Mervyn Craig - Musician / Designer / Drummer for The Redneck Manifesto

What or who inspired you to take up drums?

I was a complete music fanatic throughout my school years and was pencil drumming on everything for as long as I can remember so I suppose I was always drawn to it from a very young age. I was already playing guitar but what possibly sealed the deal for me taking up drums was my first live gig going to see Therapy? in Dundalk in my late teens. Their drummer Fyfe Ewing totally blew me away and it was shortly after that that I bought my first kit.

Who are your favourite players?

Drummers I was listening to during the early days of playing with the Rednecks probably had the biggest impact on my style and remain firm favourites. Brendan Canty (Fugazi), John McEntire (Gastr Del Sol/Tortoise), Doug Scharin (Codeine/June of 44) and Britt Walford (Slint) were all big influences. Some current favourites are Mark Giuliani, Nate Wood, Alexander Sowinski (BadBadNotGood) and Greg Fox.

What drum gear do you use?

Strangely enough for most of my drumming life I was never particularly into drum gear at all. I originally started out playing guitar so I always thought of myself more of a guitarist who also happened to play drums and only bought guitar equipment/studio gear while just having the core drum stuff needed. In the last few years, I’ve started to get more passionate about drumming and have gone down a rabbit hole of buying vintage drum gear. I’ve always been a big fan of old Premier drums and I’m currently playing a beautiful early 70's Premier mahogany kit in 12”,14", 20" sizes. Premier kits age so well, this one's nearly 50 years old and looks like new! It always amazes me how Premier kits are so overlooked in the vintage market. They’re seriously some of the best made and beautiful sounding drums out there but are always overlooked for the big US brands. I’m currently playing all Zildjian K / Dark K cymbals, I’m probably amassing way too many snares for the amount of time I actually get to play them. Some favourites include a 6.5” 20-ply Pearl Reference,which was my main snare for quite a few years, 5” brass and 6.5” aluminium Pearl Free-Floating snares. I also recently bought and restored two vintage COB snares - a 60’s Premier Hi-Fi and a 70's Pearl Jupiter which both sound incredible. I use mostly DW flat base stands and hardware along with some vintage stands.

Your favourite songs or albums?

That’s a tough one, I have such a wide ranging taste in music that seems to be constantly evolving. Not necessarily all of drumming interest but a few records that’s have stood the test of time for me are Fugazi - In on the Killtaker, John Fahey - Blind Joe Death, The Beatles - Abbey Road, Polvo - Celebrate the New Dark Age and Jim O’Rourke - Insignificance. Some more recent albums I really love are Christian Scott - Yesterday You Said Tomorrow, Szun Waves - New Hymn to Freedom, Skeletons - People and Mark Pritchard - Under the Sun.

What upcoming projects are in the pipeline?

This year (unbelievably) marks the 20th anniversary of The Rednecks forming! We’re doing a show in Vicar St on the 30th November to celebrate and and also launch our new album ‘The How’. It’s our first album in 8 years so really looking forward to getting it out there finally. We also have a second tour of Japan in the works and will be doing some dates around Ireland next year to support the new album too.

What advice would you give someone wanting to take up drumming?

Learn to play rudiments and how to apply them to the kit. I taught myself to play so skipped that enormously important step and struggled with a much weaker left hand for years because of it. Thankfully, with all the amazing video content online these days it has given me a renewed love of drumming so I’ve been actively righting all those wrongs over the last few years. Also, get some decent ear plugs and always wear them when playing. Tinnitus is no fun and your ears will thank you for it, 20 years down the line!

Photo Credit;  Afghaniscan

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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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Jason Feenan - Drummer with TOUTS

Jason Feenan is the drummer with Derry based punk band TOUTS. The band has completed tours and shows with Paul Weller, Liam Gallagher and Blossoms. They are currently doing a load of festivals, SXSW, Reading, Leeds and Electric Picnic. TOUTS signed to Domino Publishing earlier this summer and have released two EPs and a number of singles.

  

Jason, when did you start playing drums?

I started playing when I was 14, I didn't have many friends at that age, so I had plenty of time to pretend to be John Bonham, in the shed. I took lessons with Mickey the Hat, and managed to catch a bit of his, "practice every moment of the day" attitude and that stuck with me. 

What made you want to be a drummer?

Hearing John Bonham made me want to be a drummer and after that I started enjoying the way Stewart Copeland, Stanton Moore, Ian Paice and even my teacher Mickey the Hat played. I love Vinnie Colaiuta, but I haven't a hope of sounding like him.

What are your favourite albums?

Led Zeppelin II, Outlandos d'Amour by The Police, The Undertones first record are all firm favourites. In terms of drumming, Apostrophe and Joe's Garage by Zappa are masterclasses of playing.

What has been your best gig or drum moment?

The best moment I've had so far was either managing to get a drum solo televised on Other Voices last year, or doing a cover of the Auld Triangle supporting Liam Gallagher in an airport hangar in Dublin, the whole crowd singing back the tunes was class, probably was one of the best things I've been a part of.

What drum gear do you use?

At the minute I'm rocking a Premier Elite kit from the 80's, 12" 16" 22"

13" Ufip Custom Class hats;

14" 16" Paiste Twenty crashes;

20" 5 Star Zyn crash ride, it may be cheap but it fills a big hole in the sound of the band.

Photo Credits; Meg Paine & eurockenness festival

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Kevin Foley - Irish Metal/Rock Drummer based in France

How did you become a drummer?

I started playing the drums when I was 5. My parents were always listening to Rock/ Metal music and I was always air drumming to it. They bought me my first kit at this time and I've never stopped playing since.

What is your drum gear setup?

I'm endorsed by DW drums and Paiste cymbals. I use everything DW Drums produces, from PDP concept maple to DW Collector Series. I'm also using Paiste 2002s.

Who are your drumming influences?

The drummers who made me want to play were the classic rock ones, Bonham, Paice, Moon. I grew up listening to them and they're one of the biggest reasons I play drums. I also like more "modern" drummers such as Vinnie Signorelli (Unsane) and Mackie Jayson (Madball, Bad Brains, Cro Mags)

How did the gig with Sepultura come about?

In May 2013, Eloy Casagrande hurt himself while playing in a show in Bourg en Bresse (France). I wasn't at the show, but a friend of mine told the tour manager I could learn the set and play with them the next day, instead of them having to cancel the whole tour. Luckily for me, the manager called me and I joined Sepultura that evening. We jammed in a fan's basement and played the show straight after that. Great memories!

What upcoming projects are in the pipeline?

I'm currently touring in France with a band called Lofofora. We've just recorded and released the first acoustic record ''Simple appareil".

I'm also gonna be touring with the Canadian Hardcore band "Get The Shot" through Europe in the upcoming days.

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

Always be honest to yourself and tour as much as possible. To me, touring is a better way of learning than going to music school.

Can you tell us your favourite songs or albums?

I would say my favourite song is "Against the grain" by Unsane, on their album called Visqueen. Everything is really simple here, but the energy and the sound are immense. Everyone who's into rock music should listen to this at least once.

Black and White photo was taken by David Sanchez.

The Sepultura photo was taken by Dutchpix.

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Thomas O'Brien - Drummer with Deep Sky Objects

Who are your drumming influences?

Sam Fogarino (Interpol) Matt Helders (Arctic Monkeys) Dominic Howard (Muse) and Ralph Rolle (Chic) are drummers that I have huge respect for. Irish drummers like Paul Kenny (Columbia Mills/ James Vincent McMorrow) and Stephen O’Brien (Brian Deady) are also fantastic musicians to watch and learn from.

What is your drum gear setup?

I use DW PDP M5 maple shells with Pearl hardware. I’ve a 22”

kick, 12” rack and 14” floor. I’ve always loved Zildjian cymbals and have a Zildjian K Series 20” Ride, 18” and 16” dark thin crashes with beautiful 14” hats. I’ve recently added the Roland SPD-SX sample pad to my rig and have been introducing it into our live sets a bit more and experimenting with it in the rehearsal room like it’s a new toy.

Favourite albums or songs?

There are a lot of favourite albums but the stand-outs have to be REM’s ‘Out of Time’ and ‘The Queen is Dead’ by The Smiths. Those would definitely be listened to on repeat!

Besides them, some favourite songs, to name a few, would be:

The Smiths – Still Ill

REM – Bad Day

Arctic Monkeys – 505

Morrissey – November Spawned A Monster

Radiohead – Let Down

David Bowie – Ashes to Ashes

When did you start drumming?

I was given a drum set when I was 7 years old and at that time I spent more time looking at them in awe rather than actually playing them! But when I turned 8 and 9 I began to drum more and more. My brother, Kevin, got a guitar at the same time so we began to jam together and eventually formed a band. Since then we’ve been playing together in different bands until myself, Kevin and DD Foley formed Deep Sky Objects.

Current or upcoming projects for DSO?

We released our debut self-titled EP ‘Deep Sky Objects’ almost a year ago and since then we’ve released a single ‘This City’s at War’ in early 2018. We’ve spent some time in the studio recording some more singles, one of which will be released in July. In the meantime, we are gigging like crazy around the country and playing some festivals like Indiependence in the summer. We also have some exciting announcements coming in the winter so keep an eye out for that!

Advice to anyone getting involved in music here in Ireland.

The Irish music industry has bloomed over the past few years. Irish bands are among the best in the world so it’s very encouraging for Irish musicians starting off today. What I would say is try and reach as many people and gather as much exposure as possible, in other words gig, gig, gig!

Photo credits to Jack Deacon and Daniel Brohan 

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Tom Coll - Drummer with Fontaines DC, Be Curious Kid and The Hit Machine

What inspired you to take up drumming?

