-host Eric Urrea and special guest, Britt Bowman (Demi Lovato, KiNG Mala, Meg Myers, Royal and the Serpent, Toni Cornell). Today we discuss: What's the one piece of gear you've held onto the longest—and why? Are signature drumsticks a genuine advantage or just a marketing ploy? If you only had one hour per week to practice, how would you maximize your progress? Is it more beneficial for your creativity to immerse yourself in one album for a full week or explore a new record every day? Why every drummer needs a creative outlet outside of their career. How mental health directly impacts your drumming—and what to do about it. --- Get Your Copy of the Drummers on Drumming Book Today!

Welcome back to Drummers on Drumming, the podcast powered by Big Fat Snare Drum. This is another segment of Big Fat Five, where I invite my favorite drummers to break down the five records that shaped their approach to the instrument. Today, I'm joined by Ian Matthews, drummer for the "future rock" Kasabian—a group that, like many of the greats, enjoys massive success outside the U.S. while somehow remaining criminally underrated stateside. With eight studio albums and a reputation for explosive, anthemic live shows, Kasabian has been shaping the sound of modern rock for decades. And at the heart of it all? Ian Matthews—the powerhouse engine behind their dynamic and electrifying sound. We cover a lot in this conversation—stuff that will help any drummer level up their playing and presence on the kit. I also want to mention something special: If you've listened to The Drum Panel recently, you know I've talked about a certain project from November 2024 that I was really stoked about. Well, Ian was one of my main inspirations for those sessions. This one meant a lot. Enjoy the five records that shaped Ian Matthews into the drummer he is today. --- Get Your Copy of the Drummers on Drumming Book Today!

Today, we've got another segment of the podcast called Big Fat Five. This is where I invite my favorite drummers on the show to break down the five records that helped shape their approach to the instrument. Our guest today is Jason Gerken, a Kansas City-based drummer known for his work with Molly McGuire, Shiner, Open Hand, Project 86, and most recently, Hum. After our episode with Jared Shavelson a few weeks ago, I got a flood of DMs from people thanking me for introducing them to Jason's drumming on The Egg by Shiner. I knew I had to get him on ASAP. Jason's drumming carries so much weight—in every sense of the word. I know a lot of my friends were especially looking forward to this one, so here you go. I hope you all enjoy the five records that shaped Jason Gerken into the drummer he is today. --- Get Your Copy of the Drummers on Drumming Book Today!

Episode 10 of The Drum Panel Welcome to The Drum Panel—a show where a rotating group of professional drummers engages in roundtable discussions pertaining to all things DRUM. For today's panel, we have my co-host Eric Urrea and special guest, Jessica Burdeaux (Covet, City Mouth, Host of Reverb.com's "What's That Sound?" series on YouTube). Today we discuss: How do we get into the mindset of authentically emulating grooves? Thinking like a producer: Approaching drumming with overdubbing and auxiliary percussion in mind. What's a style of music you feel you should know more about? How do you decide when to cut yourself off from outside influences? What's your favorite piece of music gear that isn't a drum or cymbal? If you could play one iconic groove perfectly, what would it be? Who are some drummers you think are underrated right now? How do you currently define success as a drummer? Are koalas marsupials? As promised... Josh Freese Jason Gerken Casey Deitz Valerie Franco Ulf Mickael Wahlgren --- Get Your Copy of the Drummers on Drumming Book Today!

Today, we've got another segment of the podcast called Big Fat Five. This is where I invite my favorite drummers on the show to break down the five records that helped shape their approach to the instrument. This format also inspired my book, Drummers on Drumming, which is available now as a paperback or ebook on Amazon. Today's guest is Jared Shavelson. I met Jared through a mutual buddy and Big Fat Five alum, Mike Robinson. Jared is the real deal. He studied jazz in college but left early to kickstart his career—and it's safe to say that decision paid off. Over the years, he's played with Seal, The Bronx, Mariachi El Bronx, Joyce Manor, The Hope Conspiracy, Paint It Black, The Aquabats, and so many others. I just saw him perform with Mariachi El Bronx on New Year's Eve, opening for Morrissey at The Palladium. He was playing a cocktail kit, and the Afro-Cuban rhythms he was laying down were absolutely insane—I was completely blown away. Now, we were supposed to record this a few days ago, but life in LA had other plans. Between the fires and travel chaos, it was hard to pin down a time. Jared ended up flying out of Los Angeles Thursday night, only to get stuck in Atlanta during a snowstorm when his flight was canceled. After being stranded at the airport for 18 hours, he decided to help pass the time by hopping on the mic with me. That's why the audio in this episode might be a little rough—picture Jared huddled in the corner of a busy terminal while we recorded. --- Get Your Copy of the Drummers on Drumming Book Today!

