Dango Cellan: On Tour w/ Hawthorne Heights, Career in Versatility, Home Studio, Content, Branding, & Keeping Endorsements

Welcome Dango Cellan! A professional drummer for over 20 years, Dango is currently on tour with Emo legends Hawthorne Heights. We dive right into Dango's extensive and versatile career as a touring drummer, studio musician, educator, and family man. He reflects on saying yes early, not letting one gig define you, and the juggling act of balancing your time, money, career values, and family priorities. Dango shares upcoming Hawthorne Heights 20th-anniversary touring plans, his Warp Tour nostalgia with Amber Pacific, and how his approach to playing has matured toward professionalism and consistency. He recounts growing up as a pastor’s kid in Wisconsin, knee and heart health challenges that redirected him to Belmont, mentorship from Chester Thompson and Brian Fullen, and the importance of community. We also cover the building of his 'Beat Lab' home drum studio out of an Airbnb, the importance of mental health, therapy, rest, and fitness, and his proactive approach to landing and keeping endorsements. We hope you enjoy!Chapters:0:00 Intro1:18 Welcome, Dango! 2:21 Typical Week as a Working Drummer 7:57 Choosing Gigs Wisely 11:38 Skills from Broadway 15:32 Warped Tour (Full Circle) 22:20 Rezo Custom Drum Heads (Sponsor) 23:24 Early Years & Church 26:03 Sports Injuries, Attending Belmont 32:34 Teaching and Community 36:47 Drum Box (Sponsor) 37:29 Mental Health, Burnout, and Rest 40:17 Post-Pandemic Studio Build 43:18 Fitness and Longevity 45:03 Punk Influences 52:29 Dango's Beat Lab 1:01:29 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor) 1:02:10 Content That Converts 1:08:52 Drum Supply (Sponsor) 1:09:51 Endorsement Playbook 1:14:09 Loyalty Over Deals, Learn Your Gear 1:21:20 Music City Audiology (Sponsor) 1:22:59 Practice Goals and Technique 1:25:39 Recording and Mic Choices 1:32:50 Social Media Era for Drummers 1:35:46 Touring and Family Balance 1:40:24 Rapid Fire 1:47:35 OutroThank you to our Episode Sponsors:Rezo Custom Drum Headshttps://rezoheads.comDrum Boxhttps://drumbox.spaceDrum Supplyhttps://www.drumsupply.comLow Boy Beatershttps://lowboybeaters.comMusic City Audiologyhttp://musiccityaudiology.comConnect with Dango:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dangoempireFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/dangocellanempireMusic Featured in this Episode:"Sink Or Swim" - Amber Specific"The Conqueror" - Amber SpecificSupport the showConnect with us:WebsiteInstagramTikTokYouTubeFacebookRecorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TNPodcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART ⓒ 2026 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC

Welcome Kansas City-native Andrew Bone! Andrew opens up about the changing chapters of life and his shift in career focus. Recently married, he discusses the intentionality of stepping back from the grind of 6–7 days a week on Broadway, while aiming to get back to higher-level touring and more fulfilling gigs. We discuss the realities of post-COVID pay, knowing your worth, professionalism and reliability as a sub, and handling playback/Ableton, IEMs, and onstage failures. We delve into charting vs memorization, learning large volumes of material, working respectfully with a crew, using AI tools for admin and career planning, building a home studio identity, and early influences from KISS to music academia. Andrew also reflects on moving from Kansas City, his brief experience at Berklee, and why relationships, preparation, and good conduct matter more than chops. We hope you enjoy!Chapters:0:00 Intro1:44 Welcome, Andrew! 3:08 Life Crossroads and Marriage 3:56 Broadway Grind 9:49 Pay Reality Post-COVID 11:42 Subbing w/ Nate Smith 16:20 Ableton and Show Design 19:32 Charts vs Memorizing 32:10 Kids, Sticks, and Joy 41:09 Rezo Custom Drum Heads (Sponsor) 42:10 Broadway Burnout Plan 43:46 ChatGPT Career Reset 51:04 Coffee & Hands Crew 54:58 Drum Box (Sponsor) 55:59 Playing Stadiums 1:03:34 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor) 1:04:40 Gear Fail Lessons 1:09:05 Audio Nerd to Drum Pro 1:20:18 Home Studio 1:32:04 Drum Supply (Sponsor) 1:33:01 Kansas City Roots and KISS 1:39:17 Music City Audiology (Sponsor) 1:43:31 Time at Berklee 1:48:24 Move to Nashville 2:00:11 Broadway Material 2:08:05 Rapid Fire Questions 2:12:00 OutroThank you to our Episode Sponsors:Rezo Custom Drum Headshttps://rezoheads.comDrum Boxhttps://drumbox.spaceDrum Supplyhttps://www.drumsupply.comLow Boy Beatershttps://lowboybeaters.comMusic City Audiologyhttp://musiccityaudiology.comConnect with Andrew:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrewbonedrumsMusic Featured in this Episode:"Drink Along" - Josh GallagherSupport the showConnect with us:WebsiteInstagramTikTokYouTubeFacebookRecorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TNPodcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART ⓒ 2026 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC

Ever wondered what it really takes to play Lower Broadway in Nashville? This live roundtable discussion pulls back the curtain on one of the most competitive and fast-paced live music scenes in the country.Featuring Nashville’s most in-demand drummers — both in-town and out on tour — join us for an honest, behind-the-scenes conversation about breaking into the Broadway scene and building a sustainable career.Moderated by NDP Co-Hosts Dan Ainspan and Nate Sletner, this interactive session gives attendees the chance to ask questions in real time and learn directly from the players who have been there, done that, and still doing it…Panelists:Nico Medina (Ep. 7)Ethan Harb (Ep. 5)Molly Rose (Ep. 53)Kevin Keith (Ep. 20)Kyle Law (Ep. 59)Thank you to our Episode Sponsors:Drum Supplyhttps://www.drumsupply.comDrum Boxhttps://drumbox.spaceLow Boy Beatershttps://lowboybeaters.comRezo Custom Drum Headshttps://rezoheads.comWFL III Drumshttps://wfliiidrums.comGroove MPLhttps://www.groovempl.comMusic City Audiologyhttps://www.musiccityaudiology.comChapters:0:00 Intro & Welcome 0:21 Meet the Panelists 4:25 First Broadway Shift Stories 20:42 Drum Box (Sponsor) 21:24 What Makes a Drummer Broadway Ready? 23:37 Charting vs Memorizing 30:25 Playing Like the Record 33:06 WFL III (Sponsor) 34:03 How to Get Gigs 35:25 What Not To Do 39:19 Respecting The Gig 45:07 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor) 45:49 A Day In The Life 48:29 The Gear You Need 50:31 Get A Cart 1:00:56 Play The Room 1:04:44 Avoiding Burnout 1:08:10 Gig Triangle Mindset 1:13:08 Skills On Tour 1:19:04 Sub Out the Right Way 1:26:00 Music City Audiology (Sponsor) 1:26:42 Recording Gigs For Content 1:31:33 Wild Broadway Stories 1:39:19 From Covers To Originals 1:42:46 Broadway Pay Reality 1:44:53 Requests vs Setlists 1:47:15 Rezo Custom Drum Heads (Sponsor) 1:48:17 Q&A 1:48:24 Breaking into the Scene 1:50:15 Broadway Circuits Explained 1:51:37 Cajon Gigs and Auditions 1:53:48 The Future of Broadway 2:01:50 Singing Drummer Advantage 2:05:44 Clicks and Open Mics 2:12:47 Arranging Modern Tracks 2:16:38 Wrap Up and Thanks 2:17:48 OutroMusic Featured in this Episode:"Beef Stew" - Too Hot For LeatherSupport the showConnect with us:WebsiteInstagramTikTokYouTubeFacebookRecorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TNPodcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART ⓒ 2026 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC

Welcome Philly-native Tom Kinka! Tom is currently the touring drummer for up-and-coming country artist Lecade. Growing up in a music-heavy family shaped by Rock Band, Blink-182, and country music in his mom’s car, Tom's passion for music and the drums was developed at an early age. Tom shares how a serious car accident and coma at 17 sharpened his focus on music, leading to a fearless, “persistence and idiocy” approach. He discusses leaving a jazz program at Temple for media production, navigating Philly’s DIY pop-punk scene, moving to Nashville during COVID, learning country on the fly for Broadway, seeking lessons directly from his heroes like Josh Manuel and Luke Holland, and landing the Lecade gig—plus touring highlights, onstage gear fails, evolving drum setups, and his obsession with stick tricks and community. We hope you enjoy!Chapters:0:00 Intro1:09 Welcome, Tom! 4:34 Music Family Roots 10:57 Blink-182 and Green Day Obsession 12:29 Near-Death Accident 17:27 Broadway Rookie Mistakes 18:15 Rezo Custom Drum Heads (Sponsor) 19:18 Quitting Jazz at Temple 20:44 Philly DIY Pop-Punk Scene 23:57 The Move to Nashville 30:46 Studying w/ Luke Holland 32:32 Drum Box (Sponsor) 33:13 Broadway vs Touring Life 36:58 Meeting Lecade 50:00 Rig Rundown and Gear Changes 53:27 Stage Style and Band Vibes 57:32 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor) 58:14 Moments from Tour 1:03:36 Drum Supply (Sponsor) 1:04:35 Mastering Stick Tricks 1:15:19 Music City Audiology (Sponsor) 1:16:01 Nashville Drum Community 1:25:47 Rapid Fire Questions 1:30:10 OutroThank you to our Episode Sponsors:Rezo Custom Drum Headshttps://rezoheads.comDrum Boxhttps://drumbox.spaceDrum Supplyhttps://www.drumsupply.comLow Boy Beatershttps://lowboybeaters.comMusic City Audiologyhttp://musiccityaudiology.comConnect with Tom:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tom_kinkaMusic Featured in this Episode:"Blind" - Lecade"LET U GO" - JaxsonFreeSupport the showConnect with us:WebsiteInstagramTikTokYouTubeFacebookRecorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TNPodcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART ⓒ 2026 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC

Welcome Billy Joe Freeman! Billy is the touring drummer and music director for country artist Dustin Lynch. A Garland, Texas native, Billy began his professional career at just 12 years old, playing in Texas' longest-running Opry House. In 2012, he landed a spot at the Guitar Center Drum Off grand finals, leading to a tour with country legend Neil McCoy. Billy moved to Nashville in 2013, and has been with Dustin Lynch ever since. In this candid conversation, Billy discusses professionalism on and off stage, how to best serve the song and the artist, the value of expanding your setup, the 'gig triangle' - when to say yes or no to a gig, how to balance home recording with live performance, and the ever-changing Nashville music scene. Billy also shares some fascinating stories and insights from his career, including his encounter with Virgil Donati at PASIC. We hope you enjoy!Chapters:0:00 Intro2:15 Welcome, Billy! 6:31 Is Nashville Still a 10-Year Town? 18:49 The Evolution of Touring 24:23 Growing Up in the Texas Opry Scene 34:28 Rezo Custom Drum Heads (Sponsor) 36:38 Expanding the Kit, Industry Trends 47:42 The Role of Electronics in Live Shows 51:05 Drum Box (Sponsor) 51:57 Becoming MD for Dustin Lynch 56:43 Value of Taking Broadway Gigs 1:00:57 Social Media's Impact on Musicians 1:01:22 Early Career and Influences 1:23:23 The Dallas Music Scene and Snarky Puppy 1:33:14 Home Recording 1:37:44 Balancing Family and Music 1:43:46 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor) 1:51:18 Drum Supply (Sponsor) 1:52:18 Career Highlights and GC Drum-Off 1:58:04 Music City Audiology (Sponsor) 1:58:47 Career Outlook 2:06:08 Bacon, BBQ, & Coffee 2:14:00 OutroThank you to our Episode Sponsors:Rezo Custom Drum Headshttps://rezoheads.comDrum Boxhttps://drumbox.spaceDrum Supplyhttps://www.drumsupply.comLow Boy Beatershttps://lowboybeaters.comMusic City Audiologyhttp://musiccityaudiology.comConnect with Billy:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billyjoefreemanMusic Featured in this Episode:"Red Alert" - Billy Freeman, Doug Bossi, David Garfield, John PenaSupport the showConnect with us:WebsiteInstagramTikTokYouTubeFacebookRecorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TNPodcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART ⓒ 2026 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC

Welcome Cleveland-native Jordan Carter! A conversation full of laughter, good hangs, and true words of wisdom, join us for Ep. 80 as we dive deep into Jordan's unique journey to Nashville as a professional drummer and music director. Hailing from small-town Cleveland, Jordan followed his passion for the drums from a young age, pursuing higher education at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he would live and work for the next 12 years playing with artists such as Oompa, Sing, Lisa Bello, Louie Bello, Marcela Cruz, among others. Jordan moved to Nashville in 2022 and currently plays for artists such as Kaylee Rose, Slim Gambill, and Aveva. Jordan reminisces about influential figures from his time at Berklee and discusses the importance of community, patience, and self-discovery. Jordan offers insights into the role of a music director, the importance of effective communication, and the challenges of adapting to Nashville's diverse and talented pool of musicians. We hope you enjoy! Chapters:0:00 Intro1:13 Welcome, Jordan! 2:46 From Cleveland to Nashville 3:26 Relearning the Drums: Challenges and Growth 23:11 Drum Box (Sponsor) 23:53 Boston Days at Berklee 40:15 Discovering Nashville's Music Scene 57:08 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor) 57:53 Finding the Right Gig 1:03:43 Drum Supply (Sponsor) 1:04:43 Memorable Shows and Venues 1:12:16 Drumming Influences 1:24:08 The Role of a Music Director 1:33:32 Therapy and Self-Improvement 1:40:19 Music City Audiology (Sponsor) 1:41:02 Madden, Harry Potter, Closing Questions 1:51:23 OutroThank you to our Episode Sponsors:Drum Boxhttps://drumbox.spaceDrum Supplyhttps://www.drumsupply.comLow Boy Beatershttps://lowboybeaters.comMusic City Audiologyhttp://musiccityaudiology.comConnect with Jordan:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jordancarter.musicWebsite: https://www.jordancartermusic.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JordanCarterMusic Featured in this Episode:"Sade" - Sing"Joy Back" - OompaSupport the showConnect with us:WebsiteInstagramTikTokYouTubeFacebookRecorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TNPodcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART ⓒ 2026 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC

Welcome Georgia-native Collin Dobbs! Collin is the touring drummer for legendary country duo, The Bellamy Brothers. We delve into Collin's fascinating journey to Nashville - starting from his Georgia roots and Florida upbringing, Collin shares his quick rise in the music industry, the importance of being prepared and professional, tips on tuning and technique, and the value of networking and social media in landing a dream gig. The episode touches on the importance of diversifying skills, embracing various music genres, staying humble, and using AI to your benefit. We hope you enjoy!Chapters:0:00 Intro2:37 Welcome, Collin! 