Drum Candy

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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.

Mike Dawson


    • Mar 6, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 1h 6m AVG DURATION
    • 134 EPISODES

    Ivy Insights

    The Drum Candy podcast is an absolute gem for drummers and drum enthusiasts alike. Hosted by the knowledgeable and charismatic Mike Dawson, this podcast offers a unique blend of detailed gear discussion, insightful interviews with top players in the industry, and a genuine sense of community among drummers. It's informative, entertaining, and has quickly become a go-to source for all things drums.

    One of the best aspects of The Drum Candy podcast is Mike Dawson's interviewing style. Unlike many other hosts who feel the need to constantly interject or steer the conversation, Dawson affords his guests uninterrupted space to express their complete thoughts and answers to his questions. This creates a relaxed and open atmosphere where guests can delve deep into their philosophies, techniques, and experiences without any time constraints. It allows for truly genuine conversations that are both enlightening and enjoyable.

    Another standout aspect of this podcast is its focus on gear. Drummers are notorious gearheads, always searching for the perfect sound and setup. The Drum Candy podcast caters perfectly to this passion by providing detailed discussions on various drum gear with some of the best players in the world. From vintage kits to modern gadgets, listeners get insights from experts who have extensive knowledge about different equipment options. This makes it incredibly valuable for drummers looking to expand their sonic palette or make informed purchasing decisions.

    While it's hard to find any significant flaws with The Drum Candy podcast, one potential downside is that not all episodes may resonate equally with every listener. Some episodes may focus more on technicalities or minutiae that may not be as interesting or relevant to every drummer. However, considering the vast range of topics covered and guests featured on this podcast, there is still plenty of content that will appeal to musicians at all levels.

    In conclusion, The Drum Candy podcast is an absolutely fantastic resource for drummers seeking informative and entertaining discussions about gear, techniques, experiences, and everything else related to drums. With Mike Dawson's expert knowledge, his engaging interviewing style, and the willingness of guests to openly share their insights, this podcast has quickly become a must-listen for drummers worldwide. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, The Drum Candy podcast is guaranteed to satisfy your craving for all things drums.



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    Latest episodes from Drum Candy

    UK Drummer/Producer Malcolm Catto (Little Barrie, Heliocentrics, DJ Shadow, etc.)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2025 72:50


    Shop for drum parts, accessories, and more at www.drumfactorydirect.com.

    Special Episode! Portraits in Jazz: Big Sid Catlett with Thomas Wendt and Kenny Washington

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2025 39:23


    Host Thomas Wendt and guest artist Kenny Washington discuss the legacy and impact of early jazz/big band great Sidney "Big Sid" Catlett. The second half of the episode features an excerpt from a recent drum clinic conducted by Thomas on the basics of jazz brush technique.

    10 Reasons to LOVE Ed BLACKWELL

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2025 64:27


    Shop for drum parts, accessories, and more at www.drumfactorydirect.com.

    10 Reasons to LOVE Philly Joe Jones

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2025 52:29


    Shop for drum parts, accessories, and more at www.drumfactorydirect.com.

    Which Snare Hoops Are Best for Jazz? A Pro Drummer's Take

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2025 37:52


    Shop for hoops and more at www.drumfactorydirect.com.

    What's the BEST Snare Drum Hoop for the GIGGING Drummer?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 31, 2025 46:42


    Shop for hoops and more at www.drumfactorydirect.com.

    Alt Hoop Shoot-Out: Quick-Cut Comparison

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 24, 2025 21:52


    Shop for hoops and more at www.drumfactorydirect.com.

    Snare Hoop Shootout 2: Exploring the Sounds of Single-Flange, Stick Chopper, Die-Cast, and Wood

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2025 56:42


    Shop for hoops and more at www.drumfactorydirect.com.

    Side-by-Side: Comparing Every Triple-Flange Drum Hoop

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 10, 2025 21:52


    In this shorter episode, we compare 1.6mm, 2.3mm, and 3.0mm steel and 2.5mm brass triple-flange hoops on a 14" aluminum snare drum.

    Every Triple-Flange Hoop Compared: The Ultimate Snare Drum Guide

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 3, 2025 65:58


    Shop for hoops at: https://www.drumfactorydirect.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=6_7

    Part 2: Peter Erskine (10 Reasons to Love)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 25, 2024 31:45


    We conclude our 10 Reasons to Love Peter Erskine discussion with co-hosts Mike Dawson, Thomas Wendt, and David Throckmorton with more excerpts from the jazz/pop/fusion great's hugely diverse discography.