Episode 9 of The Drum Panel Welcome to The Drum Panel—a show where a rotating group of professional drummers engages in roundtable discussions pertaining to all things DRUM. For today's panel, we have my co-host Eric Urrea and special guest, Kris Mazzarisi (owner/founder of Big Fat Snare Drum & drummer for Winnetka Bowling League). Today we discuss: What was the most game-changing moment in your drumming or musical journey this year? Which performance, session, or project from this year holds a special place in your heart—and what made it so meaningful? What's one surprising thing you discovered about yourself as a musician this year? Did any piece of gear or tool unexpectedly transform your playing this year? Share your story! Hot take: Is spending more than $100 on a stack just plain unnecessary? Time to settle the debate—Is Buddy Rich a legend or just overhyped? Let's get it out there: What are some of your biggest drumming pet peeve? Listen to 500 Anõs by La Armada HERE Check out Kris' cute little digital recorder HERE --- Get Your Copy of the Drummers on Drumming Book Today!

Ok, I promise I won't be promoting my book forever—but give me at least a few weeks to talk about it (I'm proud of it!). And hey, the sooner you grab a copy, the sooner you'll stop feeling guilty... and, well, left out. In this episode, I read a few excerpts from my new book, Drummers on Drumming. You'll hear stories and song choices from incredible drummers like Joe Bagale, David Raouf (rdavidr), Joe Seiders, Ilan Rubin and Jesse Kongos. These highlights give you a taste of the insights and inspiration you'll find in the book. I hope you enjoy these glimpses into the creative minds of today's top players. --- Get Your Copy of the 'Drummers on Drumming' Book Today!

Ok, I promise I won't be promoting my book forever—but give me at least a few weeks to talk about it (I'm proud of it!). And hey, the sooner you grab a copy, the sooner you'll stop feeling guilty... and, well, left out. In this episode, I read a few excerpts from my new book, Drummers on Drumming. You'll hear stories and song choices from incredible drummers like Jason McGerr, Madden Klass, Jojo Mayer, Noa Kahn, Andrew Marshall, Michael Benjamin Lerner, and Brendan Buckley. These highlights give you a taste of the insights and inspiration you'll find in the book. I hope you enjoy these glimpses into the creative minds of today's top players. --- Get Your Copy of the 'Drummers on Drumming' Book Today!

Episode 8 of The Drum Panel This week, Eric (@ericsurrea) is back!...alongside our newest bestie George Martinez (@skinnygeorge). In this episode, we dive into: Are ghost notes the modern-day equivalent of skinny jeans—cool now but overdone? How do you strike the right balance between technical precision and feel in your playing? Are dynamics the single most important factor in making a drummer sound great? Why is it so challenging to produce a high-quality drum part on the spot? Are tambourines and shakers actually more essential than toms? What are the guilty-pleasure drum songs we secretly love to play but would never admit to? Is a rubber practice pad less effective than a gel pad or pillow for improving your playing? Are self-taught drummers at a disadvantage in the long run? What's the best way to handle trolls in the drumming community? Is quantizing your Instagram drum videos considered cheating? --- Get Your Copy of the Drummers on Drumming Book Today!

Episode 7 of The Drum Panel This week, we're joined by Stacy Jones (Miley Cyrus, Letters to Cleo, American Hi-Fi) and Elias Mallin (Kesha, Noah Cyrus, Filter)—two seasoned veterans of the touring music industry and influential figures in shaping the competitive LA music scene. This episode steps away from our usual bullet-point list of hot takes and dives into a bigger-picture conversation about what it really takes to build and sustain a career in live music. We cover everything from technique tips and tuning tricks to staying mentally sharp during performances, audition dos and don'ts, and plenty of honest stories about the ups and downs of auditions and live shows. Special thanks to Patches Sound for hosting us! For more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram.

Welcome back to Big Fat Five—a segment of Drummers on Drumming brought to you by Big Fat Snare Drum, where I chat with my favorite drummers about the stories and records that shaped their sound. I'm your host, Ben Hilzinger, and this week's guest is the incredible Sterling Laws. Sterling is a fellow Pacific Northwest native now based in Los Angeles, but more importantly, he's a Grammy-nominated drummer whose resume is as impressive as it gets. He's worked with artists like Olivia Rodrigo, Kim Gordon, Chappell Roan, NIKI, Matt Berninger, Liz Phair, The War on Drugs, Linda Perry, Aly & AJ, Lo Moon, Poppy, Dave Stewart, and many more. Sterling is out there doing the thing and still manages to bring a unique perspective to the kit while working with such a diverse roster of artists—a quality that's both rare and inspiring. It's exactly why I was so excited to talk to him. So, without further ado, here are the five records that helped shape Sterling Laws into the drummer he is today. Cheers! For more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram. 