I grew up in a really musical household surrounded by a lot of trad music and my Dad was involved in the world of pipe bands so I was immersed in rudiments and sheet music from a young age. I got a drum kit when I was 12 and spent my teenage years in my room trying my best to play along to Thin Lizzy and Led Zeppelin tunes. I guess the inspiration to take up drumming was just born out of a love for music and drumming was the only medium that I felt I could express myself through.
I have to mention my teacher Anthony McNamee who really made me feel I could actually do this professionally and prepared me for studying drums at third level.

What is your drum gear setup?

I'm currently playing a Gretsch Renown. I've always loved the warm sound of Gretsch kits and my Renown is nice and deep sounding.

The shell sizes are 22" Kick,12" Rack and a 16" Floor

I mainly play a 14x6.5 Gretsch New Classic Snare with an Evans Heavyweight head to get a nice low crack.

I proudly endorse Sabian Cymbals and Vater Drumsticks and I use a 20" Legacy O-Zone Ride as my main Crash, a 20" HHX Evolution Ride and 14" HHX Evolution Hats.

Vater Fatback 3A's are my sticks of choice.

Who are the drummers that most influence you?

Studying drums at BIMM exposed me to so many legendary drummers so it's really hard to pick which influenced me most. Levon Helm is probably the one that sticks out the most. His sense of just sitting in a groove and playing for the song is class.
I was lucky enough to spend a week learning under Mark Guilliana at the 21 Drums camp last year at Grouse Lodge and he really influenced my approach to improvisation and creativity at the kit. The lad is a genius.
Then there's people like Topper Headon of The Clash, James Gadson, Rob Turner from Gogo Penguin, Adam Faulkner of Girl Band and Matt Helders from Arctic Monkeys who I've definitely been influenced by a lot.

What are your favourite songs / albums?

It changes all the time. I'm listening to a lot of Post-Punk at the minute so bands like The Fall, Joy Division, Bikini Kill, Gang of Four, Savages and Eagulls.
If I was to name a favourite album at the minute it would probably be 'Brutalism' by a band from Bristol called IDLES. It's the most engaging and aggressive new music I've heard in quite a while.
My favourite song is definitely 'The Steady Song' by Republic of Loose. It's a perfectly written pop song from start to finish and the best fun to jam along to.

What current projects are you involved in?

Fontaines DC is my main project these days. We've released three 7" records this year and have a busy summer of European and US dates ahead of us and hopefully the debut album in the very near future so it's been a really exciting 2018 thus far. I also play in a post-rock band called Be Curious Kid and with a great bunch of Dublin drummers in The Hit Machine.

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

I know it's sounds really clichéd but try and be yourself behind the kit. I spent a long time being really demoralised because I wasn't this virtuoso drummer with crazy chops but I think developing your own style of playing and focusing on the aspects that you're good at or you enjoy is so worthwhile. Personality in your playing is the most important thing for me. 

Play music that you believe in, surround yourself by good people and work really hard. That's all the advice I can give.

Photo Credit: Erica Coburn Photography

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James Ryan - Drummer with Big Generator

James, what is your drum gear set up? 

I've always loved Gretsch drums. They make some great kits. Right now, I'm playing a Gretsch New Classic series in Satin finish. Sizes are 12",16", 22". My main snare is a Pearl 12" x 7" Soprano maple. 

All Remo Emperor clear heads on toms and a Remo control sound on the Snare. Evans EMAD on my kick. 

Mainly Zildjian A-Custom cymbals but I've a liking for Paiste's stuff too. Have some vintage Paiste 2002 gear from 1976 on the kit that I'm blessed to own. 

Hardware is all Pearl. I find their gear durable and reliable. I play Pearl Eliminator series double pedals also. 

I use Vic Firth 7A wood tip sticks and Wincent Mallets.

When did you start drumming? 

I started drumming at 13. One of my friend's parents had bought him a drum kit and myself and a few others took turns playing. From that moment I knew it would be something I'd pursue and grow to love. 

Who are your drumming influences? 

So many to mention but around 2010 I became aware of Gavin Harrison and he's been my main source of inspiration ever since. The stuff he comes up with is so well thought out and tasteful that it has improved my playing massively ever since discovering him. I was lucky enough to meet him in 2011 at a drum clinic at X-Music Dublin. 

Besides him: 

Taylor Hawkins (Foo Fighters) 

Karl Brazil (session for Feeder, Robbie Williams, etc) 

Mike Johnston (Mikes Lessons), 

Matt Helders (Arctic Monkeys) 

and last but not least Ash Soan (session for Adele, James Morrison). 

What are your favourite songs or albums? 

Lots of variety. But the albums I'd pick off the top of my head:

Parachutes - Coldplay 

Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not - Arctic Monkeys 

In Absentia - Porcupine Tree 

(What's the Story) Morning Glory? - Oasis 

Anthology - Alien Ant Farm 

Wasted Light - Foo Fighters 

Polythene - Feeder 

What upcoming projects are you involved in? 

At the moment, I’ve just finished up with my current band in Cork and just started with the well known and talented guys in Big Generator as a full time gig. Looking forward to being busy throughout 2018 and beyond. Catch you out on the road! 

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