On The Beat Productions online magazine
10 questions with....
For the first interview I have chosen to interrogate Simon Dring. Simon is a wonderful drummer, a good friend and the designer of this site! Therefore, it seems fitting to give the first interview to him.
Simon is currently playing for the up and coming blues/rock superstar Oli Brown. The trio have just recorded a session at the infamous BBC Maida Vale Studios, are currently touring the UK, and are crossing the pond to the USA in 2008.
Q1: How did you get into drumming, and how old were you?
A: I think it all started whan I was about 6 years old, and I was picked to play the maracas in a school concert. Since then, I have been fascinated with all things drummy!
Q2: Did you take formal lessons?
A: Yes, I started lessons when I was nine years old with the Angus Honeyman, and I also studied with Colin Brady.
Q3: Can you remember the first gig you played?
A: I remember playing in numerous school concerts when I was about 10. My first experience of playing drums in Church actually happened by accident. I was due to go on a Youth Club outing to the zoo, but I was late and missed the bus. By chance, in Church that day was an open rehearsal for musicians, so I went to that instead! After that, I played drums in Church almost every weekend for over 10 years.
Q4: How would you describe your playing style?
A: Good question! In my view, a drummer's job is to keep the band together, so keeping a steady groove and making the music feel good are my priorities. My drumming influences are quite wide ranging, so I pick up ideas and licks from all kinds of players. I like to think that I am a solid, yet musically sensitive drummer. I try to listen to the whole band and compliment the music.
Q5: What projects/bands are you currently working on?
A: I'm working hard with The Oli Brown Band - we're gigging around the country (and abroad soon), and also recording our debut album. I am also playing with The Promise and The KJB - both professional function bands, plus The Elevators who do classic rock covers. Plus some dep gigs and sessions when time permits!
Q6: What's the best piece of musical advice given to you?
A: take every opportunity given to you to play music with other people.
Q7: What gear are you using?
A: I use a Premier Series drum kit, with Zildjian and Sabian cymbals. I use a variety of snare drums, including a Premier Modern Classic, a Jalapeno custom snare, a Mapex Black Panther, and a vintage Beverley 21. I also use Sonomax Sonocustom ear protection, and endorse Trueline drum sticks. I also have a couple of Mapex M Birch drum kits and various items of electronic percussion, including a Roland SPD-S.
Q8: What's in your CD player at the moment?
A: Ben Folds' solo album "Songs For Silverman", plus Vanessa Carlton's debut album "Be Not Nobody", featuring the great Abe Laboriel Jnr on drums.
Q9: What playing advice would you give to students reading this?
A: Another great question! Right, firstly, learn to read and write drum music. It's a very important skill and even if you do not play in a band that uses printed music, if you are familier with drum notation, you can notate your own parts for future reference. Also, take every opportunity to play music with other people. Whether it's for a heavy metal band or an orchestra, take the plunge and have a go!
Q10: Anything you would like to add?
A: Also, keep an open mind towards different styles of music. I do know some players who are very "blinkered" in their approach to drums - they ONLY listen to one drummer or ONE style. There's no point trying to play exactly like Travis Barker or Phil Collins - we don't need any more of them! Try and create your own style. There are so many great players out there to learn from, so go and listen and absorb!!!!
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