Drum Configuration

Hey DrumHeads, Today I will share my experiences with the use and the importance of using different drum configurations in your practice routine.

The video I am posting is the 5th professional Hard Rock Video that I have performed in.  The song title is "TAKE ME".  In this particular video I used a small 4 piece kit.  It was loaned to me from a friend in Argentina.  I have always played big kits but over the past 7 years or so I have been playing all types of drums and different set ups (configurations).  Because I travel long distances and overseas, I cannot have my preferred kit with me.  Knowing this, I have learned to set my drums up in a variety of different patterns; toms to the left, snare to the right, ride to the left, hi-hats to the right, single foot pedals, double kick pedals, double bass pedals and so on and so on and so on.  We have songs that have 4 tom runs, 5 tom runs etc. When I only have 2 toms to work with I better have done my home work and learned our songs with this in mind.  In this particular song "TAKE ME" I used 4 toms in the studio, 5 toms live and in the video I only had access to 2 toms.  I only had minutes to adjust my thinking before the filming, but fortunately I was prepared.  During this particular trip to Argentina I rehearsed on and performed on 4 or 5 different drum sets and to say the least 4 or 5 awkward configurations.  When you are racing the clock, sometimes there is no time for the drummer to re-set,  so being prepared is key.  I have faced this scenario in every filming, rehearsal, live show performance in my tenure with Electronomicon.

The 10th Annual Rocklahoma Festival was the same scenario, filming "Do You Remember" was the same scenario, The Metal MayDay Festival in Atlanta was the same scenario but our show at Bombshells in Orlando took the cake.  The back line kit in Orlando was the opening band's kit and they  arrived minutes before their performance leaving me zero time to re-adjust any major set up needs.  This set up had the double bass kick pedal reversed on the bass drum (WHAT THE HELL). The toms were about an inch lower than the top of the bass drum and even the small toms were to the right of the kick drum (WHAT THE HELL).  The cymbals were positioned for a drummer with 6 elbows (WHAT THE HELL).  Minutes before we walked on stage I looked at the configuration and instead of panicking and complaining I mentally accepted the challenge.  After it was all I over I learned a lot about myself and the reviews were spectacular.  It was a proud moment.  I conquered the beast.

I am trying to keep the blog short and to the point so let me provide you with my opinion on the use of different drum configurations in your practice routine.  CHANGE YOUR SET UP REGULARLY------- BE PREPARED TO HAVE NO TIME TO CHANGE A CONFIGURATION THAT YOU ARE NOT COMFORTABLE WITH------HAVE FUN OR DON'T DO IT AT ALL-------CHALLENGE YOURSELF-------LOVE YOUR BANDMATES-------SHOW RESPECT TO ANYBODY THAT OFFERS YOU USE OF THEIR BACKLINE-------NEVER LET FEAR OVERRIDE CONFIDENCE-------CONQUER THE BEAST.