Part 2

How do non-percussion instruments contribute to the overall rhythmic texture of a piece?
 
Great question! That varies from song to song and style to style. As a drummer it is important to listen to the interaction of the other instruments rhythmically as well as melodically. I don't want to step on the melody and I certainly want to leave room or enhance the rhythm of the other instruments.
I've really never found it to be a set formula or a singular way to approach music. It's very song specific.

The way I choose to interact within the framework of the rhythms of the non-percussive instruments defines my style. The way the other players react rhythmically to my groove on their non-percussive instruments defines our style.

It's a complex, powerful, beautiful relationship that a drummer has in a band. One that all too often underappreciated and misunderstood.

Different drums have a distinct sound and drums and percussion are also timbral instruments.

True.

What drum sound are you aiming for and how are you making use of the timbral potentials and possibilities of your instruments?

That question seems simple doesn't it? The answer is not! First and foremost with session work, I am trying to achieve a sound that the mix engineer will not find limiting. I want my drums to have a personality of their own. Which they do because of the way I tune them as much as by the way I choose to play them.

In the studio there are so many options. I tend to achieve the sound that I want. A good, solid, organic drum sound. With the advantages of the digital format, I can send clients / artists / engineers my individual drum tracks dry with no processing. As well as the same take with my chosen settings and applications of processing.

I am fortunate to have spent a lot of time in the studio with some of the most incredibly talented engineers and producers over the last 30 plus years! I paid attention and I asked a lot of questions. I got enough answers and have had enough experience to feel confident in what I am doing behind my instrument and behing the console/computer screen. Experience is the best teacher, for certain.

I am blessed with the great fortune of having had time to experience and experiment. At this point in my career I know how to approach the kit and which microphone choices to make and the placement, etc. Drums are unique in that there are an incredible amount of sounds and ways to capture the sounds.

Using proper cables has been my biggest and most recent discovery. I use V2 Cables exclusively. I use cable choices in the same manner that I once used microphone choices. If I had one suggestion for anyone recording music, it would be to use proper cabling. It really does make a huge difference in capturing all of the subtle nuances of the instrument.

In relation to drumming, Stewart Copeland said: “Listening is where the cool stuff comes from. And that listening thing, magically, turns all of your chops into gold.” What do you listen for?
 
I listen for the point.

As in, "What is the point of what I am doing?" The answer to that question is very important to the choices I make on my instrument. Sonically and stylistically.

Do you feel that honing your compositional / songwriting skills has an effect on your drumming skills?
 
I don't know if I have ever thought about it.

I would suppose it has. As much as my drumming skills have also effected my compositional and songwriting skills.

How has technology, such as drum machines and sequencers, impacted the way rhythm is created and perceived?

Same as loops and samplers, I would guess. It's another group of tools in an ever growing tool box for creative creatures.

Their powers can be used for the good of the song or to the detriment of it.

Has it been a concrete influence on your own approach?
 
I would have to say no. Although, at times an artist or producer has taken my drum tracks and chose to replace parts of my composition with samples and/or rearranged some elements of my composition using technology. That hasn't happened often, but when it has, I am often disenchanted by it.

I will admit to the fact that there have been times when I agreed with the changes after my ego got out of the way. It's a delicate dance, but ultimately it comes down to trusting in the process of making and producing music.

I refer to myself as a professional opinionist more than as a musician. My choices often come from a place of opinion based on experience and a feeling more so than musical knowledge or theory.

Physical strain is a particularly serious issue for many drummers. How does it manifest itself, how do you deal with it and in how far does it affect your creativity?

I have had some very intense struggles over the years with broken and swollen this, torn and strained that. It is what it is.

Drumming is a physically and emotionally demanding sport! I addressed my situations to the best of my ability and when I didn't have the answers, I would always seek the advice if medical professionals. If you want to do something you have to be prepared to do it. Doing what you love always comes at a cost. Swinging for the floor and playing for so many years has taught me to not ignore the pains. I also learned that complaining doesn't help.

It's all about passion. Drumming is where most of my passion manifests itself. That being the way it is, I will continue to find a way to do what I do regardless of how my physical body wants me to do it!

Many recording engineers have remarked that the drums can be particularly hard to capture. What, from your perspective, makes drums sound great on record and in a live setting?

The confidence of the drummer is the first and foremost requirement in getting great drums sounds captured. Period. Full stop.
 
Drums and percussion are remarkably often used for physical therapy / healing. What, from your point of view, makes them particularly suitable tools for this?

I have read and experienced a lot of things with regard to this subject. At this point, I am just going to say that drums are uniquely powerful and affective at translating and manifesting energy. There is no doubt about it.

Magic resides in rhythms and frequencies. Enjoy it all.