Name: Sebastian Wolfgruber
Nationality: German
Occupation: Drummer, composer, improviser
Current Release: Sebastian Wolfgruber, along with Flurin Mück, is part of the trio performing on Simon Popp's aptly titled new album Trio. It is out now via Squama.
Pure Drum Recordings Recommendations: Solo of Form by Pedro Melo Alves.
Recommendations for Munich, Germany: In Munich on a sunny day its best to grab something to drink at the Reichenbach Brücke and then go to the river Isar and just enjoy the day :)

[Read our Flurin Mück interview]
[Read our Simon Popp interview]
[Read our conversation with Simon Popp about drumming]

If you enjoyed this Sebastian Wolfgruber interview and would like to stay in touch with his music, visit him on Instagram.



It seems as though most aspiring artists are drawn to the drums and percussion for one of two reasons: Creating sound/noise and creating rhythm. What captivated you?

At first it was more the energy and power of drums and the direct way from the body to the instrument that captivated me as a teenager.

The interest in creating different sounds and textures came some years later, it took until I started studying jazz drums.

What was your first drum set like and what are you using today? What, to you personally, are factors in terms of build and design that you appreciate in drums and percussion instruments?

My first drum set was a 3 Toms Basix Drumset with Sabian XS 20 cymbals. I like to play different brands for drums and cymbals, and I’m also into vintage stuff.

I recently bought a Vintage Tama Superstar Kit and I play some old K Zildjian Cymbals but also some new Istanbul cymbals and a lot of different stuff. There’s great instruments from every brand. :)

Late Rush-drummer Neil Peart said: “The equipment is not an influence. It doesn't affect the way I play. It's an expression of the way I play.” What's your take on that?

I always admire drummers who sound like themselves, no matter what drum set or cymbals they play on, and I also try this when I play on different drums.

But I also like to be inspired by new or different instruments and sounds, and this especially works in an improvised context, where you are free to take any direction you want.

A unique sound can really open up new creative paths for me.  

What were some of the main challenges in your development as a drummer / percussionist? Which practices, exercises, or experiences were most helpful in reaching your goals?

For drummers in the acoustic jazz context, playing soft with intensity, is a special challenge.

It’s important to practice playing very, very softly, but I’ve learned over the years that sometimes it can help if you don’t just try to play the same thing soft, but rather try to play it a bit different. For example, less dense and with more space or maybe you can use your hands instead of the sticks or use brushes.

The more sounds I can get out of the instrument, the more opportunities I have to play quietly without loosing intensity.

How would you describe the physical sensation of playing the drums? [Where do you feel the resonances/pulse/groove, what are emotional  sensations, is there a sense of release or tension etc …]

I'm trying more and more to feel and move my body in the flow of my drumming and to basically make myself comfortable on the drum set. When I let my posture follow my emotions, it's easier for me to connect with the drum set and the flow of the music.

For me Brian Blade is a great example for that. I love how his whole body is connected to the instrument, so that it looks as if he is one with the instrument.



Do you feel that honing your compositional / songwriting skills has an effect on your drumming skills?  

Yes, it definitely has an effect, because you start to think even more about the bigger picture, and your focus also shifts more to the other instruments and musicians.

And with composing you also learn more what you like or not taste wise, so it gets you in the direction of how you want to sound and play as a drummer too.

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 think it’s most important how you practice, because this is where you spend way more hours than actually being on stage.

When I practice I try to have a straight posture and be as relaxed as possible. I also like to practice in front of a mirror, so that I can check my overall posture and hand technique.

According to this I like to do some stretching and some yoga positions before a concert to relax my body.