Kevin Holmes - Drummer with The Kerbs

How did you become a drummer?

It’s crazy! I always found myself tapping to songs as a child! I never knew the lyrics but I knew the drum beat kinda thing! My friend Mark (singer for the Kerbs) had a drum kit when we were young and he was asked to play drums in a band a few of the lads were setting up. Anyways, over night Mark had a change of heart and decided to be a singer instead. When they asked him “who’s playing drums so?” Mark said “Kevin will”. So I went home and learned "Nothing Else Matters" by Metallica, "Hate To Say I Told You So" by The Hives and "Seven Nation Army" by The White Stripes. I had no kit so I used to tap out songs on my legs and that's how I became a drummer.  

What is your drum set up and equipment?

My preferred set up is one mounted tom, two floor toms, two crash cymbals, one ride and hi-hats.

Because I play primarily in clubs and pubs I decided to go for a full birch Pearl Vision kit I purchased 7 years ago. I use all Zildjian A custom cymbals. My kick pedals are Pearl Demon drive. I use Vic Firth 5a sticks, Aquarian performance 2 drum heads, Audix FP7 drum mics and a Shure SE315 in-ear monitor.

Who are your drumming influences?

If I was to put my drumming influences in the shape of a house I’d have to say Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers) as the foundation John Bonham (Led Zeppelin) as the walls and Matt Cameron (Soundgarden/Pearl Jam) as the roof!

Who would you love to jam with?

To jam with Rage Against The Machine would be awesome! But for sheer craic I'd have to say Chic and Nile Rodgers and I also love jamming with the Kerbs...I suppose have to get that in there!!

What up and coming projects are in the pipeline for the Kerbs?

We are heading back to Attica Audio in Donegal to record two more tracks for our upcoming debut EP which is being released at the end of October. Along with that we have some exciting gigs coming up:

A promo unplugged session in Ballina, Co. Mayo for Other Voices Sep 8th

Whelan’s supporting Deep Sky Objects Sep 13th

EP tour:

Roisin dubh - Oct 12th

Cruisers Foxford - Oct 28th

The Workman’s Club - Nov 5th

JJ Harlow’s - Nov 24th

What advice would you give someone thinking of starting a career in music?

Take your preferred instrument, find some people who like music, learn a few songs, then book a gig! The added pressure of knowing a gig is coming up makes everyone kick into crazy-learning-songs mode, trying to get the 2 hours down! Next thing your gigging! It always worked for me.

Can you tell us your favourite songs or albums?

Albums: Nearly all of the Red Hot Chili Peppers' albums

Ten - Pearl Jam

Superunknown - Soundgarden

Sublime Gold - Sublime

Dave Matthews - Crash

Rage  Against the Machine - Rage Against The Machine

That's about that!

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