This conversation explores the significance of reading music in the music industry, the diverse experiences of musicians, and the balance between performance and personal life. Darren shares his insights on the importance of musical education, the challenges faced in learning instruments, and memorable gigs that shaped his career. Darren & Me'sha emphasise the joy of performing and the unique experiences that come with being a musician, while also discussing the importance of finding balance in life and the challenges of learning to play the drums.

Darren's links:

https://www.darrenashford.com/

https://www.instagram.com/darrenashfo...

https://www.facebook.com/darrenashfor...

Stage & Screen

http://stageandscreenpodcast.com/

https://www.instagram.com/stageandscr...

https://www.facebook.comstageandscree...

Me'sha's Website & Socials

https://www.meshabryan.com/

https://www.instagram.com/meshabryan

Takeaways
Reading music is essential for navigating the music industry. Time efficiency in studios is crucial for success. Understanding the language of music enhances communication. Playing with different musicians builds valuable experience. Finding balance in life is important for musicians. The joy of performing is a unique experience. Musicians often face challenges in learning instruments. No two musicians learn in the same way. Memorable gigs shape a musician's career. Being present in the moment enhances the performance experience. Sound bites "Time is money in the studios." "It's about serving the music." "Being in the moment is crucial."

Chapters
00:00 The Importance of Reading Music
02:26 Navigating the Music Industry
06:10 The Balance of Skills in Music
10:00 Experiences with Diverse Artists
14:06 Performing for Presidents and Celebrities
17:55 Finding Balance in the Entertainment World
19:56 The Mindset of a Musician
25:46 Staying True to Musical Passion
27:08 Navigating Nerves and Confidence in Performance
30:05 The Importance of Work Ethic and Preparation
33:37 Overcoming Barriers to Learning Drums
37:06 Memorable Gigs and Musical Moments
41:51 The Impact of Technology on Live Music Experience

In this festive episode of Stage and Screen, Me'sha reflect on the past year, express gratitude to their audience, and share their holiday traditions. They celebrate milestones, including new subscribers and community engagement, while also discussing the joys and challenges of the holiday season. The conversation is filled with warmth, humour, and a sense of togetherness as they look forward to the new year.

Takeaways

It's been a beautiful thing to connect with listeners.
The festive season is a time for togetherness.
Community engagement has grown significantly this year.
Milestones in the podcast have been celebrated throughout the year.
Food and family traditions play a big role during the holidays.
The hosts appreciate the lovely messages from their audience.
The podcast started in July and has seen rapid growth since.
Holiday games can lead to funny moments and memories.
The hosts are excited for what the new year will bring.
Gratitude for the audience is a recurring theme in the conversation.

Chapters

00:00 Festive Greetings and Reflections
03:06 Celebrating Milestones and Community Engagement
06:04 Holiday Traditions and Family Fun

Darren Ashford, a renowned session drummer and two-time all-natural bodybuilding champion, shares insights into his journey in music and fitness. He discusses the physical demands of drumming, the importance of stamina, and how his bodybuilding experience has influenced his performance. The conversation also delves into the setup of his music studio, the challenges of lugging equipment, and the dedication required to excel in both music and fitness. This conversation explores the evolving landscape of drumming, touching on themes of teaching, motivation, practice habits, the impact of technology, and the importance of the human element in music. The speakers discuss how motivations for learning drums have shifted over time, the challenges of mastering the instrument, and the community aspect of being a drummer. They also delve into the implications of AI in music production and the necessity for modern drummers to adapt to technological advancements while maintaining the essence of live performance.

Takeaways

Darren Ashford is a versatile musician and fitness enthusiast.
Creating a functional music studio requires careful planning and consideration.
Drumming can be physically demanding, requiring stamina and strength.
Training can significantly enhance performance in music.
Bodybuilding taught Darren valuable lessons about discipline and commitment.
Darren's experience in competitions helped him grow as a person and musician.
Flexibility and strength are crucial for both bodybuilding and drumming.
Performance in bodybuilding is akin to performing music; both require creativity.
Public perception often misjudges the effort behind fitness achievements.
Consistency and dedication are key to achieving results in any field.
Insecurity can lead to a deeper understanding of students.
Motivations for playing drums remain largely unchanged.
Commitment to practice varies significantly among students.
Access to information has transformed how drummers learn.
Drumming requires complex coordination of limbs.
The drumming community is supportive and unique.
Drum kits have evolved significantly over time.
AI may replace some aspects of music production.
The human experience in music is irreplaceable.
Modern drummers need a broader skill set to be employable.

Sound bites

"Home sweet home."
"Doing a gig is almost like a mini workout."
"It's all a performance."
"You must be on gear."
"The level of commitment reflects the results."
"You've got to really enjoy it and love it."
"There's so much variation"

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Darren Ashford
01:15 Setting Up the Studio Space
03:55 The Physical Demands of Drumming
06:30 Stamina and Performance
08:45 Bodybuilding Journey and Competitions
12:45 Bodybuilding Techniques and Performance
17:17 Perceptions of Fitness and Commitment
21:51 Diagnosing Musical Challenges
22:27 Changing Motivations in Drumming
24:21 Practice Habits and Commitment
26:30 The Complexity of Drumming
28:50 The Drummer's Mindset and Community
30:42 The Evolution of Drum Kits
34:34 AI's Impact on Music and Drumming
41:20 The Modern Drummer's Skill Set