11:44 Early Life and Musical Beginnings 23:08 How to Prepare Like a Pro 27:06 Drum Box (Sponsor) 27:48 Love Your Sound Engineers 34:33 Tuning Techniques and Tips 40:18 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor) 41:00 Joining the Bellamy Brothers 43:15 Influences and Early Inspirations 48:35 Mountain Biking 51:07 Gig Security 55:03 Drum Supply (Sponsor) 56:02 Drumming Identity 59:03 Social Media & Content Creation 1:09:17 Lucky Drums (Sponsor) 1:10:16 Endorsements and Gear 1:15:38 Using AI to Your Benefit 1:18:18 Groove MPL (Sponsor) 1:19:29 Closing Questions 1:24:27 Memorable Gigs and Touring Experiences 1:27:11 OutroThank you to our Episode Sponsors:Lucky Drumshttps://www.instagram.com/luckydrumscoDrum Boxhttps://drumbox.spaceDrum Supplyhttps://www.drumsupply.comLow Boy Beatershttps://lowboybeaters.comGroove MPLhttps://www.groovempl.comConnect with Collin:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collindobbsdrumsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/collindobbsdrumsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@collindobbsdrumsWebsite: https://www.collindobbs.comMusic Featured in this Episode:"Redneck Girl" - The Bellamy Brothers"Let Your Love Flow" - The Bellamy BrothersSupport the showConnect with us:WebsiteInstagramTikTokYouTubeFacebookRecorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TNPodcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART ⓒ 2026 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC

Welcome Nashville newcomer Tim Carman! An international touring musician, session drummer, educator, and five-time published author, Tim currently records and tours extensively with Parlor Greens—a soul-jazz trio consisting of Tim on drums, Jimmy James on guitar, and Adam Scone on organ—and Canyon Lights, a garage rock group formed with singer/guitarist Pat Faherty, formerly the lead singer of GA-20. Tim also leads two of his own projects: Tim Carman & The Street 45s — a world-groove inspired funk band—and the Tim Carman Trio—a vintage organ jazz trio (à la Jimmy Smith) nominated for “Jazz Act of the Year” in 2022, 2023, and 2024 by the Boston Music Awards.In this episode, we dive deep into Tim's diverse musical upbringing in Boston, his approach to absorbing musical vocabulary and the importance of studying music history, and his time spent in LA, Denver, and the eventual move to Nashville. We discuss how he manages multiple original projects, work-life balance, his joy for hockey, and his approach to networking, social media, and landing endorsements. We hope you enjoy! Chapters:0:00 Intro 1:43 Nashville's Best Chicken 9:19 Tim's Education Books 17:45 Boston Punk Upbringing 22:48 Drum Box (Sponsor) 23:31 Hockey Crossovers 28:31 Parlor Greens Formation 30:44 Fuji Rock Festival in Japan 32:11 Balancing Multiple Projects 33:12 Switching Between Genres 35:16 Work-Life Balance 37:22 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor) 38:04 Nashville's Scene 41:02 Punk Rock Influences 47:43 Networking and Opportunities 58:14 Drum Supply (Sponsor) 59:14 Social Media for Musicians 1:05:25 Memorable Concerts 1:09:29 Bucket List Venues 1:14:04 Groove MPL (Sponsor) 1:15:16 Endorsements and Gear Talk 1:23:17 Music City Audiology (Sponsor) 1:24:12 Closing Questions 1:29:43 OutroThank you to our Episode Sponsors:Drum Boxhttps://drumbox.spaceDrum Supplyhttps://www.drumsupply.comLow Boy Beatershttps://lowboybeaters.comGroove MPLhttps://www.groovempl.comMusic City Audiologyhttps://www.musiccityaudiology.comConnect with Tim:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tcarmandrumsWebsite: https://timcarmandrums.comMusic Featured in this Episode:"West Memphis" - Parlor Greens"Let Me In" - Canyon LightsSupport the showConnect with us:WebsiteInstagramTikTokYouTubeFacebookRecorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TNPodcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART ⓒ 2026 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC

Welcome, Andrew Besl to the podcast! Andrew is a Nashville-based drummer currently playing with Artists Noah Floersch, Neon Child, Pink Bubba, and Bee Kelly, among others. When he’s not on the road, he’s behind the kit as the in-house session drummer at Last Dollar Studios. In this candid conversation, Andrew shares valuable life lessons on gratitude and forgiveness as he details his journey from a self-taught musician to a sought-after working drummer in Nashville, both live and in the studio. Andrew touches upon his experiences with different bands, winning the Lightning 100's Music City Mayhem Competition with Bee Kelly, the significance of being a 'good hang,' and the importance of honest communication. Andrew's insights on life, music, and personal growth give us a compelling story of perseverance and self-discovery. We hope you enjoy!Chapters:0:00 Intro 2:16 Andrew's High School Journey 5:56 Learning Drums Through Rock Band 23:01 Drum Box (Sponsor) 23:44 College Life, Belmont 28:21 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor) 29:03 Balancing Music and Day Jobs 37:38 The Big Decision: Tour or Puerto Rico? 41:05 Lessons from 1st Tour Experience 48:54 Drum Supply (Sponsor) 49:54 Music City Mayhem Competition 1:02:57 Groove MPL (Sponsor) 1:04:08 Post-Win 1:08:53 Noah Floersch 1:16:35 A Great Camp 1:21:49 Music City Audiology (Sponsor) 1:22:31 The Role of a Studio Drummer 1:33:37 Last Dollar Studios (Sponsor) 1:34:32 Closing Questions 1:41:24 The Power of Gratitude and Forgiveness 1:45:32 OutroThank you to our Episode Sponsors:Drum Boxhttps://drumbox.spaceDrum Supplyhttps://www.drumsupply.comLow Boy Beatershttps://lowboybeaters.comGroove MPLhttps://www.groovempl.comMusic City Audiologyhttps://www.musiccityaudiology.comLast Dollar Studioshttps://www.lastdollarstudios.comConnect with Andrew:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrewbesldrumsMusic Featured in this Episode:"Bamboo" - Bee Kelly"Restless" - Pink Bubba"Long Gone" - Noah FloerschSupport the showConnect with us:WebsiteInstagramTikTokYouTubeFacebookRecorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TNPodcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART ⓒ 2026 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC

Welcome, South-Florida native Dan Rubin! Dan is currently the touring drummer for rising country Artist Gavin Adcock. From Dan's DIY humble beginnings in punk bands to headlining sold-out stadiums, Dan's journey is both inspiring and relatable. We dive into how he landed the gig with Gavin and has had to adapt and embrace the ever-changing dynamics of a fast-paced tour life. Dan shares tactics for learning songs quickly and the importance of continually pushing yourself on the instrument, and his favorite food finds and moments from tour. We hope you enjoy!Chapters:0:00 Intro 2:40 Welcome, Dan! 7:38 Landing the Gig w/ Gavin Adcock 28:20 Balancing Tour and Personal Life 33:01 Drum Box (Sponsor) 33:44 On Tour w/ Gavin 37:52 The Band's Chemistry and Flexibility 38:28 Journey to Nashville 52:17 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor) 52:58 Adapting Quickly 1:08:16 Nashville Gig Connections 1:16:21 Drum Supply (Sponsor) 1:17:42 Nashville Food Scene 1:20:49 Pho, Traveling, and Experiencing New Cultures 1:39:00 Groove MPL (Sponsor) 1:40:11 Dreaming of Playing in Japan 1:45:37 Keep Pushing Yourself 1:49:10 Networking and Community 1:51:07 Music City Audiology (Sponsor) 1:56:12 Balancing Practice and Performance 2:10:52 OutroThank you to our Episode Sponsors:Drum Boxhttps://drumbox.spaceDrum Supplyhttps://www.drumsupply.comLow Boy Beatershttps://lowboybeaters.comGroove MPLhttps://www.groovempl.comMusic City Audiologyhttps://www.musiccityaudiology.comConnect with Dan:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steelydanrubinMusic Featured in this Episode:"Terrible" - Mitch the Hero (Dan Rubin)"Target" - Mitch the Hero (Dan Rubin)Support the showConnect with us:WebsiteInstagramTikTokYouTubeFacebookRecorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TNPodcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART ⓒ 2026 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC