This episode features my conversation with UK based drummer & educator Ciara Chinniah.

As a graduate of the ACM Music College in London, Ciara has played many theatre shows and performed in bands across the UK, Europe and America. Embracing her passion for odd time signatures, she’s described as a Pop/Rock drummer with a progressive edge. Ciara is an in-demand educator and has established a successful series of drum camps for woman focusing on empowerment and breaking down barriers.

She was the co-host of the popular Drum Education Live podcast and is now the co-host of the new podcast Drummer Mamas.

Ciara recently released her first book “Odd Times Made Easy” through Hudson Music Publishing.

In our conversation, we talk about her love for odd time signatures, the importance of community, and why it’s okay to adapt your professional ambitions when your life priorities change in order to live a fulfilling life as a creative artist.

Follow Ciara: https://www.ciaradrums.com https://www.instagram.com/ciaradrums/ https://www.facebook.com/CiaraDrums/ https://www.youtube.com/@ciaradrums Podcast https://drummermamas.buzzsprout.com

This episode features part two of my conversation with drummer Todd Sucherman.

On this episode, we continue our discussion about his experiences as a session musician, including working with the legendary Brian Wilson. We also talk about the lessons learned while working on his solo album “Last Flight Home” as well as his perspectives on education, managing social media and what defines success.

If you haven’t had the opportunity yet, be sure to go back and check out episode 69 which features part one of our conversation. Part One

Follow Todd: https://www.toddsucherman.com https://www.instagram.com/toddsucherman/ https://www.facebook.com/toddsuchermanmusic YouTube

This episode features my conversation with Todd Sucherman.

Todd is best known as the drummer for the legendary rock band Styx, a position he's held since 1996. Highly regarded for his precision, creativity and versatility, Todd has also established a successful career as a session musician and is one of the most respected drummers in the industry.

Todd is an in-demand educator and is sought out worldwide for his clinics and masterclasses. His award winning Methods & Mechanics DVD series is considered to be essential viewing to drummers of all levels. In our conversation, we talk about his perspectives on how to establish and maintain a professional career, his early days as a session musician, and how that lead to the Styx gig. We also discuss his reasons for switching back to Sonor drums and why it is so important to be passionate about the gear you use in order to stay inspired.

As this interview ran close to 2 hours, I have divided it into 2 episodes, so here's Part 1 of my interview with Todd Sucherman. Follow Todd: https://www.toddsucherman.com https://www.instagram.com/toddsucherman/ https://www.facebook.com/toddsuchermanmusic YouTube

This episode features my conversation with Migdalia Van Der Hoven.

Born and raised in Mexico, Migdalia studied at the Berklee College of Music and is now based in the UK. She’s an internationally acclaimed drummer renowned for her versatility. Currently active in UK musical theatre, her credits include the shows SIX the Musical, Little Shop Of Horrors, Cake the Musical and working with The Royal Shakespeare Company.

As the leader of the Migdalia Van Der Hoven Quartet, she has released 2 projects including the EP Girl Facing South and their debut album Point Of Departure, which was recorded at the famed Abbey Road Studios. Migdalia is also the UK Ambassador for the organization “Women In Jazz Media”

In our conversation, we talk about her experiences growing up in Mexico and how that shaped her musical identity. We discuss overcoming the obstacles she has faced throughout her career, and why it’s essential to adapt your professional aspirations in order to live a fulfilling life as a creative artist, while managing a healthy work/life balance. Follow Migdalia: https://www.migdaliavanderhoven.com https://www.instagram.com/migdaliavanderhoven/ https://www.facebook.com/migdaliavanderhoven1 https://www.youtube.com/miggytamez

This episode features my conversation with Stanton Moore.

Stanton is best known as the founding member and drummer of the New Orleans funk band Galactic. His distinctive style blends the rich rhythmic traditions of New Orleans with elements of funk, jazz, and rock.

Beyond Galactic, Stanton has established himself as a sought-after session musician, collaborating with artists across multiple genres. He’s also released several acclaimed solo albums.

As an educator, Stanton shares his knowledge through his instructional books, videos, and online academy. His commitment to preserving and evolving New Orleans' musical traditions has made him one of the most respected drummers in the industry today. In our conversation, we talk about his experiences growing up in New Orleans and how that shaped his musical identity. We discuss the fundamentals of being a successful student, establishing your career, and why it is essential to embrace a healthy work/life balance in order to maintain your positive well being. Follow Stanton: https://www.stantonmoore.com https://www.stantonmooredrumacademy.com https://www.instagram.com/stanton_moore/ https://www.facebook.com/stantonmooremusic https://www.youtube.com/@stantonmooremusic

This episode features my conversation with Nic Collins.

As the son of music legend Phil Collins, Nic has gone on to establish his own path as professional drummer and honour his father’s legacy

When he was still a teenager, Nic became the drummer for his father’s Not Dead Yet solo tour and was later invited to take over the drumset chair for the final Genesis tour. Currently, Nic is touring with Mike & The Mechanics and is also involved in his own original projects. In our conversation, we talk about his experiences growing up as the son of a music industry icon, and how his father encouraged him to follow his passion. We also talk about his experiences and lessons learned on final Phil Collins and Genesis tours and establishing his own career. Photo credit by @mediaproductions_ (Jenna & Tevin Stoch) Follow Nic: https://www.instagram.com/nic_collins/

Phil Collins Drumeo Documentary

This episode, I had the pleasure to be joined by drummers Matt Starr, Victor Indrizzo and Jamie Wollam in a roundtable discussion on the subject of drum recording. It was a great opportunity to share ideas and perspectives for recording drums in a home studio environment with these highly regarded musicians. In our conversation, we talk about how they got started and how their processes have evolved over the years. We also discuss how to stay motivated when working on your own and why reaching out to experts for continued professional development is essential.

Links: https://www.therealmattstarr.com https://www.instagram.com/therealmattstarr/ http://www.indrizzodrums.com https://www.instagram.com/victorindrizzo/ https://www.jamiewollamdrums.com https://www.instagram.com/jameswollam/

This episode features my conversation with Adam Bowman.

Based out of Guelph, Ontario, Adam is an accomplished drummer and respected educator known for his musicality and versatility across different genres. Throughout his career, Adam has toured extensively and contributed to numerous albums as a session player. In addition to his live and studio work, he is actively involved as an accompanist for modern and contemporary dance classes with IMAGEO Artworks and Dancetheatre David Earle. As an educator, Adam is currently the drum set instructor at the University of Guelph, and also a facilitator for several community organizations that focus on creative expression and mental wellbeing through music. In our conversation, we talk about how martial arts and the philosophies of Bruce Lee have inspired his approach to music and life. We also discuss the importance of living an artful life and despite the choices you have made in your life and career, that the bravest choice you can make is to change your mind. Follow Adam: https://www.adambowman.com https://www.instagram.com/adambowmanmusic/ https://www.facebook.com/adam.bowman.16