Derek Roddy here!

[Mr. Pasquini]

Hey Derek,
I wanted to ask what was the deal with "Blotted Science", Rob Jarzombek's band. I saw that you had played with them but left. Apparently Chris Adler also had joined but dropped out. I am enjoying their music, though it seems to be that "technical for the sake of technicality" type of music. Why did you leave?

Thanks,
Ian Pasquini

(sorry for any incoherence)

[Derek Roddy]

Well, I was never a "member" of BS so I didn't "leave".
He asked me if I'd like to be a part of it.
I asked a bunch of questions....ones like "can i play my own drum parts", "do I have creative freedom", "Do I have creative input"?

He said yes to all those questions so I thought to myself...wow, this will be cool.
As I started learning the material...he started to knit pick things about the parts....asking if I could "play it more like the drum machine parts" he had created.
I wasn't straying too far from what he had...I was just putting my touch on things.
Well after 6 months of him asking me to "play more like the drum machine"....I sent him a e-mail with my fee and what I wanted up front, to continue....
I didn't hear from him again.

Cheers.
D.

[Mr. Pasquini]

Well, I was never a "member" of BS so I didn't "leave".
He asked me if I'd like to be a part of it.
I asked a bunch of questions....ones like "can i play my own drum parts", "do I have creative freedom", "Do I have creative input"?

He said yes to all those questions so I thought to myself...wow, this will be cool.
As I started learning the material...he started to knit pick things about the parts....asking if I could "play it more like the drum machine parts" he had created.
I wasn't straying too far from what he had...I was just putting my touch on things.
Well after 6 months of him asking me to "play more like the drum machine"....I sent him a e-mail with my fee and what I wanted up front, to continue....
I didn't hear from him again.

Cheers.
D.
Ah, I was just wondering. There's 2 sides to every story. The wikipedia entry I saw just said you joined and left.

Thanks,
Ian Pasquini

[Derek Roddy]

It's funny but, as soon as anyone makes a statement that people are playing together....all of a sudden....they have joined the "band".
Blotted Science isn't even a "band" so there is nothing to join.
When was the last show?
The last tour?
How many hours have the guys spent playing together (I'll answer that...about 6- 8 hours over one weekend).....
That's not a "band"........ that's just dudes jamming.haha.

I like Ron a lot, in fact I'm good buddies with Charlie. And, it's a great record.

I just couldn't see spending all of my time....learning someone else's drum parts...when I was told..... I'd "have creative freedom".
I told Ron that "if I did have that freedom...I would work with him and we could split profits from CD sales"....and I'd ask for nothing. Contributing to "art" is my payment at that point.
As soon as I was asked otherwise.....I asked to be paid, because I would be just performing a "task" at that point.
Ron said he would just look for someone else.

We had planned to start another project in the future though.

Cheers.
D.

[Mr. Pasquini]

It's funny but, as soon as anyone makes a statement that people are playing together....all of a sudden....they have joined the "band".
Blotted Science isn't even a "band" so there is nothing to join.
When was the last show?
The last tour?
How many hours have the guys spent playing together (I'll answer that...about 6- 8 hours over one weekend).....
That's not a "band"........ that's just dudes jamming.haha.

I like Ron a lot, in fact I'm good buddies with Charlie. And, it's a great record.

I just couldn't see spending all of my time....learning someone else's drum parts...when I was told..... I'd "have creative freedom".
I told Ron that "if I did have that freedom...I would work with him and we could split profits from CD sales"....and I'd ask for nothing. Contributing to "art" is my payment at that point.
As soon as I was asked otherwise.....I asked to be paid, because I would be just performing a "task" at that point.
Ron said he would just look for someone else.

We had planned to start another project in the future though.

Cheers.
D.
Cool Cool. I'd love to hear anything you guys come up with!

Oh, I also want to thank you for being so approachable. It's nice to get a professional's point of view and hear their stories; it's hard (for me at least) to relate to a lot of great drummers, you're really doing everyone a favor here.

Thanks again,
Ian Pasquini

[drumsdistortion]

Derek ....my neighbor keeps calling the cops on me for drumming... so i cant practice much...
is there some way to get a big metal concert in front of his door?

im just messing ...
actually im new on drummerworld forums and im glad to see that drummers actually respond to peoples questions!

i do have just one question though..and that is
how did you first start developing limb independence

[Derek Roddy]

I'll be happy to set up my kit in their driveway!!!!!! Haha.
I like practicing out doors. LoL.

As far as independence......start simple. Don't try to start with double para diddles against flam taps on anything like that.
I started, getting use to the motion of moving back and forth between the BD and Hi Hat pedals playing a very slow double stroke pattern. Each sound source gets 2 hits....k,k, h,h k,k, h,h, etc... now just try to play time over it. Once you get that then move on to another simple rudiment....such as a para diddle between the BD and Hi Hat.

Start there and see how you do.

Hope it helps....cheers.
D.

[drumsdistortion]

thanks a bunch!

also heres a really bad video of my band covering master of puppets!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ewFyc2rGv_U
theres a drum solo in there before the clean section...the beginning starts off rough because they turned the monitors off!
the bastards!!!!
well lately ive been practicing harder stuff like decapitated and all that remains.
if you do have time let me know what you think =-)

thanks a heap!

[AlexMorris]

I gotta say Derek you've been a great influence to me lately on the metal side but also for independance still got buy one of those foot cowbell things for the clave patterns in your book and get more time to practice but hey im slowly getting better : D hope to see you at a clinic or gig one day (anychance you'd ever come to Paris?doubt it though) Anyways thanks for all the videos on youtube which teach me and the book ofcourse, and then having the time to come on here and answer.

Alex.

[dale w miller]

It's funny but, as soon as anyone makes a statement that people are playing together....all of a sudden....they have joined the "band".
Blotted Science isn't even a "band" so there is nothing to join.
When was the last show?
The last tour?
How many hours have the guys spent playing together (I'll answer that...about 6- 8 hours over one weekend).....
That's not a "band"........ that's just dudes jamming.haha.

I like Ron a lot, in fact I'm good buddies with Charlie. And, it's a great record.

I just couldn't see spending all of my time....learning someone else's drum parts...when I was told..... I'd "have creative freedom".
I told Ron that "if I did have that freedom...I would work with him and we could split profits from CD sales"....and I'd ask for nothing. Contributing to "art" is my payment at that point.
As soon as I was asked otherwise.....I asked to be paid, because I would be just performing a "task" at that point.
Ron said he would just look for someone else.

We had planned to start another project in the future though.

Cheers.
D.You would believe how many times I've been through the same thing. I call the patience we need as learning to play nicely with others.

As a non-song-writing drummer I have found myself in various musical situations often lead by someone else. I recognize the power that the song-writer has, for without the songs, there is no music to play. At the same time, Like most of us I play music to express myself. In turn I hope to make that song-writers songs come through while showing an invaluable piece of myself inside of it. Now of course freedom has existed in a lot of my situations, but the general respect and attribute of a side player is just that, they are on the side, replaceable. As a result I find myself playing with 3 to 5 acts at a time getting different emotions from each situation dedicating myself to no one.

The problem is the true essence of a democracy in bands rarely exist. Outside of various side projects and recordings, I must say not even half the acts I have played with have had a balance of power. This balance can only happen when there is complete respect for all other members as artist and the love that no one else could play this song the way that that band member does. An irreplaceable role that only the classic bands such as Rush, Led Zepplin , The Beatles, R.E.M.,The Police and U2 seem to have. Can you imagine no Peart, Bonham, Harrison, Summers or Clayton in any of these bands. Sure they may have wrote a few songs here and there, but for the most part they were the core in bringing the magic across from another song-writer’s material.

Now I am not the only one frustrated in this situation. I remember watching a video released by Sting made during the rehearsals of DREAM OF BLUE TURTLES album. At the time Branford Marsalis was a fairly unknown yet talented horn player playing with Sting, and in a conversation with the manager he asked why he was not receiving the same pay as Sting. The manager puts it bluntly saying without Branford the band gets another horn player; without Sting there is no show. Point taken, Branford plays with Sting another couple of years. This is until he established himself enough to not need the legacy of Sting to have a well known band. Sting in turn received no loyalty, and to wonder what that act could have created in the same realm of The Police is still unknown.

Now Sting had this power because he is a respectable artist with great songs, but also because he is established in the business and the problem of money does not exist. This is not true with most bands in the world, for most original acts do not make any where near that kind of cash nor have that much success to make those kind of demands.

What I find in this business is many song-writers stepping over his/her boundary by trying to declare what everyone else in the band should or should not play or at worse, even wear. Now this can work, many acts such as Lenny Kravitz, Beck, and various Hip-Hop/Dance producers have done it. But for the most part not all song-writers can play/program all the instruments as well as an individual player, let alone know that individual enough to know what they look good in.

So what’s the result? Not a positive one. Without the choice to express ourselves freely,imagine if all us so-called side musicians demanded to be paid for all the rehearsals, recording and live shows? There would not be much good music floating around. Not as many independent releases and not as much live music. What we would find is a bunch of even poorer song-writers or a lot of one instrument and vocal base recordings and coffee house shows with songs not reaching their full potential.

This lack of loyalty encourages the replaceable sidemen to play in as many acts as possible, always looking for a better situation and not allowing the majority of the acts to arrive full circle. Whatever these goals may be. The song-writer in turn finds the ever floating rotation of players through his/her turnstile band or even worse playing with players way below his/her ability. These all of course giving the songs and the band no justice, which is why the song-writer should have wanted the power in the first place.

Now I am not talking about the normal constructive criticism and suggestions that exist in all bands. I am talking about the desire for complete control. Why is there a need for this power? The song-writer usually states that it’s their vision, and that the other band members do not hear or think of the songs as much or the same way as they do. Point taken, but I know they do not think of my instrument as much as I do. While they are spreading themselves out, I am concentrating on the ultimate part for my role in the song.

Where does the need for this power come from? Most bands get established through a group effort. Everyone placing their energy towards the goal of being successful. As the nature of the beast the singer and song-writer usually end in the spotlight. People telling them how wonderful they are leading them to forget how they got there in the first place, a team effort.

This whole unbalance of power even helped force the fall of the Beatles. In the video of the making of LET IT BE, it is apparent Paul is unhappy with the players surrounding him. In turn he felt it was his responsibility to tell everyone what to play. Almost to the point where George says to him he will not play on the song if Paul hates what he is doing that much. At one time you even see Paul playing on a few drum tracks.

