We’ve got another installment of Big Fat Five: a segment where I talk to drummers about the stories and records that shaped their sound.

Today’s guest is Lucy Ritter, a New York/New Jersey native who picked up the drums at just 9 years old and was already landing professional gigs by 14. After three years at the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University, she made the bold decision to leave and join her first major tour: the Broadway musical An Officer and a Gentleman. That gig opened doors, eventually leading to her being offered the drum chair for the Grammy Award-winning musical Jagged Little Pill.

These days, Lucy has stepped away from the Broadway scene and taken on an exciting new role as the drummer for one of today’s fastest-rising pop acts, Chappell Roan. We dig into how she landed that gig and explore the five records that have profoundly influenced her drumming style. This episode has been a long time coming, so let’s dive in. I hope you enjoy my conversation with the incredibly talented Lucy Ritter... cheers!

Episode 5 of The Drum Panel

This week's guests are my co-host Eric Urrea (Marina City / Sessions) and good buddy Kris Mazzarisi (owner/founder of Big Fat Snare Drum).

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In this episode, we dive into:

• If you could reinvent one aspect of your drumming, what would it be, and why?
• What's the one piece of advice you wish you'd known as a young drummer starting out?
• How important is style to a drummer’s career—can visuals be as impactful as skill?
• What ingredients create a drum tone that stands the test of time?
• Have we lost the ability to have a hit song without the use of a click?
• With AI's influence growing, what do you think drumming will look like in the near future?
• Is the quest for 'perfect' recordings draining the soul out of live music?
• Why do so many drummers gravitate toward intricate playing—are we losing the groove?

For more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram.

Today I’m joined by Jesse Boyle, my good buddy and the drummer for the boundary-pushing band Chase Atlantic. Known for blending genres like alternative, R&B, and electronic music, Jesse’s unique approach drives the pulse behind Chase’s immersive live soundscapes. We’ll dive into the top five influences that shaped his drumming and musical journey and we get into a newer career he’s started…all because he gave himself permission. I think it’s important for everyone to stay tuned through the end of the episode. 

JESSE'S BIG FAT FIVE:

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Album - Reggatta De Blanc

Artist - The Police

Release Year - 1979

Key Track(s) - Message in a Bottle, Walking On the Moon

Drummer - Stewart Copeland

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Album - By The Way

Artist - Red Hot Chili Peppers

Release Year - 2002

Key Track(s) - By the Way, Don’t Forget Me

Drummer - Chad Smith

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Album - Only by the Night

Artist - Kings of Leon

Release Year - 2008

Key Track(s) - Closer, I Want You

Drummer - Nathan Followill

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Album - The Colour and The Shape

Artist - Foo Fighters

Release Year - 1997

Key Track(s) - My Hero, Everlong

Drummer - Dave Grohl / William Goldsmith

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Album - TOTO IV

Artist - TOTO

Release Year - 1982

Key Track(s) - Rosanna

Drummer - Jeff Porcaro

For more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram. 

Hey friends, Ben Hilzinger here. I wanted to take a few minutes to talk to you about a pretty exciting shift I’m making with this podcast. After much thought, I’ve decided to change the name of the podcast. Moving forward, it will be known as Drummers on Drumming.

Let me tell you a little about how I got here.

This whole thing started as The Big Fat Snare Drum Podcast, just a fun way to connect with drummers I admire—talking about stories, gear, grooves, and whatever else came up. It was a blast. But after a while, I wanted to dive deeper into the stories that shaped the way drummers think and play. That’s where the Big Fat Five concept came from: drummers sharing the five records or moments that influenced them the most.

The Big Fat Five format really connected with people, and I loved it. But over time, I realized the name was becoming a little limiting. I’ve got so many ideas for other segments—like The Drum Panel, where multiple drummers join me for roundtable discussions—and I didn’t want to feel stuck in one format. I needed a title that gave me space to try new things and keep the podcast fresh.

And honestly, if I want to keep doing this—and growing the show—I need to make sure it’s easy for new listeners to find. Big Fat Five isn’t exactly the most discoverable name if someone’s searching for “drumming podcasts.” So this rebrand to Drummers on Drumming not only reflects the direction I want to take, but it’ll also make the show more findable for people who haven’t discovered it yet.

Now, here’s how the change will happen. Right now, the podcast is still called Big Fat Five, but I wanted to give everyone a heads-up before the switch. One week from today, both the name and the podcast icon will officially change to Drummers on Drumming. So, if you see the new name and artwork in your podcast feed next week, don’t worry—it’s still the same show you know and love, just with a new name and more room to grow.

Oh! And speaking of exciting new things, I’ve been working on a book—also called Drummers on Drumming—and it’s almost ready! The book dives deep into the Big Fat Five concept, with insights from some truly amazing drummers. I’m currently wrapping up the book cover as I record this, and I plan to have it available by Black Friday. So keep an eye out for that—it’ll make a pretty sweet gift for the drummer in your life...or, you know, yourself.

So there you have it—a new chapter for the podcast. It’s the same vibe, the same passion, just with a new name and more freedom to explore new ideas. I can’t wait to bring you along for this next phase.

Thank you so much for listening, supporting, and being part of this journey. I’ll see you next time on Drummers on Drumming.

For more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram.

Episode 4 of The Drum Panel

This week's guests are my good buddies Kris Mazzarisi (owner/founder of Big Fat Snare Drum), and Mark Stepro (The Wallflowers, Butch Walker).

SUBMIT YOUR CONTROVERSIAL MUSIC OPINIONS HERE

In this episode, we dive into:

• If we could steal one drummers’s feel and add it to our own, who would it be?
• What is an example of a perfect drum take on record?
• What does “pocket” ACTUALLY mean?
• What is the role of drummers in songwriting credits?
• Does music theory really make one a better musician?
• What’s the first thing we notice about a drummer that makes them come across as “amateur”?

Check out Steward Copeland on Drumeo HERE

For more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram.

Our guest today is one of Berlin’s rising stars in the drumming world, Julian Wieder. At just 25, he’s already making serious moves across the RnB, Hip-Hop, and Indie scene, both on stage and in the studio. I first discovered Julian thanks to the algorithm gods on Big Fat Snare Drum’s Explorer page—and once I saw his playing, I knew I had to get him on the show. His feel is unreal, blending pocket grooves with a sense of freedom that feels completely natural and effortless. Plus, he’s not just a drummer…he’s an educator, and a bit of a clinic master in the making.

In this episode, we’ll dive into the top records that shaped his sound, and he introduced me to a new favorite of mine that I can’t wait for you to hear. So I hope you enjoy the top records that helped shaped Julian Wieder into the drummer he is today.

JULIAN'S BIG FAT FIVE:

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Album - The Joy Of Motion

Artist - Animals as Leaders

Release Year - 2014

Key Track(s) - The Woven Web, Tooth and Claw

Drummer - Matt Garstka

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Album - Continuum

Artist - John Mayer

Release Year - 2006

Key Track(s) - Waiting On The World To Change, Gravity

Drummer - Steve Jordan

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Album - Wallflower

Artist - Jordan Rakei

Release Year - 2017

Key Track(s) - Eye To Eye, Sorceress

Drummer - Jim Macrae

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Album - Chris Dave and The Drumhedz

Artist - Chris Dave

Release Year - 2018

Key Track - Whatever

Drummer - Chris Dave

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Album - Past Present and Futures

Artist - Chick Corea

Release Year - 2001

Key Track(s) - Fingerprints, Rhumba Flamenco

Drummer - Jeff Ballard

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Honorable Mentions:

Nas - Illmatic

Ghost Note - Swagism

Yussef Kamaal - Black Focus

For more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram.

Our guest today is Gabe Smith, the current CEO of Drums for Gracie Abrams Inc. A graduate of Berklee College of Music, now based in New York City, Gabe has also worked with incredible contemporary artists like Wet, Tei Shi, Eden, Frankie Cosmos, Kimbra and many more. Last summer, he opened for Taylor Swift and is about to rejoin that tour after some headline shows with Gracie Abrams. He’s a busy guy! It took some finessing since we’re both on tour, but we made it happen. I loved his picks, and I’m excited for you to hear this one. Please enjoy the top 5 records that shaped Gabe Smith into the sought-after, hardworking musician he is today. Cheers!

GABE'S BIG FAT FIVE:

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Album - Abbey Road

Artist - The Beatles

Release Year - 1969

Key Track - She Came In Through The Bathroom Window

Drummer - Ringo

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Album - Songs In The Key of Life

Artist - Stevie Wonder

Release Year - 1976

Key Track - Knocks Me Off My Feet

Drummer - Stevie Wonder

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Album - When The Pawn...

Artist - Fiona Apple

Release Year - 1999

Key Track - A Mistake

Drummer - Matt Chamberlain

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Album - Friendly Travelers Live

Artist - Wolfgang Muthspiel, Brian Blade

Release Year - 2007

Key Track - Gnadenwald (Live)

Drummer - Brian Blade

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Album - Donny Hathaway

Artist - Donny Hathaway

Release Year - 1971

Key Track - She Is My Lady

Drummer - Al Jackson Jr.

For more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram. 

Episode 3 of The Drum Panel

This week's guests are my good buddies Gunnar Olsen (Puscifer, Carina Round), Neal Daniels (Matchbox 20, Liz Phair), Mike Robinson (Blame My Youth, Food On Tour Podcast).

SUBMIT YOUR CONTROVERSIAL MUSIC OPINIONS HERE

In this episode, we dive into:

• The value of high-end gear: Is it really worth the investment?
• The existence of drum heroes: Do they still inspire us today?
• Yes...we talk about Oasis...
• Insights from the guys on the current landscape of drum endorsements.

For more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram.

Our guest today is Daniel Glass. Daniel is a renowned drummer, educator, and historian known for his deep expertise in the roots of American drumming, particularly in jazz, swing, and early rock 'n' roll. A member of the pioneering retro-swing band Royal Crown Revue, Glass has performed with a wide array of top artists, blending historical influence with modern flair. His passion for drumming history is reflected in his books, clinics, and instructional videos. The project that introduced Daniel to me was his three-hour documentary called “The Century Project” which explores the evolution of the drum set and drumming styles from 1865 to 1965. Glass is also celebrated for his dynamic, groove-focused playing and his ability to bridge the gap between past and present drumming traditions. Go check out all his happenings at danielglass.com, but for now, please enjoy the 5 records that helped shape Daniel Glass into the drummer he is today. Cheers!

DANIEL'S BIG FAT FIVE:

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Album - Made In Japan

Artist - Deep Purple

Release Year - 1972

Key Track(s) - Highway Star, Space Truckin', The Mule

Drummer - Ian Paice

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Album - Three Quartets

Artist - Chick Corea

Release Year - 1981

Key Track(s) - Quartet No. 1, Quartet No. 2, Part 2

Drummer - Steve Gadd

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Album - Buffalo

Artist - Frank Zappa

Release Year - 2007 (from a 1980 live concert)

Key Track(s) - The Torture Never Stops

Drummer - Vinnie Colaiuta

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Album - Lyric

Artist - Billy Childs

Release Year - 2005

Key Track(s) - In Carson's Eyes, Into the Light, Scarborough Fair, American Landscape

Drummer - Brian Blade, Marvin "Smitty" Smith

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Album - From Darkness

Artist - Avishai Cohen

Release Year - 2015

Key Track(s) - Beyond, Abie, C#-, From Darkness

Drummer - Daniel Dor

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Honorable Mentions:

Album - Blue

Artist - Joni Mitchell

Release Year - 1971

Key Track(s) - All I Want, This Flight Tonight

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Album - The Concert at Carnegie Hall

Artist - Benny Goodman

Release Year - 1938

Key Track(s) - Don't Be That Way, Honeysuckle Rose, Sing, Sing, Sing

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Album - Drumsville

Artist - Earl Palmer

Release Year - 1961

Drummer - Earl Palmer

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Album - Live at the Royal Festival Hall

Artist - John McLaughlin

Release Year - 1989

Key Track(s) - Mother Tongues

Drummer - Trilok Gurtu

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Album - Tiny Resistors

Artist - Todd Sickafoose

Release Year - 2008

Key Track(s) - Allision Miller

Drummer - Everyone Is Going

For more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram.

Episode 2 PART DEUX of The Drum Panel 

Welcome to The Drum Panel—a segment where a rotating group of professional drummers engages in roundtable discussions on polarizing and controversial drum topics submitted by our listeners.

Today's episode is the second half of a conversation between myself (Ben), my co-host Eric Urrea and special guest, Kris Mazzarisi (owner/founder of Big Fat Snare Drum & drummer for Winnetka Bowling League).

SUBMIT YOUR CONTROVERSIAL MUSIC OPINIONS HERE

Today we discuss:

• If you're overly critical of gear, are you showcasing your lack of skill?
• Should snare drums and floor toms always between flat (Eric is surprisingly passionate about this subject)?
• If you don't know what the singer is singing, can your take still suit the song?
• We do it...we talk the world of endorsements.

For more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram.

Our guest today is Taye Dever, a young drummer from North Carolina who recently came onto my radar and quickly grabbed my attention. Taye draws inspiration from a diverse range of genres, including R&B, Pop, Folk, Rap, Gospel, and more. While his musical style is eclectic, he seems to be a fresh face in the music scene. I’m honored if this is your first introduction to his work. We dive right in, so here are the records that have shaped Taye Dever into the musician he is today. Cheers!

TAYE'S BIG FAT FIVE:

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Album - Not Guilty

Artist - The New Life Community Choir featuring John P. Kee

Release Year - 2000

Key Track(s) - Rain On Us

Drummer - Calvin Rodgers

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Album - Thirsty

Artist - Marvin Sapp

Release Year - 2007

Key Track(s) - Praise Him In Advance

Drummer - Calvin Rodgers

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Album - Confessions

Artist - Usher

Release Year - 2004

Key Track(s) - "Caught Up" Aaron Spears' drum performance @ 2006 Modern Drummer Festival

Drummer - Aaron Spears

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Album - Pure Energy DVD

Artist - Various drummers

Release Year - 2009

Key Track(s) - Rekindled featuring Tony Royster Jr

Drummer - Tony Royster Jr.

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Album - Paramore

Artist - Paramore

Release Year - 2013

Key Track(s) - Ain’t It Fun?, Still Into You

Drummer - Ilan Rubin

For more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram.