Monday 23 October 2023

Cian Doherty, Drummer with The Burma


How did you get started with drumming? 

My family are in the Music Business so I've been around Music my whole life. I started playing at 17, which I guess was a bit late in some ways. My parents got me my first kit for my 17th birthday and it was all up from there! After 3 months I had my very first gig playing with my brother at a school show. I loved it and haven’t looked back since. A month or two after that, I was lucky enough to see Chad Smith at a really small master class in Dublin and that took my motivation to play to another level.

 

What type of drums do you prefer to play? 

I have two main kits that I use -  a Gretsch Brooklyn which is nice and compact and a bigger Ludwig Classic Maple. They’re two beautiful and very contrasting kits. I chop and change between both of them all the time. My go to snare is a Ludwig Copperphonic 6.5x14 and my cymbals are all Istanbul Agop. They’re incredible cymbals and usually if I get a comment from somebody about my gear after a gig, it’s about my cymbals.


Who are your favourite drummers?  

Steve Jordan, Chad Smith, Carter Mclean, Aaron Sterling, Dave Elitch, Steve Gadd & Graham Hopkins. 


What songs / albums inspired you the most?

John Mayer - Where the Light is Live in L.A

Skinty Fia - Fontaines D.C

Daft Punk - Random Access Memories 

Eminem - The Eminem Show

Starboy - The Weekend 

What’s your favourite The Burma track? 

Our newest single “Holiday”


What advice would you give to someone who wants to start playing the drums? 

Find yourself the best teacher you can. Learn from people who know what they’re talking about. My first teachers were Danny Byrt and Fionn O Ceallachain and they were a huge part of why I went down the path that I did and got me to where I am today. A good teacher can help you progress on the instrument at a much quicker rate. Also record yourself constantly, even just with your phone. Listen back, make adjustments on what you like, or don’t like and repeat. 

Play with as many people as you can and prep for each gig you have even if it's a familiar or easy gig for you. There's always room for improvement and the attention to detail won't go unnoticed.

Photo Credit: Ciara O'Toole

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