Not having been there, it is hard for me to judge whether he was right or not. But from what I have seen, though commercially successful, in no way is Paul McCartney’s solo material anywhere near as influential to music today as the Beatles. To think that the true walrus (leader), John Lennon, didn’'t want the Beatles to break-up shows John knew and respected why he was able to create the music he did. It was the teamwork within the players of the band.

Fortunately, not all frontmen/women and song-writers feel the way Paul did. We all know Jim Morrison could of and was encouraged to have had a solo career, but according to various biographies his respect and love for the Doors over ran that. And what about Bono, Michael Stipe or Kurt Cobain?

Gratefully, I have experienced that love in a few situations. So good, that the song-writer would even imagine the style of the band while he was writing the song. Thinking what would he/she play to this?. A few bands, so free, that some songs were written while improvising together. I think highly of those bands and to this day feel they had the most original sound of all the acts I have played in. I just ask if a song-writer feels he/she needs to tell everyone what to play, maybe he/she is playing with the wrong people?

[Big_Philly]

Hey Derek,

When asked how to learn fast double bass playing your reply is usually to jump in and play (along to) some fast music. I have tried this method and it's fun but I think I might need some feedback. Recently I have been trying to play along with a pretty fast song (about 160bpm, 16th notes). It worked a couple of times but usually I can't really keep up. My timing gets all sloppy and I feel bad for my housemates who have to listen to that sh-... Would you recommend slowing down (i.e. choosing another song)? Or do I just bite into it and just try until I succeed?

And what about even more extreme tempo's? I can usually play about 140-150 bpm 16ths quite clean but want to reach 180, 190... etc. Would you recommend building it up, gradually choosing faster songs to play with? Or just really jump in and start playing along to songs at 190+ bpm? I cannot get a single hit straight at those speeds, is it even useful to try?

[drums_n_surf]

wow i just saw your youtube video of you playing with the metronome on 12.5 BPM...i must admit that is amazing, and i was even more impressed after trying it myself and finding it quite difficult. Just wondering, did you start that at say 30 BPM and then slowly go slower until 12.5 or did you go straight to 12.5.

Seems kind of strange building down in speed, but it makes sense in this situation doesnt it?

[Gavin Harrison]

Hey Derek,
so great to hang out with you at PASIC and MD Fest. You played so amazing - I'm still trying to get my chin off the floor!!!
see you soon
Gavin

[*JOHN FAVICCHIA *]

Hey D-

Great hang in Austin!! Great job on your clinic!!

Looking forward to seeing you when I am down in FL

[Derek Roddy]

Hey Derek,
so great to hang out with you at PASIC and MD Fest. You played so amazing - I'm still trying to get my chin off the floor!!!
see you soon
Gavin

Hahaha.....THANKS Gavin.
You blow my mind too brother!!!!!!

D.

[Derek Roddy]

Hey D-

Great hang in Austin!! Great job on your clinic!!

Looking forward to seeing you when I am down in FL

Yeah....we're going to video some drum jams this time.
I've got the second kit ready. :)

Those pictures from Todd's are great. Had so much fun.

Shout later when you can.

Cheers.
D.

[Derek Roddy]

Hey Derek,

When asked how to learn fast double bass playing your reply is usually to jump in and play (along to) some fast music. I have tried this method and it's fun but I think I might need some feedback. Recently I have been trying to play along with a pretty fast song (about 160bpm, 16th notes). It worked a couple of times but usually I can't really keep up. My timing gets all sloppy and I feel bad for my housemates who have to listen to that sh-... Would you recommend slowing down (i.e. choosing another song)? Or do I just bite into it and just try until I succeed?

And what about even more extreme tempo's? I can usually play about 140-150 bpm 16ths quite clean but want to reach 180, 190... etc. Would you recommend building it up, gradually choosing faster songs to play with? Or just really jump in and start playing along to songs at 190+ bpm? I cannot get a single hit straight at those speeds, is it even useful to try?


The thing about it is......
It never happens as quickly as we'd like. Remember, it took me 5 to 7 years to get to these tempos....not in 6 months.
So yeah....just jump in there and keep pushing because if you're not pushing....you'll never get there.
As far as the actual "learning" of the motions and keeping it clean.....this is when you go back to a comfortable tempo and work on getting it solid.
There is no "one or the other"....it requires both.
But, if you're not pushing and you're just concentrating on perfection first.....well, that will take you 15 years.


Jump in and DO it.

Cheers.
D.

[Derek Roddy]

Just wondering, did you start that at say 30 BPM and then slowly go slower until 12.5 or did you go straight to 12.5.

Seems kind of strange building down in speed, but it makes sense in this situation doesnt it?


Thanks a lot man.

I didn't....I don't think. Haha.
I've never "worked" on this really....although, I play and practice to a click all the time.

This whole thing started as a contest on my website because I got tired of every drummer there.... being so concerned about speed.
The point was to prove to them that..... playing slow can be harder than going fast.

In fact, I made this contest 3 months ago and I've gotten 2 entries!!!! Haha. Looks like it's harder than most thought. Haha.

I think the fact that I can do it is because I pay attention to this type of thing and even when playing fast.....the notes HAVE TO be in the right place in order to "feel" right.

Solid time baby....it's what we ALL should be doing.
As far as getting good at slow tempos.....well, just play to a click often and you should get it....no problems.

Thanks again for the comments.

Cheers.
D.

[Todd Sucherman]

You both look so comfy behind those Masterworks in the pics.....


Derek, see you Saturday!


Great having you over at the house!

Todd

[Derek Roddy]

You guys played killer Sat....good to see ya, as always.

And yes....enjoyed your kits!!!!

Cheers brother.
D.

[Derek Roddy]

A little variation of "Caravan". And, some other jams.....


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRJ92NFre2I
Hahaha....


D.

[voyaging]

Hey Derek!

What kind of shoes do you wear when you play drums? Thanks!

[Derek Roddy]

Don't really have a preference. I like Puma speed cat, Vans, Nike quarter tops, Combat boots.....it doesn't matter really to me.

Cheers.
D.

[voyaging]

Don't really have a preference. I like Puma speed cat, Vans, Nike quarter tops, Combat boots.....it doesn't matter really to me.

Cheers.
D.

Thanks for the quick response! Haha, glad to see you emphasize practice over equipment, but can you really play just as well in combat boots?

[Derek Roddy]

Yeah...I like playing in Combats. Not so stylish these days but.....Haha.
I like a thick sole....boots, or vans, Hi Techs, etc...
The only thin sole shoe I like playing in are the Puma speed cats.

Cheers.
D.

[The Seeker]

I'm quite new to this forum, and I think it's really awesome that one of my favorite drummers actually answers questions here! I'm swedish, so excuse me if my english is wrong sometimes. Like I said, you're one of my favorites, I'm a big fan of your work. I really love your drumming. That's all I have for now, keep up the good work! Cheers!

[Derek Roddy]

I'm quite new to this forum, and I think it's really awesome that one of my favorite drummers actually answers questions here! I'm swedish, so excuse me if my english is wrong sometimes. Like I said, you're one of my favorites, I'm a big fan of your work. I really love your drumming. That's all I have for now, keep up the good work! Cheers!

Haha....word!
Thanks a lot for listening brother. Anytime you have a question....fire away!

Cheers,
D.

[sideshowant]

Hey whats up D? It's Anthony Chips friend from NY. When are you coming back up the east coast? I have to say man your book has completely changed my life. I saw you back in June at The Collective and in those couple of months I've gained an insane amount of control and my chops have been through the roof. I gotta say the most challenging thing was the breathing. I never realized that i was holding my breath so much haha. To everyone on this forum I highly recommend you purchase this book.

ant,

[branflakes992]

Hey Derek,
My name is Brandon Braun, I have a question about double bass control.
I reached 16ths at 210 about a week and a half ago, I was sort of shocked because i don't spend as much time on double bass as I do on latin and jazz. I have the problem of starting up, creating enough force to start right up, maybe not right at 210 but maybe 180 or 190 until I really get comfortable with 210. It takes me about a measure until everything locks right into place, any suggestions?

[Derek Roddy]

Hey whats up D? It's Anthony Chips friend from NY. When are you coming back up the east coast? I have to say man your book has completely changed my life. I saw you back in June at The Collective and in those couple of months I've gained an insane amount of control and my chops have been through the roof. I gotta say the most challenging thing was the breathing. I never realized that i was holding my breath so much haha. To everyone on this forum I highly recommend you purchase this book.

ant,


Yo Anthony!!!! How's it going?
Thanks so much for the props on the book. Glad you're digging it and it's helping.
Although, you don't seem to need much help! Haha.
Digging the recording you gave me.

Holla anytime. When you see Chip, tell him hello for me.

Cheers.
D.

[Derek Roddy]

Hey Derek,
My name is Brandon Braun, I have a question about double bass control.
I reached 16ths at 210 about a week and a half ago, I was sort of shocked because i don't spend as much time on double bass as I do on latin and jazz. I have the problem of starting up, creating enough force to start right up, maybe not right at 210 but maybe 180 or 190 until I really get comfortable with 210. It takes me about a measure until everything locks right into place, any suggestions?

Oh yeah, the transitions.
That's the hardest thing about DB playing. Coming in....full force, in tempo and strong.
It's a balance issue....use your left foot as much as possible. If you can execute with your left....you should be using it, if you want to play DB.
There's no secret to it.....just takes time. At least you're aware of it.
If you're aware....you can correct.

Cheers,
D.

[Aggressivec]

Hey Derek! I have a question...

How do you increase your left foot speed? I'm pretty good at Double Bass work but sometimes my left foot wont push the pedal down all the way! Thanks!

[Derek Roddy]

Same thing....just use it more.
The more you use it.... the more it gets used! Haha.
Meaning.... the more developed it will be...making it stronger, faster, yadda, yadda, yadda.

Time spent...that's all.
Play all your favorite songs with your left foot instead of your right.
That will get you there the quickest.

Cheers.
D.

[intheruff]

"have to say man your book has completely changed my life."

D. Thanks for taking the time to give some great advice. But... what's this about a book? Where do I order it from, and, like, does it have a title?? lol

[Derek Roddy]

Haha... the book is called "The Evolution of Blast Beats". And, it's available through Hudson Music.

Cheers.
D.

[Aggressivec]

Haha... the book is called "The Evolution of Blast Beats". And, it's available through Hudson Music.

Cheers.
D.

I saw your book at GC a couple months ago. I was sooo tempted to buy it, but I was wondering if it taught you how to actually blast fast in the first place? Thanks Derek.

