Working Drummer

Ryan Connors is a multi-instrumentalist, MD, songwriter, and producer based in Nashville. He is currently keyboardist, MD, and backup drummer for Hozier, and has also worked with many other artists and bands including Yola, Melinda Doolittle, and Dynamo. He also writes and produces his own original music.

In this episode, Ryan talks about:

How smaller college programs give you more opportunities to play

The virtues of multiple disciplines vs. specialization

Being able to “speak drum” as an MD and producer

The benefit of closing some doors

Getting to play with Gadd

“Finding where it feels good and not leaving there”

Loving the discovery and connection that happens in rehearsal 

Leading by example as an MD in any given situation 

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Matthew Atkins is a celebrated veteran of the music industry. An honours graduate of the renowned Musician’s Institute in Hollywood CA, Matthew has worked in a wide array of genres and situations. Matthew is equally at home on a stage playing pop-country to a festival audience, jazz to an intimate venue, or top 40 dance music at a high-end corporate event, as he is playing as part of a drum line at a world class sporting event.With a large catalogue of recording sessions to his credit, Matthew is known to be a diverse, creative professional. Matthew has been recognized with honours and awards from groups such as the Alberta Recording Industries Association and the Canadian Country Music Association.Having lived and worked in Asia, Mexico, and most recently Vancouver, Matthew now makes his home in St Albert, Alberta.

In this episode, Matthew talks about:

Understanding the importance of motion when playing

His gig as a house drummer at The Mayfield Theatre

Using drum charts on a pro level

The power of being prepared

Chart writing techniques

Tapping into the most musical performances in the studio

Taking direction with grace

Growing up in Rochester, New York, Chaun Horton was birthed into a love of music. Under the tutelage of his father, a church organist, Chaun first learned his craft by playing for local choirs, then events throughout the state. Chaun’s desire to expand on his work led him to LA, where he attended a camp held by the LA Music Academy College of Music. Chaun soon found himself enrolling in the school on a full scholarship, where he earned a Certificate of Completion.

Chaun has had the privilege of sharing the stage with artist such as Macy Gray, Natasha Bedingfield, Israel Houghton, , Toni Braxton, Thundercat, Jessica Simpson, and many more.

In this episode, Chaun talks about:

Moving home base from LA to Sweden and establishing a “camp base” in Nashville 

How the Lauren Daigle gig came his way

Learning not to “take advantage of music” - “you’ve gotta be interested in it”

What it means to “play in the crossroads”

Setting professional goals based on how you want to feel at work 

Learning how to have some stoic detachment when necessary 

Getting to have a “garage band experience” with Lauren Daigle 

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John Spittle has been the long-time drummer with Country icon Trace Adkins. John began his career on the drums in Southern California playing in bands and recording sessions since the age of 15. Since moving to Nashville, TN, in 1997, John has toured and recorded with various artists, including Sara Evans, Aaron Tippin, Chris Cagle, Kellie Coffey, Matt King, Paul Brandt, and more. When not on the road, John has a studio where he records drums on over 100 songs a year for producers/artists all over the world.

TV credits include The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Conan O Brien Show, Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, ACM Awards, CMT Awards, Craig Ferguson Show, NYC New Year's Eve Bash, Ellen DeGeneres Show, NBC Country Christmas, Grand Ol Opry Live, Emeril Live, Miss America USA, and many more.

In this episode, John talks about:

    Home studio work

    From John’s father to his son: Three generations of drummers

    Moving to Nashville from Southern California and the expectations

    Developing a pocket and good time feel

    Experiences before the Trace Adkins

    What Trace expects from his band members

    John’s new endorsement with Sonor drums

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Bruno is a Brazilian drummer and percussionist based in the Bay Area and the longtime drummer for indie rock icon Mitski.

He graduated from Berklee College of Music in Boston, moved to New York in 2011 and to Los Angeles in 2020. Throughout the last 15 years, Bruno has toured every continent of the world, played drums on the hit Broadway show Hedwig and The Angry Inch (4x Tony Awards winner), appeared on many TV shows, and has performed at festivals such as Coachella, Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits, Bonnaroo, Java Jazz Festival (Indonesia), Fuji Rock Festival (Japan) and legendary concert venues such as the Hollywood Bowl, Radio City Music Hall (NYC), Red Rocks Amphitheater, Wembley Stadium, The Greek Theater, Ryman Auditorium, Kennedy Center, Central Park SummerStage amongst many more. Recording credits include records in the USA, Japan, Argentina and Brazil.

In this episode, Bruno talks about:

Recently moving from LA to the Bay Area, and throwing himself into the scene there

Forming a global circle of friends through music

The evolution of Mitzki’s creative output and artistic vision

Not just supporting the song you’re playing, but supporting the artist/person you’re playing for

How the theatricality of Mitzki’s performance shapes his playing 

Playing in Brazil’s #1 Dave Matthews tribute band

Playing “Hedwig & The Angry Inch” on Broadway

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