The Drum Panel: Mental Health > Paradiddles, Signature Sticks and Dream Lessons

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! 🎯 Click here to order now! Drummers on Drumming (the book) takes you inside the stories, records, and moments that shaped some of the world’s greatest drummers. Built on the Big Fat Five format of digging into top influences, it’s packed with candid interviews and personal insights. Whether you’re just starting out or have been playing for years, this book is here to inspire you to sharpen your skills and find your own voice behind the kit. CHRIS' BIG FAT FIVE: Artist - Red Hot Chili Peppers Album - Californication Release Year - 1999 Key Track - "Scar Tissue" Drummer - Chad Smith - Artist - Queens Of The Stone Age Album - Songs For The Deaf Release Year - 2002 Key Track(s) - "Hangin' Tree," "Millionaire" Drummer - Dave Grohl - Artist - Smashing Pumpkins Album - Mellon Collie and The Infinite Sadness Release Year - 1995 Key Track(s) - "Jelly Belly," "Bullet With Butterfly Wings" Drummer - Jimmy Chamberlin - Artist - Mars Volta Album - Deloused In The Comatorium Release Year - 2003 Key Track(s) - "Inertiatic ESP," "Cicatraz ESP" Drummer - Jon Theodore - Artist - Nate Smith Album - ANYTHING HE PLAYS ON For more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram.

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! 🎯 Click here to order now! Drummers on Drumming (the book) takes you inside the stories, records, and moments that shaped some of the world’s greatest drummers. Built on the Big Fat Five format of digging into top influences, it’s packed with candid interviews and personal insights. Whether you’re just starting out or have been playing for years, this book is here to inspire you to sharpen your skills and find your own voice behind the kit. For more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram.

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! 🎯 Click here to order now! Drummers on Drumming (the book) takes you inside the stories, records, and moments that shaped some of the world’s greatest drummers. Built on the Big Fat Five format of digging into top influences, it’s packed with candid interviews and personal insights. Whether you’re just starting out or have been playing for years, this book is here to inspire you to sharpen your skills and find your own voice behind the kit. IAN'S BIG FAT FIVE: Artist - Buddy Rich Album - Live At Ronnie Scott’s Release Year - 1972 Key Track - "Time Being" Drummer - Buddy Rich - Artist - Leo Sayer Album - Endless Flight Release Year - 1976 Key Track - "When I Need You" Drummer - Jeff Porcaro, Steve Gadd, Rick Shlosser, Nigel Olsson, Ed Greene, - Artist - Dave Brubeck Album - Time Out Release Year - 1959 Key Track - "Take 5," "Blue Rondo á la Turk" Drummer - Joe Morello - Artist - Iron Maiden Album - Live After Death Release Year - 1985 Key Track - "Aces High" Drummer - Nicko McBrain - Artist - Steely Dan Album - Aja Release Year - 1977 Key Track - "Aja," "Home At Last" Drummer - Steve Gadd, Bernard Purdie, Jim Keltner, Rich Moratta, Ed Greene For more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram.

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! 🎯 Click here to order now! Drummers on Drumming (the book) takes you inside the stories, records, and moments that shaped some of the world’s greatest drummers. Built on the Big Fat Five format of digging into top influences, it’s packed with candid interviews and personal insights. Whether you’re just starting out or have been playing for years, this book is here to inspire you to sharpen your skills and find your own voice behind the kit. JASON'S BIG FAT FIVE: Artist - Chicago Album - IX Release Year - 1975 Key Track - Beginnings Drummer - Danny Seraphine - Artist - Rush Album - Moving Pictures Release Year - 1981 Key Track - Red Barchetta Drummer - Neil Peart - Artist - Jimi Hendrix Experience Album - Essentials 1&2 Release Year - 1967 Key Track(s) - "If 6 Was 9" and other B-sides Drummer - Mitch Mitchell - Artist - Yes Album - Fragile Release Year - 1971 Key Track - Heart of the Sunrise Drummer - Bill Bruford - Artist - Government Issue Album - You/Crash Release Year - 1987 Key Track - Jaded Eyes Drummer - Peter Moffett - HONORABLE MENTIONS: Artist - Bitch Magnet Album - Umber Release Year - 1989 Key Track - Navajo Ace Drummer - Orestes Delatorre - Artist - Steely Dan Album - The Royal Scam Release Year - 1976 Key Track - Green Earrings Drummer - Bernard Purdie - Artist - Bastro Album - Diablo Guapo Release Year - 1989 Key Track - Sing the Troubled Beast Drummer - John McEntire - Artist - Helmet Album - Strap It On Release Year - 1992 Key Track - FBLA Drummer - John Stanier For more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram.

