Big Fat Five: Zach Danziger Shares His Top 5 Influential Records

We’re back with another installment of Big Fat Five - a segment of the show where I chat with my favorite drummers about the 5 records that shaped their approach to the instrument. This week’s guest is Zach Danziger...a drummer/composer who refuses to let tradition box him in. From early days with Wayne Krantz to collaborations across jazz, fusion, film, and experimental projects, Zach has built a career that’s as deep as it is unpredictable. Sometimes you click with everything a guest says…and this conversation was just that. Talking with Zach not only made me more confident in who I am as a player, but also excited to explore elements I've been neglecting. That being said, I hope you enjoy the 5 records that helped shape Zach Danziger into the player he is today. Cheers.  - 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. ZACH'S BIG FAT FIVE: Artist – Bill ConnorsAlbum – Step ItRelease Year – 1985Key Track – “Step It”Drummer – Dave Weckl - Artist – Chaka KhanAlbum – NaughtyRelease Year – 1980Key Track – “Clouds”Drummer – Steve Ferrone - Artist – McCoy TynerAlbum – Inner VoicesRelease Year – 1977Key Track – UptownDrummer(s) – Eric Gravatt & Jack DeJohnette - Artist – Luther VandrossAlbum – Busy BodyRelease Year – 1983Key Track – For the Sweetness of Your LoveDrummer – Yogi Horton - Artist – SquarepusherAlbum – Feed Me Weird ThingsRelease Year – 1996Key Track - Squarepusher ThemeDrummer – Programmed by Tom Jenkinson (Squarepusher) For more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.bigfatsnaredrum.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ and follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠, Twitter, and TikTok.

Today on The Drum Panel, we’ve got Dave Elitch and Sarab Singh. Dave has worked with The Mars Volta, Weezer, The 1975, Justin Timberlake, and plenty more. Alongside his playing career, he’s become a sought-after instructor on body mechanics and the psychology of performing. He’s put out two online courses—Getting Out of Your Own Way and Staying Out of Your Own Way—that dive deep into how the body moves behind the kit. His brand-new online course, Your Mind’s Ear, shifts the focus to sound and gear. Check out all of his courses ⁠HERE⁠! Joining us is our good friend Sarab Singh. He’s an incredibly talented drummer based in Los Angeles and currently plays with MUNA. Beyond that, he’s one of the best hangs I know, and the perfect bridge between me and Dave. This isn’t just a promo. We cover a lot of ground as always—but Dave’s new course is the glue that holds today’s conversation together. Check out all of his courses 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, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠, Twitter, and TikTok.

On this episode of Big Fat Five, I’m joined by drummer Xavier Ware. He’s currently out on the road with Bilmuri, and his playing is UNREAL—able to blaze with the kind of intensity that feels like he’s getting paid by the note, then pivot into a dynamic, nuanced jazz approach with left-foot finesse that I honestly can’t wrap my head around. Both of those styles live so far outside my own playing, which made this conversation especially exciting. We discuss where he learned the jazz language, how he breaks down the incredibly technical songs he’s known for, and his journey toward appreciating the small things. And ultimately, how you shouldn’t strive for perfect timing or playing, but that perfect feeling, for both you and the audience. XAVIER'S BIG FAT FIVE: - Artist – NerveAlbum – Prohibited BeatsRelease Year – 2009Key Track(s) – “Syncopath,” “Jabon,” “Far,” “7even”Drummer – Jojo Mayer Artist – Button MasherAlbum – The 16bit.WavRelease Year – 2020Key Track(s) – “Siblings,” “Meta Knight's Revenge” (from Kirby Superstar)Drummer – Midi Artist – Louis ColeAlbum – Quality Over OpinionRelease Year – 2022Key Track(s) – “Laughing in Her Sleep,” “I’m Tight,” “Failing in a Cool Way”Drummer – Louis Cole Artist – Sonny RollinsAlbum – East Broadway RundownRelease Year – 1966Key Track(s) – “Front to Back”Drummer – Elvin Jones Artist – YellowjacketsAlbum – Blue HatsRelease Year – 1997Key Track(s) – “CapeTown,” “Statue of Liberty,” “New Rochelle”Drummer – Will Kennedy - 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, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠, Twitter, and TikTok.

I’ve been deep into working on the second book, which has me going back through a bunch of the older conversations. One that really stood out again was with Steve Goold. If you don’t know, Steve is actually the Steve of Steve’s Donut. He’s also played with Sara Bareilles, Owl City, Mat Kearney, and Scary Pockets, to name a few. But more than the resume, I was reminded how insightful he is. There’s this part where he talks about there being no neutral notes—like, every note carries weight, it’s never just filler. That idea has been rattling around in my head ever since I revisited the chat. Steve just put out his first release under his own name, a live recording called Solo Improvisations On Drumset, and you can watch the whole thing on YouTube HERE. STEVE'S BIG FAT FIVE: - Artist – Pearl Jam Album – Vs. Release Year – 1993 Key Track – “Go” Drummer – Dave Abbruzzese - Artist – Owsley Album – Owsley Release Year – 1999 Key Track – “Oh No the Radio” Drummer – Chris McHugh - Artist – Jeff Buckley Album – Grace Release Year – 1994 Key Track – “Mojo Pin” Drummer – Matt Johnson - Artist – Happy Apple Album – Body Popping – Moon Walking – Top Rocking Release Year – 2000 Key Track – “Where Does a Stranger Go on Christmas Eve?” Drummer – Dave King - Artist – Dogs of Peace Album – Speak Release Year – 1996 Key Track – “The Truth” Drummer – John Hammond - 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, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠, Twitter, and TikTok.

This Drum Panel episode picks up where we left off with Brendan Buckley (Shakira, Morrissey, Perry Farrell) and Gunnar Olsen (Puscifer, Mother Feather). If you missed Part 1, you’ll still follow along just fine—but it’s worth a listen. We dive right in with drummer nightmares before moving into bigger conversations about finding your own sound, overcoming roadblocks, and balancing identity as both artist and “brand.” Inside this episode: Drummer nightmares on stage – including Brendan’s Shakira story that started as a trio Bad advice worth ignoring – why “you need to play everything” isn’t always the path Finding your own voice – doubling down on what makes you unique instead of being a jack of all trades Hi-hat obsession – tone, touch, and why small changes shift the whole vibe Roadblocks and breakthroughs – Gunnar’s kick pedal “yips” and Brendan’s double bass practice insights Kit setups and identity – how your drum layout shapes your playing more than you think Brand vs. authenticity – do drummers really need to market themselves, or is being great enough? ——— 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, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠, Twitter, and TikTok.

This Drum Panel brings together Brendan Buckley—drummer for Shakira, Perry Farrell, Morrissey, and more—and one of my closest friends, Gunnar Olsen of Puscifer, Mother Feather, Big Data, and ME to chat about... ...the difference between what works in the practice room and what works in an arena, charting versus memorizing, and how to respect the composition before making it your own. Brendan breaks down the “Shakira machine” and why clarity and projection beat busy parts when you’re playing to the back row. We also cover deep-dive listening versus casting a wide net, Bowie’s Berlin era, and the time Brendan’s electrician turned out to be one of my favorite drummers—and his too. It’s equal parts practical advice, music history, and great road stories from working drummers. Inside this episode Arena truth: kick, snare, crashes beat ghost-note soup The DW stainless kit that keeps coming back on tour Shakira’s camp, subs, and how Brendan plans for “what if” Learning 30 songs fast: charts, anchors, and staying calm Deep-dive listening vs playlists, plus Bowie and Prince talk The Alan Myers story and why “mic-friendly” drums matter ——— 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, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠, Twitter, and TikTok.

Welcome back to The Drum Panel! Featuring: Ben Hilzinger (me!), Joe Lana Jr. (@thecowboydrummer), and Eric Urrea (Marina City) Inside this episode: Why Creators Struggle to Accept Compliments The Trap of Overthinking Content Creation Balancing Comedy, Drumming, and Self-Worth Online When Do You Feel Like a Drummer vs. an Impostor? The Subtle Art of Playing Soft and Why Grip Debates Are Overrated --- 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, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠, Twitter, and TikTok.

Welcome back to Drummers on Drumming, a podcast powered by Big Fat Snare Drum. I’m Ben Hilzinger, and this is another installment of Big Fat Five—where I ask my favorite drummers (and, honestly, just favorite people) to break down the five records that shaped how they approach the instrument. Today’s guest is Cain Daniel. You might’ve caught him on a recent episode of The Drum Panel, but this time he’s here for the Big Fat Five treatment. I first saw Cain play with Jesus Molina, and his creativity, clarity, and confidence behind the kit instantly stood out in the sea of drum videos I scroll through every day. He’s an LA-based drummer, a Berklee College of Music grad, and in recent years he’s played with Chappell Roan, Derek Hough, Engelbert Humperdinck, and plenty more. So let’s get into the five records that helped shape Cain Daniel into the drummer he is today. And while this isn’t a Drum Panel episode, we still take a few fun side quests along the way. CAIN'S BIG FAT FIVE: Artist - Dave Weckl Album - Master Plan Release Year  - 1990 Drummer - Dave Weckl - Artist - Dave Matthews Band Album - Busted Stuff Release Year - 2002 Key Track - "Grey Street" Drummer - Carter Beauford - Artist - Tigran Hamasyan Album - Mockroot Release Year - 2015 Drummer - Arthur Hnatek - Artist Rufus & Chaka Khan Album - Stompin’ at the Savoy Release Year - 1983 Drummer John "JR" Robinson - Artist - Tower of Power Album - Back to Oakland Release Year - 1974 Key Track(s) - "Don’t Change Horses (In the Middle of a Stream)" Drummer - David Garibaldi - HONORABLE MENTIONS: Artist - Avishai Cohen Album - Gently Disturbed Release Year - 2008 Drummer - Mark Guiliana - Artist - Dirty Loops Album - Loopified Release Year - 2014 Drummer - Aron Mellergard --- 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, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠, Twitter, and TikTok.

Ben (me..hi!), Mark Stepro (The Wallflowers) and Eric Urrea (Marina City) talk about the gear that go away... Our favorite BAD recordings How to stay in love with drumming when it’s also your job When to say yes to a gig—and when to walk away Should you charge for prep time? And how much is your time actually worth? Why some “Instagram drummers” aren’t your competition—and that’s fine --- 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, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠, Twitter, and TikTok.

This week’s installment of Big Fat Five features Marcus Finnie…a proud Memphis native now based in Nashville and he’s one of the most respected session drummers and educators around. His credits span genres and include icons such as Donna Summer, Billy Preston, Larry Carlton, Keb Mo, Taj Mahal, Lady A, and many more. He’s also played on multiple grammy winning and grammy nominated records. I recently went down a rabbit hole watching his clinics and he was too insightful and talented NOT have on the show. So here we go. I hope you enjoy the records that helped shape Marcus Finnie into the impactful musician 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. For more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.bigfatsnaredrum.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ and follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠, Twitter, and TikTok.