POV: Full Day as a Touring Drummer
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- Опубліковано 29 гру 2023
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I've been a professional drummer since the age of 15. I took it full time at age 19. About 13 years ago, I came off of the road to be home with my family more. That's when I decided to start an online drum school. However, as fate would have it, I'm back on the road and drumming with southern rock band The Steel Woods. The last 16 months have been a ton of fun. Here's is a typical day for me as a touring professional drummer. A pov of what it's like. I hope you enjoy!
Leave a comment below and let me know your thoughts!
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Cymbals: Zildjian
Drums: Rogers
Sticks: Vic Firth 5A
Heads: Aquarian
In Ears: Alclair In Ear Monitors
Lauten Microphones
Earthworks Microphones
I've wanted to reboot the Gigging Drummer series i did from years ago, so here ya go! I've had a lot of questions about my day to day on tour. Here's a peek at that.
Original gigging drummer series: Gigging Drummer: ua-cam.com/play/PL7lhIEq2-30DRH03qUO5xyWyPP9CSMhDi.html
Cool
YES
Would really love to see more videos like this.
Phenomenal video especially since it put some visuals to what you described with your laptop setup. A few more questions come to mind (tech talk on your online drum school in 2024). Thanks Stephen!
Keep comin’ with the giggin’ vids brother. Love em’!
Matt Horn is inspiring every drummer to do these types of videos now, lol!
Love his vids and great concept (although I believe there is a chef he took his inspiration from). I had a gigging drummer series for years and I've wanted to reboot it. This is a way to do that
@@StephenTaylorDrums Glad you brought some of that back, I remember watching those, awesome!
It's a good idea tbh. To be able to look back on this will be nostalgic AF! I'm in a new band and we want to get on the road. I want to film my experience touring
Touring…the dream and nightmare of most musicians… the Adrenalin, the nerves, the thrill, the boredom, the long hours, the crash after the tour. I have to be honest…I wasn’t made for it
Hurry up and wait! Lol...lots of waiting on the road. It's a privilege to get to do what I do but like any job, it comes with its challenges
I like creativity. I never would have thought to modify a lowboy sock pedal into a way to kick your bass drum. Hey. The glamour of it all is why we do it. Good show.
Honestly ever since I picked up the sticks I wanted to play sold out shows and keep in mind I’m a very shy person. I realized what I want to do will come with some challenges but I’m all for it, it’ll make us grow as humans and musicians. Rock on! Keep doing what you love!!!
Yea, I’m a guitarist and been playing for decades but realized long ago that full time music wasn’t for me. I did a different professional career, have the family, kids and love being home, love other passions too (I play a lot of golf). But my career afforded me to play music in an extremely popular local band that does 25-30 shows a year, many less than 2 hours from the house, some 15 min from home. Nearly all are done by 11pm, always back home same night except a couple. My wife loves it, goes to many, does our PR, our son plays drums and I enjoy the heck out of it. My career allowed me to have my own studio and PA system in our home not to mention great health benefits and pension for an early retirement. So there is something for everyone out there! Even if you love music, you don’t have to be a touring “pro” to do some very pro musical things. We play city festivals for thousands of people several times a year, over half places we play provide sound, lights and sound tech. Nothing like an arena pro level tour obviously, but it feels great to me without all the negatives of being on the road. I’d rather sleep in my own home, eat my own food, shower in my own shower, play some golf the next day. It also takes some band management stress off as well like if a gig gets canceled or we want a month off in the summer for vacations, no big deal as no one in our our band does it for the money. Everyone is different though.
Not to mention all the special moments you miss back at home... I toured for about 7 years... and I was on the road about 98 percent of that time.. I have 2 younger siblings and ill tell you what.. those 7 years kind of made us a little distant... I would come home and my sister and brother would have like their own little inside jokes and have their normal routine going .. and I felt like a new kid in school lol... but my family knew drumming is what I loved to do and always wanted To be part of a big band... if you would ask me now if would go back to those days... I'd happily say no.. yes I experienced wonderful amazing moments and visited amazing places that I probably won't ever see again... but being their for those moments back at home is what I wish I can get back... fast forward to 2024... I still play drums every weekend 😊 at church... god gave us these amazing talents and my calling right now is to worship and share the music to his people!
You want pov? You get pov! All the best for the new year! Health and happiness to ya all
Boom.
Happy new year
Thanks for sharing this Stephen! As someone who gigs, I like to know you’re a busy gigging drummer too, so your teaching advice is always anchored in something that works for live performances.
The two def go hand in hand for me
You put in a ton of work on this gig and the video! I appreciate it! Reminds me of the good old days.....God Bless and Happy New Year!
We ain't layin' bricks though...it's fun work. Right back at ya!
You mentioned "not a lot of fireworks when it comes to chops." In other words; PERFECT! A true expert professional, be it a drummer, bassist, guitar player, or singer, serves the song. You said it yourself near the end, and this was is the best advice for ANY working drummer. Here, you locked in with your bassist, gave your audience what they came for, left a little wiggle-room for yourself without being intrusive but true to the song you're playing (those tasty high-hat accents are fantastic ==> No WONDER you're making sure their tight!), and went away with a very happy band, a very happy audience, happy bartenders, and a very happy venue!! And we're just as happy you shared your experiences with us! More, please!
Thanks my friend
The double bass pedal as a back up with the third beater is just genius!!
Ain't my first Rodeo haha...have enough equipment go down and you learn a few tricks
Thanks for sharing this! What I really like is your ghost note play on this amazing sounding snare. What a nice gig and beautiful music. Keep up the good work, you rock!
What I absolutely love about videos like this is that you get to see the difference between the "controlled playing" you usually do in your other videos and when you turn it up a notch or two for the stage. Love the energy, the groove and that snare sounds really good as far as the footage can do it justice.
Yea, I actually consider myself a live player. I come alive when the show hits 🤘🏻
Awesome playing Stephen. Just exactly what the music and band call for. You're a true pro! 🥁❤
Thank you John!
Glad to see a video of you playing live with your band , you Rock my Brother 🎶🥁🎶
Thank you!
Thanks for sharing Stephen! I’ve been a fan of yours as well as the Steel Woods, so this was an added bonus! I hope to catch one of y’all’s show! I’d love to see more content like this too! You’re a true PRO!
Thank you!
Stephen, wow! You're still a class on your own when it comes to creating content, teaching drummers, as well as being a musician.
Thank you!
Love the sound of Steel Woods. Awesome!
That’s cool you’re on tour with them guys. They have some good stuff 🤘🏻🤘🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Good crew
I've been quietly watching your vids for years Stephen and I couldn't believe it when I saw you were gigging with The Steel Woods! It's cool that an inspirational drummer to me is now playing in a band that is very inspirational to the group I'm with now! I loved watching your videos about playing in Nashville and I'd love to see more pre-show/post-show stuff
Thank you my friend. Ill see what I can do!
Glad to see you put this one up. Nice job!
Thanks Marcus! Hope you and the fam are well!
Badass dude!! Thanks for putting this up! Discovered a new band!!
🤘🏻
Great video. So much i can take with me. And you're such a good drummer! You can see it is really a passion for you- Thank you!
Thanks my friend!
Awesome look BTS. Thanks for sharing. Love that 14" rack tom!
Lol, that 14 is a work out!
Thanks mate really enjoyed the video . all the best for the new year .
Thanks!
Totally pro. love it. Your moeller video was a huge breakthrough for me, you made me finally get it. I can't do it well, but I understand the concept after being baffled by many other tutorials. Thank you!
Makes my day to hear that!
That was great! Loved seeing the tech behind your effort. You really captured a feeling here. Who knows, maybe film making is your next stop.
Thanks!
Love watching this stuff as I’m living it!
Thanks!
So I’ve been on drumming video kick and yours popped up. And what a surprise to see two of favorite bands!! I met Johnny at the shed about 5 years ago, and we became fast friends. Been to too many shows to count!!! Them Dirty Roses crashed one my show and took over the stage during a break, great guys on and off stage!!! Loved the video keep up the great work!!!
Love the snare too! 🤘
And love the showmanship!
Thank you!
This is/was absolutely perfect and FAN-F**KINGTASTIC!!! Bravo sir!
I love The Steel Woods!!! I saw you guys earlier this year! Great video.
Thanks!
Great video mate, thanks for sharing. Love these insights
👊🏻
Very cool man, thanks for sharing.
It’s awesome they named a city after Nashville Tuning. Like when the British named a channel island after New Jersey.
great video. i graduated high school a year ago and ive gigging since so this video is greatly appreciated.
👊🏻🤘🏻
Love how u smash those cymbals. Hats sound great open !
Yea, really dig the hats
I really enjoyed this video. Although the "touring life" aspect was fun... I just enjoyed watching the setup. (I'm not good at setting up my kit - so fun to watch the pros do it. The text was a great addition.) And listening to you play was great as well. Nicely done!
Thanks!
Love it! Thanks for sharing this
👊🏻
Thanks for sharing. Good luck.
I’ve been out of town both times you’ve come through my area..Black Mountain/Asheville…Next time for sure! Thanks for all the lessons!
Black Mountain with Brent Cobb and the orange peel in Asheville were both killer nights. Next time!!
Hard to beat the sound of vintage Rogers Drums. Love the wrap too. Thanks for this 1stPOV video!
You bet! Love this kit!
Watching this is visceral, and makes me miss it a lot. Just going about your day and setting up alone is both exciting and satisfying.
Couldn't agree more.
@@StephenTaylorDrums Hey man, I commented a bit preemptively during your video, otherwise I would have added that I also 100% agree with you on the kind of Zen meditative state you get into setting everything up in advance, and taking your time to make sure it's all perfect. It's basically the quiet before the storm. Amazing point of view and enjoyed the video from beginning to end. Thanks brother.
Calm not quiet 🤣
Great video Stephen. Kit sounds great and I play the same way, it's all about the feel ,nuances and raw emotion, mixed with ghost notes etc..although I do let loose at times and show other means of my arsenal but mostly, it's as you described it.
Keep on rocking man. I do miss the road at times but I gig weekend after weekend, playing in two bands, so it keeps me pretty busy and at my age..I still feel the urging hunger to keep growing!!
Yea, wish I could let loose on this gig haha. Just not this gig. It's very much meat and potatoes all the way
You inspired me dude! 🙌🏻 Tomorrow I have a gig and watching your vid made my day! Keep doing what you are doing cuz you’re doing it awesome! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻💪🏻🥁💯
Thanks...and good luck on the gig!
Thanks...and good luck on the gig!
I felt bad for ya eating by yourself. Great video. Your playing servers the song so well. Thanks for posting.
Touring is either intense amounts of time with other people or intense amounts of time alone lol. We all stagger in and eat when we get a chance. Dinner was with everyone and the opening band
One of my favorite bands. Thomas , Mississippi!!
"They still work," after set up 😂😂 Hilarious. Thanks, Stephen!!
This is awesome!! Really makes me want to get back to playing live again. Good stuff dude and hello from from the uk🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🎉
I don't think I could teach if I didn't also play regularly. They go hand in hand for me. Get back out there man!
@@StephenTaylorDrums new band and 1st tour this year, after 20yrs of virtually no live shows as I'd 'only' been doing sessions.... And I get married this year too. Exciting times🎉
Congrats!
@@StephenTaylorDrums 🎉🎉🎉
Cool vid. Thanks for sharing!
👊🏻
Oh man!!..I miss touring!!...that could literally have been me loading in and setting up!..a true brotherhood, my friend!! (Right down to the Sharpie marks on the cymbal stands)
Ha! It's a love hate ya know...you miss it when you're off and miss home when you're out
Aaaaah. I miss playing live..... Keep it up Stephen! Have fun!
🤘🏻🙏🏻
Stephen I am a big fan of your channel. Yourself, RDavidR and Rob Beat Down Brown are my favorite channels. I was super excited that you posted this video. I was at this show and I thought the drummer looked familiar. You guys put on a great show. I really loved how you guys went in and out of songs. Hope you get back to Michigan soon.
Thanks for coming out and for the kind words!
Awesome gig..
Lol you're at The Intersection! I knew i recognized that backstage
Brings me back to the time as a touring soundengineer! 😊
Such an important role in a crew!
Setting up and tearing down one’s own drum kit. That’s when I always dreamed about switching to flute or violin… 😂
Great video, I really appreciate the work you put in here!
Ha!
Steel Woods is an amazing band! I live in Oklahoma City but my first time to see y’all was at Mile 0 Fest on Duvall in 2019, I was blown away. Have been out several times to see y’all since
Thanks for the support!
This video is sick man 🤘🏻
🤟🏻
Attention to detail, love it!
Yep. That hasn't always been my strong point when it came to gear. In my playing ive always been that way. I've tried to really become detail oriented with the gear, tuning, and everything that surrounds my drumming
@@StephenTaylorDrums I get it!
Yep the snare sounds gooooooood :) Now I have to listen to this band :) Also nice feeling I like how you played awesome man :) All the best from Poland :)
Thank you!
Dude, this is awesome and for me brought back some great memories. Once, I got to be the 'drum hand' for an up and coming Toronto rock band who played my high school a very long time ago. I helped with both the load-in and load-out and helped to place cases in front of the drum riser. Then I just grabbed a chair and watch the drummer do his thing. The kit nor set-up was not nearly as elaborate as yours but it was cool to watch. When the drummer was done and before the sound check he saw me watching him and said 'would you like to sit on the throne?' One of the best nights of my life.
The drummer was John Rutsey.
The band was Rush.
The friggin steel woods... this is rad!
🤘🏻
Thx for sharing. 👊🏾😎
🤘🏻
Great video man. Wish I had the experience at least once, just to know th feeling 😅, but i think I'll miss my bed too much. Greetings from 🇵🇷
Ha! Missing the bed at home...that's a REAL thing!
This and Matt Horn's videos are the best.
Love what Matt brings to the discussion
Tanks for share!!!
👊🏻🤘🏻
Awesome content! @matthornsdrums inspiring so much drum pov these days. Love it.
Thanks!
Nice video! Liked this very much!!
Thanks!
Ah man, I'd love to be on a tour. I love the attention to details, especially with tuning/kit maintaining, as I always like to be on my game for life and studio. It's my dream/goal to tour the states too 😍😎 Great video Stephen bud, and greetings from Wales, UK. \m/
I actually love that part of my day. I get to check in on the gear and make sure everything is good. Doing it this way takes no longer and ensures there are as few equipment failures on the show as possible. I haven't busted a head or had any equipment go down mid show on this gig because of it...beyond stick breakage or a cracked cymbal twice over a year and a half.
@@StephenTaylorDrums that's awesome dude 😎 Always best to be prepared, overly so ideally, that way at least if something doesn't go to plan, you tried your best to avoid any pitfalls. Luckily I've never really had many issues live, with gear etc.. Mapex drums and Stagg Cymbals for me is the perfect combo, as they always deliver. Also I'd love to get one of those flight cases that house the entire kit, but I reinforce my hardcases with extra foam lining, so they're pretty bullet proof! 🙃😎 Also I like to use a big setup usually 3up, 2down, so that would be a ball ache for any flight case to house 😂
M ç @@DanMayhewDrummer
I do the same thing with my hi hat clutch on my drums. Always making sure its tight
Old habits die hard haha
Cool video! And regarding quirks, one of my favorite ones I've seen is Jeff Plate from TSO. In between beats during TSO shows he almost always twirls his left stick once.
I have several haha
1.) Been waiting for something like this!
2.) THAT POCKET IN ALL OF THESE YEARS
Thanks man!
Thank you very much, travel on, really enjoyed!
Terrific video! If you do more can I suggest adding more of your experienced inner thought process (dialogue/narration)? If not I’ll support u regardless 😂
I thought about that, but once I started into the vibe it has, I didn't like narration interrupting the flow. I'll play with it a little more
@@StephenTaylorDrums I know what you mean. I liked the inner thoughts typed on the video as it opens the door to what’s going on. Keep on rocking Stephen! Love ur teaching and educating!
Great, solid drumming...
I'm a Bass Player and appreciate a good Drummer, no matter how basic the music is...👏👏👏
Stephen, there’s a company called TnR products that makes True Vibe, which is these foam pieces that go on the rubber arms of snare stands that help keep the stand from choking the Tom or snare. Might help with that Tom stand!
I'll check those out...thanks!
Ha, as a regularly gigging drummer for decades, I can definitely relate to a lot of this. I use that same “not ideal” tom stand and haven’t found something better either. 😁 For those gigs where I have a lot of time to setup, I like to take my time as well and definitely prefer it to those times where it’s a rush and you have about 10 minutes and then it’s go time. Playing backline kits is a whole other level of fun. Over the years I’ve come to enjoy it tho because I get to experience what other drummers do, for better or worse, and the mystery of what it’s going to be like on any given night is kinda fun haha.
Thank you for the vid. Enjoyed it very much. All that setup, holy cow! I'm not a real musician myself, but have always been mystified as to why drum kits aren't more modular in set up connections , mountings, etc. You know, snap on/snap off-that sort of thing. Its still dozens of stands, booms and a thousand wing nuts 🥴
There's just too many companies making too many variations and none of them want to work together to make universal locking systems...that's my thought anyway. But yea, still a lot of setup. Keep in mind, I'm running with a vintage 70s era drum set. So hardware was def not as advanced as it is now
More videos like this one coming up?
Yea...I've wanted to reboot my gigging drummer series for a while now (search my name and that title. Lots will come up). I like this style for it. More to come
Thanks for the video
👊🏻
Great stuff. I don't currently tour but out twice a week usually.
Have you tried the Porter and Davies tactile monitors? Absolute game changers.
Awesome, you seem like such a cool dude.
🤘🏻
enjoyed this. I used to be a road dog, and the life off the stage is a craft in itself.
Oh, it for sure is
I didn’t know you toured with the steel woods. Did you play on their cover of whipping post I love the drums on it. Either way you did a great job
Thanks! The only recordings I'm on are the live videos posted on their you tube channel last year. The Blackbird sessions as well as the acoustic outside sessions
Stephen you are one of my favorite cats, don’t tell anyone. Love you, God bless this camp
Was so good catching up on the road my friend! Until next time!
A good insight into the behind-the-scenes work that goes into your shows…certainly not appreciated by most that see you perform. Regards from another drummer from across the pond. Cheers! 🏴 🇬🇧🥁
Toured for the first time a few months ago. The other guys have been doing it forever. They were prepared for all of the waiting around. I was not. It was painful haha I’ll be styling next time in June though 😎 sounded good man!
Lots of books. I also walk a lot, have a list of Documentaries, and then more books haha
That snare is 🔥👍👍
Love that thing
I caught the steelwoods in Osseo WI last year, but I don't believe that was you there that night playing.
I missed a handful of dates in 2023 due to prior obligations.
@@StephenTaylorDrums that’s okay! Absolutely phenomenal performance from your backup!
Great vid
Cracking your Renaissance Ride 💔
Literally broke my heart. Had to play on it cracked for 3 shows.
@@StephenTaylorDrums oh man I feel your pain, every time you hit it for those shows is a reminder 😔
I have one, it’s my fave cymbal and yeah I try not to hit it too hard
I had the same thing a few years ago with a K Con Hi Bell Dry Ride that I really liked and it cracked on a gig - I was distraught
Save the chops for ya pops. Swim in the feel. 🤘🏻🥁🤘🏻
On this gig, that's the game for sure.
@@StephenTaylorDrumshell yeah man. You sounded killer. 🤘🏻
Excited to see your gigging series return! I just wondered how the audio was captured. Was it through your camera's audio or do you use a separate recording device?
Nope, just strap on a camera and go (gopro)
@@StephenTaylorDrums Thanks! I just bought a Gopro and haven't used on a gig yet. Excited for the results after hearing yours!
I toured for about 7yrs when I was done with high school... the thing I miss the most was the traveling and getting to see all these places and venues and diffrent artists I grew up listening to... but I missed so many special memories back at home... not being able to be there for your loved ones om their birthdays or special occasions at school like my sisters graduation and the passing of my grandpa... yea touring and doing what you love is fun but those special moments at home is what I regret the most. Everyone's diffrent tho!
Yep, you hit the nail on the head. Almost every touring musician I've hung with over the past 20 years echo this. And a lot of them contribute their marriages falling apart, problems with kids, broken family relationships, etc. directly to their touring lifestyle. It's simply hard on your personal life. Hence the reason I came off the road years ago and why I just let this gig go.
@StephenTaylorDrums do you still play drums like in a local band or something like that? I seen your recent video of the slingerland drum.. how is that beauty? Lol
Saw you up near Springfield, Illinois last fall. Thank you so much for taking time to talk with me instead of eating your cruddy salad :)
I guess I would have just thought once you get to the "touring level" of the business, you pretty much have other people do the grunt work for you.
Ha! It was so great to get to hang! I don't mind the grunt work. It's part of my job and allows me to check my gear at a deeper level every day. I think I would still come behind a drum tech for a thorough check and tune.
You are so polite I love it
🙏🏻
Thanks for the behind the curtains look. Enjoyed the walkthru- definitely a younger man's game but really like the idea of playing as much as you do. Just curious, don't need numbers but is a touring drummer's life a profitable one?
It's a living. Just depends on the group, artist, etc.
Being a working/touring musician, these days, isn't all that it's cracked up to be. Your shared experience (this video) pretty much mirrors what I've seen from Rhett Shull's channel (guitarist). I hope it's worth it, both personally and financially. What some people think, is that as a band that can fill Stadiums, everything will be different. The ONLY difference would be possibly having a Drum Tech along with you to set up and tear down. Maybe getting a couple extra hours of "Personal" time to work out somewhere or go for a walk/bike ride. Otherwise, it's the same bus bunks, the same backstage food and the same "hours".
You're right. However, it's MUCH better than it was 20 years ago. A band or artist can break themselves into the market online versus having to relentlessly tour and open for other artists for years before pulling a decent crowd. So it makes 3-4 day runs every week possible with time at home or to just strategically go out. But it will always be what it is. Its a grind on the road, no matter the level you're at and it's VERY hard on your support system (wife, family)
@@StephenTaylorDrums My dad was a working drummer. A little bit different of a life, but a working drummer none the less. His "road time" was spent playing for Tony Orlando, Burt Bacharach, Englebert Humperdinck and Paul Anka along with others.
His "road" trips were primarily going to someplace like Vegas/Tahoe/Reno/Atlantic City (70s/early 80s) and headlining a room for 2-4 weeks. Still living out of suitcase and eating less than optimal food, but at least sleeping in a real bed.
What he, like you and every other working/road musician experienced was being away from Family (there were years he was on the road 9 months of the year). In the 80s, he started working Broadway productions (La Cage, Chorus Line, Fiddler, Cabaret, etc.) and going out on the road with them. Again, 2-4 weeks in a city and then move on to the next one.
It's a GREAT life when you're 22, fresh out of "school" and have nothing tying you down. When you have a wife and kids? Not so much.
Yea, that's why I came off the road when I started having kids. My dad traveled a lot. I just like my family a lot haha
Damn, showers at a gig??
all mine ever give me is a stage...
Great vid man, love the channel!
Well...we don't get them every night and sometimes it's just a pipe coming out of a wall, but as long as it's water, we'll make do
I’m getting my first drum kit tomorrow so I’ve just been watching videos on drums for dopamine
YAAAASSSSS!!!!! Congrats!
Bloody tight band
Try the Tama classic Tom stand, it's got the vintage looks and the drum sounds excellent on it!
I'll have to give that one a go
I played drums in a punk rock heavy metal band from 1978 to 1983 in clubs all over LA & Orange County CA, if we had 15 minutes to set up that was a lot. They would run 6 to 8 bands a night across 2 or 3 stages in most clubs at that time.
Oh, I've done those throw and go gigs too. Most of the time on this gig, if it's throw and go, we will have set things up beforehand so we can move quickly. But when given the time, I prefer this method. I get you though...done tons of those gigs. Always an adventure haha