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/
 
 

Name
Lys Mac


Where are you from and/or where do you live now?
I grew up in Melbourne, just near St Kilda, but have lived in Ocean Grove for about the last four years... I moved here for an anticipated 12 month sea-change, and fell in love with the place and have never left!


How long have you been playing drums? And what initially drew you to the instrument?
I first picked up a drumstick about 10 months ago, and have been enthusiastically hitting the tubs ever since! It started as a joke, when I invited myself into a booze-fueled, impromptu doom jam one night, and a friend innocently said “you’re actually not bad”, and that was enough for me to take up a new hobby! I started tapping my way around my day-to-day life, then started turning up to friends houses who had kits, and basically just practiced as much as I could… I then somehow convinced my mates to start our band, BIN, with me! What initially began as a bit of a laugh, fairly quickly turned into a really sick creative outlet!


Do you play any other instruments?
Unfortunately (or fortunately) not!


What bands/projects/collaborations are you involved in right now?
I just play in BIN, which is a five-piece made up of me, Will Bowers (Fin Fright), Cal Shortal (Murlocs), Lachy Baulch (Laughing Leaves), and Tim Fluker (Slacks)... We are just a bunch of mates who love making music together, and have happened to land a bunch of sick shows as a result!


What else have you previously been involved in (bands/shows/projects etc)?
I have been a mad music fan for as long as I can recall, but never a music-maker.


Do you write music or develop your own shows? What are they about/how have they come about?
Most of BINs music comes from ideas or snippets of ideas, and we jam them out until we feel like we love where its at… A few of our songs come from demos that the boys have come up with, and we all work together to tweak our own parts. When BIN first started, the drumming was very much an instruction from the boys, but as I’ve developed my own style, I now bring my own concepts to our music… Not all of them get the tick of approval, but pretty much all of our songs now are collaborative and the drum parts are mainly all my own.


What are your thoughts on collaboration in music and in the projects you’re involved in or the projects you run?
Aside from absolutely loving being able to bump creative ideas, collaboration is so important for me because I am still such a newbie when it comes to playing and developing music… I am so lucky that the boys in my band are so incredibly talented, but also so incredibly patient – they are all so gentle with feedback (most of the time) and sharing ideas; I think having such stellar bandmates has helped me develop my own drumming style as quickly as I have… That makes them sound like angels, when they’re actually shitheads, but I am very appreciative of the time that they’ve put into me & BIN! Its been a pretty rad learning curve, going from being told to hit one drum for the length of a song, to being able to bring my own flair and quirks to our new stuff and having the guys work their parts around it – its sick!


Who are you listening to/whose music are you enjoying right now?
I stumbled across a ‘Psychedelic Sounds Of Peru” record in a cheap tub a few weeks back and I’ve been gyrating around my house since - its sick! BIN was also lucky enough to play a bunch of shows with Bones and Jones, and their record, and latest single release, are bloody unreal – I am pretty sure I am their number 1 fan, but Living Given has copped a flogging from me over the past few months. I also haven’t quite gotten over Sleep releasing ‘The Sciences’, so that’s pretty heavy in rotation too!


Do you have any favourite drummers? Or other musicians who inspire you? why?
Hmm, my favourite drummers would have to be Jake Laderman, as he is such a talented and hardworking muso, but also helped me at my very first show when I had no idea that kits didn’t come set-up already… WTF is a clutch, and why aren’t all toms tilted on the perfect angle?! Or Matt Blach, because he is a bloody groovy drummer and super incredible musician (listen to his new project, Baked Beans, they’re AMAZING), but also because he kindly gave me my very first kit! From an inspiration point of view, I listen to Eddy Current a lot and pay attention to Danny – he keeps it *fairly* simple but absolutely kills it, same as Meg White! Of course, Bonham is a freak… I also dig Ringo, and appreciate him more now because, like him, I’m not the best drummer in my band either haha


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?
BIN is a bit of a mixed bag; Flying Nun-eqsue inspired, post-punky, jangly fun… We have evolved a bit since we began late last year, particularly the drums – I still keep it pretty simple and steady, but the difference between our shows now and say, our first release, ‘Moocher’, is pretty significant – its definitely a lot tighter and smarter music! Our gigs are usually really fun for us and the crowd, we don’t take ourselves too seriously at all, and I think that vibe resonates – I’ve been told I’m the smiley-est drummer ever, which isn’t particularly cool or steezy, but I just have the best time and it apparently shows on my face!


Do you have a particular warm up or practice routine? Or favourite exercises?
As much as I hate them I usually kick off with some rudiments and paradiddles, before just smashing my way around the kit like a looney tune ‘til I find my groove (or until I get death stares from the boys because I’m taking too long)… Before a show I always try to keep my cool, and then swiftly neck a pint right before we begin… It is a very professional and refined warm 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?
Our promotion is pretty limited… We have been lucky enough to play with some sick bands who have heard of us through word of mouth, and I think our little following has grown as a result of that… We definitely post on social media to ensure the pages don’t become stagnant, but realistically it’s usually just some footage of us drinking tins, smoking ciggies or playing video games with a vague reference to the details of our next show!


Do you make a living from music? What different types of work does this comprise?
HA, I wish… I’d never work another day in my life is that was the case… We all have other jobs, and that’s probably why we love BIN so much – it’s a social and creative outlet, but it comes with minimal responsibility. We make just enough money from music to fund the next thing… At the moment we are putting our dollars into tees and maybe a record later this year if we get around to it!


Where’s the coolest place that music has taken you?
Given I had never played drums a year ago, its so surreal that my music has put me on a stage at all, so that in itself is bloody amazing for me! Its been so sick to play in front of mates and alongside mates, and to open for bands that play great music, but playing a sold out Croxton show before the Cosmic Psychos for my sixth gig ever is definitely the highlight of my “career” to date… BIN was on a huge stage and I shared a kit with Dean and that kit had its own podium… It may not seem like a big deal to seasoned professionals, but I was stoked! I also made my new years resolution this year to play a show with Peter Bibby (and to have more sex), and BIN have just locked in a show with Bibby at the start of October… I am still working on the second part.


If you could give your younger drumming self some advice what would it be?
I’d firstly tell my younger self to start drumming sooner – I missed 20-odd years of the raddest hobby because it took a bunch of beers and a drunken decision to begin! I’d also tell myself that it isn’t cool to call in your own drum roll at your first ever show, especially when you couldn’t do a drum roll… Not cool, Lys, not cool.


Other thoughts/info
BIN have a bunch of rad shows locked in for the rest of the year, including with Terrible Signal on September 27th, Peter Bibby on Oct 4th, and playing at the inaugural Loch Hart festival in November – I’d love to share a beer with a fellow heydrums fan at one!




Website


http://facebook.com/bintheband 
http://bintheband.bandcamp.com ​