 Photo by Brian O'Dwyer Name
Carmen Chan Schoenborn Where are you from and/or where do you live now? Born in Hong Kong, moved to Melbourne at age 15. How long have you been playing percussion? And what initially drew you to the instrument? Since Year 11, and minus about eight years of not playing… so fourteen years? I’ve always wanted to play the xylophone, it just seemed more fun than the piano. At uni I changed major from piano to percussion because I went to a concert at the South Melbourne Town Hall with Synergy, David Jones and Jose Vicente - it just blew my mind. Later when the Con acquired a five-octave marimba I fell in love with it, the bass is just sooooo nice. Do you play any other instruments? Piano and cello. Also organ in my formative years. What are you working on right now? Adam Simmons Creative Music Ensemble, which is coming up! I’m going to be playing the marimba and there are going to be some beautiful bits with the sheng, and bass. What else are you (currently or previously) involved in (bands/shows/projects etc)? Just recently I was involved in The Summers Night Project by Tura New Music where I composed a new work and played percussion in it also, and we performed in Perth, Adelaide and Melbourne. It was pretty amazing. Otherwise my project ‘Do You See What I Hear?’ has been going on for a while now - it started out with graphic scores and interpretations. Do you write music or develop your own shows? What are they about/how have they come about? When I started making graphic scores about twelve years ago, they were a response to the works I was studying - for example Cardew’s ‘Treatise’, Brown’s ‘FOLIO & 4 Systems’, Feldman’s ‘King of Denmark’, Stockhausen’s ‘Zyklus’ and others from that era. What are your thoughts on collaboration in music and in the projects you’re involved in or the projects you run? Collaboration is essential and can be fun, lots of work but ultimately rewarding. Who are you listening to/whose music are you enjoying right now? Not much lately since the Tura New Music project - taking a bit of a break. Aside from that I mostly listen to baby babbles and squeals, and my son playing a Harry Potter tune and one of the Eurovision songs on the piano quite regularly. Do you have any favourite drummers? Or other musicians who inspire you? why? When I was a student there were a few inspiring figures - right now, I guess every musician I know inspires me in some way. How would you describe the kind of music or projects you’re mostly involved in? And/or what kind of unique perspective/sound do you bring to these gigs? I think they’re more conceptual to begin with. I love those situations that give musicians autonomy - although at the same time as composer I see the need for dots on paper also. It probably comes down to the context, and who you’re working with. What do I bring to these gigs… my voice. Do you have a particular warm up or practice routine? Or favourite exercises? I don’t get to practise as I should, but if I could I would love to start with timpani rolls - if I had a set of timps at home. Does social media play a big part in how you promote yourself as an artist and your various projects? Do you promote your work in other ways? I like to think so! Do you make a living from music? What different types of work does this comprise? Not quite unfortunately. I teach at school and privately. Where’s the coolest place that music has taken you? Piteå, Sweden. -25 degrees Celsius, in an igloo with an ice marimba that I requested from an ice artist who then had no idea what a marimba was. We measured each bar on the wooden marimba in the percussion room and he had to think about the logistics with the ice. Also in the igloo there were ice guitar, ice cello and ice ‘drums’ that you could play with pieces of felt pad. If you could give your younger drumming self some advice what would it be? Snare drum technique, and chill. Maybe not at the same time though. Website www.studiokacher.net facebook.com/doyouseewhatihear/
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 Photo by Yani Clarke Name
Freyja Hooper Where are you from and / or where to you live now ? I’m from the Northern Rivers in NSW and currently still live there. How long have you been playing drums? and what initially drew you to the instrument? I’ve been playing drums for 14 years now I think, I initially started on the guitar, my friend and I made a little band and I’d go over to his house to play. I’d always jump on his kit and I just felt so comfortable and at ease behind it. So from there I hassled my parents for a kit, got lessons and just continued to play and play. Do you play any other instruments? In my own space I play a little bit of guitar and piano, it’s nice to play around with melody and harmony. What bands/projects/collaborations are you involved in right now? Most recently I’ve been playing with Harry James Angus, working on his Struggle With Glory show. It’s been a lot of fun seeing the live show change so much from being played in peoples living rooms or backyards through Parlour gigs, in local halls like Mullumbimby or jazz clubs like The JazzLab for the Melbourne International Jazz Festival. I’m currently getting ready for Bello Winter Music Festival playing with Naga Buah a project fronted by the badass wonder woman Kodi Twiner as well as playing with the lovely Sal Kimber and The Rolling Wheels and then in late July I’ll be playing Splendour in the Grass in July with Alfalfa. Earlier this year I was in the studio with my band banksia and am