How One Unexpected Gig Changed This Drummer's Career | Josh Ellis

Josh Ellis, longtime drummer for LOCASH, joins Rich Redmond and Jim McCarthy for a warm, funny and candid talk about building a career in Music City the organic way. Before country, Josh came up in the gospel world, working with Kirk Franklin, James Fortune, Nicole C. Mullen, Sarah Reeves and more. The guys also get into negotiating pay without burning bridges, why Nashville still runs on handshakes, learning to say no, staying fit on a 12-person tour bus, sitting in with the Beach Boys at the Grand Ole Opry, their favorite drummers, Suno demos and AI in the studio, and how much it now costs venues and musicians to work on Lower Broadway. Timed Highlights:00:01:00 Meet Josh Ellis of LOCASH 00:04:49 Moving to Nashville in 2008 00:11:37 Staying fit on the road 00:27:05 Kirk Franklin and the Dove Awards 00:36:08 Bombing his first Nashville gig 00:38:54 The Bourbon Street night that led to Kree Harrison 00:45:13 How he landed LOCASH 00:48:37 Negotiating pay and handshake deals 00:59:28 Sitting in with the Beach Boys at the Opry 01:16:07 Favorite drummers 01:27:32 AI and Suno in the studio 01:40:02 Josh CoachingGuest Instagram: @josh_ellis Guest Website: joshellismusic.comPodcast Production: https://itsyourshow.coRich’s drum intensive: https://drumtensive.comThe Rich Redmond Show: https://richredmond.com/podcasts

Rich Redmond and Jim McCarthy sit down with drummer Sarah Tomek, who grew up in Asbury Park, NJ, and has called Nashville home since 2012. She has played with Steven Tyler, Maggie Rose, Samantha Fish, Andy Bell of Erasure, and Spanish rock star Manolo García, and she's about to hit the road with Ann Wilson. Sarah talks about going from four-on-the-floor disco tracks to a gig with no click and no tracks. She also tells how Steven Tyler bought her the Black Beauty snare she still uses on almost every session, and why she thinks musicians need "something real" in the age of AI. Highlights: 00:02:43 – AI as a tool, not the music 00:03:16 – Going from disco grids to no click and no tracks 00:13:14 – Them Vibes and why touring costs so much now 00:29:45 – Disappearing session work and bidding for gigs on Broadway 00:34:04 – Prepping for Ann Wilson and Heart's 50th 00:38:21 – Steven Tyler and the Black Beauty 00:42:06 – Why new Nashville players should learn the Number System 00:55:38 – The toughest songs in the Ann Wilson set 01:12:12 – Bringing the fire to the same songs every night 01:22:42 – Her love-hate relationship with NashvilleConnect with Sarah: www.sarahtomek.comInstagram and Facebook: @sarahtomekdrumsPodcast Production: https://itsyourshow.coRich’s drum intensive: https://drumtensive.comThe Rich Redmond Show: https://richredmond.com/podcasts

Drummer Chase Adams joins the Rich Redmond Show to talk about his journey from church, marching band, and Broadway gigs in Nashville to touring with The Frontmen. He shares what it’s like to perform a 90-minute show packed with 30 number-one hits, and how he also handles the band’s merchandise, social media, and drum tech duties.Chase also talks about learning to be ready for every opportunity, his love of drums and gear, and the support he and his family received from the band through the loss of his son, Chapman. A conversation about music, family, perseverance, and making the most of every gig.Timed highlights:00:04:42 – Chase’s background and joining The Frontmen 00:06:07 – A 90-minute show featuring 30 number-one songs 00:06:40 – Chase’s roles in the band: drummer, merch designer, social media, and drum tech 00:17:33 – Growing up in a musical family and starting drums at age three 00:22:26 – Rich’s advice that helped inspire Chase to move to Nashville 00:25:49 – Getting started on Broadway and building a life playing drums 00:29:17 – How an unexpected gig became an audition opportunity 00:31:47 – Learning The Frontmen’s show in just 10 days00:36:56 – Marching band, technique, and finding his own feel 00:53:58 – Chase’s first major studio session and his K Watt drums 01:02:48 – Chase shares the story of his son Chapman and the band’s support 01:18:46 – Breakthrough studio opportunities and advice for musicians 01:28:53 – Where to find Chase and The FrontmenLinks:The Frontmen tour dates: thefrontmenlive.comPodcast Production: https://itsyourshow.coRich’s drum intensive: https://drumtensive.comThe Rich Redmond Show: https://richredmond.com/podcasts

On this episode of The Rich Redmond Show, acclaimed Nashville session drummer Chris McHugh talks about the instincts and human connection behind great music. Chris reflects on growing up in a music-loving family, moving to Nashville with Whiteheart, and building a career spanning thousands of recording credits.Rich, Jim, and Chris get into AI and music-making, the value of spontaneity in live performance and recording, the sounds and gear shaping today’s drum tracks, and what it takes to make it as a session musician. Timed highlights: 00:38 – Chris’s Philadelphia-area childhood and musical upbringing 05:04 – Dan Huff, Giant, and why songs connect across genres 07:45 – A live session demonstration that brings the recording process to an audience 09:59 – AI, creativity, and what human musicians bring to a performance 12:42 – Spontaneous playing and responding to a singer in the moment 19:54 – Chris’s move to Nashville and early years with Whiteheart 22:02 – A career in recording: credits, records, and the changing role of liner notes 29:30 – Live music, backing tracks, and what audiences respond to 39:41 – Keith Urban’s Flow State and recording yacht-rock favorites together 46:09 – Drum sounds, tea towels, and the trend toward thuddy snares 57:27 – Tuning drums to a song’s key and preserving their dynamics 1:03:09 – Developing feel through listening, practice, and playing with others 1:23:55 – Chris’s advice for aspiring Nashville session musicians 1:47:38 – Staying grounded after a demanding day in the studio 1:50:27 – The band Chris would choose to tributeLinks:Chris’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechrismchugh/?hl=enChris’s Website: http://www.chrismchugh.com/Podcast Production: https://itsyourshow.coRich’s drum intensive: https://drumtensive.comThe Rich Redmond Show: https://richredmond.com/podcasts

On this episode of The Rich Redmond Show, Rich and Jim welcome Nashville-based drummer Jarred Pope for a wide-ranging conversation about life on the road, finding his place in the music business, and keeping rock and roll alive. Jarred shares stories from his work with Tom Keifer, Brother Kane, Gene Simmons, and other artists, and talks about the value of reading charts, learning by watching great players, and building a distinctive sound behind the kit.Some records Jarred has done:-Mother Funk Conspiracy-Crosby Loggins  and the Light “We All Go Home” great album, but hard to find-Damon Johnson “Echo” Ep, “Birmingham Tonight Live” live album, Memoirs of an uprising Damon Johnson and the Get Ready “Battle Lessons” my favorite DJ record by far…Of course, The Brother Cane “Magnolia Medicine” and Tom Keifer Band “Rise”Timed Highlights:00:00 — Introducing Jarred Pope and his move to Nashville05:00 — ’70s rock, touring, and life on the road11:00 — Reading charts and learning songs17:00 — Vinnie Colaiuta, drumming influences, and gear23:00 — Nashville’s Rock and Roll Residency and the Gene Simmons band30:00 — Touring with Tom Keifer and band chemistry37:00 — California roots, early gigs, and musical influences44:00 — Family, touring life, and Jarred’s grandson’s onstage debut51:00 — Brother Kane, recording sessions, and favorite projects58:00 — Rush, making music your own, and drummer influences1:06:00 — Dream tribute bands and final thoughts1:18:00 — Wrap-up and closing remarksLinks:Jarred’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jarredwpope/?hl=enPodcast Production: https://itsyourshow.coRich’s drum intensive: https://drumtensive.comThe Rich Redmond Show: https://richredmond.com/podcasts

Lynyrd Skynyrd keyboardist Peter Keys joins Rich Redmond and Jim McCarthy to talk about his wild journey from George Clinton and P-Funk to auditioning for, and ultimately joining, one of rock’s most legendary bands. Peter shares how he prepped for the Skynyrd audition in just days, why learning every part of a song changes your musicianship, and how his Stoner Creek Studio and label are shaping his next creative chapter.Perfect for musicians, rock fans, and anyone obsessed with the craft and career of making music for a living.00:00 – Intro: Show production tag & Rich’s gym accident (seven staples, hat talk)02:20 – Hat fashion, personal branding & “on‑brand” looks05:05 – Introducing Peter Keys: Lynyrd Skynyrd keyboardist & resume overview08:10 – Musical philosophy: “12 notes,” learning every part of the song12:30 – Drummers as “New York City traffic cops” & live arrangement triage16:00 – Peter’s geographic journey: East Coast, NorCal, Atlanta, Detroit, Nashville20:15 – San Francisco in the ’80s: club scene, name‑drops & musical influences24:10 – George Clinton & P‑Funk era, alumni, “on the one,” funk talk28:30 – Stoner Creek Studio: post‑COVID build, gear, coffee priorities31:40 – Touring with Skynyrd: buses, routing, crews & road life realities35:20 – Dad rock, “Drummer Dad” concept & social media content ideas39:00 – Kids, marriages, blended family & starting Stoner Creek Records42:10 – Peter’s kids as musicians, YouTube University & discouraging music careers45:00 – AI & music (Suno, demos, soul vs. algorithms, using AI as a sketch pad)49:00 – Nashville growth, Lower Broadway grind & musician survival odds52:00 – Keyboard competition in Nashville & working live vs. studio54:40 – Social media flyers, AI graphics & authenticity in visual art57:10 – Zappa, Wackerman brothers, influences & mind‑bending arrangements1:00:40 – How Peter joined Lynyrd Skynyrd: the full audition and “nerf piano” story1:05:10 – Defining himself inside Skynyrd, Billy Powell’s parts & performance philosophy1:07:30 – Plugs: Stoner Creek Studio/Records, All Time Low Stars, socials & show wrapLinks.Peter’s Website: https://peterkeys.comPeter’s Instagram: https://instagram.com/PeterKeysPodcast Production: https://itsyourshow.coRich’s drum intensive: https://drumtensive.comThe Rich Redmond Show: https://richredmond.com/podcasts

Guitarist, songwriter, producer, and real‑estate investor Erik Halbig joins Rich and Jim to talk Nashville showcase days, early Jason Aldean moments, writing number ones with the Wolfe Brothers, using AI tools like Suno, developing young artists, and building real passive income with rental properties. If you’re a working musician who cares about songs and your financial future, this one’s for you.Timed Highlights:00:00:00 – Cold open: low‑cash demos, $40 a song, and early Nashville hustle00:06:10 – What Erik looks for in drummers: alpha energy, loud count‑offs, strong transients00:15:30 – 90s/00s Nashville: 12th & Porter, Third & Lindsley, showcases, and Jason Aldean’s big break00:27:45 – Writing wins: Wolfe Brothers number ones and why helping others pays off00:39:20 – Side hustles: teaching for decades, guitar books, and “rock and roll real estate”00:50:05 – AI and Suno: how AI demos are killing old‑school demos but creating new studio work01:01:40 – Producing new artists: getting a “second meeting” and building a brand, not just tracks01:11:10 – Real estate playbook: condos, tax hikes, equity, and planning a musician’s retirementLinks & Socials Mentioned  Erik’s Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@erikhalbig  The Rich Redmond Show: https://therichredmondshow.transistor.fm/  Podcast production studio: https://itsyourshow.co  Drum intensive with Rich Redmond: https://drumtensive.com

Rock drumming powerhouse Tommy Clufetos sits down with Rich Redmond and Jim McCarthy to talk about the reality of life at the top of rock, why every gig matters, and how “playing at” rock is killing the feel in modern music.Tommy goes deep on growing up in Detroit hauling gear for his dad’s band at age seven, earning gigs with Ted Nugent and Alice Cooper the hard way, and spending 15 years on the road with Ozzy and Black Sabbath. He breaks down drum solos as part of the show, his love/hate relationship with click tracks, and why he’d rather drive 16 hours to a gig and crush it than complain about the grind.If you care about groove, conviction, and the craft of being a pro drummer, this one’s a masterclass in attitude and work ethic.Timed Highlights:00:00 Cold open: “Pound Town” drum container practice idea03:45 Looking like a musician: leather jackets, visual brand, and “leather and latte season”08:10 Old‑school parenting: no phone, no TV, and raising a kid on ’50s/’60s/blues12:30 Meeting his wife on a Rob Zombie–directed CSI episode and reconnecting in Vegas16:55 Leaving L.A. for Nashville and why he loves the South’s “old‑school” feel21:40 Detroit roots: hauling gear for his dad’s band at age seven and baptism by fire27:05 First time sitting in: Moni Moni, kids going wild, and learning patience for the gig31:30 Playing for Mitch Ryder, Alto Reed, and getting in front of Ted Nugent36:15 The Ted Nugent test: three rounds of 20 songs, winter drives, and 4 a.m. wake‑ups42:40 Ozzy years: respect, leadership, and why Tommy won’t casually say “best friend”48:20 Black Sabbath dynamics: serving Ozzy, Tony, and Geezer all at once53:10 Planes, not buses: the grind of top‑level international touring57:45 Clicks vs feel: why real rock needs to breathe and follow the crowd1:03:20 Using a flashing light only as a tempo reference in Sabbath, then turning it off1:07:40 Instagram drumming, overplaying, and why younger players “play at” music1:12:55 Holiday Inn lesson: playing full‑tilt even when nobody is in the room1:18:10 Tommy’s Rock Trip: original hard rock, young bandmates, and building work ethic1:24:00 Money and integrity: walking out of a session at 16 when the pay was cut in half1:29:10 Bob Seger, Alto Reed, and practicing to Seger records then and now1:34:30 Drum solos as part of the show: structuring the solo so it lifts the entire set1:39:00 Final advice: know what you’re getting into, focus on the music, and leave no regretsLinks:The Rich Redmond Show: www.therichredmondshow.transistor.fmPodcast production studio: https://itsyourshow.coDrum intensive with Rich Redmond: https://drumtensive.comTommy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialtommyclufetos/?hl=en

Freelance Nashville drummer Carlos Guevara joins Rich and Jim to share his incredible journey from growing up in Venezuela under political and economic crisis to rebuilding his life and career in the U.S. Despite being born with arthrogryposis, Carlos became a first-call Broadway drummer, a devoted family man, and a model of resilience and positivity.They dig into his escape from Venezuela, learning English through drum magazines, adapting his technique around physical limitations, grinding for gigs on Lower Broadway, and balancing music, Uber, and fatherhood. The guys also geek out on Stewart Copeland, Journey, Yamaha’s EAD-10, and the culture of world futbol vs. American sports.Perfect for drummers, creatives, and anyone who needs a shot of perspective, gratitude, and hustle.Timed Highlights:0:00 Show open, Drummer Dad idea, and Yamaha EAD talk3:30 Stewart Copeland stories and guys’ night at the Ryman7:20 Meet Carlos Guevara: from Caracas to Nashville via Anaheim11:00 Falling in love with country music and surviving Broadway15:10 Family, teenagers, and fútbol culture (football is life)20:00 Learning English from records, Drum Magazine, and method books23:40 El Sistema explained: Venezuela’s free orchestral training27:10 Life under Chavez and the decision to leave Venezuela31:00 Colombia stopover and finally landing in Los Angeles with almost nothing35:10 Driving Uber in the U.S. and wild passenger stories39:00 Moving to Nashville, discovering Broadway, and first gigs at Mellow Mushroom43:30 Breaking into the scene, networking, and always showing up at clinics47:30 Arthrogryposis: Carlos’s condition and how he adapted his technique51:00 Ergonomics hacks: extra hi-hat, jam block, and left-foot workarounds54:10 Yamaha EAD-10 vs EAD-50 and why every drummer should consider one57:00 Immigrant mindset, AI/apps, and Jam Juice shaking up Broadway bookings1:01:30 Carlos’s goals: more tours, family balance, and motivational speaking1:04:30 Venezuelan arepas, keeping traditions alive, and where to find Carlos online1:06:40 Closing gratitude and episode wrapLinks:Carlos Guevara Instagram: https://instagram.com/carlosdrums86Podcast website: https://therichredmondshow.transistor.fmRich’s DrumTensive: https://drumtensive.com Production studio: https://itsyourshow.coRich Redmond: https://richredmond.com

