Keith Walker - Power of Dreams

 

How does it feel to be releasing new music with Power of Dreams?

It feels great! It feels like it’s supposed to be happening. It's not forced or unwarranted and that makes the record (Ausländer) quite special.  Hearing the record now as a full body of work makes me very happy and I think it will resonate with a lot of people.

 

How would you describe your drumming style?

 

I'm a rock drummer by nature, but my style has evolved over the years. Since moving to the US 20 years ago, I've played with punk bands/indie pop bands and electronic bands. Playing different styles of music is very beneficial to any drummer and has helped my drumming a great deal.

 

How have you been coping during the COVID-19 pandemic?

 

I've been coping pretty well actually. I live in Phoenix Arizona, where unfortunately the state has handled it rather badly. And as a result, we are currently in the middle of a second wave. There are still major restrictions on doing most normal activities. I've been very busy thankfully throughout with the recording of the new PODS album; spending time with my daughter Violet, also with the good fortune of experiencing large growth with my e-commerce clothing brand Baby Teith. I'm an optimist and while this is all very strange and disruptive, I see the light at the end of the tunnel.

 

Who are your favourite musicians?

 

Prince is my favourite all round musician, rest his soul.  

 

Drummers : Ringo Starr (The Beatles) Stuart Copeland (The Police) Thomas Hedlund (Phoenix) Larry Mullen Jr (U2) Josh Freese (NIN/The Vandals) 

 

Guitar: Johnny Marr (The Smiths/The The)

 

Bass: Andy Rourke (The Smiths) Kim Deal (The Pixies)

 

Synths: Gary Numan, Trent Reznor (NIN)

 

 

What are your favourite albums?

 

Radiohead - The Bends

The Beatles - Abbey Road

The Smiths - The Queen is Dead

Prince - Sign o’ the Times

The Pogues - Rum Sodomy and the Lash

The Blue Nile -  A Walk Across the Rooftops

Kate Bush - Hounds of Love

Pixies - Doolittle

 

 

What drum set up do you use? 

 

For Ausländer I used a 1968 Ludwig super classic (Pictured) a truly beautiful sounding drum set - I love vintage drums and have mainly played 60's Ludwig sets here in the US over the past 20 years. 

 

Drums - Kick 22", Snare 14" Ludwig Acrolite, 12 Rack Tom, 16" Floor  

 

Cymbals - Zildjian 18" A Custom Crash, Zildjian  14" A Custom Hi-Hats, Zildjian 20" A Custom Ride

 

 

What advice would you give someone embarking on a career in music?

 

Don't be afraid of your own power. Listen to good advice when it's available. Be true to yourself and stay true to your vision. Have fun and when it's not fun, take a break and do something else.

 

 

Pic with Keith On drums photo by Ana Baraza and the other is by Killian Mckeown