Hot Sticks Drum Show

Neil Peart (Rush) joins filmmaker Ari Gold for a rare conversation on the "Professor’s" role as the judge in Adventures of Power. They delve into the philosophy of practice, the "karma" of filmmaking, and the deep intellectual connection between rhythm and the human brain. Watch the full video version and read the Director’s Note at: https://www.cinemaverses.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.cinemaverses.com/subscribe

Marky Ramone (The Ramones) discusses his 15-year tenure as the heartbeat of punk rock with filmmaker Ari Gold. From the heavy metal of Dust to playing 1,700 shows and 45 songs a night, Marky breaks down the stamina of a legend and the secret to his family’s famous sauce. Watch the full video version and read the Director’s Note at: https://www.cinemaverses.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.cinemaverses.com/subscribe

Charlie Benante (Anthrax/Pantera), Alex Skolnick (Testament), and Ra Diaz (Suicidal Tendencies/Korn) join filmmaker Ari Gold for a rare trio session. They discuss their viral "Quarantine Jams," the deep influence of Rush, and the resilient energy of thrash metal.Watch the full video version and read the Director’s Note at: https://www.cinemaverses.comThanks for listening and keep air drumming! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.cinemaverses.com/subscribe

Dave Lombardo joins filmmaker Ari Gold for a wide-ranging conversation on adrenaline, improvisation, and a life behind the kit. From Slayer and Suicidal Tendencies to Mr. Bungle, Misfits, and Dead Cross, Lombardo reflects on creative discipline, collaboration, and why playing live remains irreplaceable.Watch the full video version and read the Director’s Note at:https://www.cinemaverses.comThanks for listening and keep air drumming! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.cinemaverses.com/subscribe

Adam Gomez (The Dickies) and Spike T. Smith (Memoriam/Killing Joke) join filmmaker Ari Gold to discuss the evolution of punk and the heavy roots of "old school" death metal. From the technical hurdles of remote sessions to the discipline of the "air drum," they break down the stamina required for a life on the road and the truth behind the Dickies' "last" record. Watch the full video version and read the Director’s Note at: https://www.cinemaverses.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.cinemaverses.com/subscribe

In this conversation, Ari Gold sits down with Dan Whitesides to talk about the long, unglamorous road into a working life in music. From growing up playing drums too loud in Utah basements to navigating local scenes in Ogden and Salt Lake City, Whitesides reflects on persistence, timing, and the friendships that quietly shaped his career.The two discuss nearly walking away from music, the chance moments that led to joining The Used, life on tour, and the challenge of balancing family, fatherhood, and creative momentum. It’s a grounded look at how musical careers are often built—not by chasing the biggest opportunity, but by staying open long enough for the right one to appear.Watch the full video version and read the Director’s Note at: https://www.cinemaverses.comThanks for listening and keep air drumming! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.cinemaverses.com/subscribe

Shaun Foist (Breaking Benjamin) and Harley DeWinter (The 5th) join Ari Gold to discuss the transition from the "air drum" dreams of youth to the high-stakes reality of arena tours. From the technical precision of modern rock to the physical stamina required to maintain the heartbeat of a platinum-selling band, Shaun and Harley break down the evolution of the kit and the bond between mentor and protégé. Watch the full video version and read the Director’s Note at: https://www.cinemaverses.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.cinemaverses.com/subscribe

Sina Drums and Jasmine Star join Ari Gold for a wide-ranging conversation on Rush’s “YYZ,” air drumming vs. real drumming, and what it means to grow as musicians online while dreaming of the stage. They talk about collaboration across continents, the Rosanna shuffle, learning by “playing it wrong,” and the push to keep evolving—through jazz, pop, and everything in between.Watch the full video version and read the Director’s Note at: https://www.cinemaverses.comThanks for listening and keep air drumming! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.cinemaverses.com/subscribe

Ray Luzier (Korn) and producer Nick Raskulinecz join filmmaker Ari Gold for a candid conversation about the drummer–producer relationship and the unseen choices that shape great records. They explore Korn’s balance of deep cuts and anthems, the producer’s role in sculpting drum tone, and the lasting influence of Neil Peart and Rush on modern drumming.Watch the full video version and read the Director’s Note at: https://www.cinemaverses.comThanks for listening and keep air drumming! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.cinemaverses.com/subscribe

Vlad Ulasevych of Jinjer joins filmmaker Ari Gold for an in-depth conversation on groove, restraint, and the architecture of heavy music. They discuss Vlad’s unique drum setup, his signature dry snare sound, long-term collaboration with engineers in Kyiv, and the discipline behind Jinjer’s unmistakable feel—plus reflections on touring, lockdown creativity, and briefly reconnecting with piano.Watch the full video version and read the Director’s Note at: https://www.cinemaverses.comThanks for listening and keep air drumming! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.cinemaverses.com/subscribe