How do I give feedback/suggestions to my bandmates? | Ask The Drummer Podcast #019

Marland from San Diego asks about ear plugs. The sound quality of his current ear plugs just aren't cutting it. What are the best kind to get? In this episode, I give my recommendation for exactly what kind of ear plugs you should get, and what filter is best for you.

It's happened to us all at some point... you're sitting in and a tune is called that you don't know.

How do you "drive the bus" even if you don't know the tune?

Nathan from San Diego asks about ear protection. What can you do to prevent tinnitus? How can you make smarter decisions about ear protection? In this episode, I offer specific ear plug recommendations and share my tips for preventing ear damage.

This week’s question comes from Richard in Seattle WA who asks about buying his first practice drum kit. How should he spend his money wisely? In this episode, I’ll offer my tips for how to purchase your first drum set, especially if you’re on a budget. 

Show notes and links for this episode can be found at http://www.askthedrummer.com

Matt from Austin, TX asks how to discover new drum sounds. What do you do when you start to get bored with your own playing? In this episode, I’ll explain how to use the formula IMAGINATION + RESTRICTION = CREATIVITY to create an infinite number of new sounds on your kit. 

In this episode, I'll show you what Active Listening is by deconstructing the tune "So What" by Miles Davis. Active Listening is a game-changer for how you can listen to music. I'll also be reading listener comments and talk about my upcoming trip to Asia!

Show notes and links for this episode can be found at http://www.askthedrummer.com

Ben from Florida asks about locking in with other bandmates. What do you do if you can’t seem to lock in the pocket with another musician? In this episode, I offer my thoughts and tips on how to approach these situations when they come up.

Johnny from Indianapolis asks about selecting a drum stick. Do you pick a versatile stick for all genres or do you use different sticks for different gigs? In this episode, I discuss the 6 factors that go into drum stick design, and how you can use this information to find the right stick for the job.

Shaan from Indianapolis asks about in-ear monitors for drummers. Should you get the custom molds? How many drivers should they have? In this episode, I discuss the pros & cons of wearing in-ear monitors and offer tips on what specific models you should look for.

This week, I'll give you the 4 simple stretches that I do before each gig. This is also an "ATD Update" episode, where once a month I get to choose the topic and fill you in on what's going on! 

Jay from South Carolina asks about gigs that require you to play in all styles. How should you tune your drums in a way that can handle all styles while still sounding authentic? What gear should you bring? In this episodes, I’ll show you how to make smart compromises to the sound of your kit.

Nick from Wisconsin asks about how to build a personal website. How do you get started? What should you include and what shouldn’t you include? In this episode, I’ll give you a step-by-step guide to building a personal website from scratch.

Mark from Colorado asks how he can improve the efficiency/speed of his load-in/loud-out process. In this episode, I’ll offer tips on how to create systems for yourself when it comes to:

1) Loading your drums
2) Unloading your drums
3) Setting your drums up
4) Tearing your drums down.

Here's a quick "drum hack" on how to get more life out of your drum sticks. All you need is a sharpie marker.

Our question this week comes from Gino in Toronto Canada, who asks what you should do when working with a sound engineer who seems to be a bit jaded. Unfortunately, these situations do happen from time to time, but in this episode I will offer a few specific tips for working with sound engineers.
 

Nate from Georgia asks about how to improve the sound your bass drum. In this episode, I discuss 6 things should you be thinking about when determining your bass drum sound.

Andrew from San Diego asks a question about timing. His time is solid but his fills tend to rush. In this episode, I give a few strategies for improving timing during fills.