S
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December 2008
Hey, Todd!
I just wanted to drop you a line and thank you for the inspiring and musical DVD, as well as the incredible clinic/performance held this week here in Seattle. I was just talking with my friend, Michael Cotta, and we were discussing not only how much fun we had at the show, but also how inspired we were by your playing! Thanks for all of the inspiration, techniques, and for being a cool guy. (Thanks also for signing by baseball.)
Best to you and your family, and just to let you know, I now have another favorite drummer to add to my list: Buddy, Bonham, S. Smith, Weckl and Todd Sucherman.
Thanks, Todd, and we look forward to more educational information and performances from you.
Sincerely,
Corey
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Hi Corey,
Wow....thanks for all of your wonderful compliments. I'm honored to be counted among your favorite players, and your list (myself excluded) are among my favorites as well. Thanks for making it out to the clinic and I'm glad you enjoyed it. Michael Cotta did a great job and made the evening happen. What a great guy!
Thanks for picking up the DVD too. That's my baby....and I'm honored that you've added it to your collection.
I appreciate your note and I hope the DVD continues to spur inspiration in your playing!
Thanks,
Todd
Hey Todd,
We (myself and 3 youngsters) really enjoyed the clinic you did in Salem, OR. You are a true professional in every way! You have a passion for the instrument that stands out above most others. Thanks for the autographs too! Made the kids very happy.
Secondly, I sent your DVD to my brother who is in prison and he wanted to pass on that you have given he and some of his fellow inmates in the chapel music program some moments of true happiness and joy with your gift to them. From them, thanks for a few moments of healing.
A couple of questions if I may...
Being on the road most of the year, how can you possibly find time to satisfy your creative juices? I imagine it to be extremely difficult at times.
You have played with three bass players in Styx. Do you approach your instrument differently with each of these players?
Thanks again for providing us (fans) with such a gift.
Bill
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Bill,
Thanks for your note and for the kind words. I'm glad you and the youngsters came out and enjoyed the clinic in Salem. I'm also touched to hear about your brother and the other inmates enjoyment of the DVD. It's cool to know that my efforts are bringing joy to others in a situation such as that--something I never imagined when making it. Thanks for sharing that information and I wish them the best. On to your questions.....
It can be difficult to satisfy creative juices while on the road. One thing that keeps me fresh is leaving a little room for improvisational moments every night, even playing a similar set every night. As well I have a small section in the DVD in the "Thoughts" section about keeping things fresh that goes a bit deeper into it. As well, a few outside projects help with the creative side. Producing and playing on Taylor Mills "Lullagoodbye" CD, playing on Brian Wilson's "That Lucky Old Sun" CD and doing the DVD "Methods and Mechanics" were all wonderful tools to be creative. Working on all of those (as hard as they were to do) brought a sense of freshness to my live work and vice versa. Now the challenge lies ahead of what to do next!
As far as the three different bass players I've worked with in the band, there is a framework within the songs that must be honored. My approach has been similar throughout the years. However there is a stronger element of improvisation with Ricky Phillips simply because of his facility on the instrument.
OK--thanks again for attending the clinic and for dropping me a note.
Cheers-
Todd
Good Day Todd
This is Randy M. from Sacramento Calif. I manage "RENEGADE" a STYX Tribute Band in Sacramento. Our drummer Mike Gunn and I will be at the event in San Jose Calif. on Nov. 17. Mike tries to tribute you stroke for stroke in our shows, and we look forward to seeing you at San Jose.
Thank you
Randy Meusling
--------------------------------
Hi Randy,
I hope you and Mike enjoyed the clinic. I don't remember you guys coming up and introducing yourselves from "Renegade" so I hope you made it out and had a good time.
Thanks for the note!
Todd
During a typical show what do you have mixed in your ears? Drum wise are you listening to dry drums, or are they wet and how much do you get involved with your monitor mix? As far as guitars/vocals/bass/keys...what do you like to lock into during a show and what do you tend to leave out?
