Nashville Drummers Podcast

Today we had the great pleasure of sitting down with Sofia Goodman! We discuss her time at Berklee College of Music, her journey to Nashville, and why she chose to form her own jazz group. We also explore her thesis, titled "The Art of Incorporating Afro-Latin Rhythms' In the Style of Maria Schneider". We hope you enjoy!Follow Sofia on Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesofiagoodmangroupFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thirtyseven.sofiaWebsite: https://www.thesofiagoodmangroup.comFollow Nashville Women in JazzInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nashvillewomeninjazzFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/nashvillewomeninjazzNWIJ FormMusic Featured in this Episode:'Hope' by The Sofia Goodman Group------Connect with Nashville Drummers Podcast:InstagramFacebookWebsiteAbout Sofia:Sofia Goodman is a drummer and composer residing in Nashville, TN. Before enrolling at Berklee College of music for her Bachelor's, Sofia was fortunate to learn, perform with, and be encouraged by jazz icon Esperanza Spalding in a Berklee summer program. After graduating from Berklee, Sofia moved to Nashville and worked as a freelance musician and teacher. Her playing has been described as “brilliant” by Tony Rounce of Ace Records. The Manchester CT Jazz Festival reported that she is “one you’ll be hearing more of.”In 2017, she began leading The Sofia Goodman Group, a modern jazz ensemble that performs Sofia’s original compositions and fuses American, Afro-Latin, and Middle Eastern genres. Her debut album "Myriad of Flowers" was released in 2018 and was nominated by NIMA for Best Jazz album. In 2020, Sofia was nominated by NIMA for Best Jazz Instrumentalist. In 2021, she earned her Master's Degree in Composition at Belmont University. Recently, she won the Pathways to Jazz Grant to fund her work on her next album, Secrets of the Shore, which will be out before the end of 2022. The Nashville Scene described her music as “truly progressive and fundamentally jazz…and a reason to be excited about the continuing evolution of jazz in Music City.” She is a member of Nashville Women in Jazz and loves to share her passion for drumming with students.------Interview by: Dan Ainspan, Nathan SletnerRecorded June 2022 in Nashville, TN

The 2022 Music City Drum Show is July 9-10! Listen to the episode for 10% off tickets!Follow Landon on Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelandonhallFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheLandonHall Website: https://www.landonhall.comFollow Music City Drum Show:Instagram: http://instagram.com/musiccitydrumshowFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/musiccitydrumshowWebsite: https://www.musiccitydrumshow.comMusic Featured in this Episode:'Ruins'  by De La Torre------Connect with Nashville Drummers Podcast:InstagramFacebookWebsiteAbout Landon: Landon Hall is an influential touring/recording drummer based in Nashville, Tennessee and Los Angeles, California. His versatile, dynamic, and rock-solid drumming is the sound behind many of today’s top talents.Landon Hall is an American musician, songwriter, actor, and entrepreneur. He is best known as working with songwriter-producer Desmond Child on multiple projects. Landon was born and raised in Overland Park, Kansas. He received his first drum set on his ninth birthday and taught himself to play. Landon was barely 11 years old when he began playing drums for a local megachurch and continued to play for the worship team throughout his high school years. When Landon was 18, he taught himself to play guitar, piano, & bass and penned his first songs. As a versatile drummer, he has been a part of bands in the Rock, Country, & Pop genres and has recorded drum tracks on songs that have been aired on radio stations all around the world.Landon has played sold-out arena shows and has shared the stage with Bon Jovi, Aerosmith, Chad Smith from Red Hot Chili Peppers, Katey Sagal, along with many others. On the acting side, Landon has been featured on networks such as Nickelodeon, CBS, Lifetime, ABC, Syfy, Spike, Netflix, HBO, and truTV.------Interview by: Dan Ainspan, Nathan SletnerRecorded June 2022 in Nashville, TN

