1.    What first inspired you to become a drummer?

 I would have to say that the thing that first inspired me to become a drummer was probably the drum kit itself. I think it was the first time I laid eyes on a drum kit, with all the shiny cymbals and numerous sounding drums I later discovered were called toms. The first time I saw a drum kit played live was back in my early days in year 7. I saw Damian Corniola play for a school gala at Hamer Hall (Melbourne Arts Centre). From that point on I knew I was one day going to play the drums.

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

There have been many things that I have learnt along the way that have helped my development as a drummer. Probably the greatest thing that has helped me as a drummer is the notion of playing without thinking. Improvisation has been a major part of my playing and will continue to be. Many people, particularly non-musicians, can’t seem to grasp the idea. The analogy used by my drum teacher is that improvising and creating new music is like having a conversation. Rarely in conversation do we have a preconceived idea of what we are about to say. The same applies for drums. The most amazing thing about improvisation is when you get to the point where you have to go back and learn your own licks.

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

It’s a bit unfortunate that the band I’m currently in has never had the complete line-up. The only two permanent members are myself and my guitarist, who have known each other for 10 years. We’ve been through a number of different bass players without much luck and vocalists seem to be very hard to come by. The main problem we face is nobody out there seems to have the commitment to really want to try and make it in the music industry. Technical ability is not as necessary as having a musical ear. So our band recently has been out of action, with both me and the guitarist working and also studying full time at university. But we’ve now purchased some recording gear and are looking to start creating an instrumental demo.
The only thing I could plug is if anyone is interested I posted a drum cover of Lateralus by Tool on YouTube. It’s not perfect but I was reasonably happy with it. The direct link is http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCxs8gzkhfk

4.    What gear are you using at present?

At the moment I currently play a 5-piece TAMA Rockstar with an array of different cymbals. I have Meinl MB20 Hi-Hats, 18” Meinl MB20 China, 18” Sabian Studio Crash, 16” Paiste 2002 Crash and a 20” Meinl Soundcaster Custom Ride. Hopefully soon I will upgrade my kit to one of the TAMA Starclassic kits. Skins are Remo Pinstripes on top and Ambassadors on the bottom.

5.    What would be your dream gig?

My dream gig would probably be playing to in access of 6000 crazy fans that have all come to see us do our thing. There is no greater feeling in music than the feeling of pushing out positive energy into a crowd and receiving that same energy back with interest. But in the end I think the fulfillment of playing in a band and creating music is unequivocal. It doesn’t matter if you’re playing to 1 or 10,000 people, your doing what you love.

6.    Favourite drummers and/or bands and why?

My favourite drummer at the moment is Danny Carey from Tool. Some of the things he has created in Tool’s music is so unique and imaginative. He has an incredible grasp of the notion of spirituality and playing without thinking, ultimately evolving into one of the most creative drummers i’ve ever heard. His work in and out of the tool environment is simply awe inspiring to me. But I would have to say that the biggest influence in my playing would have to be from Mike Portnoy from Dream Theater. His creativity in the side project Liquid Tension Experiment was the first piece of music that got me heavily into progressive rock. I still remember when my guitarist first introduced me to Acid Rain and I remember being absolutely blown away by the dynamic nature of the music. With progressive rock and Dream Theater came constantly shifting time signatures which is really what drew me to such style of music. Other bands that I love include Pink Floyd, Cog, Led Zeppelin, Pearl Jam, Muse, A Perfect Circle, Metallica (more specifically old Metallica), The Living End, Rush, Silverchair, Coldplay, Iron Maiden and then some. All bands I try and drawn on various elements their playing.