-Connor

[intheruff]

D. check it out. Hudson wont have the book until the end of Dec. Amazon... no luck either. Music sumthin or other also don't got it. Hot man, very hot. Either that or it ain't been released by the publisher. Well... I guess I'll just have to wait then. Even though I don't play dmetal nor have an interest too, your tutorial quickies on youtube have inspired me and I'll look forward to the book/cd... whenever that might be... hope i live that long...

[Kyle_Drummer_666]

Hey Derek, have you ever thought of entering the WFD competition? I think you'd do pretty well in the battle of the feet and hands.

[djeb]

Dear Derek,

What do you think about the Sonor Delite drums?

I currently own an S-classix and love the kit very much, but I'm planning to buy a Delite kit in the near future. What is your opinion about the Delite versus S-classix?

Best regards
Wim,
Belgium

[Derek Roddy]

Dear Derek,

What do you think about the Sonor Delite drums?

I currently own an S-classix and love the kit very much, but I'm planning to buy a Delite kit in the near future. What is your opinion about the Delite versus S-classix?

Best regards
Wim,
Belgium

I like them both equally. There are things about birch I love.... and things about maple I love. NOTHING about either I don't like.

I would suggest playing them both and seeing which ones appeal to you the most.

That said.....you can't go wrong with either.
I have both and find myself playing them each....just as much as the other.

Hope it helps.

Cheers.
D.

[Derek Roddy]

D. check it out. Hudson wont have the book until the end of Dec. Amazon... no luck either. Music sumthin or other also don't got it. Hot man, very hot. Either that or it ain't been released by the publisher. Well... I guess I'll just have to wait then. Even though I don't play dmetal nor have an interest too, your tutorial quickies on youtube have inspired me and I'll look forward to the book/cd... whenever that might be... hope i live that long...

Haha...yeah, it's out but, I believe Hudson had to re-order more. They're selling really good.
Try Guitar center.... if you have one around. They stock them.

Thanks a bunch for the kind words....hope I can continue to inspire you.

Cheers,
D.

[Derek Roddy]

Hey Derek, have you ever thought of entering the WFD competition? I think you'd do pretty well in the battle of the feet and hands.


At the very beginning of the WFD, I had expressed interest in doing events in my local shop. After I did a few and realized what the kids (who were participating in it) were getting out of it.......I decidied it wasn't for me to promote.

Not my thing.

Yes, I'm fast and all that....but, I believe.... being fast means nothing without music to back it up.
Otherwise, it's just notes on a pad.

Cheers,
D.

[djeb]

I like them both equally. There are things about birch I love.... and things about maple I love. NOTHING about either I don't like.

I would suggest playing them both and seeing which ones appeal to you the most.

That said.....you can't go wrong with either.
I have both and find myself playing them each....just as much as the other.

Hope it helps.

Cheers.
D.


Thanks, for the reply Derek!

Kind regards,


Wim

[Kyle_Drummer_666]

At the very beginning of the WFD, I had expressed interest in doing events in my local shop. After I did a few and realized what the kids (who were participating in it) were getting out of it.......I decidied it wasn't for me to promote.

Not my thing.

Yes, I'm fast and all that....but, I believe.... being fast means nothing without music to back it up.
Otherwise, it's just notes on a pad.

Cheers,
D.

i know what you mean. I was just curious. When I first started playin drums i just wanted to be fast, now I'm mostly all about playing the best drums I can to the music, wether its fast or not. But i had a couple other questions.

First one is, what music do you generally like to listen to most?

And my other question was, can you still play heel-up on the Axis Longboard pedals or are they mainly for heel-toe? I was curious about getting them, but i dont know how to play heel-toe or the heel-up/heel-down type technique. So my question is, can you use the heel-up technique on Axis Longboards or only heel-toe?

[Toza]

hi derek. you are killer drum!! I saw this flat foot technique that you are promoting (powerfull). I just wana ask you do you use it when you play double stroke with your feet or is it heal toe then;););)

[Derek Roddy]

Hi Toza,
I play heel up all the time.
Flat foot is not a "technique" as much.......but, a definition.

What mean is....if I'm sitting at a desk.....and "playing" DB....I run....sitting down.

This makes the entire surface of my foot, hit the ground at the same time (Flat footed).
Now, when you apply that to a pedal (DB pedals have an angle) the motion doesn't change....making the stroke on the pedal...heel up.
Because, the heel of your foot to the bridge of your foot, and then the angle back from the pedalboard....makes a triangle...with your heel off the ground.
All in all...every stroke I play is heel up but, playing from the hip.
I'll take a picture later with my foot on the pedal so you see what I mean.... if it's not clear.

Cheers,
D.

[Toza]

Hi Toza,
I play heel up all the time.
Flat foot is not a "technique" as much.......but, a definition.

What mean is....if I'm sitting at a desk.....and "playing" DB....I run....sitting down.

This makes the entire surface of my foot, hit the ground at the same time (Flat footed).
Now, when you apply that to a pedal (DB pedals have an angle) the motion doesn't change....making the stroke on the pedal...heel up.
Because, the heel of your foot to the bridge of your foot, and then the angle back from the pedalboard....makes a triangle...with your heel off the ground.
All in all...every stroke I play is heel up but, playing from the hip.
I'll take a picture later with my foot on the pedal so you see what I mean.... if it's not clear.

Cheers,
D.



Thanx derek..hmm....Im impresed that you are trying to get away from triggers:) This sounds powerfull. I play heel toe.. I would like to see pictures of this "definition" ;) if it's not a problem. Btw.I watched george kolias clinic and he is talking how he uses different technique for each foot (for balace). Is this wrong???;)

[kwolf68]

Just wanted to give my thumbs up to Derek Roddy for posting in here.

He has taken his time to help us drummers. His advice is awesome and I've incorporated some of his suggestions into my practice routine (going 2 hits from the bd to the hat and back, then doing para diddles off the two that he mentions in an earlier post).

We're damn lucky to have such a brilliant drummer offering his pearls of wisdom. It can only make those of us reading better.

Anyway, Derek doesn't have to do that, doesn't even have to post, but he does and I want to thank him for it.

I will also keep an eye and ear out for anything he does not just because I value his talent and knowledge, but because he seems like an a-ok dude.

[Derek Roddy]

Btw.I watched george kolias clinic and he is talking how he uses different technique for each foot (for balace). Is this wrong???;)



I'd say.... if something is working for you.........it's not wrong.
Sometimes the simplest answer..... is often the one most overlooked.
Cheers,
D.

[Derek Roddy]

Just wanted to give my thumbs up to Derek Roddy for posting in here.

He has taken his time to help us drummers. His advice is awesome and I've incorporated some of his suggestions into my practice routine (going 2 hits from the bd to the hat and back, then doing para diddles off the two that he mentions in an earlier post).

We're damn lucky to have such a brilliant drummer offering his pearls of wisdom. It can only make those of us reading better.

Anyway, Derek doesn't have to do that, doesn't even have to post, but he does and I want to thank him for it.

I will also keep an eye and ear out for anything he does not just because I value his talent and knowledge, but because he seems like an a-ok dude.


Thanks man.....I appreciate that comment.

I think that was a big part of what Bernard wanted to create here. I'm happy to be here and also happy to help out fellow drummers.
I live for that.

Cheers and thanks again,
D.

[Aggressivec]

Hey Derek,
I was curious, will you ever do a clinic tour anytime soon (preferebly the south)? I really would love to see you in clinic. The fact is, you are one of my favorite drummers and seeing an Extreme metal drummer in clinic down here in NC could kick alot of our asses. Thanks!

-Connor

[Derek Roddy]

Here is some video from the NAMM show.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxQHM0M6TGg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tS38UFsruQ


Played like poop but, had a great time none the less.HAHA.
D.

[Derek Roddy]

Hey Derek,
I was curious, will you ever do a clinic tour anytime soon (preferebly the south)? I really would love to see you in clinic. The fact is, you are one of my favorite drummers and seeing an Extreme metal drummer in clinic down here in NC could kick alot of our asses. Thanks!

-Connor
Thanks for the props there Connor.
What shop (Town) you near? I'll try to work something out.

Cheers,
D.

[Toza]

Hi derek what do you think about trick Pro1-V drum pedal??

[Derek Roddy]

Hi derek what do you think about trick Pro1-V drum pedal??

Haven't ever really thought about it.
I've been using the same Axis pedals for 18 years! Haha.
Haven't ever had the need to change..... the Axis works very well for me.

D.

[kwolf68]

Thanks man.....I appreciate that comment.

I think that was a big part of what Bernard wanted to create here. I'm happy to be here and also happy to help out fellow drummers.
I live for that.

Cheers and thanks again,
D.

No problem Derek. I had a chance to 'meet' a drummer I really admire and he was not a cool guy. I still love his drumming, but I don't respect him as a person at all, total dud. So when you do meet someone who is cool (even online) that goes a long way. I met David Ellefson (bass) of Megadeth back in the late 80s (Norfolk, Va Boathouse) and he was such a cool guy, you never forget the people who do it right.

[Derek Roddy]

I've added a couple new videos to my youtube page.

This one is a funny one with John Favicchia and myself.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Afyrmpgs06M&feature=channel_page

This one is a play along from my book..."The Evolution of Blast Beats".
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=reYgzwNOADY&feature=channel_page

Enjoy!

D.

[kwolf68]

Absolutely LOVE that vid of you and Favicchia playing the rumba beat.

Edit: Just watched the other vid and that one rocked as well.

anyway, Im heading back to practice some more. LOL

[Toza]

hi derek, what do you think about trick Pro1-V drum pedal??

[kwolf68]

hi derek, what do you think about trick Pro1-V drum pedal??

Dude, he already answered that question. Try 5 posts down.

[Guz2]

Hi, Derek!

I was just wondering what cymbal brands you have used in the past? I know you use Meinl now but I've seen a video with you wearing a Paiste t-shirt. I've also seen a picture of you using Sabian HHXs. If you did change brands, what was the reason?
Thanks :)

[Derek Roddy]

Well, I'm a fan of gear. So, I have all types of cymbals.
Meinl is the first "real endorsement" I've had with a cymbal company. I love their product and if I the luxury of picking any brand...it would be Meinl anyway.

That said, I own a set of Paiste, Zildjian and Sabian.

The Zildjian's....I bought 15 years ago when I was working at a local music store. Employee discount baby!!!!
I had a friend at Paiste that gave me "artist discount" while I was with Hate Eternal. He was fired (there went my discount)..... and another friend had just gotten a gig with Sabian.....so he gave me an "artist discount" while he was there.

