1. what first inspired you to become a drummer?

Believe it or not my mum made me start when I was 11, I imagine she regretted her decision for a few years afterwards.

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

a. Playing bass in a blues band and a bit of guitar helped me get wise to what a drummer should be doing, though applying it to my own playing is another story.

b. If you learn something new that feels uncomfortable or wobbly, don't force it, let it develop over time and naturally internalize it.

c. No matter how good you think your time is, it's never good enough so make sure your metronome has fresh batteries.

d. Most people put in 8 hours of work a day, so when you don't have a gig, you ought to be spending at least a fraction of that time practising. I wouldn't trust a doctor who faked his way through med school so I don't expect people to work with me if I'm slacking.

e. Understand a bit about the culture and roots of drumming. Did you know the Chinese invented toms? (seriously!) The deeper your understanding of the drums, the better your playing will be.

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

I was in a band called the Shine a long time ago. In Beijing, China I've drummed and recorded for cult band Sand, rock bands Skyscraper and Handsome Black, and played blues bass with Black Cat Bone. I'll be working with Skyscraper again in the near future. Here in Melbourne I'm playing with the Mike Meston Quartet and the Jesse Mac Trio, both of whom can be seen around the Northcote/HIgh Street scene. Also playing wedding/corporate gigs with a band called Quince, so if you know anyone with wedding bells on the horizon you know where to go for music. The beauty of wedding bands is they pay and feed well and if you choose carefully you can still play some good music. Too many musicians are ashamed to take certain gigs, but it's still music and it beats working in an office. Why not make someone's special day a bit more special?

4. what gear are you using at present?

Ludwig Classic Maple, 8X10", 8X12", 12X14" (on legs!!), 16X22". Ludwig and Mapex Black Panther snares, Z20" ildjian K Custom Dark and Bosphorous Stanton Moore rides, Zildjian 17" K Dark crash cymbal, 14" Zildjian old A top/K bottom hats. Also on occasion using a special pair of hats made by a friend in China for gigs where I need more cut.

5. what would be your dream gig?

To be honest, it's a blessing to get any gig that pays you well and allows you to make good music with people you like. If I had the chops I'd like to play with McCoy Tyner, one of the last great jazz players of the Coltrane era. I'd also love to play with Tom Waits and the Mahavishnu Orchestra in the Birds of Fire stage.

6. favourite drummers and/or bands and why?

Ginger Baker - great feel, great musicality, one of the most misunderstood drummers ever.
Elvin Jones - mix of primal drive and intellect, and a great link to the African roots of drumming.
Max Roach - complex but in a musical way that's easy to relate to.
Steve Jordan - elusive quality in his groove that we often neglect to find in our own playing.
Toby Larsson - a Swedish friend of mine whose drumming you can't help but like.

http://www.myspace.com/jeremyli