    10 Reason to Love Jazz/Pop/Fusion Great PETER ERSKINE (Part 1)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 18, 2024 40:55


    In this episode of the Drum Candy Podcast, hosts Mike Dawson, Thomas Wendt, and David Throckmorton share the first five of their "10 Reasons to Love" the iconic jazz/rock/pop/fusion drummer, band leader, composer, and educator Peter Erskine. For the best selection of drum parts, accessories, sticks, and more, shop at www.drumfactorydirect.com.

    Special Mini Episode! Portraits in Jazz: Baby Dodds with Thomas Wendt and Kenny Washington

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2024 9:20


    In this debut episode of a new micro-episode series, titled Portraits in Jazz, host Thomas Wendt gives a concise overview of the legendary career of early jazz pioneer Baby Dodds. We also welcome special guest Kenny Washington for additional commentary.

    10 Reasons to Love MAX ROACH (Part 2)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 13, 2024 37:50


    Co-hosts Mike Dawson, Thomas Wendt, and David Throckmorton continue with a handful more of their favorite Max Roach performances.

    10 Reason to Love MAX ROACH (Part 1)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 20, 2024 39:02


    In this episode, co-hosts Mike Dawson, David Throckmorton, and Thomas Wendt share some of their favorite recordings featuring modern jazz legend Max Roach. This is the first part in a multi-part series.

    10 Reasons to Love JEFF "TAIN" WATTS (Wynton Marsalis, Branford Marsalis, Kenny Garrett)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2024 71:29


    How to Tune Toms

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2024 33:36


    www.drumfactorydirect.com

    Practical Independence Lesson, Part 1: One-Limb Ostinatos and Melodies

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2024 39:04


    Doc Sweeney's Steven Stecher on the Focus Series Snare Drum

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 22, 2024 42:37


    Shop for parts, accessories, sticks, hardware, and more at www.drumfactorydirect.com.

    10 Reasons to Love BILLY HIGGINS

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2024 63:10


    www.drumfactorydirect.com

    Product Design and More With Sahir Hanif (Masters of Maple)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 15, 2024 76:56


    Byron Landham (Frankie Valli, Bobby Hutcherson, Joey DeFrancesco, Pat Martino, Temple University)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2024 64:21


    Shop for the best prices and selection of drum parts, accessories, sticks, heads, and more at: www.drumfactorydirect.com

    Special Episode! The Bass and Drum Hook-Up With Paul Thompson, Tom Wendt, and Dave Throckmorton

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 26, 2024 81:33


    Deep-Dive Into Exotic Snare Drums and More

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2024 67:59


    Host Mike Dawson interviews master drum builder Chris Carr about six different exotic species snare drums.  Shop the best selection and prices for drum parts, hardware, sticks, heads, accessories, and more at: www.drumfactorydirect.com.

    How to Play Ghost-Note Grooves in 7/8, More With Hutch, Seamless Aluminum Snare, and More

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 10, 2024 40:11


    "Da Bang" With Modern Jazz Great Greg Hutchinson, Odd-Time Fluency Part 3, and Much More

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 3, 2024 49:39


    "Da Bang" With Modern Jazz Great Greg Hutchinson, Odd-Time Fluency Part 3, and Much More www.drumfactorydirect.com

    More With Seb Thomson (Baroness, Trans Am, Publicist), Odd-Time Fluency Part 2, and More

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 27, 2023 49:24


    Baroness's Sebastian Thomson, Odd-Time Fluency Lesson, and More

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2023 46:41


    www.drumfactorydirect.com

    lesson baroness fluency sebastian thomson
    More With Kenny Washington, Melodic Flam Taps, Ash Snare Drums, and More

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2023 68:21


    Warehouse Pick of the Week: 5.5x14 Prime Series Ash Snare https://www.drumfactorydirect.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_1259&products_id=18440

    Kenny Washington Returns!, Sticking Dexterity Lesson, and Much More

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 17, 2023 62:46


    www.drumfactorydirect.com Guest host Tom Wendt revisits with modern jazz great Kenny Washington, Mike Dawson shares one of his daily technique builders, and much more!