All who you know I guess! Haha.

Cheers,
D.

[Guz2]

Well, I'm a fan of gear. So, I have all types of cymbals.
Meinl is the first "real endorsement" I've had with a cymbal company. I love their product and if I the luxury of picking any brand...it would be Meinl anyway.

That said, I own a set of Paiste, Zildjian and Sabian.

The Zildjian's....I bought 15 years ago when I was working at a local music store. Employee discount baby!!!!
I had a friend at Paiste that gave me "artist discount" while I was with Hate Eternal. He was fired (there went my discount)..... and another friend had just gotten a gig with Sabian.....so he gave me an "artist discount" while he was there.

All who you know I guess! Haha.

Cheers,
D.Ok, thanks. :)

20202020

[BrutalKid]

Haven't ever really thought about it.
I've been using the same Axis pedals for 18 years! Haha.
Haven't ever had the need to change..... the Axis works very well for me.

D.

18 years? My school has some drums which have been played for years but most of the drums are broken and they sound bad.

Derek, can you tell me what kit did you use when you first started? Because I don't have a kit and I have to practice in the school and the piano stores but their drums are quite crappy. It's impossible to get a drum set for me. What can I do? Is it very important to get a drumset for drummers? Or can I practice through air drumming ?

I'm sorry if someone has already asked this. Thanks for answering!

[Derek Roddy]

My very first kit was a Sears and Roebuck set. All plastic...for the most part.
I tore that thing up in a matter of days and my dad took me to buy a real set of drums......ROYCE!!!!!!! Haha. I was 4 or 5 years old at the time.
I played those for a few years....got pretty good and my dad bought me a Rodgers 7 pc maple kit when I was about 9 or 10. Played that until I could buy my own kit.....which was a Ludwig double bass kit. I was maybe 15 at the time.

Just remember that good players can make Bad set sound really good.
Your gear doesn't matter so much if you have "the touch".
And, getting that touch requires listening to a lot of different music. So, you become familiar with different textures and dynamics.
Yes, air drumming helps... but also, playing drums in your head also helps a lot. I'd say that close to 40% of my practicing in my life has been away from a kit. Just figuring out drum parts and music....in my head.
Thinking about playing can make you better as well.....as long as you have the mechanical part going too.
Hope it helps.

Cheers,
D.

[kwolf68]

And, getting that touch requires listening to a lot of different music. So, you become familiar with different textures and dynamics.
Yes, air drumming helps... but also, playing drums in your head also helps a lot. I'd say that close to 40% of my practicing in my life has been away from a kit. Just figuring out drum parts and music....in my head.
Thinking about playing can make you better as well.....as long as you have the mechanical part going too.
Hope it helps.

Cheers,
D.

This is oh so true. I am reminded of the experiment done with basketball players shooting free throws.

There were 3 test groups of equal ability.

One group practice free throws for a week.

One group was instructed to 'think about' and to visualize shooting free throws for a week

One group didn't practice or think about free throws

The results were...those who had done nothing score much worse. Those who actually practiced scored best, but those who didn't practice but still thought about their free throws scored nearly as well as those who did practice.

Sorry to bore you guys with a basketball analogy, but it works. :)

[BrutalKid]

My very first kit was a Sears and Roebuck set. All plastic...for the most part.
I tore that thing up in a matter of days and my dad took me to buy a real set of drums......ROYCE!!!!!!! Haha. I was 4 or 5 years old at the time.
I played those for a few years....got pretty good and my dad bought me a Rodgers 7 pc maple kit when I was about 9 or 10. Played that until I could buy my own kit.....which was a Ludwig double bass kit. I was maybe 15 at the time.

Just remember that good players can make Bad set sound really good.
Your gear doesn't matter so much if you have "the touch".
And, getting that touch requires listening to a lot of different music. So, you become familiar with different textures and dynamics.
Yes, air drumming helps... but also, playing drums in your head also helps a lot. I'd say that close to 40% of my practicing in my life has been away from a kit. Just figuring out drum parts and music....in my head.
Thinking about playing can make you better as well.....as long as you have the mechanical part going too.
Hope it helps.

Cheers,
D.

Thank you Derek! So I think I'm going to practice in my head!

[dale w miller]

Hey Derek,

I thought people would want to see this one picture in particular I took at NAMM. It was good hanging and chatting.

Are you based in TX? I'll be playing 3-4 shows at SXSW if you are in Austin then. If not, see you next year at NAMM is my guess.

http://dalewmiller.com/images/NAMM2009/roddy-kit.jpg

http://dalewmiller.com/images/NAMM2009/roddy-dwm.jpg

[Isaac Lee]

Hey Derek. I have been doing your endurance and coordination (the ten minute ones) exercices for 2 months with great results. Would you recommend them for developing speed in addition to endurance, or are there some other exercices you would recommend gaining for speed. I am content with where my hands are, but I would like to get my feet on par. I do realize foot speed comes gradually over time. Would you consider going from 130bpm to 150bpm (for 2mins+) in 3 months good progress? Time isn't an issue, I practice 4-8hrs a day normally. I know you are so much more then a double bass guy, but who better to ask? =) Thanks for your time.

*Edit* I'll leave the question up if you would like to respond to it. I did some research and I think all answers I have and more are in your book. I honestly think more than anything I'm struggling with balance and need to develop more muscles and control in my lower back and hips. Time to pony up some cash and get the book.

[Derek Roddy]

Hey Derek,

It was good hanging and chatting.

Are you based in TX? I'll be playing 3-4 shows at SXSW if you are in Austin then. If not, see you next year at NAMM is my guess.


Dale...it was good meeting you as well.

I'm actually based in Florida....So yes, Namm next year....or, I've got some clinics coming up this year...some in TX, I believe.
I'll keep you posted. Would like to hang again.

Cheers,
D.

[Derek Roddy]

Hey Derek. I have been doing your endurance and coordination (the ten minute ones) exercices for 2 months with great results. Would you recommend them for developing speed in addition to endurance, or are there some other exercices you would recommend gaining for speed. I am content with where my hands are, but I would like to get my feet on par. I do realize foot speed comes gradually over time. Would you consider going from 130bpm to 150bpm (for 2mins+) in 3 months good progress? Time isn't an issue, I practice 4-8hrs a day normally. I know you are so much more then a double bass guy, but who better to ask? =) Thanks for your time.

*Edit* I'll leave the question up if you would like to respond to it. I did some research and I think all answers I have and more are in your book. I honestly think more than anything I'm struggling with balance and need to develop more muscles and control in my lower back and hips. Time to pony up some cash and get the book.

Haha...yeah, the book is GREAT for this stuff. But, like I always say..."speed ONLY comes from playing fast." And, by "speed".... I mean the type of speed required to play Extreme Metal.
You'll never get there....if you don't try to push those tempos out.

That said....anyone can push out fast notes for a few measures...not many can do it for 32 bars at a time. That's where those endurance exercises come into play.

I've come up with a good analogy to compare drummers wanting to achieve these goals...in relation to a real life situation...
Here goes...
You're driving down the interstate and your car runs out of gas just 3/4 of a mile to the exit.
What are your options?
Here are 2...
1. Push your car to the exit and get gas. You can then "relax", get a soda and catch your breath before return on your journey.
2. You sit and wait for someone to stop and help you. You "relax" and wait....maybe "stick your thumb out" to stop someone who can assist you, etc....
Will someone stop? Will you get the "help" you need?
By the time this happens......the guy that chooses option 1....is likely already back on his journey....ahead of the game.

I see so many drummers asking for advise and direction.....rather than just doing it.
The ones who wait on direction....are the one's who are always behind.

Remember that... when thinking about physical principles like this.

Cheers,
D.

[Isaac Lee]

Haha...yeah, the book is GREAT for this stuff. But, like I always say..."speed ONLY comes from playing fast." And, by "speed".... I mean the type of speed required to play Extreme Metal.
You'll never get there....if you don't try to push those tempos out.

That said....anyone can push out fast notes for a few measures...not many can do it for 32 bars at a time. That's where those endurance exercises come into play.

I've come up with a good analogy to compare drummers wanting to achieve these goals...in relation to a real life situation...
Here goes...
You're driving down the interstate and your car runs out of gas just 3/4 of a mile to the exit.
What are your options?
Here are 2...
1. Push your car to the exit and get gas. You can then "relax", get a soda and catch your breath before return on your journey.
2. You sit and wait for someone to stop and help you. You "relax" and wait....maybe "stick your thumb out" to stop someone who can assist you, etc....
Will someone stop? Will you get the "help" you need?
By the time this happens......the guy that chooses option 1....is likely already back on his journey....ahead of the game.

I see so many drummers asking for advise and direction.....rather than just doing it.
The ones who wait on direction....are the one's who are always behind.

Remember that... when thinking about physical principles like this.

Cheers,
D.

Awesome. Thanks for getting back to me on that. Very helpful.

[dale w miller]

Dale...it was good meeting you as well.

I'm actually based in Florida....So yes, Namm next year....or, I've got some clinics coming up this year...some in TX, I believe.
I'll keep you posted. Would like to hang again.

Cheers,
D.Actually I am based in New York City. Like my friend Matt Thompson & Vinnie Paul, I guess I thought all you metal guys lived in TX. Ha! Either way, I will be in touch for sure. I'll try to see if FLA is on this year's tour. We hit Gainesville, Tallahassee, the usual college town circuit when it is that supports Indie rock. Thanks for chatting.

---------------------------

For all you metal guys too, be sure to check out my friend from my hometown and King Diamond drummer Matt Thompson. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0hDuNNwoaA Love that kid! Like Derek he's quite an eclectic player too. http://www.mattthompsondrums.com/

[DrumEatDrum]

Haha...yeah, the book is GREAT for this stuff. But, like I always say..."speed ONLY comes from playing fast." And, by "speed".... I mean the type of speed required to play Extreme Metal.
You'll never get there....if you don't try to push those tempos out.

That said....anyone can push out fast notes for a few measures...not many can do it for 32 bars at a time. That's where those endurance exercises come into play.

I've come up with a good analogy to compare drummers wanting to achieve these goals...in relation to a real life situation...
Here goes...
You're driving down the interstate and your car runs out of gas just 3/4 of a mile to the exit.
What are your options?
Here are 2...
1. Push your car to the exit and get gas. You can then "relax", get a soda and catch your breath before return on your journey.
2. You sit and wait for someone to stop and help you. You "relax" and wait....maybe "stick your thumb out" to stop someone who can assist you, etc....
Will someone stop? Will you get the "help" you need?
By the time this happens......the guy that chooses option 1....is likely already back on his journey....ahead of the game.

