DRUM with Mike & Eddy

Mike Johnston & Eddy Thrower

DRUM with Mike & Eddy aims to bring drummers together and give them weekly updates and banter about the wonderful world of drumming. Each week professional drummers Mike Johnston and Eddy Thrower will discus how topics such as motivation, practice habits, routine, health & fitness, and many more have an effect on your drumming. Obviously this podcast is for drummers, but in all honesty it's for anyone that wants to improve at their craft!

  • 48 minutes 23 seconds
    Writing A Drum Part 4.0

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    A.I. wrote this...

    In this conversation, Mike and Eddy discuss various topics, including vacations, drum camps, and writing drum parts. They also listen to a drumless track and share their ideas on how they would approach each section. The conversation is light-hearted and filled with humor. In this conversation, Mike and Eddy discuss the different drum parts and arrangements for a song. They go through each section of the song, from the intro to the bridge, and discuss the drum patterns, fills, and effects that would work best. They explore different ideas and make decisions based on the overall feel and energy of the song. The conversation highlights the importance of making creative choices and the impact they can have on the overall sound and vibe of a song.


    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction and Catching Up
    03:01 The Importance of Taking Breaks and Going on Vacations
    09:31 The Joys and Challenges of Teaching Drum Camps
    24:27 Introduction and Overview
    25:11 Exploring the Intro and Chorus
    26:18 Crashes and Live Performance
    28:16 Verse Two and Live Adaptations
    29:36 Shorter Second Verse
    30:49 Bridge and Synthetic Percussion
    32:26 Outro and Drum Loops
    34:07 Final Chorus and Drum Choices
    36:16 Staying Out of the Way in Busy Sections
    37:28 Embracing Different Ideas and Perspectives
    40:17 Surprising Drum Choices
    44:30 The Impact of Drum Choices on the Overall Sound
    45:03 The Importance of Creative Choices
    46:30 The Value of Drumming Camps and Workshops
    48:34 Closing Remarks and Appreciation

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    6 May 2024, 6:00 am
  • 49 minutes 40 seconds
    How We Got...

    Please Support this Podcast and become a Patron
    https://www.patreon.com/drumwithmikeandeddy 
    It's story time, kids, so grab some gram crackers and a glass of oat milk and settle in to hear the tales of how Eddy became the drummer of Busted and how I became a part of the Meinl family of artists! 

    - Mike J

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    24 April 2024, 4:00 pm
  • 44 minutes 34 seconds
    Finding The Line

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    We dive straight into this one! First off we chat about our current feelings towards social media and the impact it has on their creativity and motivation. We talk about experiencing boredom and numbness with platforms like Instagram and Twitter, and the pressure to create content that stands out. We discuss their recent experiences performing and the challenges of finding the line between inspiration and overwhelming information. Then we touch on the need for teachers to check in with students and tailor their approach to each individual. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding the why behind practicing and the musical payoff of exercises.

    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction and Excitement
    06:01 Break from Social Media and Enjoying Books
    12:02 The Simplicity and Timelessness of the Basic Rock Beat
    16:00 The Excitement of Trendy and Unique Items
    28:34 Finding the Line: Balancing Inspiration and Overwhelming Information
    36:29 Understanding Individual Goals: Tailoring Teaching Approaches
    39:53 Social Media and the What vs. the Why

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    16 April 2024, 10:00 pm
  • 48 minutes 20 seconds
    Muffling Your Drums

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    Get Tickets to see Simon Says at The Whisky

    We hope you enjoy this fun chat about our favorite YouTube videos, crazy tour stories, and all the insane ways we have muffled our drums over the years!

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction 
    03:06 Reflecting on Past Band Experiences
    06:21 The Challenges of Touring
    09:22 The Bond of Shared Experiences
    13:06 The Roller Coaster of Being in a Band
    16:07 Favorite YouTube Videos
    23:17 The Importance of Skills over Gear
    24:20 The Evolution of Drum Muffling
    25:58 Introduction to Muffling
    27:02 Early Experiences with Muffling
    28:13 Different Types of Muffling
    30:23 Muffling in Live Settings
    32:19 Muffling in the Studio
    33:25 The Impact of Room Acoustics
    35:42 The Aesthetics of Muffling
    38:53 The Kicker Pillow for Kick Drums
    42:09 Muffling the Snare Drum
    44:23 Muffling for Different Playing Styles
    46:45 Consistency in Muffling
    48:34 See ya Next Time

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    1 April 2024, 11:00 pm
  • 50 minutes 11 seconds
    M.D. at Wembley & First Show in 20 Years

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    I think the title says it all for this one. What a WEEK! We hope you enjoy the episode :)
    - Mike & Eddy

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Stretching
    01:46 Catching Up and Reflection
    03:00 The Practice Project
    04:35 The Process of Musical Directing
    08:17 Home Renovations and Contractor Woes
    09:53 Mike's New Drum Clinic Material
    11:46 The Practice Project as a Learning Tool
    13:36 Finding Your Musical Identity
    18:16 Building Backing Tracks
    20:59 The Role of Cues in Backing Tracks
    23:26 The Pride and Anxiety of Musical Directing
    24:48 Behind the Scenes at the Super Bowl
    25:10 Responsibility for Playback
    25:39 Creating Intros and Moments
    26:14 The Emotional Impact of Performances
    27:24 Synchronicity in Productivity
    28:28 Reuniting with a Band After Years Apart
    29:21 The Challenges of the Music Industry
    30:17 Improving as a Band Over Time
    31:15 The Influence of Eddy's Voice Notes
    32:11 Preparing for the Show at Goldfield
    33:40 The Excitement of a Sold-Out Show
    34:37 Technical Challenges and Drumming Maturity
    35:17 The Intensity of Performing Live
    36:46 The Importance of a Professional Tech
    37:13 Playing for Themselves, Not the Audience
    37:43 Injuries and Adrenaline
    38:22 The Impact on the Audience
    39:07 Capturing Footage and Enjoying the Moment
    40:18 Appreciating the Past and Looking to the Future
    43:05 Eddy's Role as an MD and Session Player
    44:21 The Work Ethic of Being in a Band
    45:02 Appreciating the Journey and the Ups and Downs
    46:29 Enjoying Moments as an Older Musician
    47:12 The Importance of Experience in Education
    48:43 Wrapping Up and Thanking Listeners

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    26 March 2024, 8:00 pm
  • 48 minutes 31 seconds
    3 Tips For Private Lessons

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      In this episode, we discuss the importance of time management and the effective structuring of drum lessons. We emphasize the need to understand and teach according to the student's learning style. We also highlight the value of practicing as a teacher to understand your student's experience better. We encourage all drum teachers to take lessons themselves to improve their teaching skills. Asking questions, being flexible in lesson planning, and creating a fun learning environment are other key takeaways from the conversation.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Gym Accountability
    03:01 Practicing and Enjoyable Drumming
    06:10 Changing Approach in Social Media
    09:04 Benefits of Practicing
    11:04 Finding Personality in Drumming
    15:03 Preparing for UK Drum Show
    21:02 Teaching Private Lessons: Structuring
    23:04 Teaching Private Lessons: Building Relationships
    24:57 Teaching Private Lessons: Effective Communication
    25:21 Time Management
    27:00 Structuring a 30-Minute Lesson
    30:18 Teaching According to Learning Style
    32:01 Practicing as a Teacher
    36:26 Taking Lessons as a Student
    41:42 Asking Questions
    44:07 Flexibility in Lesson Planning
    46:05 Value of Practicing
    48:37 Being a Bad Student

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    19 March 2024, 7:00 pm
  • 43 minutes 5 seconds
    3 Tips for Recording

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    In this week's episode, we chat about various tips and strategies for recording drums in the studio. If you know us, then you know we had no shot of sticking to just three tips, so here are the tips we actually did discuss...

    • Overcoming distractions
    • Adjusting click track and drum levels
    • Communicating preferences to the producer
    • Knowing the song structure and arrangement
    • Simplifying drum fills
    • Playing for the song
    • Being prepared to play the song without music, 
    • Prioritizing good cymbals over good drums, 
    • The importance of tuning drums
    • The impact of drum and cymbal choices

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction 
    00:33 Feeling Unprepared
    07:04 Taking Time Off to Clear Your Head
    12:17 Working with Other Drummers
    14:07 Preparing for Studio Recording
    21:15 Being Flexible and Adaptable in the Studio
    24:26 Overcoming Distractions and Challenges
    25:02 Adjusting Click Track and Drum Levels
    26:26 Communicating Preferences to the Producer
    27:42 Having Confidence in Your Preferences
    28:51 Knowing the Song Structure and Arrangement
    29:22 Simplifying Drum Fills
    30:27 Playing for the Song
    31:11 Being Prepared to Play the Song Without Music
    32:20 Prioritizing Good Cymbals Over Good Drums
    35:33 The Importance of Tuning Drums
    39:15 The Impact of Drum and Cymbal Choices
    40:09 Joining the Practice Project



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    11 March 2024, 7:00 am
  • 48 minutes 52 seconds
    Online Vs. In-Person Lessons

    Virtual Camp 3 - Rudiments
    (click here for more info)

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    Summary

    In this conversation, Mike and Eddy discuss the challenges and rewards of teaching in-person and through video. They share their experiences of finding their feet as teachers and the importance of continually refining their teaching methods. They also discuss the struggle of being themselves on camera and the ongoing process of improving their video content. They emphasize the importance of enjoying teaching and finding a format that works for them. They also highlight the benefits of the Practice Project and the value of accountability in practicing.

