1. what first inspired you to become a drummer?

I knew I wanted to play music, so I was going to play sax or guitar, but then I heard Phil Rudd playing with AC/DC I decided It had to be drums for me.

2. anything that you’ve learnt along the way that’s really helped you as a drummer?

I did goju ryu karate for several years when I was younger and I found it to help both coordination and stamina. Patience with yourself when learning stuff, and being patient and compromising when dealing with other musicians is a key lesson I learnt early on too haha and too many metal drummers with chops seem to forget the groove these days... 

3. who have you and/or who are you playing with at the moment and what are the bands movements?

At the moment I’m still playing with metal band Synthesist who are label shopping and preparing their debut full length. I’m also playing in a brand new progressive stoner doom rock band called Worms of the Earth with some of my old In Name and Blood band mates plus a few other dudes who have long been involved in the Melbourne scene. We’re talking to some labels about an album and touring so we’ll see how that goes. In the past I’ve played with bands like PTB, Vile Preaching, The Druid, All Else Fails, and In Name and Blood who toured Australia extensively, released 2 albums and 5 vinyl releases through Trial and Error Records before their demise in early 2007.

Anything to plug?

Keep an eye out for Synthesist’s live shows and upcoming album, and an e.p or album from Worms of the Earth. Also, a DVD of In Name and Blood sold out final show should be available some time in the future through Trial and Error/Stomp.
BUY YOUR SHIT AT REVOLVER DRUMS! It works for me!
www.myspace.com/synthesist   www.myspace.com/wormsoftheearthlovebeerbongs www.myspace.com/innameandblood   www.myspace.com/ashbyism     

4. what gear are you using at present?

At the moment, Pearl Session Studio Birch. 10x9, 12x10 racks , 14x11 hanging floor, 22x18 kick. As far as snare, either my Pearl free floater piccolo 14x3, or my Pearl Vinnie Paul 14x8 (ugly as sin, but sounds great!). Bass drum pedals are Axis. In Synthesist I’m also using an Alesis D4 with Pintech or Roland Kick triggers.
As for cymbals I’m loving and have done for a long time now, the Meinls. 14” Classics Powerful hats, 12” Custom Cymbal shop medium hats, 17” Medium-thin Byzance crash, 18” Medium Byzance Crash, 20” Medium-heavy  Custom cymbal shop ride, 21” Classics Medium ride, 18” Byzance China.

5. what would be your dream gig?

That’s a hard one. I’m into so much different stuff. If you mean a band to playing with, Pantera, Evergrey or Mastadon would be up there, but realistically I’ve been in Synthesist from original inception several years ago when we were kids, and I dig the music we play now like crazy so I’m pretty lucky there. As long as it’s heavy, and maintains melody and soul, I’m keen. I’m really digging Worms as well, as it’s a totally different vibe and gives me more space musically to go off on my own tangent whenever I feel. As long as I’m doing something musically varied I’m happy, that’s why I like doing two projects.  I’d love to do more of a prog band at some stage though, every drummer deep down wishes he was in Dream Theater haha..

6. favourite drummers and/or bands and why?

International..
Vinnie Paul is the man! Dude plays some awesome chops whilst grooving his arse off, all round awesome drummer. Bill Ward, so epic, and so heavy without going overboard. Chris Adler is gnarly and I dig the fact he really has his own unconventional sound and style going on that works for him, Per-Moller Jensen from The Haunted and Jaska Raatikainen from Children of Bodom are two awesome drummers as far as thrash goes so fast yet so much feel. Brann Dailor from Mastadon is a monster player great feel and hand technique. Outside of the metal scene guys like Dennis Chambers, Steve Smith, Stewart Copeland, Jack Dejohnette, Tony Williams, Dave Abbruzzese there is so many haha.

As far as homegrown talent, Dave Haley from Psycroptic the living drum machine. Matt ‘Skitz’ Sanders the minigun of blasting. Gordy Foreman from Mindsnare/Frenzal Rhomb for sheer all round speed and freakish technique. Scott Birnie from Picture the End who brings the brutal groove whilst playing crazy time, and more well known dudes like Daniel Luttick, Magesh, Glenn Roche, my old teacher Garth Thompson etc.