Welcome back to Drummers on Drumming! Today, I'm thrilled to share a conversation with a true force in modern drumming—Ilan Rubin. You've heard his incredible work behind the kit with artists like Nine Inch Nails, Danny Elfman, Angels & Airwaves, Paramore and so many more. But Ilan is not just an outstanding drummer; he's also a passionate educator, and his latest project proves just that.  He's recently released his instructional book, Start Somewhere to Go Somewhere, and trust me, it's not just another drum method book. In this episode, we certainly discuss the book, but we dive deep into Ilan's philosophy on practice and technique in a way that I personally haven't heard him talk about before … and why he felt compelled to share his unique perspective in an already crowded field of drum education. I have the book and ive been able to spend some more time with it since recording this episode and I can say first hand, it's worth it. So without further ado…here is my chat with the youngest rock n roll hall of fame inductee, Ilan Rubin. For more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram.  

Episode 6 of The Drum Panel This week's guests are two of my favorite drummers and people, Sarab Singh (MUNA) and Adam Christgau (Tegan and Sara). SUBMIT YOUR CONTROVERSIAL MUSIC OPINIONS HERE In this episode, we dive into: What's the greatest compliment a drummer can get, and does it truly matter? How do others really describe your playing style—are you sure you'd agree? Should every drummer dive into jazz, or is it a skill only some truly need? Has the golden era of iconic bands come to an end, or is it just evolving? Are music schools churning out technical robots at the cost of creative souls? Is practicing on pillows with heavy sticks a hidden secret or just a myth? Are quintuplets and sextuplets essential or a complete waste of practice time? For more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram.

We've got another installment of Big Fat Five: a segment where I talk to drummers about the stories and records that shaped their sound. Today's guest is Lucy Ritter, a New York/New Jersey native who picked up the drums at just 9 years old and was already landing professional gigs by 14. After three years at the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University, she made the bold decision to leave and join her first major tour: the Broadway musical An Officer and a Gentleman. That gig opened doors, eventually leading to her being offered the drum chair for the Grammy Award-winning musical Jagged Little Pill. These days, Lucy has stepped away from the Broadway scene and taken on an exciting new role as the drummer for one of today's fastest-rising pop acts, Chappell Roan. We dig into how she landed that gig and explore the five records that have profoundly influenced her drumming style. This episode has been a long time coming, so let's dive in. I hope you enjoy my conversation with the incredibly talented Lucy Ritter... cheers!

Episode 5 of The Drum Panel This week's guests are my co-host Eric Urrea (Marina City / Sessions) and good buddy Kris Mazzarisi (owner/founder of Big Fat Snare Drum). SUBMIT YOUR CONTROVERSIAL MUSIC OPINIONS HERE In this episode, we dive into: If you could reinvent one aspect of your drumming, what would it be, and why? What's the one piece of advice you wish you'd known as a young drummer starting out? How important is style to a drummer's career—can visuals be as impactful as skill? What ingredients create a drum tone that stands the test of time? Have we lost the ability to have a hit song without the use of a click? With AI's influence growing, what do you think drumming will look like in the near future? Is the quest for 'perfect' recordings draining the soul out of live music? Why do so many drummers gravitate toward intricate playing—are we losing the groove? For more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram.

Today I'm joined by Jesse Boyle, my good buddy and the drummer for the boundary-pushing band Chase Atlantic. Known for blending genres like alternative, R&B, and electronic music, Jesse's unique approach drives the pulse behind Chase's immersive live soundscapes. We'll dive into the top five influences that shaped his drumming and musical journey and we get into a newer career he's started…all because he gave himself permission. I think it's important for everyone to stay tuned through the end of the episode.  JESSE'S BIG FAT FIVE: - Album - Reggatta De Blanc Artist - The Police Release Year - 1979 Key Track(s) - Message in a Bottle, Walking On the Moon Drummer - Stewart Copeland - Album - By The Way Artist - Red Hot Chili Peppers Release Year - 2002 Key Track(s) - By the Way, Don't Forget Me Drummer - Chad Smith - Album - Only by the Night Artist - Kings of Leon Release Year - 2008 Key Track(s) - Closer, I Want You Drummer - Nathan Followill - Album - The Colour and The Shape Artist - Foo Fighters Release Year - 1997 Key Track(s) - My Hero, Everlong Drummer - Dave Grohl / William Goldsmith - Album - TOTO IV Artist - TOTO Release Year - 1982 Key Track(s) - Rosanna Drummer - Jeff Porcaro For more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram. 

