The Drum Tech

This week is a sit down in Canada with my guest co-host, Amelie Rainwater, my daughter. After playing drums for 41 years, its nice to pass along some of the knowledge I have accumulated. Amelie is going to help me do just that in this episode by sharing your questions live on the show. We talk about drums, drumming careers and life on the road. She worked hard to compile these questions and I enjoy her perspective, as the daughter of a professional drummer and a musician in her own right. Listen now to pick up some great tidbits and join in with some fun laughs.

Media Coach Kip Kirby is a phenomenal personality. Starting out at Billboard Magazine as a writer and moving on to television as a corespondent for Crook & Chase. Interviewing the biggest names not only in country but in Hollywood, she saw the need for proper media coaching. She filled that niche by developing her own media coaching business. I know you will enjoy listening to her as much as I have enjoyed catching up with her since she was Lonestar's media coach 28 years ago!

Saxophonist and multi-instrumentalist Pattie Cossentino has a work ethic that very few can beat. Finding something special within the saxophone at an early age, she started her own jazz group, developed an award winning album (pattiecossentino.com/music) and has been touring with hit song writing, Phil Vassar for the last several years. Hear about her career path and also learn some interesting facts about the history of the saxophone on this week's Designated Drummer episode.

Drummer Seph Allen is a director of strategic communications, working with NASA and other companies. His unique approach of teaching astronauts how to think and solve problems like a musician in a group is brilliant. He has tons of other cool jobs and interesting stories to share with us, including a dream to be a rock drummer in Hollywood. You are gonna love this guy! Check out this week's episode now...  

Drummer Kevin Rapillo has been the drummer for Rodney Atkins since Rodney’s beginnings in the early 2000’s. His power and discipline are keenly felt when listening to him play live. His beginnings were humble but very steady as he learned his craft and proved his worth as a power house drummer. Listen to my conversation with Kevin on this week's episode and you will soon agree he is one of the best drummer's out on the road today.

This episode is perfect for the young aspiring musician who is questioning their next move toward their musical education. In the Band Cave with Keech is Todd London, a percussion instructor at Belmont College for more than 30 years and Andy Waller a high school drummer in the process of applying to colleges. Sit back and enjoy this great mix of Andy’s young musical perspective and Todd’s mountain of experience and great advice.

Dave McAfee has been a pro drummer for acts like Toby Kieth, Bryan White, Mason Dixon, Wade Hayes, Lee Greenwood and more. Dave and I go way back to our Dallas Texas club days where we followed a very similar path playing the Texas honky tonk bars in the 80’s and 90’s eventually ending up in Nashville and hitting the road with national acts. Dave has been the backbone and rhythmic foundation for Toby Keith’s band for more than 20 years. We talk about his beginnings and journey from Oklahoma, California, Ohio, Texas and finally Nashville. He’s my long time friend and my guest this week on Designated Drummer.

John Rich has been a big part of Nashville and country music history for 30 years. He was my band mate with Lonestar back in the day and still a great friend. I join John at his beautiful Nashville home overlooking downtown Nashville. As a songwriter and producer, he has helped to shape the newer sound of country music and always breaking down boundaries and discovering new talent while maintaining a busy touring schedule with Big and Rich. He has some great analogies pertaining to music and entertainment as well as song writing and the music business in general. I know you will enjoy this sit down conversation with one of the most influential people Nashville has ever seen.

Artist Manager Corey Wagner is the Sr. VP of Shelter Music Group in Nashville. He Currently manages Lonestar, Austin Meade and Eliza Grace and has recently managed the likes of Tommy Lee, Everlast, Mic Fleetwood and many more. Music management is one of the most demanding, rewarding and challenging aspects of the music business. Corey earned his knowledge by being in the right place at the right time and building relationships. His stories of Mic Fleetwood and Tommy Lee are priceless. Come along and join me as we dig into the ever-changing world of Artist Management.     Shelter Music Group https://www.sheltermusic.com

This week, I talk about the awesome job of a drum tech. Why do Drummers need a drum tech? What are some things a drum tech needs to know to be successful? Join me on this week'e episode of Designated Drummer and learn some tips and useful info about the world of drum Tech-ing.