Over the past twelve months, my life has been a whirlwind of musical creativity and gratifying teaching experiences. As a dedicated drummer, I’ve been involved in various exciting projects, collaborating with four different artists and being a part of Wild. In this blog, I’ll take you on a brief journey through my musical adventures, the joy of teaching, and the anticipation of spending quality time with my family in the Czech Republic.
As an inexperienced session drummer, my initial steps into the world of recording drums were tentative and uncertain. The unfamiliarity of the studio environment and the pressure to perform flawlessly on command often left me feeling like a novice out of my depth. That said, I have recorded before, but not as a guy brought in specifically for a drum part on a project. I embraced every mistake as an opportunity to learn, and trust me, I made the mistakes. My growth was exponential; what might have taken others months to master, I absorbed in mere weeks. I was careful to chart out each session and through relentless practice, I evolved from a raw recruit to the resident studio drummer for Beck Studio.
For the last year I’ve had the privilege of working with four exceptionally talented artists, each from diverse musical backgrounds. From jazz and blues to indie rock and pop, every project pushed me to explore new ideas and experiment with different rhythms. It is hard to describe, but when I first stepped into the studio with Ronnie Harwood, I had a kind of nervous comfortable feeling. Most of his music is Rock & Roll based, but the pressure came from him having actual hit records. He was responsible for You Drive me Crazy by Shaking Stevens and many others. I needed to be at the top of my game considering his back catalogue and the musicians he chooses. I am happy to say that I am still recording with Ronnie.
Due to the success of these sessions, I was then recommended for an Americana band called Don’t Drink the Water. These guys have been writing for years and have secured a record deal with a small label. Dave, the owner and producer of Beck Studio recommended me after the band had drummer issues. This project is still on going and I am due back in the studio late September.
Out of blue, one of my students told me that his father was a local musician/song writer and needed a drummer. I knew very little about the project but agreed to do the session. Most of my sessions so far have been in Beck Studio in Wellingborough, but this time I was to record at Parlour studios in Kettering. Locally, these are the only studios and to have the chance to build my reputation was a massive leap in the right direction. If you are a drummer reading this, you would have possibly researched how to get into session work. I am currently reading How to make it in Country Music by Rich Redmond. It’s a great read, but there is one thing that stands out in this book. Networking and being the nice guy! Make yourself known to local studios. Don’t just rely on email, shaking someone’s hand can mean much more. Be able to work with people, be teachable and open minded with ideas. We could easily delve into this subject more and I will in the future, but remember, the responsibility it yours if you want it to happen.
Ray has currently released some of the music from these sessions. Follow the Youtube link below this blog if you fancy having a listen. His album ‘No Regrets’ should be out by the end of the year. The music is pop based, but with the odd twist of brilliance. Please feel free to let me know what you think?
Next on the list was the biggest surprise of all. I had a call from Dave at Beck Studio asking if I would like to do a session for an indie band called the Wishplants. Going back to the 90’s, they had success with a major label and they have now reformed without the original drummer. To be truthful, these were some of the most enjoyable sessions I have done in the last twelve months. I played great music loud and hard with the freedom to come up with my own parts. This project is still on going and I am waiting patiently for the music to be released.
Alongside my collaborations, my heart and soul belonged to my Rock & Roll band, Wild. Together, we set the stage ablaze with our energetic performances and punk style Rock & Roll. Although the band is still together, we only perform a few shows through the year. We are all involved in separate projects and that is fine with us, but when we do get together, it’s like we’ve never stopped.
Teaching has always held a special place in my heart. Sharing my passion for music and drumming with aspiring musicians has been incredibly rewarding. Over the last twelve months, I’ve seen my students grow and develop their skills, and witnessing their progress fills me with immense joy. I find solace in knowing that I’m helping to shape the future of music. I’m still teaching in schools throughout Northamptonshire and have over forty students visit my teaching facility each week.
As I gear up for a well-deserved holiday in the Czech Republic with my wife’s family, I can’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of excitement and anticipation. It’s not just the picturesque landscapes and rich culture that await me; it’s the precious time I’ll be spending with my daughter Maggie. Amidst the hectic musical schedule and teaching commitments, family time has become even more precious to me. My musical journey is up there as being important, but nothing compares to the priceless moments shared with loved ones.
In the last twelve months, my musical life has been a rollercoaster of emotions and experiences. From recording with four different artists to rocking the stage with Wild, teaching has grounded me, reminding me of the importance of passing on the love for music to the next generation.
As I write these last few lines, we have already arrived in the Czech Republic. I’m sitting in the garden on the patio whilst the rest of the family relax inside. The sun is just dipping over the tops of the houses, the heat is dissipating into a beautiful calm evening. Of course, I love these moments, but the real love comes from those people around us.
Thanks for reading.