Hey friends, Ben Hilzinger here. I wanted to take a few minutes to talk to you about a pretty exciting shift I'm making with this podcast. After much thought, I've decided to change the name of the podcast. Moving forward, it will be known as Drummers on Drumming. Let me tell you a little about how I got here. This whole thing started as The Big Fat Snare Drum Podcast, just a fun way to connect with drummers I admire—talking about stories, gear, grooves, and whatever else came up. It was a blast. But after a while, I wanted to dive deeper into the stories that shaped the way drummers think and play. That's where the Big Fat Five concept came from: drummers sharing the five records or moments that influenced them the most. The Big Fat Five format really connected with people, and I loved it. But over time, I realized the name was becoming a little limiting. I've got so many ideas for other segments—like The Drum Panel, where multiple drummers join me for roundtable discussions—and I didn't want to feel stuck in one format. I needed a title that gave me space to try new things and keep the podcast fresh. And honestly, if I want to keep doing this—and growing the show—I need to make sure it's easy for new listeners to find. Big Fat Five isn't exactly the most discoverable name if someone's searching for “drumming podcasts.” So this rebrand to Drummers on Drumming not only reflects the direction I want to take, but it'll also make the show more findable for people who haven't discovered it yet. Now, here's how the change will happen. Right now, the podcast is still called Big Fat Five, but I wanted to give everyone a heads-up before the switch. One week from today, both the name and the podcast icon will officially change to Drummers on Drumming. So, if you see the new name and artwork in your podcast feed next week, don't worry—it's still the same show you know and love, just with a new name and more room to grow. Oh! And speaking of exciting new things, I've been working on a book—also called Drummers on Drumming—and it's almost ready! The book dives deep into the Big Fat Five concept, with insights from some truly amazing drummers. I'm currently wrapping up the book cover as I record this, and I plan to have it available by Black Friday. So keep an eye out for that—it'll make a pretty sweet gift for the drummer in your life...or, you know, yourself. So there you have it—a new chapter for the podcast. It's the same vibe, the same passion, just with a new name and more freedom to explore new ideas. I can't wait to bring you along for this next phase. Thank you so much for listening, supporting, and being part of this journey. I'll see you next time on Drummers on Drumming. For more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram.

Episode 4 of The Drum Panel This week's guests are my good buddies Kris Mazzarisi (owner/founder of Big Fat Snare Drum), and Mark Stepro (The Wallflowers, Butch Walker). In this episode, we dive into: ·      If we could steal one drummers's feel and add it to our own, who would it be? ·      What is an example of a perfect drum take on record? ·      What does “pocket” ACTUALLY mean? ·      What is the role of drummers in songwriting credits? ·      Does music theory really make one a better musician? ·      What's the first thing we notice about a drummer that makes them come across as “amateur”? Check out Steward Copeland on Drumeo HERE For more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram.

Our guest today is one of Berlin's rising stars in the drumming world, Julian Wieder. At just 25, he's already making serious moves across the RnB, Hip-Hop, and Indie scene, both on stage and in the studio. I first discovered Julian thanks to the algorithm gods on Big Fat Snare Drum's Explorer page—and once I saw his playing, I knew I had to get him on the show. His feel is unreal, blending pocket grooves with a sense of freedom that feels completely natural and effortless. Plus, he's not just a drummer…he's an educator, and a bit of a clinic master in the making. In this episode, we'll dive into the top records that shaped his sound, and he introduced me to a new favorite of mine that I can't wait for you to hear. So I hope you enjoy the top records that helped shaped Julian Wieder into the drummer he is today.   JULIAN'S BIG FAT FIVE: - Album - The Joy Of Motion Artist - Animals as Leaders Release Year - 2014 Key Track(s) - The Woven Web, Tooth and Claw Drummer - Matt Garstka - Album - Continuum Artist - John Mayer Release Year - 2006 Key Track(s) - Waiting On The World To Change, Gravity Drummer - Steve Jordan - Album - Wallflower Artist - Jordan Rakei Release Year - 2017 Key Track(s) - Eye To Eye, Sorceress Drummer - Jim Macrae - Album - Chris Dave and The Drumhedz Artist - Chris Dave Release Year - 2018 Key Track - Whatever Drummer - Chris Dave - Album - Past Present and Futures Artist - Chick Corea Release Year - 2001 Key Track(s) - Fingerprints, Rhumba Flamenco Drummer - Jeff Ballard - Honorable Mentions: Nas - Illmatic Ghost Note - Swagism Yussef Kamaal - Black Focus For more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram.