I see so many drummers asking for advise and direction.....rather than just doing it.
The ones who wait on direction....are the one's who are always behind.

Remember that... when thinking about physical principles like this.

Cheers,
D.

Wow....that's an awesome analogy.

[MaidenFanSte]

I just want to post to say that I got your book and that it's more help than I thought was possible.

Honestly....thanks a million!

[drummingman]

hey derek,
i think i remember reading somewhere where you said that you would not be able to keep up the level of playing that you are at now for much longer. if that is what you said what did you mean?

[Derek Roddy]

hey derek,
i think i remember reading somewhere where you said that you would not be able to keep up the level of playing that you are at now for much longer. if that is what you said what did you mean?

No that's not what I meant. Playing this style is easier now than it ever has been...in fact.
What I said was......because I haven't been playing 16th at 250bpm for 1 1/2 hours a night... for 6 weeks that....my endurance is not what it used to be.
It was harder at the time to keep the tempos up..... as I wasn't doing it a lot.
That was an old statement and since I've been playing consistently with Serpents Rise....Keeping those fast tempos..... is cake.

Cheers,
D.

[drummerchick435]

Derek,

Firstly, I think you're so freaking awesome! You kick some serious butt!

I have a question. Did you ever learn jazz? My drum teacher right now is trying to get me to play jazz, but it's not working out for me. We've been at it since August. I understand why he wants me to learn jazz, but I just don't think it's worth it. I prefer to play rock, metal, punk, alternative, and funk from time to time.

[Derek Roddy]

Derek,

Firstly, I think you're so freaking awesome! You kick some serious butt!

Why, thank you! I try.
Haha.

I have a question. Did you ever learn jazz? My drum teacher right now is trying to get me to play jazz, but it's not working out for me. We've been at it since August. I understand why he wants me to learn jazz, but I just don't think it's worth it. I prefer to play rock, metal, punk, alternative, and funk from time to time.

Well, I started on Jazz, Big Band and Blues, so yes.
Jazz isn't something you just "learn" anyway.
What I've found most effective... when trying to "learn" different styles is.... to forget about the drumming and learn "the Music".
If you can learn what type of structure (it's different than Rock and Roll, or metal, punk, etc) you'll have an easier time getting the "music" down..... Then worry about the chops part of it.
It's like learning another language.
I think it's necessary to learn all the different styles of music because you never know what you'll get called to do.
You want to be able to play everything right?
If not.....you should. It will keep you working longer than the people who don't.

Cheers,
D.

[drummerchick435]

Why, thank you! I try.
Haha.



Well, I started on Jazz, Big Band and Blues, so yes.
Jazz isn't something you just "learn" anyway.
What I've found most effective... when trying to "learn" different styles is.... to forget about the drumming and learn "the Music".
If you can learn what type of structure (it's different than Rock and Roll, or metal, punk, etc) you'll have an easier time getting the "music" down..... Then worry about the chops part of it.
It's like learning another language.
I think it's necessary to learn all the different styles of music because you never know what you'll get called to do.
You want to be able to play everything right?
If not.....you should. It will keep you working longer than the people who don't.

Cheers,
D.

Darn you for opening up my mind! I prided myself on being a close-minded butthole. lol. sarcasm. Seriously, thanks!

[drummingman]

No that's not what I meant. Playing this style is easier now than it ever has been...in fact.
What I said was......because I haven't been playing 16th at 250bpm for 1 1/2 hours a night... for 6 weeks that....my endurance is not what it used to be.
It was harder at the time to keep the tempos up..... as I wasn't doing it a lot.
That was an old statement and since I've been playing consistently with Serpents Rise....Keeping those fast tempos..... is cake.

Cheers,
D.
thanks man for answering my question. i post on your forum as well. your easier to get here then there hahaha. got a few more questions for you if you dont mind.
i saw the clip of you again at the modern drummer fest last night on youtube. they have some good shots of your feet! are you still doing flatfoot when doing doubles bass there? i ask cause it looked like you were using just ankles.
as is im still going back and forth on which way i should play fast double bass, using mostly legs or just using ankles heels down for double bass playing. when im using all legs when i get about about 144 bpm doing 16ths i feel like im killing myself. im at about 133 bpm doing 16ths heels down and that is still hard. i can see the great potential heels down using just ankles has though. but as is im slow with it. a lot of people using the technique where they hold their heels just a little of the pedals and just use their ankles. that dons not work for me because it makes my back hurt to much. thats one of the reasons why i started looking into heels down.
i have heard people say that george kollias uses a combo of hip flexors and ankles at fast speeds. to me it looks like he is using just ankles at the fast speeds with his heels held just a little off the pedals. do you know what he is doing when play fast double bass? i ask because i have heard a number of people talk about a mix of ankles and legs at fast tempos. when im doing the flat foot my ankles are pivoting on the pedals but the main amount of motion is coming from my legs and hips.
also, do you have any plans to be doing any clinics on the east coast anytime soon? it would be cool to come out and check out your playing live. i was supposed to see you with hate eternal a few years ago but you guys were not able to make it. i heard some people say that you guys had van trouble in new york and thats why you could not make the show. im not sure if you would remember that but the show was supposed to be at a club called jaxx in springfield virginia.
thanks for the help

[Derek Roddy]

Drummingman.....
You think about this stuff WAAAYYYYY too much. Haha.

Don't worry about "this technique" or "that one", "who does what"....none of that means SQUAT!!!!

The people you look up to...that are playing this stuff...didn't have the internet to ask questions....instead....they just found a way and did it.

It takes time, and lots of practice but, no amount of searching for an answer is going to make it any easier.
Put on your headphones....jam out songs until you can play them. That what I did......that what WE ALL did.
We're all different in our approach but, we all have one thing in common....
Time spent.

Cheers,
D.

[drummingman]

Drummingman.....
You think about this stuff WAAAYYYYY too much. Haha.

Don't worry about "this technique" or "that one", "who does what"....none of that means SQUAT!!!!

The people you look up to...that are playing this stuff...didn't have the internet to ask questions....instead....they just found a way and did it.

It takes time, and lots of practice but, no amount of searching for an answer is going to make it any easier.
Put on your headphones....jam out songs until you can play them. That what I did......that what WE ALL did.
We're all different in our approach but, we all have one thing in common....
Time spent.

Cheers,
D.
hahaha i do spend a lot of time thinking about this stuff. im glad your not sick of talking with me about it haha
im pretty sure of what way is gonna get me fast on my feet. but its just that im starting over in a way and i guess thats what has got me thinking about it so much. i just got to put in the time.
thanks for getting back to me again man!

[drummingman]

being that im still pretty slow do you have any suggestions for what to do when i go to hook up with another band that wants like 200 bpm double bass and i cant do it yet? i figure that i will do something that i can do, but i have to admit that that worries me a bit.

[Therma lobsterdore]

You could play sixteenth note triplets instead of sixteenths, personally I'm not gonna join a fast metal band till I can play 200bpm consistently (not quite there yet!).

[Fox622003]

You could play sixteenth note triplets instead of sixteenths, personally I'm not gonna join a fast metal band till I can play 200bpm consistently (not quite there yet!).

Hmmmm maybe you mean 8th note triplets? (16th note triplets are faster than 16ths!)
And drummingman, maybe you could use your floor tom too for a single bass drum double bass drum effect (as in one pedal, double pedal sound). Or just not play constant double bass and play different figures separated through the beat.

Oh and Derek! such a Pro answering questions so often, thanks so much for your dedication and playing, you're a great influence to many people.

Fox.

[Derek Roddy]

being that im still pretty slow do you have any suggestions for what to do when i go to hook up with another band that wants like 200 bpm double bass and i cant do it yet? i figure that i will do something that i can do, but i have to admit that that worries me a bit.

I think you'll find that a lot of the time....these Musicians are just throwing numbers out there because, they hear others doing it.
9 times out of 10 they don't ever know what they are talking about.

Stop the numbers game and play.

D.

[Derek Roddy]

Hello everyone.
I have a cover spot in Sickdrummer Magazine this month.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v321/derekroddy/Issue5_Cover_800.jpg
It's a web based Mag and you can get info here...
www.sickdrummer.com
Anyone can register for a free subscription in about 30 seconds.

Cheers,
D.

[drummingman]

I think you'll find that a lot of the time....these Musicians are just throwing numbers out there because, they hear others doing it.
9 times out of 10 they don't ever know what they are talking about.

Stop the numbers game and play.

D.
thanks a lot man again for your thoughts. as is im actively looking for a band again, i just gotta find the members.

[Construct]

BIG FAT QUESTIONMARK you are doing blasts at 250?? hand to hand? and for how long?

Where do these people come from? Chill out dude.

Stop the numbers game and play.


Awww, but I like numbers. As long as it sounds good of course.

[MikeyOdrums]

Derek
I am a real huge fan of your drumming, wanted to put my youtube channel up for your viewing

www.youtube.com/mikeodabashian

check em out let me know what you think.
Thanks Mike

[Infernal Valkyrie]

You're the man, Derek. Very unique playing.

[Bernhard]

NEW VIDEO FROM FRANKFURT:

I posted this in another thread, but got no feedback:

Just a little teaser:

Our DEREK RODDY jamming VERY SOLID GOOD OLD ROCK. This band played with no rehearsal - and Bassplayer and also Paul Gilbert are great.

Directors Cut: Rough material - guitar only from behind - enjoy till the end...then Derek is giving some....

http://www.drummerworld.com/Videos/forclaudepfau.mov

Bernhard

[asmodeus]

Hi Derek! I hope you're doing great!

I was at the Frankfurt Messe performance. At both, your solo performance and with Paul Gilbert. You were great!
I wanted to ask what the name of the "more quiet" song of your set was (i think it is in 5/8, 6/8). Is it available in any form?

Cheers!

Stefan

[Trains']

Hey Derek,

i just wanna say thank you for the great talk at the Musikmesse. I enjoyed it very very much. It was a honor to meet you ;-)
Really appreciate it!


All the best Derek!

http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/8547/mitderek.jpg

[tiagocampos]

Drummingman.....
You think about this stuff WAAAYYYYY too much. Haha.

Don't worry about "this technique" or "that one", "who does what"....none of that means SQUAT!!!!

The people you look up to...that are playing this stuff...didn't have the internet to ask questions....instead....they just found a way and did it.

