Benjamin Shannon—Australian drummer, composer, conductor, and rhythmic explorer- was kind enough to join us for an interview. Known for his work with Dropbear Lodge, Benjamin talks about his unique approach to experimental music and the art of conduction. We touch on everything from RuneScape to orchestral improvisation, personal fulfillment, and redefining what it means to be a musician in the modern world.

Whether you're a percussionist, composer, or just someone figuring out your creative path, tune in!

#benjaminshannon #drums #drumming #dropbearlodge

0:00 - Intro
03:45 - Not Just A Drummer
05:16 - Conduction
16:30 - Find Your Voice
19:27 - Dropbear Lodge
22:14 - Koala Artwork
25:00 - 2:3 2:3 (The Rhumba of the Beast)
29:43 - Drumming Inspiration
38:26 - Other Instruments
39:49 - Career Trajectory
46:05 - Definition of Musician
51:09 - Fulfilment

Ben’s YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@eightshotringcaps

Ben’s bands:

- Dropbear Lodge - https://open.spotify.com/artist/5jP16Yld1XSUCqHB9cr7b6?si=DelXzAkpR0qOJ6gG46mWQw
- Milton Man Gogh - https://open.spotify.com/artist/7lJr0UXDR1svi3WbDV1EsV
- Shamin - https://open.spotify.com/artist/0VislzoNw40ZenecDnO7AR
- Kodiak Empire - https://open.spotify.com/artist/0KcuADSthqPxAn5iKRdQmT?si=rkGetZyMRmWMSQxpnmvohA&nd=1&dlsi=8b1d04facaeb4b2e

Artists mentioned in the interview:

Artisans Workshop - http://www.jonathandimond.com/discography-artisans.html
Basil’s Kite - https://www.youtube.com/@basilskite6145
The Chats - https://open.spotify.com/artist/1aQ7P3HtKOQFW16ebjiks1?si=kFHKiPJ-RiqU6ggPcH5Q_A
King Stingray - https://open.spotify.com/artist/3hA0yUEuLvjqvxtMlqznDb?si=1IeFFv2sRhekbDi2wxKNdg
Mark Guiliana - https://open.spotify.com/artist/798TUNb6IfpsZzMkkzVGu1?si=B3Tzf0YeS8mjqeLgSbODXw
Louis Cole - https://open.spotify.com/artist/6uIst176jhzooPMetg2rtH?si=_D-xV_79QSmxWKcw_QrZgg
The Mars Volta - https://open.spotify.com/artist/75U40yZLLPglFgXbDVnmVs?si=CGbOqyIfSiKMKHwhrzInTA
The Dillinger Escape Plan - https://open.spotify.com/artist/7IGcjaMGAtsvKBLQX26W4i?si=BGgAHE4TTjSlFB0pmluSdg
The Contortionists - https://open.spotify.com/artist/7nCgNmfYJcsVy3vOOzExYS?si=3CbiqtaZQWWDoKcF2C5x7A
A Day to Remember - https://open.spotify.com/artist/4NiJW4q9ichVqL1aUsgGAN?si=VI0oxks_QAK2qB-8f6DEUQ
Parkway Drive - https://open.spotify.com/artist/159qqlGwzE04xyqpfAwRLo?si=Xa9wMLV5QiqbXey-K9sKAg
Born of Osiris - https://open.spotify.com/artist/4HgqjpBaWctBWVHafQIpRt?si=SwdhkKUfQBCyAAj5lKX8dw
After the Burials - https://open.spotify.com/artist/0uNj4RxFjG0iVPlZS753en?si=drd3QyPgSsSkddB-OQhlKg
As Blood Runs Black - https://open.spotify.com/artist/4LjQpQc5NB5G02zqfEIex7?si=z27jLZijQUaFPIN7bJMOdA
The Black Dahlia Murder - https://open.spotify.com/artist/4xTDPgk4jHCF0qui3dH6BS?si=eg6zZnorQZOXEJL6vVdUcA
Oceansize - https://open.spotify.com/artist/0Opj9xi9HHrH0L9uHAKnKm?si=168fAyIISD6X8A4rp9R25w
Cog - https://open.spotify.com/artist/6gD6Pm7jo3mmKgDtyMruA6?si=cfJBjnW7TbSvjaknyjUlBA
Dead Letter Circus - https://open.spotify.com/artist/3NW2VkBpoHFv327eSuH490?si=TvYx1OG9Sm2J3ktAmX5y-A
Deftones - https://open.spotify.com/artist/6Ghvu1VvMGScGpOUJBAHNH?si=0Psed_rHSImsD1lrGHUU3w
Tool - https://open.spotify.com/artist/2yEwvVSSSUkcLeSTNyHKh8?si=nN2QFadzRbmm-dkt-lMkiw
Sun Ra Arkestra - https://open.spotify.com/artist/5V5vvh5MgM7vDuPp4lJYkh?si=zd9_xeZgR7-r2Q-lX4SQ0A


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