Our guest today is Gabe Smith, the current CEO of Drums for Gracie Abrams Inc. A graduate of Berklee College of Music, now based in New York City, Gabe has also worked with incredible contemporary artists like Wet, Tei Shi, Eden, Frankie Cosmos, Kimbra and many more. Last summer, he opened for Taylor Swift and is about to rejoin that tour after some headline shows with Gracie Abrams. He's a busy guy! It took some finessing since we're both on tour, but we made it happen. I loved his picks, and I'm excited for you to hear this one. Please enjoy the top 5 records that shaped Gabe Smith into the sought-after, hardworking musician he is today. Cheers!   GABE'S BIG FAT FIVE: - Album - Abbey Road Artist - The Beatles Release Year - 1969 Key Track - She Came In Through The Bathroom Window Drummer - Ringo - Album - Songs In The Key of Life Artist - Stevie Wonder Release Year - 1976 Key Track - Knocks Me Off My Feet Drummer - Stevie Wonder - Album - When The Pawn... Artist - Fiona Apple Release Year - 1999 Key Track - A Mistake Drummer - Matt Chamberlain - Album - Friendly Travelers Live Artist - Wolfgang Muthspiel, Brian Blade Release Year - 2007 Key Track - Gnadenwald (Live) Drummer - Brian Blade - Album - Donny Hathaway Artist - Donny Hathaway Release Year - 1971 Key Track - She Is My Lady Drummer - Al Jackson Jr. For more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram. 

This week's guests are my good buddies Gunnar Olsen (Puscifer, Carina Round), Neal Daniels (Matchbox 20, Liz Phair), Mike Robinson (Blame My Youth, Food On Tour Podcast). In this episode, we dive into: The value of high-end gear: Is it really worth the investment? The existence of drum heroes: Do they still inspire us today? Yes...we talk about Oasis... Insights from the guys on the current landscape of drum endorsements. For more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram.

Our guest today is Daniel Glass. Daniel is a renowned drummer, educator, and historian known for his deep expertise in the roots of American drumming, particularly in jazz, swing, and early rock 'n' roll. A member of the pioneering retro-swing band Royal Crown Revue, Glass has performed with a wide array of top artists, blending historical influence with modern flair. His passion for drumming history is reflected in his books, clinics, and instructional videos. The project that introduced Daniel to me was his three-hour documentary called “The Century Project” which explores the evolution of the drum set and drumming styles from 1865 to 1965. Glass is also celebrated for his dynamic, groove-focused playing and his ability to bridge the gap between past and present drumming traditions. Go check out all his happenings at danielglass.com, but for now, please enjoy the 5 records that helped shape Daniel Glass into the drummer he is today. Cheers! DANIEL'S BIG FAT FIVE: - Album - Made In Japan Artist - Deep Purple Release Year - 1972 Key Track(s) - Highway Star, Space Truckin', The Mule Drummer - Ian Paice - Album - Three Quartets Artist - Chick Corea Release Year - 1981 Key Track(s) - Quartet No. 1, Quartet No. 2, Part 2 Drummer - Steve Gadd - Album - Buffalo Artist - Frank Zappa Release Year - 2007 (from a 1980 live concert) Key Track(s) - The Torture Never Stops Drummer - Vinnie Colaiuta - Album - Lyric Artist - Billy Childs Release Year - 2005 Key Track(s) - In Carson's Eyes, Into the Light, Scarborough Fair, American Landscape Drummer - Brian Blade, Marvin "Smitty" Smith - Album - From Darkness Artist - Avishai Cohen Release Year - 2015 Key Track(s) - Beyond, Abie, C#-, From Darkness Drummer - Daniel Dor - Honorable Mentions: Album - Blue Artist - Joni Mitchell Release Year - 1971 Key Track(s) - All I Want, This Flight Tonight - Album - The Concert at Carnegie Hall Artist - Benny Goodman Release Year - 1938 Key Track(s) - Don't Be That Way, Honeysuckle Rose, Sing, Sing, Sing - Album - Drumsville Artist - Earl Palmer Release Year - 1961 Drummer - Earl Palmer - Album - Live at the Royal Festival Hall Artist - John McLaughlin Release Year - 1989 Key Track(s) - Mother Tongues Drummer - Trilok Gurtu - Album - Tiny Resistors Artist - Todd Sickafoose Release Year - 2008 Key Track(s) - Allision Miller Drummer - Everyone Is Going For more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram.

Welcome to The Drum Panel—a segment where a rotating group of professional drummers engages in roundtable discussions on polarizing and controversial drum topics submitted by our listeners. Today's episode is the second half of a conversation between myself (Ben), my co-host Eric Urrea and special guest, Kris Mazzarisi (owner/founder of Big Fat Snare Drum & drummer for Winnetka Bowling League).   SUBMIT YOUR CONTROVERSIAL MUSIC OPINIONS HERE Today we discuss: If you're overly critical of gear, are you showcasing your lack of skill? Should snare drums and floor toms always between flat (Eric is surprisingly passionate about this subject)? If you don't know what the singer is singing, can your take still suit the song? We do it...we talk the world of endorsements. For more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram.

Our guest today is Taye Dever, a young drummer from North Carolina who recently came onto my radar and quickly grabbed my attention. Taye draws inspiration from a diverse range of genres, including R&B, Pop, Folk, Rap, Gospel, and more. While his musical style is eclectic, he seems to be a fresh face in the music scene. I'm honored if this is your first introduction to his work. We dive right in, so here are the records that have shaped Taye Dever into the musician he is today. Cheers! TAYE'S BIG FAT FIVE: - Album - Not Guilty Artist - The New Life Community Choir featuring John P. Kee Release Year - 2000 Key Track(s) - Rain On Us Drummer - Calvin Rodgers - Album - Thirsty Artist - Marvin Sapp Release Year - 2007 Key Track(s) - Praise Him In Advance Drummer - Calvin Rodgers - Album - Confessions Artist - Usher Release Year - 2004 Key Track(s) - "Caught Up" Aaron Spears' drum performance @ 2006 Modern Drummer Festival Drummer - Aaron Spears - Album - Pure Energy DVD Artist - Various drummers Release Year - 2009 Key Track(s) - Rekindled featuring Tony Royster Jr Drummer - Tony Royster Jr. - Album - Paramore Artist - Paramore Release Year - 2013 Key Track(s) - Ain't It Fun?, Still Into You Drummer - Ilan Rubin For more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram. 

Welcome to The Drum Panel—a show where a rotating group of professional drummers engages in roundtable discussions on polarizing and controversial drum topics submitted by our listeners. For today's panel, we have my co-host Eric Urrea and special guest, Kris Mazzarisi (owner/founder of Big Fat Snare Drum & drummer for Winnetka Bowling League).   SUBMIT YOUR CONTROVERSIAL MUSIC OPINIONS HERE Today we discuss: does practicing to a click make your playing sterile? those who can't, teach. True or False? does using less drums/cymbals make you more creative? you should never put anything in your bass drum! True or False? do drum shells tune themselves? do you need to put a button at the end of every live song? are the most musical drummers...non-drummers? For more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram.

Today's guest is Philo Tsoungui, an independent drummer based in Berlin, Germany. Philo has played with many incredible artists both in Germany and internationally, including a recent stint with The Mars Volta. I can't praise Philo's playing enough; it just works. While it can be categorized as Hip Hop, it's so much more than any single genre, as you'll discover in this episode. Philo shares many incredibly valuable insights, and we actually kicked off our recorded conversation by discussing practice routines (in an ideal world). So, without further ado, please enjoy the top 5 influences that shaped the incredible Philo Tsoungui. Cheers! PHILO's BIG FAT FIVE: - Album - Black Orpheus Artist - Keziah Jones Release Year - 2003 Key Track - Afrosurrealismfortheladies Drummer - Joshua McKenzie / Jose Joyette - Album - The Bedlam in Goliath Artist - The Mars Volta Release Year - 2008 Key Track - Wax Simulacra Drummer - Thomas Pridgen - Album - Black Radio Artist - Robert Glasper Release Year - 2012 Key Track - Afro Blue Drummer - Chris "Daddy" Dave - Album - Omar Rodriguez Lopez Group: Live Los Angeles on Sept 14th, 2010 (video) Artist - Omar Rodriguez Lopez Group Release Year - 2010 Drummer - Deantoni Parks - Album - Zildjian K Custom Special Dry Performance  Artist - Lenny "The Ox" Reece & The Lesson GK Release Year - 2018 Key Track - The Weekend Drummer - Lenny "The Ox" Reece For more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram.

Today, my good friend and fellow professional drummer, Eric Urrea, and I are excited to launch the pilot episode of a new segment on our podcast, tentatively named “The Drum Panel.” Drummers are known for having strong opinions, and we aim to delve into many of these in a roundtable format. For this first recording, it's just the two of us, but our vision is to feature multiple drummers from diverse backgrounds in each episode to foster engaging, relatable, and thought-provoking discussions. We invite you to join us on this journey. SUBMIT YOUR CONTROVERSIAL MUSIC OPINIONS HERE Today we discuss: are there too many rudiments? the hate towards Lars & Ringo are triggers cheating? virgin bass drums do drum shells actually matter? has social media ruined what it means to be a drummer?  For more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram.

This week's guest is Adolfo Torres. Adolfo's musical journey started in Cali, Colombia, and from a young age, his passion for music was evident, leading his parents to enroll him in drum lessons. This early start paved the way for his education at the Drummers Collective in NYC and later at Berklee College of Music on an American Tour Scholarship. After his studies, Adolfo moved to Austin, TX, playing with artists like JT Coldfire and Jennifer B and the Groove Kings, where he learned about the life of a working musician. In 2013, he returned to Colombia, forming the band M.I.J.O, which blends Classic, Modern, and Progressive Rock. All that being said, I've been a big fan of his for a long time and go check out a few of his videos before you listen to our chat. It will set the stage for a lot of what we talk about. I hope you enjoy the five records that shaped Adolfo Torres into the musician he is today. Cheers! ADOLFO'S BIG FAT FIVE: - Album - The Inner Mounting Flame Artist - The Mahavishnu Orchestra Release Year f- 1971 Key Track(s) - The Noonward Race, Vital Transformation, You Know You Know Drummer - Billy Cobham - Album - Paranoid Artist - Black Sabbath Release Year - 1970 Key Track(s) - War Pigs, Rat Salad, Fairies Wear Boots Drummer - Bill Ward - Album - Red Artist - King Crimson Release Year - 1974 Key Track(s) - One More Red Nightmare, Starless Drummer - Bill Bruford - Album - Badmotorfinger Artist - Soundgarden Release Year - 1991 Key Track(s) - Rusty Cage, Slaves & Bulldozers Drummer - Matt Cameron - Album - Amputechture Artist - The Mars Volta Release Year - 2006 Key Track(s) - Tetragrammaton, Meccamputechture, Viscera Eyes, Day of the Baphomets Drummer - Jon Theodore - HONORABLE MENTIONS: Band of Gypsys - Hendrix  Presence - Led Zeppelin  Bridge of Sighs - Robin Trower  Tony Williams Lifetime: The Collection Master of Reality - Black Sabbath 10,000 Days - Tool  Deloused in the Commatorium - The Mars Volta Down on the Upside - Soundgarden  Gretchen Goes to Nebraska - King's X For more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram.

Our guest today is none other than Jost Nickel, a renowned German drummer, composer, and educator. Jost is part of the golden generation of drummers from Germany, alongside his friends and fellow drumming legends Anika Nilles, Marco Minnemann, and Benny Greb. Currently, Jost keeps busy with Jan Delay and Disko No. 1, but his talent has graced many hit records both in Germany and beyond. He's also had the privilege of playing with jazz greats like Randy Brecker, Jeff Lorber, Jimmy Haslip, Barry Finnerty, and many more. In addition to his impressive performance career, Jost has authored four highly successful instructional books: Jost Nickel's GROOVE BOOK, Jost Nickel's FILL BOOK, Jost Nickel's SNARE BOOK, and Jost Nickel's BEGINNER BOOK. I absolutely love Jost's playing. It's always so crisp, clear, snappy, and incredibly creative, yet it always feels good. Today, we're diving into the five records that have helped shape Jost Nickel into the phenomenal drummer he is today. Cheers!" JOST'S BIG FAT FIVE: - Album - The Dream of the Blue Turtles Artist - Sting Release Year - 1985 Key Track - Shadows in the Rain Drummer - Omar Hakim - Album - Master Plan Artist - Dave Weckl Release Year - 1990 Key Track - Tower of Inspiration Drummer - Dave Weckl - Album - True Colors Artist - Level 42 Release Year - 1984 Key Track - Kansas City Milkman Drummer - Phil Gould - Album - This Time Artist - Al Jarreau Release Year - 1980 Key Track(s) - Spain (I Can Recall) Drummer - Steve Gadd - Album - Synchronicity Artist - The Police Release Year - 1983 Key Track - King of Pain Drummer - Stewart Copeland  For more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram.

This week's guest is Nick Wilkerson. For the past decade, Nick has been the drummer for the critically acclaimed Louisville, KY rock band, White Reaper. Recently, he decided to embark on a solo journey as an independent artist, and I'm eager to see what he creates next. I always invite drummers on this show who truly move me with their playing. I discovered Nick's videos on Instagram and was immediately impressed before I even realized he was the drummer for White Reaper, a band I really admire. Check out his videos, and you'll understand why. I was stoked to have this conversation with Nick, and it's moments like these that make me love what I do. Now, enjoy as we explore the five records that helped shape Nick Wilkerson into the musician he is today. Cheers! NICK'S BIG FAT FIVE: - Album - Tony Hawks Pro Skater 3 Soundtrack Artist - Various Release Year - 2001 Key Track(s) - Boy Who Destroyed The World (AFI), If You Must (Del The Funkee Homosapien), Amoeba (Adolescents) Drummer - Various - Album - American Idiot Artist - Green Day Release Year - 2004 Key Track(s) - Jesus of Suburbia, St Jimmy, Homecoming Drummer - Tre Cool - Album - Bad Brains Artist - Bad Brains Release Year - 1982 Key Track(s) - Attitude, Banned in DC, Big Takeover Drummer - Earl Hudson - Album - Live At Leeds Artist - The Who Release Year - 1970 Key Track(s) - Heaven And Hell, Can't Explain, Happy Jack Drummer - Keith Moon - Album - Wonderful Rainbow Artist - Lightning Bolt Release Year - 2003 Key Track(s) - Assassins, Two Towers, Crown of Storms Drummer - Brian Chippendale For more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram.