Please help us welcome Alan Pfeifer to the podcast! We dive deep into Alan's past and journey to Nashville, how the drums have played such an integral role in his life both musically and spiritually, and the three of us have fun geeking out over our favorite drummers and bands. Hope you enjoy! Follow Alan on Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pfeifdigsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/pfeifdiggyFollow Flummox:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flummoxtagramFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/flummoxbandBandcamp: https://flummoxed.bandcamp.com/Music Featured in this Episode:'Custodian Ralph' 'Flummoxing Act 1: Garbonzo's Leap''Hummingbird Anthem'Music by FlummoxReleased April 2022------Connect with Nashville Drummers Podcast:InstagramFacebookWebsiteAbout Alan:Alan Pfeifer is a drummer living and working in Nashville, Tennessee. His drumming journey began at age 11 with lessons and playing at church and in school band, before attempting a Music Therapy degree at Slippery Rock University, which he bombed spectacularly at even getting in the door, learning a valuable lesson in failure and perseverance. After much thought and lots of advice from smart people, he struck out for school at Belmont University to pursue a commercial music degree sight unseen in 2008 graduated three years later, first playing with local progressive rock group Montezuma Fire Machine and recording one album with the group, before the groups dissolution in 2015. He toured and played locally with other acts such as Kate McCray, Radar Vs. Wolf, Rye Davis before meeting up again with another local progressive rock group, Flummox, in 2016; they’d all shared the stage early on in each others’ careers, and after a jam session of two, a strong musical bond was sparked and he’s been helming the drum chair since, recording two EP’s and two albums, most recently 2022’s Rephlummoxed, and is prepping for a busy summer season of shows before retreating to the band cave to start work on the next record, which won’t be too far around the corner! Having lived and worked in town since 2008, Alan has had a long time learning the do’s and don’ts about operating in a band as a drummer; from balancing ego, work and musician obligations, and the healing and helping hand that drums and music can be. ------Interview by: Dan Ainspan, Nathan SletnerRecorded May 2022 in Nashville, TN

Today we're excited to welcome the owner of Music Lab Nashville to the studio - Ben Wood! We learn the story of how he opened a business during the pandemic, all while exploring some fun "drummy" topics including the "pocket vs chops" discussion, how to get the most out of practicing, and how persistence has helped Ben find success in Nashville. Follow Ben on Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bennnwoodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ben.wood.505Follow Music Lab Nashville:Website: https://nashville.musiclab.coInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/musiclabnashvilleFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/musiclabnashvilleMusic Featured in this Episode:'Wrong Truck' by Trea LandonWarner Music Nashville------Connect with Nashville Drummers Podcast:InstagramFacebookWebsiteAbout Ben:Sacramento native Ben Wood has been playing drums professionally since he was 19 years old. From 2012-2014, Ben was touring full time with a band called The Seeking. From 2014 to 2016, he taught full-time at Music Lab in Rocklin. In early 2017, Ben moved to Nashville to diversify his music career with more touring, teaching and more recently opening Music Lab Nashville. Currently, he balances teaching, touring with artists such as Trea Landon and Halle Kearns, and running Music Lab Nashville.------Interview by: Dan Ainspan, Nathan SletnerRecorded May 2022 in Nashville, TN

Join us for Episode 10 of Nashville Drummers Podcast featuring Jed Smith!We're excited to be back after about a month off. Today we learn all about Louisiana native Jed Smith — from his early years playing in church and marching band, to his journey to music city as one of Nashville's most sought-after players on Broadway and in Nashville's growing jazz/improv scene. We go deep into a variety of topics that prompted some really interesting discussions that we hope you will enjoy as much as we did.Follow Jed on Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jedsmithmusicFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jedsmithmusicMusic Featured in this Episode:'River Gospel' (intro music)composed and performed by Jed SmithDrums, Guitar, Vox, Bass performed by Jed Smith'Fictionary'composed and performed by Jed SmithKeys performed by Ashton KimbroughVocal feature - Kristine Smith (Jed's wife!)------Connect with Nashville Drummers Podcast:InstagramFacebookWebsiteAbout Jed:A Louisiana native, Jed Smith began playing drums at an early age in the Pentecostal church. At the age of fourteen, he recorded his first full-length gospel album and traveled locally playing revivals.Once he left for Nashville to attend Nashville State Community College, he furthered his musical experience in small jazz combos and was introduced to Michael Turner of Mothertone/Sleishman drums.While in college, Jed became a Mothertone artist and later attended Middle Tennessee State University where he was mentored by Derrek Phillips and Lalo Davila.After obtaining his BA in Jazz studies he recorded, performed, produced, and toured with artist such as: Jackson Capps, Alyssa Palmer, Carli Brill, Cosmic Collective, The Hathaways, Larry Mitchell, Ashley K, The Downton Band, JW Faria, Dara Tucker, Abby Kasch, and Hunter Loken Parcel.As a member of the Tootsies Birthday Bash backing band, Jed has performed with notable artists such as Kid Rock, Joe Nichols, Terri Clark, Dan Tyminski, and Don Goodman.He formed Jed Smith Trio in 2021 with Joel Gage (guitar/vox) and Patrick Atwater (upright bass). The trio performs weekly at Assembly Food Hall in Downtown Nashville.Jed continues to record, perform live, and tour while producing and arranging music for artists across multiple genres all while maintaining a weekly residency on Broadway.------Interview by: Dan Ainspan, Nathan SletnerRecorded May 2022 in Nashville, TN

Join us for Episode 9 of Nashville Drummers Podcast featuring Alex McVey!In Episode 9 we're joined by Alex and his pup Pepper to discuss everything from touring, creating work during the pandemic, running a business, and work-life balance. We hope you enjoy.Follow Alex on Social Media:Alex McVey: https://www.instagram.com/alex.mcvey McVey Acoustics: https://www.instagram.com/mcveyacoustics Lake House Studio: https://www.instagram.com/lake.house.studio Music Featured in this Episode:Alex McVey - Drums ------ Connect with Nashville Drummers Podcast:Instagram Facebook Website About Alex: Alex McVey is a session and touring drummer who hails from West Virginia. He moved to Nashville in 2014 to pursue his dream of becoming a full-time musician. Alex is the owner of Lake House Studio, where he tracks drums and runs sessions. He has had the privilege to work with many talented artists and producers. When he’s not in the studio, he has had the opportunity to tour with many talented artists including Matt Stell, We Are Messengers, Sidewalk Prophets, Jimmie Allen, Brandon Heath, Tenille Arts, Elliot Root, and many more. His passion for music also extends to studio sound, which led him to start McVey Acoustics, an acoustic panel business. In his free time, Alex loves to spend time in the great outdoors with his wife and his dog Pepper. Interview by: Dan Ainspan, Nathan Sletner Recorded February 2022 in Nashville, TN

Join us for Episode 8 of Nashville Drummers Podcast featuring none other than Joseph Arrington!In Episode 8 we talk all things drums and a lot more with Joseph Arrington. We learn of Joesph's unique upbringing and impactful stories of failure and adversity, contributing to the seasoned player, mentor and educator that he is today. We hope you enjoy.Follow Joseph on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/josephwesleyarringtonAs Mentioned in the Episode:Modern Drummer Feature - https://www.moderndrummer.com/2018/05/on-the-beat-with-joseph-arrington-of-royal-coda-keeping-it-organic/Music Featured in this Episode:Intro: Royal Coda - Numbing AgentOutro: Gold Necklace - Just the Right Way ------Connect with Nashville Drummers Podcast:InstagramFacebookWebsiteAbout Joseph:Joseph Arrington was born in the small town of Orem, UT, and pursued drums throughout high school  and long into his transplant to Sacramento, CA. In California, he paired up with artists such as A Lot Like Birds, Sianvar, Royal Coda, Kurt Travis, and Love Mischief to kick out more than two dozen albums and 25 full US tours in 9 years.  He has also toured internationally with acts such as Chiodos, We Came as Romans, Amity Affliction, Scary Kids Scaring Kids and more.  Modern Drummer Magazine's 2017 Reader's Poll considered him in the Top 4 Progressive Drummers of the year. To this day, Joesph continues to hone his skills as a music educator, teaching on tour and remotely. He;s currently cooking up endless 4-course drum meals for a new project "Gold Necklace" as well as prepare for Royal Coda's upcoming new releases on the horizon. When Joesph isn't drumming, he enjoys martial arts, reading, a good indie video game, and cooking and enjoying Nashville hot chicken.Interview by: Dan Ainspan, Nathan SletnerRecorded February 2022 in Nashville, TN

Join us for Episode 7 - our first of 2022! Today we feature the well-known Nico Medina. In Episode 7 we dive deep into Nico's unique drum corps background and what it takes to be a true team player both on and off the stage. Nico has a great attitude and it was a pleasure to meet him and talk all things drumming. We hope you enjoy.Follow Nico on Instagram:InstagramAs Mentioned in the Episode:DCI - Drum CorpsTitans Blue Crew DrumlineMusic Featured in this Episode:Tracks by Nico MedinaSample flip 24 (ft. Jimi Green)Sample flip 17 (Loves a fool)------Connect with Nashville Drummers Podcast:InstagramFacebookWebsiteAbout Nico:In a world filled with drummers, Nico Medina is a well-versed and experienced artist on drumset, hand percussion, touring, production, and programming. His past 15 years were spent performing rock, country, jazz. latin, hip hop, concert, and church styles. In addition, Nico's work programming Ableton tracks on multiple live tours, for a variety of artists, has been heard by tens of thousands across America and the UK. In fact, because of a recent performance, Nico was flown to LA to film and provide voice-over work for a national television commercial.Nico devotes his life to achieving the perfect combination of technique, groove, time, and feel for every project he undertakes. Reading his performance/tour credits one clearly sees Nico is an in-demand artist. In fact, in 2021, Nico performed 343 shows including weekly residencies in top-tier clubs on Lower Broadway in Nashville. February 2020 introduced Nico and his talents to the UK and Scotland during two weeks of well-received tours, clinics, and collaborations culminating with a live TV broadcast on BBC Scotland.Nico's expertise on building and programming Ableton tracks keeps his client list full. In addition to his touring and local performances, Nico maintains a busy schedule producing music, beats, and tracks for a variety of artists. Reach out to Nico via phone, email, or Instagram to schedule a lesson, session, or tour today.Currently performing for: Josh PaigeHas performed with: Olivia Lane, Talia Stewart, Scott Stevens, nobigdyl, Heath SandersInterview by: Dan Ainspan, Nathan SletnerRecorded January 2022 in Nashville, TN

Join us for a special Episode 6 - our last of 2021! Today we feature the talented Kayleigh Moyer. We hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did, as Kayleigh is one of the most motivated and hardest working individuals you'll meet.In Episode 6 we learn about Kayleigh's unique classical background, how she built a home recording studio and survived the pandemic, and the steps she's taken to market herself successfully as a modern drummer ready for any gig thrown her way — and then some... Follow Kayleigh on Social Media:https://www.kayleighmoyer.com/InstagramYouTubeFacebookAs Mentioned in the Episode:Seth Godin's Purple CowKayleigh's Pearl Drums Artist PageMusic Featured in this Episode:Drums by Kayleigh MoyerIntro: "Got a Match?" (Chick Corea arrangement)Outro: "A June Suprise" (Tribal Arrangement by Kayleigh Moyer)------Connect with Nashville Drummers Podcast:InstagramFacebookWebsiteAbout Kayleigh:Kayleigh Moyer is a Session and Live Percussionist/Drum Kit player and Clinician based in Nashville, TN.When she is not on the road playing for breakout country and pop stars and innovative string groups, Kayleigh works as a session player and instructor out of many revered Nashville recording studios, as well as her own state-of-the-art home studio.Kayleigh is featured playing marching snare on ESPN College Gameday’s intro song alongside country legends Big & Rich, aired weekly across ESPN and ESPNU. She has recorded videos with Post Modern Jukebox and completed a two-year world tour with Barrage 8, where she was also named Courtesy Faculty and Artist in Residence at Florida Gulf Coast University.Kayleigh’s performance alongside Keith Urban at the CMT Artists of the Year 2015 Live TV Awards show was nominated for CMT's Performance of the Year.Interview by: Dan Ainspan, Nathan SletnerRecorded November 2021 in Nashville, TN

Join us in Episode 5 of Nashville Drummers Podcast! Today we feature our good friend Ethan Harb. Ethan moved to Nashville a few years ago from Santa Barbara, California. He's currently one of Nashville's most sought-after drummers on Broadway and has a work ethic second to none. We dive deep into his journey to Nashville and the risks he's taken so far to get him to where he is today. About Ethan:Ethan Harb started drumming at the age of nine and has since become a versatile and sought-after drummer and performer. He has appeared on stage with legendary acts such as Dishwalla, Steppenwolf, Nancy Wilson, and Alan Parsons. Ethan can be found on Broadway's biggest stages and on tour with acts including Bear Redell, Dillon James, and Ben Gallaher.Follow Ethan on Social Media:InstagramYouTubeFacebookAs Mentioned in the Episode:Contrasting Gigs (Instagram Video)Dialogue Drumming (Family Guy)Music Featured in this Episode:"Church & Cash"℗ 2020 Bear Redell------Connect with Nashville Drummers Podcast:InstagramFacebookWebsiteInterview by: Dan Ainspan, Nathan SletnerRecorded October 2021 in Nashville, TN