    Takeaways

    • Teaching in person allows for a more immediate and interactive experience while teaching online requires careful planning and consideration of different learning styles.
    • The pressure of filming lessons can lead to self-doubt and overthinking, but it's important to focus on delivering valuable content and not get caught up in technical details.
    • Online teaching requires a deeper understanding of the online learning experience and the ability to provide different options for students to learn and engage with the material.
    • Being aware of the challenges and pressures of teaching online can help educators create a more supportive and effective learning environment for their students. Finding your feet as a teacher takes time and experience, whether it's in-person or through video.
    • Being yourself on camera takes time and practice.
    • Enjoying teaching is crucial for success.
    • Having a format and naming it can help with consistency and branding.


    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Behind the Scenes
    02:55 Teaching in Person vs Teaching Online
    05:54 Challenges of Teaching Online
    11:04 Preparing for One-on-One Lessons
    14:56 Nerves and Imposter Syndrome
    20:00 Understanding the Online Learning Experience
    22:07 Finding Your Feet in In-Person Teaching
    23:10 The Challenge of Overdelivering in the Beginning
    24:11 Continual Refinement as a Teacher
    25:14 The Struggle of Being Yourself on Camera
    26:20 The Ongoing Process of Filming Videos
    27:31 Becoming Comfortable with In-Person Teaching
    29:33 The Impact of Teaching in Different Settings
    30:02 Being Socially Comfortable in One-on-One Teaching
    31:25 The Importance of Enjoying Teaching
    32:43 Consistency in Making Videos
    33:10 The Process of Making Videos
    34:56 The Value of Having a Format
    36:37 The Importance of Naming the Format
    40:26 The Benefits of Having a Format
    42:08 The Practice Project and Accountability
    46:45 The Value of the Practice Project





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    27 February 2024, 7:00 pm
  • 45 minutes 27 seconds
    Why We Practice

    Sign Up for - Virtual Drum Camp 3 - Rudiments
    (click here for more info)

    Support this podcast and become a member of The Practice Project.
    https://www.patreon.com/drumwithmikeandeddy

    In this conversation, we discuss the importance of practice and the reasons why we continue to practice. They emphasize the need for consistency and finding the right time to practice. We discuss the importance of seeing progression in our drumming through dedicated and focused practice. We also chat about how the Practice Project has completely changed the way we approach practice and how much improvement we have both seen in just a week's time!

    Takeaways

    Consistency is key in practice to see improvement and maintain skills.
    Having a clear why for practicing helps to stay motivated and focused.
    Avoiding embarrassment and being proud of your drumming skills can be a driving force in practice.
    Finding the right time to practice, free from distractions, can enhance focus and productivity.
    Clarity and musical independence are important aspects to work on in practice sessions.
    Seeing progression in practice is important for motivation and satisfaction.
    Finding the why behind your practice helps to stay motivated and focused.
    Accountability and motivation from others can greatly enhance the practice experience.
    Plateaus and setbacks are a normal part of the learning process and should be embraced.
    Tangible rewards and indulging in rational purchases can serve as motivation for practice.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage
    03:00 The Importance of Practice
    08:00 The Benefits of Consistency
    13:00 The Why of Practicing
    18:00 Avoiding Embarrassment and Being Proud
    24:00 Finding the Right Time to Practice
    30:00 Focusing on Clarity and Musical Independence
    33:00 Being Impressed with Your Own Drumming
    34:39 Seeing Progression
    35:28 The Practice Project
    36:32 The Importance of Patience
    37:22 Finding the Why
    38:19 Accountability and Motivation
    39:29 The Journey of Improvement
    40:00 The Frustration of Plateaus
    41:02 The Mental Aspect of Practice
    42:09 The Excitement of Progress
    43:29 The Podcast and Personal Growth
    44:14 The Importance of Tangible Rewards
    45:23 Indulging in Rational Purchases
    46:12 Closing Remarks



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    19 February 2024, 5:00 am
  • 48 minutes 37 seconds
    Mike & Eddy Order New Kits!

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    In this episode, we discuss our gear preferences and go shopping for new drum kits, but here's the catch. Eddy is doing it on the Gretsch website, and I am doing it on the Ludwig site! We also talk about the importance of practicing and the benefits of accountability.

    Takeaways

    Choosing the right gear is essential for drummers to achieve their desired sound and performance.
    Practicing regularly and having accountability can greatly improve drumming skills.
    Ludwig and Gretsch offer a wide range of drum kits and snare drums to suit different preferences and playing styles.
    Personal preferences, such as sound, size, and finish, play a significant role in selecting the right drum kit and snare drum. Gretsch drums have a unique feature called portholes, which allow the drum key to be stored inside the shell.
    When choosing a drum set, consider the sound and feel of the toms, as well as the overall aesthetic.
    Different bearing edges and shell materials can greatly impact the sound and versatility of a drum kit.
    DW hardware is DOPE!

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Gear Discussion
    10:38 The Practice Project
    17:26 Choosing a Drum Kit - Ludwig
    20:33 Choosing a Drum Kit - Gretsch
    24:26 Choosing a Snare Drum - Ludwig
    28:17 Choosing a Snare Drum - Gretsch
    32:33 Gretsch Drums and Portholes
    33:15 Black Copper Drum
    33:58 Ludwig Legacy Maple Drum Set
    34:56 Snare Drum Selection
    35:28 Choosing Drum Kits
    36:08 Bearing Edges and Shell Materials
    38:12 Different Drum Sounds
    38:52 Versatility of Maple Shells
    39:29 DW Hardware
    40:45 Recording the Drum Set
    41:46 Social Media and Drumming
    42:15 The Future of Bands
    43:37 The Direction of Social Media
    45:19 Balancing Shows and Online Content
    46:21 Playing Shows and Filming Performances
    47:00 Supporting the Podcast
    47:32 Flexibility and Drumming
    47:48 Signing Off
    48:16 British Pronunciation

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    15 February 2024, 10:00 pm
  • 53 minutes 32 seconds
    Headspaces Pt. 1

    Please Support this Podcast and become a Patron
    https://www.patreon.com/drumwithmikeandeddy

    In this episode, we discuss the importance of practice and introduce The Practice Project! We also do a deep dive into our different headspaces in various drumming contexts, including 1-1 lessons, drum camps, and live shows. We talk about the importance of structure and order in drum camps, allowing the camp to unfold naturally and creating an environment where campers can become their best version. We discuss the challenges of reading the room and balancing different personalities in a camp setting. The conversation then shifts to the headspace for shows, the difference between playing in front of other drummers, and the unique challenges of teaching in a one-to-one lesson.

    Takeaways

    Practice is essential for drummers to improve their skills and overcome challenges.

    The Practice Project is a new initiative for patrons to hold each other accountable and make progress in their drumming.

    The headspace of a practicing drummer can be influenced by distractions and the need to prioritize different aspects of drumming.

    One-to-one drum lessons require teachers to balance honesty and encouragement while providing solutions to students' challenges.

    Teaching multiple students can be challenging, but experience and preparation can help teachers provide effective instruction.

    Drum camps offer a unique teaching experience that requires instructors to create a positive and engaging environment for a group of drummers. Creating structure and order in drum camps can provide a sense of stability and allow for flexibility when needed.

    Allowing the camp to unfold naturally and embracing the unknown can lead to a more authentic and meaningful experience for campers.

    Reading the room and adapting to different personalities is crucial in creating a positive and supportive environment in drum camps.

    The headspace for shows is often more relaxed and confident compared to the headspace for one-to-one lessons or camps.

    Understanding and navigating drummers' different goals and aspirations in a camp setting can be challenging but rewarding.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and the Importance of Practice
    03:30 The Practice Project for Patrons
    10:25 The Head Space of a Practicing Drummer
    16:56 The Head Space of a One-to-One Drum Lesson
    26:06 The Head Space of Teaching Multiple Students
    31:56 The Head Space of a Drum Camp
    35:23 Headspace for Drum Camps
    36:12 Allowing the Camp to Unfold
    37:14 Creating the Best Version of Themselves
    37:37 Structure and Order
    39:15 Reading the Room
    40:20 Balancing Different Personalities
    41:00 Transitioning from Camps to Shows
    42:23 Headspace for Shows
    43:20 Playing in Front of Other Drummers
    45:14 Different Headspace for Shows, Lessons, and Camps
    46:08 Dealing with Potential Issues in Shows
    48:00 Navigating Different Drummer Goals in Camps
    49:48 Seriousness in Advanced Drummers
    51:03 Headspace for YouTube Videos
    52:16 Appreciation for Listener Support
    53:01 Closing Remarks

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    5 February 2024, 5:00 pm
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