 Photo by Lara Jane Photography Name
Stef Furnari Where are you based? Sydney, Australia How long have you been playing drums? And what initially drew you to the instrument? I’ve been playing drums for about 19 years now. I first saw my uncle play drums when I was really little and was so drawn into it. I wanted to learn straight away but took me a while to convince my mum for a drumkit. Turns out it wasn’t just a “faze”. Do you play any other instruments? Yes I can play guitar, bass and a bit of piano. Also can play pretty much any form of percussion instrument. What bands/projects/collaborations are you involved in right now? The biggest thing I’m involved in right now is The Drummer Queens, which I play the character Rebel. I am also a percussionist/drummer for Marcia Hines. What else have you previously been involved in (bands/shows/projects etc)? I’ve done some TV Work on Australia’s X-Factor, The Australian of the Year Awards, NRL Finals Series, NRL Grand Finals pre-show and half time shows, Drummer Queens, Girls on Tap, many music festivals. Do you write music or develop your own shows? What are they about/how have they come about? I wrote my Handsonic solo piece for the Drummer Queens show and am capable of writing things for certain projects I’ve been a part of. I would love to write my own pieces for myself when the opportunity arises. What are your thoughts on collaboration in music and in the projects you’re involved in or the projects you run? Collaboration is very important. It’s important to listen to other people’s visions and interpretations. You will never learn if you don’t listen. I am all for it and believe it’s really important. It’s never a one woman show. Who are you listening to/whose music are you enjoying right now? I love P!NK, she is one of my biggest musical influences. But I love Anderson Paak, Dua Lipa and Miley Cyrus’ new album. Do you have any favourite drummers? Or other musicians who inspire you? Why? The original Drummer Queen Sheila E! My musical director Joe Accaria. My God Father Theo Silvera. Dennis Chambers, Cindy Blackman. Just to name a few. 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? The Drummer Queens show has been the biggest production I’ve worked for so far. A massive process to put an 80 minute show of drumming together. So it was challenging to find all the different percussive elements. The Roland Handsonic was my feature which allowed me to be really creative by using a range of different sounds and also allowed me to be melodically creative as well. Do you have a particular warm up or practice routine? Or favourite exercises? I don’t do anything complex. I like to do wrist/arm warm ups as well as rudiments. Nothing too hardcore. I just like to feel warmed up and ready to roll. 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 of course. These days social media is like a website but easier to manage. I also like that you can be more interactive with people through social media. Do you make a living from music? What different types of work does this comprise? Yes I make a living from being a professional drummer as well as a music teacher. Where’s the coolest place that music has taken you? Too many to name! Everything I have done I feel has been a unique and memorable experience. Performing recently at the Sydney Lyric Theatre is a definite highlight. Doing music festivals with Marcia Hines are always crazy fun, and the NRL Grand Finals are definitely a very memorable experience. If you could give your younger drumming self some advice what would it be? PRACTICE MORE! I wish I put more time into practicing (like any musician). There’s not such thing as enough practice. Also, another piece of advice would be to focus on my own journey. Not to worry about what other people are achieving or have achieved. Everyone’s journey is different and whatever is destined for them will work out.
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Claire Powell Where are you based? Melbourne How long have you been playing drums? And what initially drew you to the instrument? I’ve been drumming on and off for almost 15 years! It was the combination of being hugely obsessed with Roger Taylor, and also just thinking that drums were a badass instrument to learn. Do you play any other instruments? Yes, I’ve been playing guitar for almost the same amount of time. Although much I prefer to drum, I suppose for practicality’s sake (small living spaces) I’ve invested far more time and money in learning/playing guitar. I think that they are fairly complementary instruments to learn. What bands/projects/collaborations are you involved in right now? I drum for two bands, and I’m loving every minute of collaborating with these incredible musicians. SPAWN is a 7-piece doom/psych/spiritual experience that has to be seen to be believed. I also drum in the Francis Glass Band. Francis is a heartbreakingly beautiful songwriter/composer. I feel very fortunate to be involved with two distinctly different bands. What else have you previously been involved in (bands/shows/projects etc)? I completed my University internship in Bali, Indonesia where I worked for the One Dollar For Music Foundation. The foundation worked to provide musical/creative education to international, local and underprivileged young adults through various projects. That was an incredibly stimulating experience. On my return to Melbourne, I’ve dabbled here and there with various musicians but hadn’t performed original musical until joining SPAWN two years ago. Do you write music or develop your own shows? What are they about/how have they come about? Both of my bands compose original material, and I write my own drumming parts (which are totally open to input from the band, too). It’s a very organic, collaborative experience from the rehearsal room to the stage. We strongly adhere to the belief that visuals are an important part of any performance, and together we’ll plan our outfits and stage design accordingly. What are your thoughts on collaboration in music and in the projects you’re involved in or the projects you run? It depends on the musician. Personally, I thrive on collaborating with willing musicians. I think it’s a fundamental part of learning and appreciating other performers and their unique inspirations. But with any artist- musical or otherwise- there are many who can be very sensitive, protective of their work and very single-focused. It can be tricky to navigate these musicians, however it’s always important to remember patience and respect. Who are you listening to/whose music are you enjoying right now? I’ve gone a bit soft recently, so lots of folk & country. Still, I maintain that Queen is my medicine. Their early stuff.. I’ll never get over it. It’s just fantastic. Do you have any favourite drummers? Or other musicians who inspire you? why? Lots and lots! Honorable mentions to Roger Taylor and Keith Moon, who were my drumming obsessions in my formative years. Now, big shoutouts to local rock drumming legends Andy Alkemade, Danny Leo & Brett Wolfie who are absolutely legends and always so compelling to watch. Inspiration-wise, Sarita the sitarist from SPAWN. Her sheer dedication, and commitment to, teaching, performing and composing throughout the struggle of last year’s lockdown was absolutely jaw-dropping. She brightened our days with her spellbinding performance videos and genuinely warm spirit. I’m honoured to play music with her. 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? SPAWN is hypnotic, psychedelic waves of feminine softness weaved through fuzzy brutality. Francis Glass Band.. imagine Marc Bolan fronting the Velvet Underground with a hint of Clash dub in there. Do you have a particular warm up or practice routine? Or favourite exercises? Not particularly, just some stretching. The bands usually rehearse close to the gig, so it’s pretty fresh and we’re good to go. It’s always nice to have a beer and chat to the sound guy before a show! 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 it does, there’s no denying the impact that it’s having for artists and it’s been pivotal for both bands. I’m not super active on my own personal account but will always promote an upcoming show. Do you make a living from music? What different types of work does this comprise? All proceeds from gigs and merch is invested directly back into the bands. Where’s the coolest place that music has taken you? Front row for The Who in 2009. Best gig I’ve ever seen! Zac Starkey smashed it on drums. If you could give your younger drumming self some advice what would it be? Don’t sell your kit! You’ll regret it! Website: Instagram: @spawn_band @francisglassband  Photo by Spyke Jagerkrieg (Instagram @jagerkrieg) Name
Bonnie Where are you based? Based in Melbourne, Australia. How long have you been playing drums? And what initially drew you to the instrument? I’ve been in and out of lessons for the past couple of years, this year I have been much more focused and involved. The draw for me has always been the raw, primal nature of the instrument. A very cathartic instrument. The love for the drums has been there since I was a ween; watching Animal from the Muppets going balistic. He was a big influence. Do you play any other instruments? I’ve been noodling with some blues guitar, which is good fun but requires patience that I sometimes don’t have. What bands/projects/collaborations are you involved in right now? I’m currently playing with Squashed Moth. We are a dark and swampy doom band with some very exciting stuff in the works for 2021. I feel honored to work with these guys, amazing musicians and incredible humans all round. We had just started jamming right before isolation, they have been a huge help in keeping motivation going throughout the COVID lockdowns. What else have you previously been involved in (bands/shows/projects etc)? Prior to Squashed Moth I have only ever been on the production side of music. I studied Music Management and ended up working in live music for a few years. I’ve done a fair bit of production assistant stuff for arena shows, personal assistant to tour managers and the like (one time a personal chauffeur for Adele’s sandwiches, but that’s a story for another day). What are your thoughts on collaboration in music and in the projects you’re involved in or the projects you run? I believe collaboration is vital to keeping our eyes and minds open. In a place like Melbourne we are spoiled with opportunities to share ideas and collaborate with like-minded people. It helps to learn new techniques, generate feedback and connect with our awesome creative community. Who are you listening to/whose music are you enjoying right now? I have been listening to a lot of: Chelsea Wolfe Uncle Acid and the Deatbeats Baxter Dury Townes Van Zandt Acid Witch Eddy Current Suppression Ring Do you have any favourite drummers? Or other musicians who inspire you? Why? One of my more recent inspirations is Stefanie Mannaerts from the band Brutus. Her strength as a drummer and vocals at the same time never fail to astonish me. If you could give your younger drumming self some advice what would it be? Just do a little bit every day. You are worth doing what makes you happy. Websites: We have some exciting gigs coming up with some great bands over the next few months. You can check these out on our Facebook page. FB- facebook.com/squashedmoth Instagram- instagram.com/squashedmoth Band Camp - https://squashedmothdoom.bandcamp.com  Photo by Pia Johnson Name
Alison Fane Where are you based? Boon-Wurrung country How long have you been playing drums? And what initially drew you to the instrument? I started when I was 8 years old. I grew up in a very musical family who owned a music school so I was always surrounded by instruments. I started having informal piano lessons with my mum from about the age of 4 but quickly lost interest, I never wanted to read the music or use the correct fingering…! I remember seeing the drum kit for the first time and dreaming that one day my feet might reach the pedals! I was always interested in exploring and mucking around on lots of instruments, I used to grab the electric guitar or teach myself the bass guitar and sing along to CD recordings, there was always room for exploration as a kid and I’m so lucky I had the space and opportunity to do it. Do you play any other instruments? My main focus currently as a musician is percussion and timpani. I love playing drum kit though - it gives me a sense of relief where I can play music for the sake of it rather than it constantly being a monetary association with professional work. What bands/projects/collaborations are you involved in right now? Gigs are very quiet at the moment due to the lockdown here. I have been collaborating with a great composer K. Travers Eira, commissioning and working on proposals for future work. It has been a lovely experience to collaborate with people in different art forms because I think too often, especially in pre-COVID times, we would be too busy to have these interactions. It has also been great to meet other drummers and percussionists through the online medium of ZOOM. It has proven to be a fantastic connecting tool! What else have you previously been involved in (bands/shows/projects etc)? Pre-COIVD I was freelancing with Orchestra Victoria, playing in a handful of Ballets and Operas. Since 2019 I have been studying at the Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM) so there is never a shortage of projects, performances and opportunities. Do you write music or develop your own shows? What are they about/how have they come about? I enjoy collaborating with composers and making sure I am contributing to the literature for the next generation of percussionists and drummers to enjoy! I have recently been working on an upcoming recital (pending lockdown restrictions) which explores the disciplinary society in which we live, where institutional dominance shapes our very existence. The recital pushes the boundaries of the body, focusing on the cycles of trauma and healing as these manifestations of violence are realised and confronted through corporeal meditations. Who are you listening to/whose music are you enjoying right now? I love Sufjan Stevens - either when I am going for a run or doing the dishes. I have also been listening to Sampa the Great and Jen Cloher - two amazing artists who always give me hope for the future of non-cis white male music in this country. Do you have any favourite drummers? Or other musicians who inspire you? why? My idol when I was little was Cindy Blackman - I met her at an Australian Ultimate Drummers Weekend when I was about 10 years old. I believe that you can’t be what you can’t see and this meeting showed me that I could achieve anything. 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 have always considered myself an “orchestral musician” but during COVID times I have definitely taken a more holistic approach to my music making - I am no longer categorising and limiting myself to be a specific type of musician. I think it is so important to be a broad, well versed and open minded musician. Do you have a particular warm up or practice routine? Or favourite exercises? Yes! I do weekly Alexander Technique lessons so my daily practice routine is based on this. I begin by writing three pages of long-hand writing to get my stream of consciousness onto a page and then start Alexander Technique exercises and physiotherapy stretches to warm up my body. I believe that my body is my instrument and it needs to be in good shape for me to perform with ease and to an optimal level. I am then ready to start my practice pad warm up which is in three stages: singles, doubles and rolls which break down the basics of playing a drum. I then finish with some light stretches and a semi-supine rest which allows me the space and time to move onto my work day. I also have a practice journal which I have written in daily for the last 5 years - it is a game changer for setting goals! 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 actually withdrawn myself from social media during this pandemic - I have found it has given me more space and productivity which has been awesome. I am lucky that the Australian National Academy of Music promotes most of the gigs I am involved in but I think post-COVID I will end up promoting more gigs via social media ;) Do you make a living from music? What different types of work does this comprise? Yes I do - mostly in the shape of performing, from freelancing in orchestras to working at a school as a percussionist accompanist for Contemporary Dance Classes. I love working with dancers, not only because it pushes me to think about the use of my body but the connection between art forms, reminding me why i play and love music. Where’s the coolest place that music has taken you? Definitely overseas - to Shanghai and Singapore but I’ve loved working with people with special needs - I learn so much from other people and I love to share the beauty of music. If you could give your younger drumming self some advice what would it be? Enjoy the journey, don’t be too focused on the outcome, trust your instincts and you can do anything you set your mind to. Website https://anam.com.au/musicians/alison-fane https://anam.com.au/life-at-anam/media/music-education-matters-alison-fane |
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