Karima Dillon EI- Toukhy - Drummer with Montauk Hotel

Montauk Hotel, a 4 piece band based in Dublin, have been garnering a lot of attention, particularly after the release of their debut single 'Black Dress' back in January. We decided to ask their drummer Karima Dillon EI-Toukhy some questions. 

Irish Drummers;  Karima, how did you get started?

I took a term of lessons when I was about 17 years old. I learnt the basis of a few different time signatures and a few simple fills. I didn't have my own kit to practice on, nor access to one, so I didn't continue with the lessons, even though I enjoyed them. It was too frustrating not being able to put what I was learning into practice! Fast-forward 12 years and I'm studying music production. We were encouraged to record each other for class assignments, and the odd time a drummer was needed I stepped in. When I was invited to play with Montauk Hotel last year I didn't know what to expect! But happily for all, my style of drumming seemed to fit the style of the band and that’s where I'm at now!

Irish Drummers; Who are your drumming influences?

Mike Joyce and Larry Mullen Jr– straight-up, down-to-earth, honest drumming.

I would also take some influence from the drumming of Keith Moon (The Who), Gordy Knudston (The Steve Miller Band), John Bonham (Led Zeppelin), Phil Rudd (AC/DC), Frank Beard (ZZ Top), Ron Hurst (Steppenwolf) and Jim McCarty (The Yardbirds).

There are some local drummers such as Kenny Doran who have been a personal influence on my drumming. Also to mention that Ronan and Oisin from Music Maker have been really helpful and supportive of my trying to get my drum bits together and sprucing up my kit!

Irish Drummers; What is your drum gear setup?

I have a standard kit with 2 rack toms, although I use the floor tom the most. It’s a Pearl kit, a Gretsch snare, Paiste crash cymbals (16 and 14 inch) and a ride, with a great tone. I also have a pair of Zildjian hihats with holes in them, which give a clean sound.

Irish Drummers; What are your favourite venues?

There are some fantastic venues that we have played in but if I had to pick a favourite it would have to be the Whelans stages. Great overall sound and we've had the best monitor mixes there – which is always helpful when playing live!

Irish Drummers; Can you tell us your favourite songs?

There are so many to pick from but when I joined Montauk Hotel they gave me their influences of The Smiths, The Cure, Roxy Music and The Pretenders. Listening to these helped to develop my style of drumming to suit the sound of the band. 

Irish Drummers; What upcoming projects are Montauk Hotel involved in?

Montauk Hotel released our debut E.P. in March with a sell out gig in Whelans. So the next few months we are focused on promoting the E.P. with gigs in The Grand Social and Sin E, as well as the festivals this summer. Our E.P. is streaming on Spotify and Soundcloud and available for download from our Bandcamp too!

Photo credits; Mark O'Connor & Tiberio Ventura