Name
Nat Grant
 
Where are you from and/or where do you live now? 
Sydney originally but Melbourne my whole music and adult life
 
How long have you been playing drums? And what initially drew you to the instrument? 
I saw and heard the percussion ensemble at a school concert – I was really drawn to the whole percussion family: marimba, timpani etc as well as the kit. My friend and I decided on the spot that we’d start learning together.
 
Do you play any other instruments? 
I was a woodwind player in another life. But no.. drums and percussion are plenty/already too many instruments! I wouldn’t change anything but I do wonder what it would’ve been like to dedicate all this time to just one instrument.
 
What bands/projects/collaborations are you involved in right now?
I play drums with synth pop artist Emah Fox, and my duo Octave Pussy with Miranda Hill is an unconventional electroacoustic drum’n’bass situation. I play vibes and sometimes drums in Adam Simmons’ Creative Music Ensemble. And recently have been playing those with Ev Morris too. I’m going to be involved in their next recording project which is really exciting – we’ve known each other for 15 years but only really recently began playing together. There’s also a fairly new project of Gemma Horbury’s – a 10 piece art ensemble that’s still figuring out what it is. I play drums and vibes in that. Everything else is freelance or more sporadic collaborations.
 
What else have you previously been involved in (bands/shows/projects etc)? 
A high school band called Maladiction – we played Pixies and Hole covers, and I really hope the demo tape I have is the only remaining one… drums and/or percussion in The Tequila Mockingbirds, Justin Ashworth’s band, Future Happiness (Martin Mackerras), various projects with James Hullick and the Amplified Elephants, Peter Knight and projects initiated by the Australian Art Orchestra, similarly Liquid Architecture, Melbourne Afrobeat inspired band Papa Chango, orchestras RMPO and Corpus Medicorum, percussionist with the Brunswick Women’s Choir, collaborations with dancers, puppeteers, film makers, butoh artists, and really most importantly in the creative brain children of my incredible friends including Miranda Hill, Erica Rasmussen, and Solstice Piano Trio (and lots more – you get the idea. I like playing with people!).
 
Do you write music or develop your own shows? What are they about/how have they come about? 
Yes! And I’m so proud of that – coming from an instrumental background, only playing other peoples’ music; It was a bit of a journey to realise that I could actually create my own things. I’ve been making, performing, and recording my own electroacoustic compositions for a little over 10 years. I’ve put on two shows in previous Melbourne Fringe Festival seasons, and have an ongoing sound art project called Momentum. I’ve been working on it since 2012 and am heading to Mexico at the end of this year to add a new chapter (http://momentumproject.blogspot.com) .
 
I am also developing a solo show for drums and feedback called FEED that I’m really excited to premiere at the Brunswick Mechanics Institute in 2019. It’s a collaboration with lighting designer Gina Gascoigne.
 
What are your thoughts on collaboration in music and in the projects you’re involved in or the projects you run? 
Playing and creating with other people is really the best feeling in the world, for me. The level of collaboration depends on the project, of course. Sometimes I’m a bit player in someone else's dream, sometimes work is made with a 100% dialogue between the members. Each project needs a different level of everything, and I really like all the various iterations – it’s so exciting when someone has a vision and trusts you to do your thing within that. It’s exciting to make something from scratch with someone (I love the idea of the third hand – that there are outcomes we get from working together that we just could not have achieved individually). Sometimes it’s a relief to just be told what to do as well. It’s all about balance and I feel really lucky to have that in my life in spades.
 
Who are you listening to/whose music are you enjoying right now? 
Evelyn Ida Morris and also this great Melbourne rock band Rudely Interrupted who I’m going to Adelaide with in a couple of weeks. A lot of my listening is gig preparation. Other than that, right now according to Spotify – Bikini Kill, Morphine, Neko Case, and I recently had a little trip down memory lane with Regina Spektor and Suzanne Vega. Funny how certain times in your life bring back music that you listened to at others… And Stevie! I have a Motown playlist that is my current driving music and it’s just the best.
 
 
Do you have any favourite drummers? Or other musicians who inspire you? why? 
Fritz Hauser was a huge influence on me as a young percussion student. I learnt so much from him about minimalism, space, improvisation, collaboration, and about really, really listening.
 
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’m mostly involved in projects that are really driven by the heart. I don’t mean in a romantic way: I mean that the people I work with and who’s music I help bring to an audience is mostly about big feelings, big thoughts, digging deep, and being vulnerable. I am drawn to projects that are all about listening and reflecting. I hope I bring both – I really try to.
 
Do you have a particular warm up or practice routine? Or favourite exercises?
Like lots of folks I always come back to singles, doubles, paradiddles. At the moment I’m working on extending the range of ostinato foot patterns I can do, with these over the top. And as a bit of a late comer to the Purdy shuffle I’ve been all about triplets and groups of 3 and 6 for a little while too. Right now I’m revisiting a great exercise on ‘paralleladiddles’ from an old Percussive Arts Society magazine: the hands travel in parallel from left to right across the kit and back again. It’s ridiculous fun if you’re a giant nerd.
 
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? 
Absolutely. And I’ve been surprised, as a sound artist, how much I love Instagram. What I do is really quite visual and it’s been a great journey the last few years being able to share that with people. Facebook is probably no. 1 for gig promotion. I have a website, bandcamp, etc. I do the occasional email out but socials is a great way of getting to lots of people and also for creating community around music. 

Do you make a living from music? What different types of work does this comprise? 
Pretty much. My income comprises performances, commissions, writing for a drum magazine, sound design work for dance and theatre, research, and teaching. All music or sound related(!).
 
Where’s the coolest place that music has taken you? 
Geographically, the times I’ve spent in Santa Cruz and Monterey for the Y2K live looping festivals were probably the most exciting – playing overseas on my own for the first time and meeting so many like minded artists. Otherwise, into the bands and projects of my friends and musicians I admire – being trusted and even sought out to play the way I play, or write the way I write. That’s an amazing, amazing feeling.
 
If you could give your younger drumming self some advice what would it be? 
Just play. Stop worrying that you don’t have the fastest chops or that you’re scared of jazz. Who cares? Playing drums is the best feeling in the world, don’t deny yourself that!
 
 
Website
 
http://natgrantmusic.com
 

Name
Jess Ellwood
 
Where are you from and/or where do you live now?
I live in Ocean Grove and have for most of my life.  
 
How long have you been playing drums? And what initially drew you to the instrument?
My primary school band needed a drummer and I decided to give it a try. My music teacher taught me to play some simple beats and rhythms and it went from there. That was about 12 years ago.
 
Do you play any other instruments?
I learned guitar through primary school (which is what I played in the school band before I tried drums). I still play a bit at home. I also really like playing bass but need to do it more.
 
What bands/projects/collaborations are you involved in right now?
At the moment I’m playing with Alexander Biggs, Merpire, Hollie Joyce, Bec Goring and Annie-Rose Maloney. I’m also about to start playing shows with Alex Lahey, which I’m really looking forward to.
 
What else have you previously been involved in (bands/shows/projects etc)?
I’m lucky to have been involved in a lot of different projects and bands (there’s lots to name). Some for one-off type gigs and some for longer periods of time. Lots of these projects have been different genres/styles and I’ve learnt so much and met such awesome people doing it.    
 
Do you write music or develop your own shows? What are they about/how have they come about?
At the moment I’m focusing on the projects I’m in but hope to write some of my own stuff soon (soon could mean years, who knows).
 
Who are you listening to to/whose music are you enjoying right now?
Right this very second I am listening to Big Thief – both of their albums are amazing. At the moment I’ve got Margaret Glaspy, RAT!hammock, Oh Pep!, Phoebe Bridgers, Billy Barker and Canary on high rotation (according to my Spotify) – although it changes regularly.  
 
Do you have any favourite drummers? Or other musicians who inspire you? why?
In terms of internationally recognised drummers I would say Bernard Purdie, Steve Jordan, Anika Nilles and Chris Dave stand out for me.
Lachlan O’Kane, Graeme Pogson and Daniel McKoy are Melbourne drummers that I’ve always loved watch play and admire.
However, I feel inspired by most of the musicians I know. Everyone works so hard to be the best they can be and it’s really awesome being around people in that mindset.  
 
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?
Err, this is a tough one, all the projects I play in are quite different in terms of genre or ‘sound’. I guess I’m always trying to find the right tones and sounds to suit the songs of a particular project and the way I play varies quite a lot depending on who I’m playing with. It’s definitely challenging at times but I’m always learning and trying new things and sounds.
 
Do you have a particular warm up or practice routine? Or favourite exercises?
I don’t have a set routine. In terms of practice I try to work on a bunch of different things. Some days I’ll just practice with a rebound pad, other days I’ll be on the kit trying out new things or sometimes I jam with a song or metronome.
I’ve done a few lessons with a drummer from Geelong, Bruce Corrin (he’s the biggest legend ever), he always gives me new exercises to work on. A couple I usually use when I warm up are the swiss army triplet and a paradiddle exercise in groupings of 7, 5 and 3.
 
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 use Facebook and Instagram to promote gigs I’m playing and the artists I’m playing with which I guess in turn means I’m using it to promote myself..
I don’t rely on it (my personal social media accounts) and I don’t think it plays a vital role in getting people to gigs. 
 
 
Do you make a living from music? What different types of work does this comprise?
I don’t make a living from music (unfortunately). Hopefully one day I’ll figure out how to do that and that will be a very good day. Although my day job is really awesome and they are really supportive of me playing music, which is so helpful and I definitely would not be able to be involved with so many projects if that was not the case.
 
Where’s the coolest place that music has taken you?
I’ve been to Europe a few times and played at Jazz à Vienne, Porretta Soul Festival and Montreux Jazz Festival. I’ve also been over to America once and played some gigs in Memphis, Nashville, Chicago and at Summerfest.
The Europe festivals have been my favourite, though. Especially Montreux, it’s such a beautiful place.
 
If you could give your younger drumming self some advice what would it be?
Probably to practice more. It took me quite a while to get into good habits in terms of practice – it was never something I looked forward to doing. Also to make sure you make the most of every opportunity, big or small.
 
Other thoughts/info
I’ve got a few awesome shows coming up in the next couple of months Alexander Biggs, Merpire and Alex Lahey, it’d be great to meet some fellow heydrums followers and have a beer!

Also to keep an eye out for the other projects I’m in (Hollie Joyce, Bec Goring and Annie-Rose Maloney), they are all in the process of or are about to start recording some tunes. They’re such amazing song writers and musicians and I’m excited for what’s to come!
 
 
Website

https://www.merpiremusic.com
https://alexanderbiggs.com
https://www.facebook.com/HollieJoyceMusic/
https://www.facebook.com/becgoringmusic/
https://www.facebook.com/annierosemaloney/


​

Name

Mardi Hogan
 
Where are you from and/or where do you live now?
 
I am originally from Adelaide. I still live here.
 
How long have you been playing drums? And what initially drew you to the instrument?
 
I have been playing the drums about 5 years.  I came to love the drums quite unexpectedly and it took me completely by surprise! 
 
I took my young son to regular drum lessons. Whilst there, I tried to follow the lesson from my chair at the back of the room, I would tap the beats out on my knees! My son’s teacher, Shaun Doddy, noticed my interest and encouraged me to take a lesson.  Once I learnt my first rock beat, that was it, I never stop playing!
 
Do you play any other instruments?
 
I played alto saxophone and flute for 2 years.  I learnt to read music at this time.  
 
What bands/projects/collaborations are you involved in right now?
 
I play with Adelaide Band, LHR Band (“Left Hand Right”).  I have been with them for just over 2 years. 
 
Most recently, I have connected with Adelaide singer, song writer, guitarist, Jai Cafarella (Jai Cafarella Music).  I am really looking forward to trying my hand at playing some original work with Jai.
 
What else have you previously been involved in (bands/shows/projects etc)?
 
LHR is my first band. 
 
I came to music decades later than most.  For this reason, I held back on joining a band because I didn’t feel confident. LHR believed in my abilities as a musician and my skills have grown exponentially since joining them.
 
Do you write music or develop your own shows? What are they about/how have they come about?
 
Not at the moment.  This is something I hope to do in the near future. 
 
What are your thoughts on collaboration in music and in the projects you’re involved in or the projects you run?
 
Collaboration in music is THE best way to learn and grow as a musician. 
 
Coming to music much later in life than most, I missed out on those years playing with the school band, studying and playing different styles of music.  For a long time I lacked the confidence to join a band or to collaborate with other musicians.  When I eventually found the confidence to take that step, I never looked back. 
 
Who are you listening to/whose music are you enjoying right now?
 
I am listening to some to the greats, Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich, Clyde Stubblefield, Bernard Purdie and Joe Morello because I believe you can learn so much from just watching these artists in action.
 
When I am exercising or I just have a moment to myself, I will listen to the current playlist of the band. At the moment that includes a mix of, Gossip, Amy Winehouse, Elle King, Bryan Ferry and the great Aretha Franklin.
 
I always listen to Canadian band, The Tragically Hip, if something is bothering me!
 
Do you have any favourite drummers? Or other musicians who inspire you? why?
 
I believe that behind every good drummer there is a great drummer. For me that drummer is my teacher, Peter Gore, of Adelaide Drum Academy.
 
My LHR band mates inspire me. With their encouragement I stopped practicing endlessly in my back room and began playing in the real world!
 
My friends, Greyson Nekrutman, an amazing 16 year old jazz drummer and also, “Drumming’s Global Ambassador” Dom Famularo, both from New York, inspire me greatly. 
 
I also love to watch Anika Nilles, Meytal Cohen, Benny Greb, and Tommy Igoe,
 
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?
 
At the moment I play mostly Pop, Rock, Blues, some Funk and Swing Jazz. 
 
Until fairly recently, I used to try to reproduce a song by reading directly from the original sheet music. More recently, I have tried to let go of this notion, to follow my instincts and strive to become more creative.  
 
I am working on showing my emotions more when I am playing.  I have come to realize that people would rather listen to an artist who may make an occasional mistake, but still looks like they are enjoying the music, rather than a perfect performance with no emotion.  Hopefully, I bring this sense of joy to my performance.
 
Do you have a particular warm up or practice routine? Or favourite exercises?
 
I have recently started following Tommy Igoe’s “Lifetime Warmup” and “Great Hands for a Lifetime”.  This has brought further growth in my skills.
 
My favourite rudiment is Ratamacue (single, double, triple).
 
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 promote my drumming predominantly via Instagram and Facebook.
 
I initially started my Instagram account to address a lack of confidence in performing to an audience.  Through Instagram I was able to “play” to an audience without having them actually in front of me. 
 
Instagram has now evolved into a way for me to record my progress and also to connect with other drummers all around the world.
 
Do you make a living from music? What different types of work does this comprise? 
 
I don’t make a living from music.  To be honest, it is not something that I aspire to.  Having started drumming decades later than most, I am just glad to be finally out there playing and having fun!
 
Where’s the coolest place that music has taken you?
 
Last month I travelled to Melbourne for the Australian Ultimate Drummers Weekend.  While I was in Melbourne, I had a lesson with Dom Famularo.  I saw some amazing workshops presented by Eric Moore, Benny Greb, Lozz Benson, Mark Colenburg, Vera Figueiredo, Pete Lockett, Lucius Borich, Stan Bicknell and Dom Famularo.
 
I also saw and played on some of the latest drum equipment and l met some young up and coming drummers, including Libby Scotty.
 
 
If you could give your younger drumming self some advice what would it be?
 
Oh that’s a very easy question to answer ….”Mardi, take up the drums 30 years earlier than you did”!
 
Other thoughts/info
 
Don’t let fear stop you from doing something that you love.  Be kind to yourself, be patient, work hard. Believe in yourself, play from the heart, serve the song above all else … and have fun!
 
 
Website
 
https://www.facebook.com/listenupadelaide/
 
https://www.instagram.com/mother.drummer/?hl=en
 
https://www.facebook.com/drumlessonsadelaide/