Hey guys! Before we get started, let me tell you a little about myself and where I'm coming from.
My Name is Justin Pohlmann. I've been playing drums for over 11 years and have had the honor of sharing the stage with some great musicians! I've had the opportunity to play hundreds of shows, open up for national acts, and record three different albums with my former band Considered Rubbish (you can download the last album for free here: www.consideredrubbish.bandcamp.com).
I currently play drums for a band called "The Trust Project", play at my church on Sunday mornings, and fill in with some different bands whenever they need me.
These blogs will hopefully be able to shed some perspective on what it's like to be a gigging drummer (how to prepare for gigs, how to get gigs, etc...). I will also post lessons and things I've been working on from time to time and try to answer any questions you guys have about being a working drummer.
Ok, enough about me...on with the show...
My Name is Justin Pohlmann. I've been playing drums for over 11 years and have had the honor of sharing the stage with some great musicians! I've had the opportunity to play hundreds of shows, open up for national acts, and record three different albums with my former band Considered Rubbish (you can download the last album for free here: www.consideredrubbish.bandcamp.com).
I currently play drums for a band called "The Trust Project", play at my church on Sunday mornings, and fill in with some different bands whenever they need me.
These blogs will hopefully be able to shed some perspective on what it's like to be a gigging drummer (how to prepare for gigs, how to get gigs, etc...). I will also post lessons and things I've been working on from time to time and try to answer any questions you guys have about being a working drummer.
Ok, enough about me...on with the show...
So, you've been practicing your butt off, gotten your chops up, driven your parents and neighbors completely crazy practicing for hours on end, practiced your best rock-n-roll face in the mirror (you know you have!), and maybe even gotten a band together. Now that you think your ready for the world of being a gigging drummer, let's take a look at what that looks like. It's going to sound scary so get ready.
WE GET TO BE THE FIRST ONES TO PRACTICE\SHOWS
WE GET TO BE THE LAST ONES TO LEAVE PRACTICE\SHOWS
WE GET TO HAUL THE MOST GEAR AROUND
WE TAKE THE LONGEST TIME TO SET UP AND TEAR DOWN
WE GET TO CONSTANTLY BE THE BUTT OF DRUMMER "JOKES”
WE WILL GET ASKED "CAN'T YOU JUST PLAY SOFTER?" (My personal favorite)
OUR GEAR COSTS THE MOST TO UPKEEP (sticks and heads cost way more the guitar strings!)
AND WE HAVE TO PUT UP WITH LEAD SINGERS AND GUITARISTS WHO THINK IT’S AWESOME TO JUST COME RIGHT UP, GRAB YOUR CRASH CYMBAL AND SPIN IT ON THE STAND!!! (that drives me nuts!!)
AND IF YOU EVER HAVE THE "PRIVILEGE" OF PLAYING IN A BAR, YOU WILL UNDOUBTEDLY GET DRUNKEN REQUESTS TO PLAY "WIPE-OUT"...ALOT...ALL NIGHT....
Add all of this together with hours of practice time, little to no pay, and constantly getting asked to learn new songs at the last minute and you've just about got the idea of what it's like to be a gigging drummer.
WE GET TO BE THE FIRST ONES TO PRACTICE\SHOWS
WE GET TO BE THE LAST ONES TO LEAVE PRACTICE\SHOWS
WE GET TO HAUL THE MOST GEAR AROUND
WE TAKE THE LONGEST TIME TO SET UP AND TEAR DOWN
WE GET TO CONSTANTLY BE THE BUTT OF DRUMMER "JOKES”
WE WILL GET ASKED "CAN'T YOU JUST PLAY SOFTER?" (My personal favorite)
OUR GEAR COSTS THE MOST TO UPKEEP (sticks and heads cost way more the guitar strings!)
AND WE HAVE TO PUT UP WITH LEAD SINGERS AND GUITARISTS WHO THINK IT’S AWESOME TO JUST COME RIGHT UP, GRAB YOUR CRASH CYMBAL AND SPIN IT ON THE STAND!!! (that drives me nuts!!)
AND IF YOU EVER HAVE THE "PRIVILEGE" OF PLAYING IN A BAR, YOU WILL UNDOUBTEDLY GET DRUNKEN REQUESTS TO PLAY "WIPE-OUT"...ALOT...ALL NIGHT....
Add all of this together with hours of practice time, little to no pay, and constantly getting asked to learn new songs at the last minute and you've just about got the idea of what it's like to be a gigging drummer.
Then why do it?
Because we get to play drums!!!! Drumming is fun! When you lock into a groove, the band syncs up and everything is rocking you will know that, despite all of the hard work and long hours, it is totally worth it!!
This is just a sample of what you guys can expect while being a gigging drummer hope you guys found this helpful. Next time we start talking about the importance of groove!!
Thanks for reading!
-Justin
Because we get to play drums!!!! Drumming is fun! When you lock into a groove, the band syncs up and everything is rocking you will know that, despite all of the hard work and long hours, it is totally worth it!!
This is just a sample of what you guys can expect while being a gigging drummer hope you guys found this helpful. Next time we start talking about the importance of groove!!
Thanks for reading!
-Justin
NOTE FROM SHANE.....
Justin and I have been friends for over twenty years. We met in kindergarten and became rock stars together before heading separate ways after high school. While I became a teacher and live a life in the suburbs, I secretly live out my rock star fantasies vicariously through him. I am glad to have him on board as a guest blogger at stickandstrum and know that he will teach and give insight into areas that I lack. Feel free to post comments below and ask any questions that you have about gigging, recording, or life as a professional drummer.
(the song playing is "With Me" by Considered Rubbish featuring Justin Pohlmann on drums. You can download the entire album for free here)
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