This week's guest is Isaiah Weatherspoon, a Philadelphia-based drummer who started playing at the age of four. He went on to graduate from Berklee College of Music in 2019 with a Bachelor's degree in Music Production and Engineering. Over the years, Isaiah has performed with an impressive roster of artists, including Lizz Wright, Greg Phillinganes, Lauren Talese, Leehom Wang, Justin Timberlake, Sister Sledge, and many more. I first noticed Isaiah when I saw a video on Instagram of him using one of our Big Fat Snare Drum Steve's Donuts on his floor tom during an outdoor concert. He was going crazy on the drums, and I was truly impressed. His positive energy and outlook made this conversation a real pleasure. Plus, we dive into a fascinating topic: synesthesia, a perceptual phenomenon that Isaiah proudly embraces. So, without further ado, here are the five records that have shaped Isaiah Weatherspoon into the musician he is today. Cheers! Check out his book: MUSIC IS COOL! Music Coloring Book for Kids ISAIAH'S BIG FAT FIVE: - Album - Not Guilty Artist - John P Kee Release Year - 2000 Key Track - Rain On Us Drummer - Calvin Rodgers - Album - Purpose By Design Artist - Fred Hammond and Radical For Christ Release Year - 2000 Key Track - Jesus Be a Fence Around Me Drummer - Marvin McQuitty - Album - In A Dream Artist - Gretchen Parlato Release Year - 2009 Key Track - Butterfly Drummer - "No drums on this record. But I believe Kendrick Scott plays on album" - Album - Ten Summoner's Tale Artist - Sting Release Year - 1993 Key Track(s) - Seven Days Drummer - Vinnie Colaiuta - Album - Choose Your Weapon Artist - Hiatus Kaiyote Release Year - 2015 Key Track - By Fire Drummer - Perrin Moss For more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram.

This week's guest is Eric Somers-Urrea…a Chicago-based drummer, educator and producer who I very-much admire both on and off the kit. His main project is a band called Marina City and his sincerity / kindness as a person matches his incredible prowess on the drums. I just can't say enough good things about him. This is a edited and re-airing of my conversation with Eric from a few years ago so some references are a little dated, but I'm pushing this to the top of the feed because I might be switching things up a bit and, to keep things cryptic, let's just say I want you to get to know Eric a little bit more. Stay tuned. Please enjoy our chat about the 5 main influences that shaped Eric into the drummer he is today, but first…we play a little game. Cheers! ERIC'S BIG FAT FIVE: Performance - Drum Corps International 2004 Finals Release Year - 2004 Artist - The Cavaliers Song Choice - https://youtu.be/KpUuMM1y2_o?t=140 (anywhere between 2:20-4:20ish) Drummer - The Cavaliers Drumline - Album - Quadrophenia Release Year - 1973 Artist - The Who Song Choice - The Real Me (1:30ish) Drummer - Keith Moon - Album - Deadwing Release Year - 2005 Artist - Porcupine Tree Song Choice - Glass Arm Shattering (3:30ish) Drummer - Gavin Harrison - Album - Mer De Noms Release Year - 2000 Artist - A Perfect Circle Song Choice - Judith (2:40) Drummer - Josh Freese - Album - With Teeth Release Year - 2005 Artist - Nine Inch Nails Song Choice - All the Love in the World Drummer - Dave Grohl/ Trent Reznor - HONORABLE MENTIONS: "Glass Prison" by Dream Theater "Heart Don't Stand a Chance" by Anderson .Paak (Tiny Desk Concert version 3:45) For more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram. 

This week's guest is Megan Spencer, a talented young drummer and educator from just outside Los Angeles. Megan recently caught my attention with her amazing cover of Marques Murrey's Million Dollar Baby remix, and I was instantly drawn to her unique tones and vibe. So, I'm excited to have her on the show!  I'm always grateful for the opportunity to connect with new drummers who inspire ME and learn about the drummers who inspired THEM, in hopes of inspiring YOU. Thanks for hanging around. Today, Megan will share the five records that have significantly shaped her journey as a drummer. Enjoy the episode! Cheers! MEGAN'S BIG FAT FIVE: Album - Innervisions Artist - Stevie Wonder Release Year - 1973 Key Track - Higher Ground Drummer - Stevie Wonder - Album - Bad Artist - Michael Jackson Release Year - 1987 Key Track - Smooth Criminal, Bad, Dirty Diana, Man in the Mirror Drummer - John (JR) Robinson - Album - Ten Summoner's Tales Artist - Sting Release Year - 1993 Key Track - Seven Days Drummer - Vinnie Colaiuta - Album - Alive in South Africa Artist - Israel Houghton & New Breed Release Year - 2005 Key Track - Turn it Around, Still Standing Drummer - Mike Clemmons - Album - Loopified Artist - Dirty Loops Release Year - 2014 Key Track - Hit Me, Rolling in the Deep Drummer - Aron Mellergard For more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram.