The Big Fat Snare Drum Podcast

Ben Hilzinger

Hello, hello. My name is Ben Hilzinger and this is The Big Fat Snare Drum Podcast. For Season 2, I'll be inviting my favorite drummers on the show to dissect the top 5-ish drumming moments (in either a recording or performance) that completely formed and/or changed the way they play today. For more info, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com or find us on Instagram @bigfatsnaredrum. You can also contact me directly at [email protected]! Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bigfatsnaredrum/support

  • 41 minutes 22 seconds
    Big Fat Five: Lucy Ritter (Chappell Roan) Share Her Top 5 Influential Records

    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!

    13 November 2024, 8:00 am
  • 43 minutes 45 seconds
    The Drum Panel: Timeless Drum Tones, AI’s Impact, Advice We’d Give Our Younger Selves, and More...

    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).


    SUBMIT YOUR CONTROVERSIAL MUSIC OPINIONS HERE

    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.

    6 November 2024, 8:00 am
  • 41 minutes 5 seconds
    Big Fat Five: Jesse Boyle (Chase Atlantic) Shares His Top 5 Influential Records...

    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:

    -

    Album - Reggatta De Blanc

    Artist - The Police

    Release Year - 1979

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

    Drummer - Stewart Copeland

    -

    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

    -

    Album - Only by the Night

    Artist - Kings of Leon

    Release Year - 2008

    Key Track(s) - Closer, I Want You

    Drummer - Nathan Followill

    -

    Album - The Colour and The Shape

    Artist - Foo Fighters

    Release Year - 1997

    Key Track(s) - My Hero, Everlong

    Drummer - Dave Grohl / William Goldsmith

    -

    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

    30 October 2024, 7:00 am
  • 3 minutes 29 seconds
    A New Chapter: 'Big Fat Five' Is Becoming 'Drummers on Drumming' + A Book Announcement

    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.

    23 October 2024, 7:00 am
  • 51 minutes 17 seconds
    The Drum Panel: Stealing Feel, Perfect Drum Takes, and Defining Pocket

    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.

    16 October 2024, 7:00 am
  • 35 minutes 29 seconds
    Big Fat Five: Julian Wieder (Independent) Shares His Top 5 Influential Records

    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:

    -

    Album - The Joy Of Motion

    Artist - Animals as Leaders

    Release Year - 2014

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

    Drummer - Matt Garstka

    -

    Album - Continuum

    Artist - John Mayer

    Release Year - 2006

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

    Drummer - Steve Jordan

    -

    Album - Wallflower

    Artist - Jordan Rakei

    Release Year - 2017

    Key Track(s) - Eye To Eye, Sorceress

    Drummer - Jim Macrae

    -

    Album - Chris Dave and The Drumhedz

    Artist - Chris Dave

    Release Year - 2018

    Key Track - Whatever

    Drummer - Chris Dave

    -

    Album - Past Present and Futures

    Artist - Chick Corea

    Release Year - 2001

    Key Track(s) - Fingerprints, Rhumba Flamenco

    Drummer - Jeff Ballard

    -

    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.

    8 October 2024, 7:00 am
  • 26 minutes 37 seconds
    Big Fat Five: Gabe Smith (Gracie Abrams) Shares His Top 5 Influential Records

    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:

    -

    Album - Abbey Road

    Artist - The Beatles

    Release Year - 1969

    Key Track - She Came In Through The Bathroom Window

    Drummer - Ringo

    -

    Album - Songs In The Key of Life

    Artist - Stevie Wonder

    Release Year - 1976

    Key Track - Knocks Me Off My Feet

    Drummer - Stevie Wonder

    -

    Album - When The Pawn...

    Artist - Fiona Apple

    Release Year - 1999

    Key Track - A Mistake

    Drummer - Matt Chamberlain

    -

    Album - Friendly Travelers Live

    Artist - Wolfgang Muthspiel, Brian Blade

    Release Year - 2007

    Key Track - Gnadenwald (Live)

    Drummer - Brian Blade

    -

    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

    2 October 2024, 7:00 am
  • 48 minutes 16 seconds
    The Drum Panel: The Worth of Gear: Are Drum Heroes Still Relevant?...and yes, we talk about Oasis

    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.

    25 September 2024, 7:00 am
  • 55 minutes 59 seconds
    Big Fat Five: Daniel Glass (Royal Crown Revue, Author/Historian) Shares His Top 5 Influential Records

    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:

    -

    Album - Made In Japan

    Artist - Deep Purple

    Release Year - 1972

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

    Drummer - Ian Paice

    -

    Album - Three Quartets

    Artist - Chick Corea

    Release Year - 1981

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

    Drummer - Steve Gadd

    -

    Album - Buffalo

    Artist - Frank Zappa

    Release Year - 2007 (from a 1980 live concert)

    Key Track(s) - The Torture Never Stops

    Drummer - Vinnie Colaiuta

    -

    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

    -

    Album - From Darkness

    Artist - Avishai Cohen

    Release Year - 2015

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

    Drummer - Daniel Dor

    -

    Honorable Mentions:


    Album - Blue

    Artist - Joni Mitchell

    Release Year - 1971

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

    -

    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

    -

    Album - Drumsville

    Artist - Earl Palmer

    Release Year - 1961

    Drummer - Earl Palmer

    -

    Album - Live at the Royal Festival Hall

    Artist - John McLaughlin

    Release Year - 1989

    Key Track(s) - Mother Tongues

    Drummer - Trilok Gurtu

    -

    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.

    18 September 2024, 7:00 am
  • 45 minutes 43 seconds
    The Drum Panel: Gear Criticism, Flat Toms, and Endorsement Realities: Can You Play Without Knowing the Vocals?

    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.

    11 September 2024, 7:00 am
  • 29 minutes 45 seconds
    Big Fat Five: Taye Dever Shares His Top 5 Influential Records

    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:

    -

    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

    -

    Album - Thirsty

    Artist - Marvin Sapp

    Release Year - 2007

    Key Track(s) - Praise Him In Advance

    Drummer - Calvin Rodgers

    -

    Album - Confessions

    Artist - Usher

    Release Year - 2004

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

    Drummer - Aaron Spears

    -

    Album - Pure Energy DVD

    Artist - Various drummers

    Release Year - 2009

    Key Track(s) - Rekindled featuring Tony Royster Jr

    Drummer - Tony Royster Jr.

    -

    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

    4 September 2024, 7:00 am
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