Rich and Jim sit down with Nashville drummer, producer, and drum tech Jeff Brown (Shrug Sound Studio) for a deep dive into a working musician’s reality: from opening for Rush and Van Halen to teching the Taylor Swift Eras Tour, tuning for stadiums, building a home studio career, and navigating divorce, burnout, and late-bloomer success.Jeff shares stories from early days in Anaheim clubs, cruise ship gigs at 18, Nashville’s legendary 12th & Porter era, and playing with artists like Phil Vassar, Thomas Rhett, Steel Magnolia, Tom Kiefer, and more. He also breaks down hybrid drumming on massive pop tours, practical tuning approaches, remote session workflows, and why drum techs are part mechanic, part therapist.Timed highlights:00:00 The porta-potty on stage, bar hangs, and touring creature comforts06:20 Foreigner at the Ryman: Kelly Hanson’s retirement and Luis stepping up to sing14:30 Meeting Jeff Brown: Anaheim roots, moving to Nashville in ’93, and the 12th & Porter scene21:40 Dreaming in English: publishing deals, opening for Rush, Weezer, and Van Halen30:10 Studio work and Shrug Sound Studio: home recording since 2010 and mic choices36:45 Simple drum recording setups and the Yamaha EAD10 for social content44:00 Cruise ship gigs at 18: long sets, bad charts, and learning to memorize51:30 From player to drum tech: Tom Kiefer, Kevin Murphy, and landing the Taylor Swift Eras Tour1:02:00 High-pressure teching: triggers, MainStage, redundancy, and that one snare mistake1:11:20 Tuning philosophy: coated vs clear heads, tom intervals, and consistency on tour1:19:00 Influences: Rush, Stewart Copeland, Herb Alexander, Jimmy Chamberlin1:27:10 Making people feel it: driving the band, backbeats, and keeping songs fresh1:36:30 Drum tech as psychologist: honest feedback, compliment sandwiches, and road life1:45:00 Managers, rates, and word-of-mouth: the business of remote sessions and mixing1:54:00 Mixing, producing, and Andrew Scheps: falling in love with the mix process2:01:30 AI, samples, and the future of music work2:08:00 Writing with his dad, getting humbled, and grieving the “band” dream2:15:30 Late bloomers, ergonomics, posture, and playing pain-free into your 50s2:23:00 Social media, tech tips, and why documenting the studio process matters2:30:00 New goals: sync music, instrumental releases, Shrug snare samples, and upcoming toursLinks:The Rich Redmond Show:www.therichredmondshow.transistor.fmPodcast Filmed and Produced by:https://itsyourshow.coRich’s intensive:https://drumtensive.comJeff Brown – drums, studio, and merch:https://jeffbrowndrums.comShrug Sound Studiohttps://shrugsoundstudio.com