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! 🎯 Click here to order now! Drummers on Drumming (the book) takes you inside the stories, records, and moments that shaped some of the world’s greatest drummers. Built on the Big Fat Five format of digging into top influences, it’s packed with candid interviews and personal insights. Whether you’re just starting out or have been playing for years, this book is here to inspire you to sharpen your skills and find your own voice behind the kit. For more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram.

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! 🎯 Click here to order now! Drummers on Drumming (the book) takes you inside the stories, records, and moments that shaped some of the world’s greatest drummers. Built on the Big Fat Five format of digging into top influences, it’s packed with candid interviews and personal insights. Whether you’re just starting out or have been playing for years, this book is here to inspire you to sharpen your skills and find your own voice behind the kit. JARED'S BIG FAT FIVE: Album - Led Zeppelin 1 Artist - Led Zeppelin Release Year - 1969 Key Track(s) - Good times bad times / How Many More Times Drummer - John Bonham - Album - Time Out Artist - Dave Brubeck Release Year - 1959 Key Track(s) - Take Five / Kathy’s Waltz Drummer - Joe Morello - Album - Alice In Chains Unplugged Artist - Alive in Chains Release Year - 1996 Key Track(s) - Nutshell / No Excuses / Down in a Hole Drummer - Sean Kinney - Album - Out of Step Artist - Minor threat Release Year - 1984 Key Track(s) - Betray Drummer - Jeff Nelson - Album - The Egg Artist - Shiner Release Year - 2001 Key Track(s) - The Egg / Surgery / Andalusia Drummer - Jason Gerken For more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram.

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! 🎯 Click here to order now! Drummers on Drumming (the book) takes you inside the stories, records, and moments that shaped some of the world’s greatest drummers. Built on the Big Fat Five format of digging into top influences, it’s packed with candid interviews and personal insights. Whether you’re just starting out or have been playing for years, this book is here to inspire you to sharpen your skills and find your own voice behind the kit. For more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram.

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! 🎯 Click here to order now! Drummers on Drumming (the book) takes you inside the stories, records, and moments that shaped some of the world’s greatest drummers. Built on the Big Fat Five format of digging into top influences, it’s packed with candid interviews and personal insights. Whether you’re just starting out or have been playing for years, this book is here to inspire you to sharpen your skills and find your own voice behind the kit. For more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram.

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! 🎯 Click here to order now! Drummers on Drumming (the book) takes you inside the stories, records, and moments that shaped some of the world’s greatest drummers. Built on the Big Fat Five format of digging into top influences, it’s packed with candid interviews and personal insights. Whether you’re just starting out or have been playing for years, this book is here to inspire you to sharpen your skills and find your own voice behind the kit. For more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram.

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! 🎯 Click here to order now! Drummers on Drumming (the book) takes you inside the stories, records, and moments that shaped some of the world’s greatest drummers. Built on the Big Fat Five format of digging into top influences, it’s packed with candid interviews and personal insights. Whether you’re just starting out or have been playing for years, this book is here to inspire you to sharpen your skills and find your own voice behind the kit. For more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram.