This episode features my conversation with drummer, Gene Champagne.

Born and raised in Hamilton, Ontario, Gene is a founding member of the Juno award winning band The Killjoys. In 2016, he became the drummer for Canadian music icons, Teenage Head, a band that was very influential in his development years. Gene is also a singer and songwriter and currently is the frontman for his own project, Gene Champagne and the Unteens, who recently released their EP, “Let’s Jet.” In our conversation, we talk about his early musical influences and what it was like to grow up as part of the thriving Hamilton music scene.

We also discuss his experiences recording and touring with The Killjoys and what his creative approach is as a songwriter. Follow Gene: Facebook - Gene Champagne Music https://www.instagram.com/genechampagne_official/

This episode features my conversation with drummer & motivational speaker, Angelo Pentaris. Based in Greece, Angelo was born with cerebral palsy and quadriplegia. At 4 months of age, the doctors said that he would not be able to move his arms and legs, therefore not allowing him to lead an independent life. Through the support of his parents and their belief that he would be capable of living a life without limitations, Angelo began a daily regiment of physio-therapy when he was 9 months old.

It was through his perseverance, commitment to exercise and physical movement, that Angelo was able to overcome his disability.

He discovered the drums through his passion for music and went on to pursue a Bachelor Of Music degree at the Los Angeles College Of Music. After graduating, Angelo began a career as a professional musician and opened his own production studio.

He also established himself as a motivational speaker, who has inspired many others to not let limitations stand in their way, allowing them to face their fears and embrace their full potential. In our conversation, we talk about his diagnosis and how he was able to overcome the obstacles that he faced. We discuss why it’s essential to commit to doing the work that is required to achieve your goals and why it’s important to not allow other’s perceptions of your capabilities deter you from achieving your dreams. TED Talk - Moving From Fear To Faith Spotify Follow Angelo: https://www.angelopentaris.com https://www.instagram.com/angelopentaris/

This episode features my conversation with drummer, Victor Indrizzo.

Based out of Los Angeles, Victor is an in-demand session drummer who is highly regarded for his creative approach and versatility. He is the current drummer for music icon Alanis Morrissette, a position he has held for over 15 years. At a young age, Victor became fascinated with the process of how records were made. This fascination inspires him to continue learning and evolving as a musician as he embraces different creative opportunities. In our conversation, we talk about how his discovery of music at a young age both inspired him and also offered a way to escape from the chaos in his life.

We discuss his journey through addiction and recovery and how it is possible to maintain a career while coping with anxiety, by establishing genuine relationships.

We also discuss why it’s essential to develop your listening skills in order to ensure that you are maintaining genuine creative conversations. Follow Victor: http://www.indrizzodrums.com https://www.instagram.com/victorindrizzo/ https://www.facebook.com/VictorIndrizzo

This episode features my conversation with drummer, Matt Starr.

Born and raised in Toronto, Matt began his musical studies at the age of 5 learning the violin. At 13, it was his discovery of the Beatles and drummer Ringo Starr which launched his journey as a drummer.

Matt pursued formal music education at the University Of Toronto, but after a couple of years, felt that it wasn’t what he was seeking and left to pursue other options. In search of inspiration, he traveled to New Jersey to study with legendary jazz drummer Joe Morello, reigniting his passion for music. Matt also studied with Jim Chapin and studio legend Bernard Purdie. After relocating to Los Angeles in 2001, Matt established a successful career as an in-demand session drummer, who is know for his creative approach and ability to adapt to many different musical styles. He has gone on to work with artists such as Sarah McLachlan, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Chris Shiflett from the Foo Fighters, Christopher Cross, Lisa Loeb and many more.

In our conversation, we talk about what it’s like working with Sarah McLachlan and how that gig came about. We also discuss his experiences studying with the legendary Joe Morello, and why he embraces opportunities that allow for creative freedom and expression.

Follow Matt: https://www.therealmattstarr.com https://www.instagram.com/therealmattstarr/

This episode features my conversation with drummer, Mike Sleath.

Based out of Toronto, Mike is best know as the drummer for internationally acclaimed artist, Shawn Mendes. Developing his passion for music at a young age and led by his perseverance and positivity, Mike has navigated his own way through the music industry.

His energy and enthusiasm for his work is infectious and he has become highly sought after by numerous artists for both live and studio work.

In our conversation we talk about his passion for music, the obstacles he has encountered, and how he was able to pivot to overcome the roadblocks in his career path.

We also discuss why he finds the concept of visualization an essential tool and how it allows him to prepare for any situation.

Follow Mike: https://www.instagram.com/mikesleathdrums/ https://www.facebook.com/MikeSleathDrum

On this episode, I’d like to welcome back drummer Jon “Bermuda” Schwartz for his second appearance on my podcast.

Bermuda is best known as the drummer with the iconic "Weird Al" Yankovic, which is a position he has held for over 4 decades.

In between projects with Weird Al, he continues to play and record with other L.A. area artists and maintains an active online presence.In our conversation we discuss the concepts behind a series of articles he wrote for DRUM magazine entitled “Tips Of The Trade”, where he offers his advice and perspectives on establishing yourself in the music industry. We also talk about some of his creative processes when working with Weird Al, including his work on the recently released Polkamania medley and the band’s plan to go back on tour in the new year.

For those interested in learning more about Jon and his story, please check out episodes 10 & 11 of the podcast. Episode 10 Episode 11 Polkamania! Endorsement FAQ NAMM FAQ

Follow Bermuda: https://www.bermudaschwartz.com https://www.facebook.com/bermudaschwartz https://www.instagram.com/thegreatbermuda/

This episode features my conversation with drummer Chris McHugh.

Chris moved to Nashville from New Jersey in 1985 to start his professional career. Known for his rock solid grooves, he is highly regarded as one of Nashville’s most respected session drummers. His work can be found on multiple gold & platinum selling albums from artists such as Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood, Garth Brooks, Amy Grant, Toby Keith, Rascal Flats and many more.

I first became aware of Chris through with work with Keith Urban and was inspired by not only his powerful drumming on many of Keith’s most beloved songs, but also by his incredible stage presence in the live concert setting. In our conversation we talk about how he started to break into the Nashville studio scene. We discuss his perspectives on what it takes to establish yourself in the studio environment and why it’s important to remain true to who you are as an artist.

We also talk about why it’s invaluable to have mentors in your life, and how your definition of success begins to change as you reflect upon your own life experiences. Follow Chris: http://www.chrismchugh.com https://www.instagram.com/thechrismchugh/ https://www.facebook.com/chris.mchugh.986

This episode features my conversation with drummer, Josh Trager.

Originally from Montreal and currently based in Toronto, Josh is an accomplished musician who established a professional career after studying at the Berklee College of Music.

At the age of 20, he was personally selected by guitar legend Frank Marino to join the band Mahogany Rush and held that position until 2005. Josh is best known as the drummer for the platinum selling Sam Roberts Band and has continued to record and tour with the band for 2 decades.

In our conversation, we talk about how Josh discovered his passion for music and how his experiences at the Berklee College Of Music helped him adapt and establish his professional career.

We also talk about anxiety and how we can begin to change our mindset to overcome challenges we may be facing. Photo by Daniel D’Souza Follow Josh: https://www.instagram.com/jtrager24/ https://www.facebook.com/joshtrager