It takes time, and lots of practice but, no amount of searching for an answer is going to make it any easier.
Put on your headphones....jam out songs until you can play them. That what I did......that what WE ALL did.
We're all different in our approach but, we all have one thing in common....
Time spent.

Cheers,
D.

FINALY SOMEONE UNDERSTANDS ME! eheh

ok that's it guys, turn of your computers and go practice! :D

Derek you rock dude! haha

[MagicLemur]

Ya I'll agree that my internet connection probably hinders my playing more than it helps. Mostly because i spend too much time on this damn forum lol. I've never had a drum teacher though just because i don't have the money, so i've had to rely on online lessons and youtube which is actually very helpful. I like that i can get different teachers' perspectives on lessons and why they use certain lessons over others. So I guess its a double edged sword.

P.S. D-Rod awesome drumming! And congrats on the sickdrummer cover. Do you have any good lessons or recommendations for time keeping? Excercises for speed/endurance seem pretty straightforward like you've been saying, and when i practice i see improvements. But now my time keeping is slacking. I play along to music and a metronome which helps, but jamming with friends is another story. When my guitar playing buddy messes up (which happens quite often lol hes learning) it often messes me up too. Is there a mental way around this? Or should i just get more musically inclined friends? heh. Thanks for taking the time to answer 9 pages worth of questions on this thread lol you're a better man than I.

[Toza]

hi derek I got 2 questions, about your 2minutes practice methods.(4-4,8-8,12-12,16-16)
1. when you play blast for last two minutes, do you only play blast using right foot?
2. this is maybe stupid question but when i practice this foot exercises on a floor (not drums), and my second foot is resting. Would it be better for resting foot to stay in heel up position, or resting in heel down????:) I'm asking this because after working on your book, i have realized that only problem that i have is balance, and just want to say that this exercises are also gr8 for balance;)

[tom2zip]

Hello Derek! I'm a huge fan!
I wasn't that into death/black metal music before but after listening to you playing inspired me a lot.
And weirdly enough, i was using the 'flat foot' technique without even noticing myself. One day I just started playing like that and didn't even know what it was called. :D

[jake_larson]

Derek I just want to say your amazing in all your death metal acts and at the 08 modern drummer festival. I do have one question, i heard a rumor that you are looking into getting some non-metal gigs and I was wondering if you could clarify that.

[Derek Roddy]

P.S. D-Rod awesome drumming! And congrats on the sickdrummer cover. Do you have any good lessons or recommendations for time keeping? Excercises for speed/endurance seem pretty straightforward like you've been saying, and when i practice i see improvements. But now my time keeping is slacking. I play along to music and a metronome which helps, but jamming with friends is another story. When my guitar playing buddy messes up (which happens quite often lol hes learning) it often messes me up too. Is there a mental way around this? Or should i just get more musically inclined friends? heh. Thanks for taking the time to answer 9 pages worth of questions on this thread lol you're a better man than I.

Thanks for the props man......
About the best thing I can recommend for time keeping is doing something like this.....In all types of varying slow tempos.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQwgyUlMeNw&feature=channel_page
And, just playing to a click a lot.... will build your internal clock.

I guess that's the best you can do.....and if the guitarist is having problems....make him play to a click too! Haha.

Cheers,
D.

[Derek Roddy]

hi derek I got 2 questions, about your 2minutes practice methods.(4-4,8-8,12-12,16-16)
1. when you play blast for last two minutes, do you only play blast using right foot?
2. this is maybe stupid question but when i practice this foot exercises on a floor (not drums), and my second foot is resting. Would it be better for resting foot to stay in heel up position, or resting in heel down????:) I'm asking this because after working on your book, i have realized that only problem that i have is balance, and just want to say that this exercises are also gr8 for balance;)

Hey there Toza,
O.K. I'll give this a shot....
1. The 2 minute exercises were designed to use both feet and and both hands, so no......
I 'll do equal amount of time for each hand and each foot. Don't just isolate one.
2. It would be best to lift that foot completely OFF the ground. This.... takes away that "human kick stand" and forces your back to keep your body "in balance".
Do you do the balance exercies I put on-line many years ago? Single strokes in these 4 combos (again 2 minutes each)...RH/LF - LH/RF - RH/RF - LH/LF. When you get comfortable...you can add a "back beat" with the limbs you aren't using.

Try those on for about a month and see what happens.

Cheers,
D.

[Derek Roddy]

Hello Derek! I'm a huge fan!
I wasn't that into death/black metal music before but after listening to you playing inspired me a lot.
And weirdly enough, i was using the 'flat foot' technique without even noticing myself. One day I just started playing like that and didn't even know what it was called. :D

Cheers Tom....you know. this whole flatfoot issue isn't some mystical thing....it's the way most of us play without ever knowing it. Haha. Flatfoot is still heel up....it's just using more of your leg as opposed to your ankles.

Cheers,
D.

[Derek Roddy]

Hi Derek! I hope you're doing great!

I was at the Frankfurt Messe performance. At both, your solo performance and with Paul Gilbert. You were great!
I wanted to ask what the name of the "more quiet" song of your set was (i think it is in 5/8, 6/8). Is it available in any form?

Cheers!

Stefan

Hi Stefan...thanks a lot.
Hummm....it is a Traumedy tune but, I don't remember which ones I played.
Most of those tunes are on my youtube channel....look for Traumedy and my channel is MrObsidian. Hit me back here if you find it....I'll give you the details.

Cheers,
D.

[Derek Roddy]

Hey Derek,

i just wanna say thank you for the great talk at the Musikmesse. I enjoyed it very very much. It was a honor to meet you ;-)
Really appreciate it!


All the best Derek!

http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/8547/mitderek.jpg

Rock on man....it was great to meet you as well. Maybe again someday.

D.

[Derek Roddy]

Derek I just want to say your amazing in all your death metal acts and at the 08 modern drummer festival. I do have one question, i heard a rumor that you are looking into getting some non-metal gigs and I was wondering if you could clarify that.

Thanks you Jake. I had so much fun at the MD fest....although, my stomach was right up in my throat!!!! Haha.

That's no rumor at all. I've been playing other styles of music my whole life. In fact, metal was the last form of music that I got into. I came from a very musical family and there was all types of music in the house. I play all types of gigs...in all types of musical situations......It's just that... all most anybody really gives a crap about is... all the fast stuff....so, that's what I'm known for. Haha.

Cheers,
D.

[Drewbrew]

Hey Derek i had never really listened to your drumming until recently and wow was i blown away. You are an extremely talented musician. But let me get straight to the point. I was wondering how you develop your hand and foot independence because you have a great ability to play complex rhythms with your hands on top of a killer double bass pattern

[Gretsch09]

I was fortuante enough to be at the 2008 Modern Drummer Fest in NY last year. Your performance blew my mind. I remember you performed first on day two and it was way too early for me, being that I was vacationing in NYC! My head was pounding after the first nights festivities but it was still great. I was also lucky enough to win one of the door prizes that included a Meinl 14 inch filter china that you signed! It says "Blast On!" It hangs on the wall in my practice room now. What a cool, and unexpected gift! You should of seen my face when they called my seat number! I was completely shocked!

[aydee]

Hey Derek,

i want to join in on the chorus and just say that I'm as far removed from metal music as a musician can possibly get, but I was completely blown away by your inventiveness, and the wonderfully unique & powerful voice you have on the drums. It was a real stand out performance and a real pleasure to watch!

[arthurk1]

Hello Derek, I must say that I totally love watching and listening to you play and the great advice you give the young drummers out there. I watch the MD Festival performance all the time and always end up saying, "Man that is so awesome"! I was curious as to why on most of your youtube videos of you practicing, you have coated heads and live you have clear heads? Anyway, love your drumming and keep up the awesome, totally inspiring playing. Arthur

[Roger//]

Hello Derek!

Just wanted to drop in and say the following.
I never took much intrest in metal drumming untill I saw you play the MD 08.
Great playing!
Your feet go evil fast!
Thank for setting me onto a new drumming track and being a great inspiration.

Btw: loved the vid on youtube where you play superslow. thats a hard thing to do.

[Derek Roddy]

Hi guys.
Sorry I haven't been around much the last few months.........But, this was the reason.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmMNNWKRoNk&feature=sub

I've been very busy and just now getting my life back to normal...from editing video and audio for the last 4 months!!!

Just wanted to put up this press release and say hello to you all.

Hope all is good and drumming is progressing!

Cheers,
D.


A short teaser for Derek Roddy's instructional video "Blast Beats Evolved". For more information on this video, visit HudsonMusic.com!

With Blast Beats Evolved, extreme metal master Derek Roddy has created the definitive educational document on contemporary extreme drumming and modern metal styles. Drawing on his experience both as a world-reknowned metal drummer, his critically-acclaimed work outside the metal world, and his background in drum education and clinics, Derek provides the perfect balance of performance and instruction to help you advance your understanding and technical skills for this music.

Metal styles and techniques such as skank beats, traditional blast beats, bomb blasts, hammer blasts, freehand blasts, accent blasting, hand/foot combinations, rolls and fills are covered in extensive detail, with multiple examples for each topic.

Going beyond the beats and fills, Derek provides a complete conditioning program to improve your overall command of the drumkit. COvering areas that include balance exercises, a system for equaling the feet, improving your endurance and moving around the kit, Derek touches on areas that will assist all drummers - not just metal players.

This incredible package also contains 5 solo jams, 7 Serpents Rise songs, a detailed discussion of the equipment and setup used, interviews, and outtakes.

Blast Beats Evolved provides an unprecidented look at the state of modern metal drumming today, along with an extensive program to improve your personal approach to the drums.

Running Time - 2 hours 49 minutes

[Mr. Pasquini]

Beautiful! That's one I could get really excited about watching.

[jivadayadasa]

Hey Derek, I have never played metal or double bass but your drumming and music has helped inspire me a lot. I am always getting cool ideas from you and taking them in different directions - Well, like I said, I don't play blast beats or metal but I will definitely get your dvd!

Thanks man!

Can you or someone here help me with this?

I'm trying to figure out some of your playing on a Youtube Namm 2009 (friday) clip. The grooves are at 1:24 and then 1:47. I play some things close to this but like on the second one your right hand on the hat is hard to figure and could sure use some help with transcribing. Thanks.

Jiva

[MaidenFanSte]

Hi guys.
Sorry I haven't been around much the last few months.........But, this was the reason.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmMNNWKRoNk&feature=sub


I'm not sure whether to quit or practice.......

[krayziemex99]

Hi Derek,

I have never seen you play before until I got my modern drummer 2008 dvd's and holy hell! Talk about inspirational, hope to hear more of ya man good stuff.

[jake_larson]

Your new DVD looks sick, and I really want to get your book soon, but I do have a question, what is the one album that made you want to drum?
Thanks in advanced

[Derek Roddy]

Cheers Everyone.
Hope you all dig the new DVD. Here are some short clips for you to check out.....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zdn8k7VzJUc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FUkU4nbg4k
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18oaIznHoOI


Your new DVD looks sick, and I really want to get your book soon, but I do have a question, what is the one album that made you want to drum?
Thanks in advanced

Buddy Rich...West side story.
But, KISS alive1..... was what made me want to play in front of people.

Cheers,
D.

[Paul Quin]

The DVD looks killer my friend! I hope you explain how lesser mortals can manage to keep that up short of bionic surgery! Good luck - although I am sure you will not need it!

Paul

[RollingStone000]

I just got through watching the session (all eight parts) you and Eric Moore had in Moscow, man you cats were really cookin'! I really dug that cymbal you had mounted by your left bass, working it with the pedal. Very solid. Stay up.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKZflTwLJ8k

[RollingStone000]

My mistake there's 23 separate parts.

[Derek Roddy]

Hello Derek!

Just wanted to drop in and say the following.
I never took much intrest in metal drumming untill I saw you play the MD 08.
Great playing!
Your feet go evil fast!
Thank for setting me onto a new drumming track and being a great inspiration.

Btw: loved the vid on youtube where you play superslow. thats a hard thing to do.

Rock on man....Thanks for the props.
Yeah, that 25 BPM stuff ...is no joke!
Haha.

D.

[Derek Roddy]

Hello Derek, I must say that I totally love watching and listening to you play and the great advice you give the young drummers out there. I watch the MD Festival performance all the time and always end up saying, "Man that is so awesome"! I was curious as to why on most of your youtube videos of you practicing, you have coated heads and live you have clear heads? Anyway, love your drumming and keep up the awesome, totally inspiring playing. Arthur

Cheers brother...
You know ....on the head thing....I just use what is available...in all the correct sizes. So, I don't really have a preference between coated and clears. As long as they match! Haha.

D.

[Derek Roddy]

Hey Derek i had never really listened to your drumming until recently and wow was i blown away. You are an extremely talented musician. But let me get straight to the point. I was wondering how you develop your hand and foot independence because you have a great ability to play complex rhythms with your hands on top of a killer double bass pattern

Ha...thanks.
Well, it's no secrete.....I got here by playing....A LOT! No specific exercises or anything like that....I just played a lot of drums....and kept an open mind about what I wanted to achieve with-in this style of music.

D.

[Derek Roddy]

I was fortuante enough to be at the 2008 Modern Drummer Fest in NY last year. Your performance blew my mind. I remember you performed first on day two and it was way too early for me, being that I was vacationing in NYC! My head was pounding after the first nights festivities but it was still great. I was also lucky enough to win one of the door prizes that included a Meinl 14 inch filter china that you signed! It says "Blast On!" It hangs on the wall in my practice room now. What a cool, and unexpected gift! You should of seen my face when they called my seat number! I was completely shocked!

I think I DID see your face when they called the number! Haha. That would have been a cool experience...nothing like an unsuspected gift.
Cheers for the props brother.

D.

[Derek Roddy]

Hey Derek,

i want to join in on the chorus and just say that I'm as far removed from metal music as a musician can possibly get, but I was completely blown away by your inventiveness, and the wonderfully unique & powerful voice you have on the drums. It was a real stand out performance and a real pleasure to watch!

Cheers...Nice to hear an open mind about this style of music....
instead of the close minded comments, I'm used to getting by "open minded musicians".

Cheers to ya!

D.

[Derek Roddy]

Hey Derek, I have never played metal or double bass but your drumming and music has helped inspire me a lot. I am always getting cool ideas from you and taking them in different directions - Well, like I said, I don't play blast beats or metal but I will definitely get your dvd!

Thanks man!

Can you or someone here help me with this?

I'm trying to figure out some of your playing on a Youtube Namm 2009 (friday) clip. The grooves are at 1:24 and then 1:47. I play some things close to this but like on the second one your right hand on the hat is hard to figure and could sure use some help with transcribing. Thanks.

Jiva

Hi Jiva...wish I could help you on that.....I haven't seen that vid in awhile and as much as I'd like to say "I knew what I was doing"....mostly, I have no idea! Haha.
Sometimes stuff just comes out....you know?
You peaked my curiosity....I have to go look now! Haha.

D.

[Derek Roddy]

I'm not sure whether to quit or practice.......

Please don't quit!!!!!!
Hey, I've been there too.....Like a few days ago...in Russia...playing with Eric Moore.
Get used to it....happens often!!! LoL.

D.

[Derek Roddy]

The DVD looks killer my friend! I hope you explain how lesser mortals can manage to keep that up short of bionic surgery! Good luck - although I am sure you will not need it!

Paul

Paul...my brother...Thanks.
Call you later in the week. Almost finished with the Serpents Rise recording. I'll send ya out a copy when it's done.

D.

[Derek Roddy]

I just got through watching the session (all eight parts) you and Eric Moore had in Moscow, man you cats were really cookin'! I really dug that cymbal you had mounted by your left bass, working it with the pedal. Very solid. Stay up.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKZflTwLJ8k

I had SO much fun with Eric....what a great player and dude.

Yeah, that was a 10 and 12 Gen X filter chinas....stacked on each other....gnarly huh?

D.

[Derek Roddy]

Here's a couple of Serpents Rise songs for you all to dig on.
http://www.derekroddy.com/Dereks_Link_Folder/The%20Greater%20Equanimity.wav
http://www.derekroddy.com/Dereks_Link_Folder/Serpents%20Rise.wav

Please, pass these along to your friends, forums, etc..... Trying to get as much of this on open ears as possible.

More to come.

Cheers everyone....talk soon.
D.

[RollingStone000]

I had SO much fun with Eric....what a great player and dude.

Yeah, that was a 10 and 12 Gen X filter chinas....stacked on each other....gnarly huh?

D.

Very cool sound out of that thing. I've got a buddy who's got an extra single pedal and want's to setup a cowbell to it, but I'm going to have to show him that clip. He'll drop a deuce in his pants the size of a brick.

[Lewistehafro]

Hey Derek,
I posted a thread asking for help to tune my drums to sound metal, i was told to come here and ask you.
Ps, i love your drumming!

thanks

lewis

[MisterMixelpix]

Just to chime in a month late, I bought the book Evolution of the Blast Beat and it's pretty effing awesome.

[krayziemex99]

Hey Derek,

I'm excited man I just ordered the book you wrote The Evolution of Blast Beats and I am freaking stoked! I never knew about you until I bought my MD Festival 08 dvd's and you blew my mind away! I have started drumming pretty late (started at 23) but you as well as all the drummers on those dvd's inspired me even further to pursue drumming so thanks man! I had to say that, you take it easy now.

[dale w miller]

See you at NAMM 2010?

[Phil Brodermann]

Hi Mr. Roddy, I don't listen to metal at all, or play any, but I have a lot of respect for you and your playing. It's not easy to make that stuff musical, but I think you've pulled it off, with your own musical voice aswell.
Cheers, Phil :)

[MisterMixelpix]

Hey Derek,

I'm excited man I just ordered the book you wrote The Evolution of Blast Beats and I am freaking stoked! I never knew about you until I bought my MD Festival 08 dvd's and you blew my mind away! I have started drumming pretty late (started at 23) but you as well as all the drummers on those dvd's inspired me even further to pursue drumming so thanks man! I had to say that, you take it easy now.

You will LOVE the book. The CD that it comes with is kinda helpful, but having all those various blasts written out is enormously useful.

[ccsimms]

Derek,
i'm digging your book. killer exercises dude.

[leftyrightplayer]

great death metal drummer and some interesting creativity

[MisterMixelpix]

Also, some of his speed/endurance exercises are pretty excellent. I just did an hour of the 4/8/12/16/singles and seriously at the end of the hour I was already more comfortable doing single stroke double bass rolls than when I started.

[GRUNTERSDAD]

He will be appearing in Seminole Florida at:

www.seminolemusicandsound.com for a free clinic.

[Derek Roddy]

Hey Derek,
I posted a thread asking for help to tune my drums to sound metal, i was told to come here and ask you.
Ps, i love your drumming!

thanks

lewis


Hey there....well that's a loaded question! Haha.

What I've done to my drum sound personally...is get away from sounding "metal". haha.

There are a lot of variables with this topic but, the reason modern day metal drums sound the way they do isn't because of the drumtuning or EQ....it's because of sound replacing!
(You'll have to do some research about this on your own....way to much info to type here.)

That said...there are a few things that can get you close with a natural kit.
Back in the "old days"....we used a variety of things to get that bright, punchy sound....that lead to all the modern drum samples used.

First...kick drum.
To get that tight, bright sound...you just need to EQ the crap out of it.
Add top end in the 6 - 8K range...this gives you the snap.
Cut some mids...you'll have to play with this to see where the drum will sound best to you. Mids....give you your "tone" and "type" of sound. That's a personal preference issue.
Last low end....and contrary to popular belief.....you filter anything below 100-80 Hz.
This will clean up the muddiness that low end give.... when a lot of notes are being played.
The actual amount of notes....is what creates that "rumble" we associate with metal music...not low end.
Snare...nothing special really. Just compress the snot out of it and, have a nice drum.
Toms....same as kicks.
Over heads....I like to filter all low end....up to about 400Hz for metal stuff. This removes most Tom and kick bleed...giving you a cleaner overhead sound.
Of course all of this depends on the type of sound you're going for but...for metal...as a general rule....this works.

Now, head choices....don't think that matters as much but, most metal players use 2 ply heads (I do not..I like the tone of singles).
Emp and pinstripes really do the trick but, remember.....drums just sound like drums.

All of this processed stuff you hear in these drum sounds on record ....usually aren't the actual drums being used. or they are eq'd very heavily......in other words...there is no way to get a metal drum sound...unless you record your drums.

Drums are drums and the principle of all drums are the same...from a audible point of view.

Hope that helps...
cheers,
D.