    Elvin Jones (Part 2), Triplet Licks, Practice Pad Special, and More

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 3, 2023 53:10


    www.drumfactorydirect.com Hosts Mike Dawson, Tom Wendt, and Dave Throckmorton conclude their discussion of legendary jazz drummer Elvin Jones, Dawson shares a lesson on a cool Elvin-ish lick, and much more.

    10 Reasons to Love Elvin Jones (Pt 1), "My Favorite Things" Beat, and Much More

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2023 68:33


    We are kicking off season 5 with the first half of a "10 Reasons to Love...Elvin Jones" conversation between co-hosts Mike Dawson, David Throckmorton, and Thomas Wendt. We also share some industry news, a fun lesson based on Elvin's pattern in the classic John Coltrane track "My Favorite Things," and answer a listener question on upgrading an entry-level snare. Our warehouse pick of the week is a sweet deal on a handmade 5.5x14 8-ply maple Bucks County Prime Series snare drum, which can be purchased at: https://www.drumfactorydirect.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_1259&products_id=18443.

    Rudy Royston (Bill Frisell, Dave Douglas, Flatbed Buggy)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2023 66:23


    Beartooth's Connor Denis on Touring, Practicing, and Collecting Gretsch Drums

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 18, 2023 69:06


    The Wallflowers' Mark Stepro on Ludwig Drums, Practicing Time, and More

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2023 69:01


    Practical advice on developing an inner pulse, choosing timeless gear, prepping a sub, and more from Wallflowers and Butch Walker drummer Mark Stepro

    Modern Jazz Drummer Willie Jones III

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2023 56:43


    www.drumfactorydirect.com

    Exploring the World of Percussion with Dr. David Glover of Slippery Rock University

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2023 84:39


    SPECIAL EPISODE! 10 Reasons to Love...Post-Bop Great Joe Chambers

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2023 68:53


    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

    joe chambers post bop
    More With John McBride (Blackbird Studio and Academy)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2023 57:36


    This is the second part of our thought-provoking chat with legendary audio engineer and studio owner John McBride.

    Blackbird Studio and Academy's John McBride, Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2023 48:44


    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!

    Mike Melito (Eastman School of Music)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2023 66:50


    www.drumfactorydirect.com

    The Hooters' David Uosikkinen

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2023 64:27


    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.

    How to Tune a Snare Drum and More

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2023 69:34


    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.

    10 Reasons to Love...Funk/Jazz/Fusion Great Dennis Chambers

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2023 61:58


    In this episode, co-hosts Mike Dawson, Thomas Wendt, David Throckmorton, and special guest James Johnson III share "10 Reasons to Love...Funk/Jazz/Fusion Great Dennis Chambers."

    What Does a Tour Manager Really Do? Chris Popadak of Hawthorne Heights

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2023 72:50


    www.drumfactorydirect.com Hawthorne Heights drummer and tour manager Chris "Poppy" Popadak shares how he juggles drumming and managing and much more. 

    What's a Shuitar? Building Instruments, Playing Drums and Keys at Once, and Tracking Live to Tape With Wood Brothers' Jano Rix

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2023 61:03


    Shop for drum parts, accessories, sticks, heads, and more at www.drumfactorydirect.com.

    Reviewing Deep Ludwig-Style Metal Snare Drums and More With Jonathan Ulman (Berklee College of Music, Boston Sessions)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2023 66:50


    Which is your fave? Dawson and Ulman check out four different 6.5x14 beaded metal snares at three different tunings.  www.drumfactorydirect.com

    Primus and Sound Cipher's Tim Alexander

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2023 72:13


    In this episode, host Mike Dawson sits down with longtime Primus drummer Tim Alexander to talk about gear, moving back to California, and the new Sound Cipher improv project with saxophonist Skerik and synth/bass player Timm Mason.

    10 REASONS TO LOVE...WILL KENNEDY

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2023 62:33


    Shop the best deals in drum parts, accessories, and more at www.drumfactorydirect.com.

    "Just Doing It" With James Johnson III (Ahmad Jamal, Monty Alexander, University of Pittsburg Faculty)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2023 60:54


    In this episode, guest hosts Tom Wendt and Dave Throckmorton interview their lifelong friend James Johnson III on his rich musical upbringing and more.

    The Ergonomics of Swing, Adapting to Different Gigs, and More With Drummer/Educator Jim White

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2023 66:32


    Reserve a seat to our drumset masterclass with Mark Guiliana on April 29th: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mark-guiliana-master-class-tickets-528558872817?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=escb

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