Thanks Again for your time!!
Tim Lee
-----------------------
Hi Tim,
I tend to leave out nothing in my mix. I want to hear everything and everybody. I go for a mix that sounds like a record but with the drums a little louder than would be in a record mix. We all work closely with our monitor engineer to get what we all need. My drums are not dry, nor are they sopping with reverb. They just sound---how I want them to sound! My mix has been a joy especially since switching to Audix mics. They are really incredible.
Thanks a lot, Tim!
Todd
Dear Todd
Hey you're a great drummer. i saw your performance at modern drummer fest 2008 GREAT JOB.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5phPzcsz6eo I was wondering for any tips or things i need to work on.
thanks so much
Aaron C 13
------------------------------
Hey Aaron,
Thanks for the compliments and for making it out to the MD fest. I had a great time that weekend and I'm glad you enjoyed my segment.
Thanks for the youtube clip. The question is really: what do you want to work on? We are what we practice. But the important things are your time, groove and feel. Work wit a metronome (click track) and work on getting a nice sound out of the drums. Work on getting a balance and a consistency of sound between the bass drum and snare drum. If you don't have my DVD "Methods and Mechanics," it would explain far better than I ever could in an email.
Keep up the good work. Enjoy the process of playing and improving. Keep studying! And remember to have fun.
All the best to you!
Todd
Please come to Kitchener Ontario for a clinic!! John Belton at Sherwood Music is the man to see!!! Love your DVD !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Karen........
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Hi Karen,
I don't chose where I go to do clinics. (If I did, Hawaii and the Caribbean would top the list.) Here's how it works:
A music store/dealer contacts the drum/cymbal companies and requests a specific artist. (Me in this case.) They check with my availability and a date is set far in advance. The store then sort of "promotes the show" much like when a band comes through town. So in essence, I have to be invited by a dealer in Kitchener to come there. If I'm never invited, I will never come. I have to be asked to the dance so to speak! So, it's up to you to convince John to invite me. That's how it works!
Thanks for getting the DVD, Karen!
Hope to see you one day in Kitchener.
Cheers-
Todd
Hi Todd.
Just a quick note to say, I bought your New DVD and put it on for the 1st time last night……..AWESOME MAN!!!!! I am going to learn so much from this. Keep up the good work
Thanks & Best Regards
Gary Buckingham
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Hi Gary,
Thanks a lot! I hope you get a lot out of the DVD, and thanks for picking it up.
Enjoy--
Cheers--
Todd
Hi Todd,
I'm Pascal, 34, drummer :-) from Montreal, Canada, actually living in South Florida.
I wanted to let you know how much I found your drum dvd awesome! First, the filming location is Wow! Perfect!! Just like a dream :-) So many drum video out there neglect the idea of putting the viewers in a cozy & comfortable zone ready to absorb new information! So congrats to that choice, it did the work for me! Not sure but, if that's your actual home? The least I can say is that you got great taste!
Adding to the beautiful environment, is your way of expression which I found pretty relax, cool & funny! In fact, after watching the 2 dvd's I realized how bright, generous and professional you are. There's a ton of well demonstrated 'drum tool' and insights all over the 2 disk. I kept interested to the end, which for that kind of length is quite a good indicator of how well it has been produced.
Personally, the parts that I preferred the most are the thoughts section, and the commentary that goes along with some couples of songs. You have a nice & colorful way at describing the parts, which I found really interesting. You know, simple expression that means a lot! It did the trick for me, as I don't have too much experience at composing and breaking down songs!
Cheers to that!! :-)
Ok Mr. see you with Styx in Pompano beach, Florida, Nov. 15 2008 (like in 3 days, Yay!!!)
Au revoir,
p
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Hi Pascal,
I'm just getting your note a few days after seeing you in South Florida! Good to meet you and thanks for coming by to say hello. I had a few friends there that I was just about to say good-bye to so sorry our meeting was so brief.
Nonetheless, thanks for getting the DVD and I'm so happy that you enjoyed it so much. I hope you continue to enjoy it and that it helps spur some creativity in your playing. Thanks, Pascal!
Hope you enjoyed the show too.
Until we meet again.....
Cheers!
Todd
Hi Todd,
Just want to congratulate you on your accomplishments in the world of drums. I truly believe that when one pursues something they love so much, greatness and success is inevitable. You have proven just that. (Not to mention the fun and reward of it all.)
I am 51 and enjoyed the experience of performing drums in bands during the earlier years of Styx. (Side Note: I remember watching Lawrence with Reingold in the clubs here in Ontario, Canada performing covers of Beatles, Queen, etc.)
I was always self taught and “got away with it” only by practicing hard and adding many frills and tricks. Something was missing though. Then I saw Styx live a number of times with you at the drum helm and I must say it changed everything for me. I scooped up your DVD at one of your shows (Fallsview Casino, N.F., Canada) and signed up for formal instruction. It’s like starting over again but the satisfaction of developing a “real” technique, improving speed and feel is invaluable.
Can’t wait until Styx comes to our area again.
Thanks for the inspiration.
John Capuano
Hamilton, Ontario
------------------------------
Hi John,
It's great to get a note like yours. I'm flattered if I provided any inspiration to get you back behind a set of drums. That's great! (I love hearing Larry's stories from the Rheingold days, by the way.)
Sounds like you're on the right track. Get with a teacher (or teachers) and check out DVDs and get to work. But remember to have fun with the process. It's not a race and it's not a contest. Focused practice will yield great results so just be patient as well.
Thanks for getting the DVD and for all your kind words. I wish you much fun and luck on your musical journey! And thanks for sharing your thoughts with me.
Hope we're back in your neck of the woods soon--
Todd
Todd,
Thought I'd send you a quick note to say thanks for being so approachable and extremely cool about signing my copy of Methods and Mechanics at PASIC. I had already witnessed your incredible drumming (and I am not just saying that...I really, really mean it, man) on Styx's Return to Paradise DVD when I read Deen Castronovo's praises in his Modern Drummer article about how advanced your drumming is.
I've got to say, Todd, that your DVD is an amazing teaching tool that I plan on implementing with my students. Thanks for putting together such a great instruction DVD in an extremely user-friendly format. There are tons of guys that can play, but they can't convey information. Other guys can talk very eloquently but aren't great at demonstrating. Your playing and your "yackin'" (as you say in your DVD) compliment each other perfectly.
Anyway, just thought I'd say thanks again for your contribution to the drumming community. Thank you, again, for the autograph and the picture. I appreciate it, man. I wish you the best, Todd.
-Jason
--------------------------
Jason,
My pleasure, man. Nice to meet you at PASIC. And really, thank you for your compliments. They are truly appreciated! I'm happy that you are getting good things out of the DVD....and thanks for getting it.
Thanks again for sharing your thoughts with me, Jason!
See you again. And happy drumming to you--
Cheers!
Todd
Todd,
I had the pleasure of attending your clinic at Columbus Pro Percussion. It made for a GREAT evening. It was certainly a thrill to be able tosee, from just a few feet away, your unbelievable technique on display. I purchased your DVD and have watched all 5+ hours a few times. (Retirement has its benefits.) It is without question one of the finest instructional DVDs I have seen, and as a band director for 31 years, I've seen a few. (Alright, most were on VHS tape not DVD.)
I also picked up the Styx DVD "One With Everything". It too is something all drummers need to see. The "Quake Cam" was pretty cool. What a neat experience that had to be for those young musicians with the Contemporary Youth Orchestra.
I have a few questions for you. First, I noticed that you do a lot of playing using traditional grip. It appears to me that you have your left hand further down the stick (toward the butt end) than most players using that grip. For me that causes the stick to be a little "tip heavy", but it obviously works great for you. Is this something you've always done since you started playing?
Another question concerns how you (and the band) go about learning a song as complex as "One With Everything". That song has several meter changes, including some odd time signatures. Is any of the music written out prior to the entire group starting to rehearse it?
A third question...at the clinic you played along to 4-5 tracks that you had on an iPod. Did all of those tracks NOT have the drums on them, but just a click track? Not that I could ever do "One With Everything" justice, but as a drummer I would love to be able to get studio tracks like that minus the drum parts. On your next DVD, it would be great to include a few "play along" tracks. By the way, I really liked the tracks with your wife. There's some great music there. I downloaded the album from iTunes.
Finally, where did you shoot the DVD? That was a beautiful house and the shots done outside had some unbelievable scenery.
Thanks again for the great clinic. I appreciated very much the time you took after the clinic for pictures, autographs, and additional questions from those in attendance. I'm sure it made a real impact on some of the younger (and not so young) drummers there.
Take care,
Randall Lamb
Newark, Ohio
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Hi Randall,
Thanks for attending the clinic in Columbus. That was a fun night indeed and Jim has a fantastic shop there. I really appreciate all your kind words and compliments---thank you!
OK....on to your questions.......
I hold the stick further back than a lot of people I suppose. When I'm on the snare drum doing anything technical (fast doubles, singles, etc.) I'll choke up a little as the balance point is actually farther up. But for playing time and strong backbeats I go back towards the butt. I just get a strong stroke from there. It's comfortable and it just works for me. And I have the facility to go back and forth, or up and down on the stick---my hand just adjusts on it's own and I'm not really conscious of it. I've done that for years and years.
When the band works on anything new (which we are severely overdue to do) there is never any written notation of any kind at any time. It all comes from playing together, working on ideas that happen spontaneously or someone coming in with a "nugget" idea.
Regarding the iPod, those tracks I have are indeed minus the drums and I have a click track guide in my mix. While I think "play along" tracks for drummers are a helpful tool, I'm in a particular position where I couldn't have those tracks floating around. Most drummers that do "play along" projects write songs for the specific project, record "generic" music, or perhaps they are full composers and owners of the works. I'm not a solo composer, nor do I have full control (rights and publishing) over the tracks I use. With Styx, there are record companies, lawyers and whatnot---and to have works I don't own floating around on the internet and youtube with various drummers recording and filming themselves playing along to the tracks........you see where this goes, right?
The DVD was filmed at a friend's place just outside of Austin, TX.
Thanks for picking up the DVD as well as "Lullagoodbye." Taylor's record is my favorite record I've ever done. It really grows on you with each listen. And thanks again for coming to the clinic and dropping me a note.
My best to you!
Todd
Todd,
I was fortunate enough to catch your performance at the San Jose Drum clinic. I've had your DVD for a couple weeks prior to the clinic. But hearing and watching you perform "One with Everything" and "Anything" live was very impressive. Very nicely done. I've been playing drums since eight grade and am now 48. I was particularly impressed with your double bass work during the entire clinic. Your double bass work was at a blistering speed but remained very precise. Do you have any exercises that you prefer, other than the one you demonstrated in your DVD, to maintain and develop that skill set? Also, are you using the
Pearl Eliminator Pedal?
Best Regards, Bill M
Santa Clara, CA
--------------------------
Hi Bill,
Thanks for making it out to the San Jose clinic--and thanks for all your kind words.
There's not a whole lot I can add that I didn't cover in the dvd, but I suppose the precision and speed just come from doing it. You have to be aware of your strokes and where you put them. Work on ideas slowly and internalize the physicality of what you're going for. Find your settings on the pedals and find your proper seat high--and throne style. Balance is the key and everyone has a different preference but sometimes drummers don't experiment enough. As far as exercises go, perhaps treat your feet like another pair of hands. Do your same routine "downstairs"....and be patient. That's the key.
OK, Bill. Hope that helps a bit. Thanks again for writing and I wish you luck with your playing!
Cheers-
Todd
Todd,
First, let me say that I absolutely dig your new DVD and can’t stop watching it! I keep finding new things that inspire me every time I watch it. This is exactly what I needed as I’ve been playing for 25 years and needed some new inspiration/motivation. I particularly love the story about coming off the road with Styx and then playing a wedding at Café LaCave. I actually was at a wedding at that venue around that time and the band had an amazing drummer that I always remembered. I wonder if it might have been yourself!
Anyways, sorry for such a mundane question but it appears on the dvd that your remote hi-hats above your floor tom are not the 13” AAX that are listed on your website and elsewhere. It appears as if it may be a china and a crash paired up or something along those lines. The sound is precisely what I’m looking for and I would really like to know what you’re using.
Thanks for the inspiration.
Dave Raminick
-------------------------
Hi Dave,
Well, I probably played at Cafe La Cave about 4 times a year from '89 to '96 so it's possible I was there at your function. There are a lot of great drummers in Chicago though.
The listing on my website (and Sabian's) is my live rig which I use with Styx. With Styx I use the 13" Stage Hats in the closed position. In my clinics and in the DVD I use an entirely different set up-- I have a combo of a 14" Mini China and 12" Splash on top---both HHX Evolution series. I call them "Trash Hats." (I talk a bit about the cymbals in the gear section on disc 2.) So there you go! Have fun with them.
Thanks for getting the DVD and letting me know you're enjoying it!
Take care, Dave--
Todd
Hi Todd.
You are great! Thanks for making the DVD. If anyone reading doesn't own it, let me say, buy it! You will never regret it! OK.
Question: On the dvd right after you get off the jazz kit, you play “Together.” On that set up, the china on your left hand behind your hats, What size and Sabian series is it? That’s the sound I’ve been looking for forever. If you don’t mind, tell me about all your cymbals on that set. They all sound great.
Currently on my main set I have 18,20 Paragon crashes (the matching serial number 16 laying on a chair because it don’t match!) , 22 Paragon ride, and an old Sabian 20”ride, 8,10 Paragon splashes, 19 Paragon splash, 16,17,18 Zildjian crashes and a 20 Paiste crash. 13 and 14 Zildjian hihats. I just can’t get happy with cymbals. Someday and thousands of dollars later I’ll match them all. It’d help so much if you told me about yours because you did a great job and you have a lot more opportunity to experiment than I.
Keep living the dream!
Tim
(a moment later.......)
I found the link on your page to your set up. Thanks anyway! Keep up the great playing and live the dream!
Tim
-----------------------------------------
Hi Tim,
Sounds like you just got most of Neil Peart's set up with the Paragons. If you make it all the way near the end of disc 2 on the DVD, I'm pretty sure I rattle off all the cymbals in the "Gear Section." The 17" China over my hats is an AAX Extreme. The other is a 19" Paragon. This set up (that I used on the DVD and drum clinics) is not what is listed on my site, or Sabian's. That's my live road rig---I use a different set up for different things I do.
Thanks for getting the DVD and thanks for the compliments!
Cheers-
Todd
Hello Todd,
My name is David Outzs ( pronounced "oots") and I was in attendance at your clinic on Monday night. By, the way, I was the guy on crutches if you recall. I want say thank you for such a great job you did. Your performance, attitude and messages were all top notch! Turns out we have a mutual relationship with someone. That being Lewy Stix. I met Lewy through eBay. I sold him a Tama connecting rod for the Iron Cobra Double pedal. I had an extra, which actually I ordered from Tama thinking I was going to be able to extend the length of my linkage so I could position the pedal to the left, outside of my hi hat stand. But it didn't work out that way, so I had this extra. I sold off my Iron Cobra and had forgotten about the extra rod. Came across it and ended up selling it to Lewy. Lewy speaks very highly of you and after seeing you Monday night I can understand why. I picked up your DVD (which trying make time to get started on today) and a couple pair of your sticks. I must have 30 different makes, models and sizes of sticks. I do subscribe to which stick is appropriate for this song / genre philosophy, but I am also in search of the "perfect" stick for me. The fact that your stick is maple and how you described that it doesn't shred, instead it dents intrigued me. Also, I like a light weight stick. To quote you; "You are playing the stick , not the stick playing you". I've messed around with them a bit since Monday and I must say they are sweet. You also mentioned how, when they do break, they just snap in half as opposed to shearing down the length of the stick. I should have hobbled over to the kit after the show and retrieved the pieces of the stick you broke during "Wanted Man" for further examination, but that is in hindsight now.
Anyway, thanks again for a great evening. Also, by the way, I absolutely loved the Taylor Mills track you played. A beautiful song sung by a beautiful women with an extraordinary, sultry, emotive voice. Plus, I'm a sucker for tribal style tom tom work which is one my requested specialties as well. Lewy asked me to say hello to you, Chianti at Ponchos and such. I told him no more band-aids because of your new stick. He's busy chopping firewood today. I'm in California (SF Bay Area) and it's a balmy 68 degrees today.
Stay warm, keep rockin' and do keep in touch if you can. it would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks again.
All the best,
David Outzs
-----------------------
Hi David,
Thanks for the lovely note. I hope you are healing up nicely!
I appreciate you making it down to the clinic and I'm so happy many of the things I said resonated with you. I'm glad you dug the playing, tunes, and sticks! Yeah, they just work for me, those sticks. They are not for everyone but I think that it fills a unique void in the market and it's what some folks (like myself) have been searching for. I hope they continue to feel good in your hands.
I'm glad you dug the Taylor Mills tracks. If you are interested in hearing more clips from the record or picking it up you can do so at Taylormillsmusic.com. It's a record that couldn't be nearer or dearer to me.
OK, man. Give my regards to Lewy and thanks again for your kind note. Heal up and get those feet working...and see you next time.
Cheers!
Todd
Hi, was wondering what the new prototype ride you have is all about? Also, why so many rack toms?
----------------------
Dear______,
I really don't know what that cymbal is other than "Prototype." I saw it at Sabian's LA office, played it, asked for it, and took it home. It's a 20" almost like a raw bell dry ride, but it's very different. Great definition, killer bell, great wash. And I'm normally a 22" guy. The toms? I just use what I need for the gig. If you get my DVD you'll see me spend a lot of time on a four piece.
Cheers-
Todd
Alright Todd, I just found your website mate, WOW!! I am blown away! What a collection!! I haven't had enough time to digest what I'm looking at, think I'll need a few weeks! Anyway, I love your vintage Sonor kits, which do you prefer, the Sonorlite or the Phonic? Do you know if it is Santos Rosewood Veneer?
All the best,
Affy
-------------------
Hi Affy,
I love all my drums equally as if they were my children........
Really, they all have their special vibe, sound, and feel. I don't think it's Santos Rosewood. Although there are maybe 20 (or more) varieties of Rosewood, I've seen Bolivian Rosewood that looks similar to the old Phonics/Lites.
Thanks for the note--
Cheers!
Todd
Hi Todd,
Here's a highly technical question for a change...What are those shoes you're wearing in the DVD? I noticed you were wearing them at the clinic in San Jose as well. And no, I don't have a foot fetish. Enquiring minds just want to know these things. Thanks for your great playing!
-Steve
----------------------
Hi Steve,
They are old Sketchers. Sadly they don't make anything like those anymore. I have 3 pairs and they have seen better days!
Thanks for making it to the clinic--
Todd
Hi, Todd!
I was wondering if you guys have any dates planned for May 22-23 of next year. My birthday is on the 22nd, you know, and I'm already making plans to see you where ever you're going to be! :) (Unless y'all are going to be recording a new album then... I'll be willing to miss a show on my birthday in anticipation of a new album! :D)
Hope you and Taylor are doing well...
~ Ciana
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Hi Ciana,
I'm not sure where we'll be as I don not have my schedule anywhere near that far in advance now. But we're supposed to be out in May. Keep your eye on Styxworld.com.
Cheers!
Todd
