Arejay Hale & Taylor Carroll | Punk Roots, Zeppelin Groove, and the Brotherhood of Drummers

Episode Guests:

Arejay Hale — drummer of Halestorm

Taylor Carroll — drummer of Lit

Hosted by Ari Gold — director/star of Adventures of Power, Guinness World Record air drummer

In This Episode

Ari introduces the “dueling drummers” concept — and the secret collaboration RJ + Taylor have been quietly building.

A heartfelt Neil Peart tribute and why the Modern Drummer Festival special matters (proceeds supporting brain cancer research).

RJ’s (semi-confirmed, semi-denied 👀) experience tracking with Neil Peart-style toms in the studio.

Neil Peart as more than a drummer: artist, lyricist, humanitarian, and a musician shaped by real personal tragedy.

The fandom “God complex” around Neil — and Ari’s story about fans being mad that Neil had… a sense of humor.

Taylor’s early influences: Keith Moon, “Baba O’Riley,” and the gateway drug known as John Bonham.

The “pocket” conversation: Bonham’s relaxed power vs. Peart’s intellectual force — and why both are legendary in different ways.

A nerdy-but-great breakdown of time feel: how far you can sit behind the beat without falling off it.

Two drummers onstage: why it works (Doobie Brothers, Allman Brothers) and why RJ + Taylor are itching to do it too.

The Lit lore: AJ was originally Lit’s drummer — and yes, Ari demands dirt about singer-drummer backseat driving.

Neil Peart’s lifelong study: traveling, learning rhythms globally, and staying a student forever.

Why music education matters: rhythm improving math/science, plus confidence, emotional processing, and mental health.

Taylor’s “13-year-old despair” soundtrack: Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Jethro Tull → punk (Rancid, Casualties, Millencolin).

The origin story friendship moment: Mall of America, RV touring days, and the most iconic opener question ever:

“Hey… you guys got any beer?”

Pandemic creativity: the shift from touring life to Zoom hangouts → songwriting partnership.

Updates on what’s next: writing/recording in progress, possible releases, and the “drop with no warning” philosophy.

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