super excited to be releasing a single hopefully in the not too distant future! What else have you previously been involved in (bands / shows / projects) I’ve had the pleasure of working with Claire Anne Taylor, Angie Hudson, local youth jazz orchestras and played a little collaborative show with Tinpan Orange which was a lot of fun. Do you write music or develop your own shows? what are they about / how have the come about? I haven’t written anything completely solo just yet, I’m a big fan of collaboration and love working with other creative heads to get something off the ground. I have ideas of writing a show or something further down the line but at the moment I think I need to just stew on some ideas and keep getting as much experience as possible. What are your thoughts on collaboration in music and in the projects you are involved in or the projects you run? I’m a big fan of collaboration, I think it’s an incredibly powerful and beautiful thing how much something can shape and change within a project depending on the heads and hearts you have working on it. The best stuff happens when both parts feel comfortable in sharing ideas and being exposed in that creative space. Who are you listening to / whose music are you enjoying right now? Today I’ve been listening to Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong I just love how much enjoyment and love gets poured out of my speakers when I listen to that combo. I’m a big fan of Jordan Rakei, Hiatus Kaiyote, Esperanza Spalding, Gretchen Parlato, Anderson Paak, Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock. I just checked out Jorja Smith’s Tiny Desk concert which was a sweet vibe, I listen to a lot of stuff that grooves and makes me happy. Do you have any favourite drummers ? or other musicians who inspire you? why? One of my favourite drummers would be Steve Jordan for his simplicity and just the tastiest groove. You can recognise his groove instantly. I love Mark Guiliana for his approach to the drums and musicality and Gretchen Parlato for the strength in gentleness and subtlety. How would you describe the kind of music or projects you’re mostly involved in? And what kind of unique perspective / sound do you bring to these gigs ? All the projects I’m involved in are pretty different, I hope I bring something individual, honest and tasty! Do you have a particular warm up or practice routine? Or favourite exercises? To warm up I usually like to sit with a pad and work through singles, doubles and paradiddles at different tempos and then look at groupings and divisions of different numbers. Does social media play a big part in how you promote yourself as an artist and your various projects? do you promote your work in other ways ? Yes and no, I definitely use social media but I don’t think it’s the core of promotion. Most of the work I’ve got so far has been through word and mouth or hearing me at a gig which is then followed up by someone checking out my social media but I feel it comes after already meeting me or hearing me first. In a band setting I think social media is great and can really be used to engage with people and share up coming things. Where’s the coolest place that music has taken you? Music is just a really cool thing that can take you across the world or down the street and you don’t necessarily know which one’s going to be better. I played with Angie Hudson at “The Big Fish”, a collectors store in Brunswick Heads with all kinds of random and bizarre stuff floating around. We took over the store for an afternoon and filmed a couple of tunes you can check one out here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhZxfvhzkMM If you could give your younger drumming self some advice what would it be? Hmmm, I think to just keep at it, spend time trying to keep a balanced diet of practice and life and enjoying it all. Website www.freyjahooper.com  Photo by The Underground Stage Name
Cecil Coleman Where are you from and/or where do you live now? I’m from Perth originally but now I live in Sydney. How long have you been playing drums? And what initially drew you to the instrument? Ahhhmmm I’d say now I’ve been playing properly for 2 and half years. I’d always wanted to play when I was younger, but was encouraged more towards classical instruments so I went down that path for many years. It wasn’t until I moved up to Sydney and I thought “well, I’m going to be here for a little bit, I might as well learn something”, so I looked up a drum teacher online, had a few lessons, and here we are. Do you play any other instruments? Yeah, I studied classical piano and flute all through my childhood/teenage years, so was very involved in that world for a time. When I started showing interest in “rock music”, my dad bought me my first guitar and was obsessed with that for years too! The best instrument I’ve ever had the pleasure of learning is the hand bells – my high school music class created an ensemble… it was hilarious. Holst’s “Jupiter” never sounded so good. Ha! What bands/projects/collaborations are you involved in right now? Body Type is the main focus right now! I’ve been lucky to have been asked to fill in on drums for a few things, but just riding the BT train for the time being. What else have you previously been involved in (bands/shows/projects etc)? I was in a marching band for many years, that was awesome. I also played flute on my friend Phanos’ (Phanosland) EP For The Lovers, which was released last year so it was really special to get the flute out again. I was also asked to perform the EP live as part of a flute quartet, so again, a really amazing experience. What are your thoughts on collaboration in music and in the projects you’re involved in or the projects you run? I truly believe collaboration in music is important – I think it’s essential in learning and growing as a musician, and as an artist. Collaboration isn’t just about the songwriting process too, it’s about everything that surrounds you – visuals, art, working with your team, recording… so many things! The reality for me is I probably wouldn’t have taken drums so seriously if Sophie (Body Type) hadn’t asked me to jam in the first place, which then lead to Georgia and Annabel joining the fold. I’m very lucky that I’ve found three women that I can openly share ideas with and collaborate with on a regular basis. I’ve learnt an incredible amount from them; their playing styles, their personal influences, their experiences, which has in turn given me motivation to challenge and push myself. Who are you listening to/whose music are you enjoying right now? I am always in a perpetual Beach House listening void…. But when I’m not deep in that I’m listening to Tropical Fuckstorm, Kali Uchis, Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever, Nils Frahm, Deerhunter, Spike Vincent, Angel Olsen, dné….. Do you have any favourite drummers? Or other musicians who inspire you? why? My favourite drummer on a global scale is definitely Stella Mozgawa (Warpaint). There are no words, except for maybe “magic”. The drummers that inspire and motivate me most are those that I’ve been lucky enough to learn from directly: Sam Maher (who plays the hang and also drums for BOAT SHOW) helped me find my first drum kit and helped me set it up in my tiny bedroom at the time. He’s an incredible musician and is so much fun to watch. Tom Stephens (Tesse) opened my eyes and ears to different playing styles from hip hop to reggae, and taught me the beauty of hitting cymbals in different ways. I find his drumming to be really melodic and emotive; why I like it so much. I also wouldn’t be playing Vic Firth Extreme 5A’s if I hadn’t borrowed a pair of his sticks. Anetta Nevin (Dianas) is honestly one of the most incredible, performative and energetic drummers I’ve ever seen and I can’t take my eyes off her when I see Dianas perform. She taught me to let go and have fun. Jonathan Boulet (Party Dozen, Exhibitionist)… well, if you’ve seen a Party Dozen set, you’ll know why. He’s actually insane and mind-blowing to watch. Jono has been so generous in letting me practise on his kit in his studio almost every day, gives me hot tips on gear and encourages me to experiment with different sounds. Speaking more generally though, there are so many female musicians, from friends to high profile artists that inspire me every day: Sarah Sykes (Flowertruck, Sunscreen), Dianas, Madonna, Solange, Spike Fuck, Kate Bush, Kucka, Courtney Barnett…. The list goes on… How would you describe the kind of music or projects you’re mostly involved in? And what kind of unique perspective/sound do you bring to these gigs? I could only speak for Body Type here, but I guess you could say we’re a bit more organic in our approach in terms of instruments and live set up. At heart we’re a bit of a loose garage band! We all draw from each other’s energy during a live performance, we all bounce off each other and I think that’s really special. As for my unique sound/perspective, I do love to dabble in some floor tom and I’m smiling or laughing most of the time. Do you have a particular warm up or practice routine? Or favourite exercises? I like to go for a little jog around the room to warm up, then stretch my arms and back. Sometimes the other girls join me and we do star jumps together or do a round of pretend boxing to psych ourselves up. Does social media play a big part in how you promote yourself as an artist and your various projects? Do you promote your work in other ways? At this stage with Body Type we are across the social medias, and we do like to indulge in a silly Instagram story from time to time. I personally love a good late night poster run around the streets. Nothing like the feeling of homemade wheat paste on your fingers while holding down a poster against a non-descript wall and inconspicuously sticking it up while no one is watching… well you hope…. Where’s the coolest place that music has taken you? Playing our first show in Perth was really special to me. I’d seen so many friends in years previous take the stage over there and never thought I’d be on it, so it was a very surreal and beautiful feeling sitting up there seeing my parents and friends watching on. If you could give your younger drumming self some advice what would it be? … Well that wasn’t that long ago (haha!) but I’d say to embrace your mistakes – it’s those imperfections that sometimes make a set.  Photo by Michelle Grace Hunder Name
Neda Rahmani Where are you from and/or where do you live now? Born in Iran to Persian and Mauritian parents, I grew up in Australia having the freedom to perform. I live in Melbourne Victoria. How long have you been playing drums? And what initially drew you to the instrument? I’ve been playing drums professionally for 18 years. As a teen I studied mostly dance. At 16, when visiting Woodford Folk Festival, I was drawn to playing hand drums when I realised a direct technical connection between tap dancing rhythms and West African drum patterns. Do you play any other instruments? I play many types of drums - Contemporary, classical, cultural, modern, percussion instruments and I sing. What are you working on right now? My latest idea is around deepening multicultural gestures through a new drumming performance ritual. Currently I’ve been invited by performer Audi Yonnes to lead Brazilian Rhythms in a Lebanese drumming floor show with traditional Lebanese drummers. This collaboration has me wanting to create another deeper collaboration with 4 Brazilian, 4 Lebanese, 4 Ghanaian and 4 Chinese Drummers. Additionally, each group bringing a dancer in a large obscure costume from a myth in their culture. A character that is not popularly known in western culture. For example, not the Chinese dragon not the Carnival girls form brazil but rather perhaps an Afro-Brazilian large raffia god head and another obscure large Chinese character . In this floor show all the drummers will work together to present each cultural icon and story through rhythm, movement and perhaps a touch of voice, The main focus is to see different cultural drummers working together. I’m curious to hear what this will sound like too. That is what I am working on this week. Ive tested the theory in discussion and I think it’s going to work in practice as we allow each other the space and respect needed. I’m excited. What else are you (currently or previously) involved in (bands/shows/projects etc)? Drumming and collaborations have taken me on adventures with the time-tested drumming band Tumbarumba. Initiated by Vincent Lamberti and Mark Grunden this band also has my sister Nasrine Rahmani in it when she is in town. For nearly 2 decades we have been delivering percussive, beat laden concerts all over Australia. This band has played nearly every venue and festival in Melbourne from Big Day out to Hammer hall from Howler to the Night Cat and NYE at Fed Square, you name it, Tumbarumba 5 piece Percussion band has played it with huge smiles on our drumming dials. In 2011 I formed a self-titled band - NEDA–All Colour Project. This gave room to the other drumming styles I enjoy that don’t really fit in Tumbarumba. This band boasts my original tracks including modern Afro–Brazilian Rhythms, Ghanaian Patterns, electro dance elements, acoustic drumming all mixed in with fancy choreography from my 18 piece ensemble. We just headlined the Premiers Gala Dinner at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre and boy do we like to drum up a colourful and diverse modern party. This band requires large staging and is more than 50% drummers. Over the years I have also toured, guested, played congas, drummed & backed vocals for - Nicky Bomba, Joe Camelleri, Ross Wilson, Daddy Cool, The Red Eyes, Jake Savona, Prince Allah Jamaica , Horace Andy (UK and Jamaica), Randy Valentine (UK), Havana Meets Kingston, Deline Briscoe, The Sunshine Sisters, Kylie Auldist, Sol Nation, Mc Mantra, Grey Ghost, The Katumba Dancers, The Drummers for Peace, Harvey Sutherland, Leroy Burgess NY, The Congos ( Jamaica) and for various Brazilian and Ghanaian projects. Did I mention yet that I love drumming and I’ve enjoyed being of service to this list of excellent artists. Do you write music or develop your own shows? What are they about/how have they come about? It is very rare that I will play any covers. Most of the bands that I work for write their own original music and in Tumbarumba and NEDA - All Colour Project I am a writer. My songs are all written beginning with drum rhythms. I write them to tell stories that get the rhythms going or create a song structure so the audience can relate to the breaks and patterns we have created. I can hear melodies in the tuning of even a solo drum kit and it’s enough to get me writing or singing. Sometimes, like in the Tumbarumba band, we write the rhythms all together as a collaborative. Usually I write alone or with one other. Occasionally I will write a song or lyrics that are dedicated to a person for protest or memorial. Mostly my music is about reminding everyone to feel a part of the moments we all share. One popular song I wrote is an apology to the Yarra River as our forefathers moved it to build the city docklands area. This song includes indigenous permission and is the song I put my drums down for and sing it into a Calabash bowl. A calabash is a gourd, an inter-continental water vessel and in some cultures it’s a water drum. What are your thoughts on collaboration in music and in the projects you’re involved in or the projects you run? I believe collaboration can be something that keeps people together, sharing the load and sharing the royalty is a great connector in professional bands. I’ve seen many armature bands/artists battle, stagnate or break up over royalties because they can’t work out collaboration. I think it’s really worth it. It’s worth working out what way you want to work and putting in the elbow grease. In collaboration, I have found lifelong friends and music that has nurtured our careers spanning decades. Sometimes also it’s not all about sharing the load equally too - but acknowledging the part everyone plays in either the writing of music or the performance of it is a great mirror into interpersonal and communication skills. At the end of the day, I can honestly say, even with all the bad habits, I can still look to the positive side of arts industry and say openly that I LOVE PEOPLE. Collaboration is THE BEST. Some solo writers do a great job of collaborating, communicating and forming bands that work really well. They are the sole owners, creators and administrators of their music. These artists put the hard work in to write the music and organise the performance of it, keeping their co artists happy. They are unicorns to me. Who are you listening to/whose music are you enjoying right now? Today I am enjoying Tank and the Banggers – They are from New Orleans and are super fresh. I’m always listening to Brasilian Music - Olodumn is my favorite Brasilian Super Band. I prefer when they play (with drums and singers only) live in the streets of Pelhorino Bahia, Brazil. When they add the melodies its ok but it loses me a bit. Do you have any favourite drummers? Or other musicians who inspire you? why? My favourite Drummers are usually singers too - Julian Goyma, Danny Farrugia, Will Hull Brown, Nicky Bomba, Steve Allingham, Mark Grunden, Elvis Elgis are my favorites because they are constantly playing, creating touring and working it. They sound great because they put the work in. …. BUT--- 1. Jason Heerah And 2 -Anderson .Paak both of these two guys are super sexy hella fly drummers THAT CAN SING …. Mic drop. My sister Nasrine Rahmani inspires me. She has entered the Flamenco genre and is killing it in the very competitive Madrid live music scene. It’s not a style that I understand deeply because I’m not immersed in it, but I enjoy consuming the live content she puts out with Singer composer Diego Guerrero. I can see her playing evolves every time I see her playing - she is taking on the world. I would like to mention that all of my favourite drummers are Australian other than Anderson .Paak How would you describe the kind of music or projects you’re mostly involved in? And/or what kind of unique perspective/sound do you bring to these gigs? I would describe most of the projects I’m in as groove based, highly costumed, multicultural Samba, roots, rock and reggae original bands within the - Afro– Brasillian, Reggae- Afro-Cuban or original Australian Singer Song writer genres, including choir or rapper projects. Do you have a particular warm up or practice routine? Or favourite exercises? Not really but I do practice or perform my material nearly daily on the job. If I have a stressful sound check I chill for a bit with my band before we hit the stage. If the weather is cold I drink herbal tea and tap out a few rhythms beforehand. I do not believe in cold alcoholic beverages before performing you just don’t hit the stage well if you do that, even in hot weather. Cold drinks set the body systems back a few notches. In terms of practice, I do occasionally rehearse with my bands and I know a lot of artists that work for me would prefer more rehearsal. Each week in my schedule I take my drums out to perform a minimum of 4 shows a week its usually around 8 shows though so when I’m home I rest, hand wash costumes, cook and repack gear for the next trip. Does social media play a big part in how you promote yourself as an artist and your various projects? Do you promote your work in other ways? I have a very diverse arts network that is quite invisible to the public. My networking is what keeps me employed as an artist. I do like to post some photos on social media but I’m not consistent with it and I don’t have my email and phone number online as I receive too many random questions form people locally and around the world. Do you make a living from music? What different types of work does this comprise? I am a full-time artist, most of my income is from the work I do with my own two live bands topped up by guest performances in other people’s projects. I am also a music industry public figure. Music festivals ask me to MC their main stages and Multi-cultural Arts Victoria and APRA AMCOS have me host some of their member events. I make additional income making appearances as an ambassador, panelist or host within arts industry. Where’s the coolest place that music has taken you? I once toured as one of 2 guests of Melbourne Ska Orchestra- to Chile Santiago A Mile festival where we played 3 fabulous stadium shows. That whirlwind tour was great fun. I learnt allot about travelling with big groups of people on that tour. The Australian Ambassador to Chile had me perform in a duo at her mansion party, I loved it! Chile rocks. The coolest thing about Chile are their underground sub cultures and that it seems its quite diverse there but also that everyone likes to socialise together and Salsa in bars late at night every day of the week. If you could give your younger drumming self some advice what would it be? Start writing music straight away and document everything in a searchable log. Let go of all your worries because it all works out anyway and get good at admin. Other thoughts/info I believe in presenting yourself well. Be it casual formal or costumed that’s up to what’s appropriate for the genre and event. On and off-stage, dress one up from what your band, employer or audience expects. Pay someone to make you an outfit if you can’t find what will give you an edge above the rest. As long as you feel like what you wear is fresh and a representation of you, you will look great. Value your instrument, posture and your presentation. Do not wear what you will wear onstage at sound check or in the audience. Bring it in a suit bag pressed ready for the show. The stage is a sacred space where performance comes alive, use clothing to be part of that ritual. When it’s actually time to play let go of all your worries and focus on the music and the people you are connecting to it and enjoy yourself. Website www.nedalife.com |
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