[Derek Roddy]

Hey Derek,

I'm excited man I just ordered the book you wrote The Evolution of Blast Beats and I am freaking stoked! I never knew about you until I bought my MD Festival 08 dvd's and you blew my mind away! I have started drumming pretty late (started at 23) but you as well as all the drummers on those dvd's inspired me even further to pursue drumming so thanks man! I had to say that, you take it easy now.

Just to chime in a month late, I bought the book Evolution of the Blast Beat and it's pretty effing awesome.

Thanks guys...glad the book and DVD is doing there job! Haha.
Cheers for the support.

D.

[Derek Roddy]

Just wanted to say thank you to everyone who has commented on the book, DVD or my playing.
Drummers are just the coolest bunch of musicians out there.

Ultimately, I'll be able to continue to grow from the influence of ALL YOU GUYS!

I dream of the day of becoming the drummer I want to be.....much like all of you....I'm sure.

Cheers everyone.

D.

[gwaco]

we are looking forward to seeing and meeting you at the seminole music clinic . you will have a blast there! oh and so will we !

[Derek Roddy]

He will be appearing in Seminole Florida at:

www.seminolemusicandsound.com for a free clinic.

Oh yes...I was just going to post this.

Here's the link....
http://seminolemusic.com

Thanks.

Are you going to make it out?

D.

[Mr. Pasquini]

Just wanted to say thank you to everyone who has commented on the book, DVD or my playing.
Drummers are just the coolest bunch of musicians out there.

Ultimately, I'll be able to continue to grow from the influence of ALL YOU GUYS!

I dream of the day of becoming the drummer I want to be.....much like all of you....I'm sure.

Cheers everyone.

D.

I feel honored to be in contact with you.

I've been doing some of your endurance exercises and I have to say I see improvement every day. I just started taking some of the speed advice found in this thread and it's helping me as well. I'll be picking up the evolution of blast beats next month, I'm really excited about the countless hours I'm going to throw at this.

[Derek Roddy]

I feel honored to be in contact with you.

I've been doing some of your endurance exercises and I have to say I see improvement every day. I just started taking some of the speed advice found in this thread and it's helping me as well. I'll be picking up the evolution of blast beats next month, I'm really excited about the countless hours I'm going to throw at this.

Cheers brother....glad some of the exercises are working for you.

D.

[Derek Roddy]

If you guys are interested...here is a DrumChannel stream....with Marco Minnemann and myself.

If you're into metal and general "busy drumming".....check this out.
http://www.drumchannel.com/entertainment/Derek-Roddy-Marco-Minnemann-AMAZING-96274.aspx

Enjoy....

D.

[Paul Quin]

If you guys are interested...here is a DrumChannel stream....with Marco Minnemann and myself.

If you're into metal and general "busy drumming".....check this out.
http://www.drumchannel.com/entertainment/Derek-Roddy-Marco-Minnemann-AMAZING-96274.aspx

Enjoy....

D.

Great stuff! No surprise there. By the way, you need to stop posting at 7:00 am in the morning. Other drummers may learn about your work ethic and your business and marketing expertise (aside from your unbelievable drumming) and may realize they don't need me!

Paul

[Derek Roddy]

Great stuff! No surprise there. By the way, you need to stop posting at 7:00 am in the morning. Other drummers may learn about your work ethic and your business and marketing expertise (aside from your unbelievable drumming) and may realize they don't need me!

Paul

Hahaha....too funny.

Hey, meant to call this week but, got busy with snake stuff.

Are you going to be able to make it to the Clinic on Thursday? Hope so....bringing my wife over as well.
Lets hook up if possible.

Cheers....I'll shout later this weekend.

D.

[Paul Quin]

Hahaha....too funny.

Hey, meant to call this week but, got busy with snake stuff.

Are you going to be able to make it to the Clinic on Thursday? Hope so....bringing my wife over as well.
Lets hook up if possible.

Cheers....I'll shout later this weekend.

D.

Absolutely, I'll be there. Give me a shout on Tuesday or Wednesday. I am in meetings all day Monday. Paul

[GRUNTERSDAD]

Just to be current. See you there Paul.

[MisterMixelpix]

What's your pedal setup, man? I was watching a video of yours for practicing and noticed you're on an e-kit with some MASSIVE felt beaters on the pedals, which is like the opposite of what you usually see.

Visual reference:

http://imgur.com/2SwMA.png

Also, pet snake. Awesome.

[Derek Roddy]

What's your pedal setup, man? I was watching a video of yours for practicing and noticed you're on an e-kit with some MASSIVE felt beaters on the pedals, which is like the opposite of what you usually see.

Visual reference:

http://imgur.com/2SwMA.png

Also, pet snake. Awesome.


Hi man....yeah, that was an old practice pad kit I had.

My pedals are Axis A21 longboards and the beaters are standard Danmar Felt beaters.

Yes, and the snakes....I have a few of them...about 100 or so. Haha.

Cheers,
D.

[Swiss Matthias]

Hi Derek

just wanted to drop by and say I loved your modern drummer fest performance!! Although I'm not much into metal, your playing was (or is, on the dvd) very inspiring, interesting, diverse and awesome! Also you seem to be a very nice guy, very down to earth and humble. I have great respect for that.

All the best,
Matthias

[Derek Roddy]

Thanks a lot Matthias....glad you gig what you hear....and see!
Nothing like beating some skins!

D.

[Derek Roddy]

Hello everyone.....
Just an announcement about my new Signature Edition Axis A21 Bass Drum pedal.
Here's is the link....
http://www.axispercussion.com/A21_derek_roddy.html

Myself and the Axis company put our heads together in respects to drummers feeling that the A pedal is too light for them.
A simple angle change of the beater going into the #1 axle piece....was all that was needed.

The 21 degree angle forward...gives the pedal more acceleration in the stroke...giving WAY MORE power.
They also upgraded all the allen keys screws....with drum key screws.

There are 2 separate designs of the new A21....my model (which has the older style footboard and comes with the E kits for triggering) and, the regular A21has a new "wide heel" board designed for heel toe players.

If you're a Axis fan....definitely check these out.......and if the light feel of the pedal was too not your thing.....check em' out now.

What a difference a simple angle change makes.

Cheers everyone.
Derek Roddy

[MisterMixelpix]

Those look sweet!

Now if only they didn't cost as much as my entire kit...

[Fracture]

Dude! Derek is actually on here.
Those pedals are gorgeous dude, so they actually sell those? Where can you find them?

[Derek Roddy]

Dude! Derek is actually on here.
Those pedals are gorgeous dude, so they actually sell those? Where can you find them?

Yeah, they're available where ever Axis pedals are sold.

Cheers,
D.

[Derek Roddy]

Just a reminder about the clinic tonight at Seminole Music, FL.....

http://seminolemusic.com

Hope to see some of you there.

Cheers,
D.

[Dreaded Skull]

Wow! Great clinic last night. You were awesome great speed and control. Here is a few pictures I took.

http://i47.tinypic.com/2ecqa05.jpg

http://i48.tinypic.com/2a7wyva.jpg

http://i48.tinypic.com/64qx47.jpg

http://i45.tinypic.com/j8mxw6.jpg

http://i46.tinypic.com/2dm5x8y.jpg

[gwaco]

hi derek , its me jennifer . i just wanted to say thanks for all the cool stuff you showed me at my lesson . i will practice it very hard and make casey jealous ha ! ha !
my dad and i had a great time at the lesson and the clinic . your a lot nicer than i expected ! hopefully next time i won't be so nervous !!!!!!!
jennifer

oh btw my dad has been posting some videos of the clinic on you tube .
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZg2tATXqPE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJtJ7Jo5rp4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQyzNsXF2XA

[Derek Roddy]

Wow! Great clinic last night. You were awesome great speed and control. Here is a few pictures I took.

Hey man...thanks for coming out and hanging with us. I had a lot of fun. Maybe see ya again sometime over there.

hi derek , its me jennifer . i just wanted to say thanks for all the cool stuff you showed me at my lesson . i will practice it very hard and make casey jealous ha ! ha !
my dad and i had a great time at the lesson and the clinic . your a lot nicer than i expected ! hopefully next time i won't be so nervous !!!!!!!
jennifer

oh btw my dad has been posting some videos of the clinic on you tube .
]

Cheers Jennifer. It was great to play with ya.
I honestly couldn't believe you picked up the paradiddle with you feet thing.....haha. That blew me away.

You're going to be a Great drummer.....you just keep jammin'.
Tell your dad hello for me.

Talk soon,
D.

[Fracture]

Yeah, they're available where ever Axis pedals are sold.

Cheers,
D.

I mean they're killer, I really want to get those but I'm sure they're like $1,000 bucks a pop hahaha.
I looked on the internet for them but I've only seen them on the Axis website but I'm going to try and find them!

By the way my grandma loves your blastbeat video.

[*JOHN FAVICCHIA *]

Hey D!!!!

Great to see you the other day. Thanks for the DVD. It is really AWESOME!!! Great job all around. Playing, production, Sound, Video edits, speaking , content, interviews and of course Snakes!!!!!

See you soon my friend-

J Fav

[theindian]

Hey Derek, I'm big fan of your work. I have been getting into the multi-pedal thing lately. I was wondering if you had some general tips for pedal placement & pedal settings. I have a 6 pedal set up from left to right.

Axis A shortboard w/ gajate bracket to LP Matador Cowbell.
Axis LB Hi-Hat max tension w/ 14" Paiste 2002 SE
X LB double pedal 22" Ludwig Classic Maple Kick
Gilbralter Remote Hi-Hat w/ 14" Zildjian Mastersound
Axis X w/ gajate mount LP Black Beauty Cowbell

All the pedals are set at 3/4 pedal tension, beater angle is standard 45*, the pedals on the cowbells have plastic beaters. Everything fits together pretty well overall, except the remote hat b/c it doesn't have velcro on the bottom.

I can play some pretty cool patterns and have gotten to the point where I can solo on top of some easy ones (say a 4 pedal samba pattern).

I was just wondering if you had any advice that would make my set more effecient as far as placement, pedal settings, general movement, and anything else you know.
I know its hard w/o a pic, so I will try to post some later. As you can see I am a pretty big fan of Axis, but I noticed that you use Sonor Giant Steps for everything but the kicks. Do pedals like that seem to work better for multi-pedal work?

Thanks for your help.

[Bernhard]

Just uploaded some videos from the great new DVD "Blast Beats Evolved" - check it out...

..and a solid Rock Drumming with Paul Gilbert i filmed from behind the scenes at the Musikmesse last year...

http://www.drummerworld.com/drummers/Derek_Roddy.html

enjoy...

Bernhard

[dairyairman]

i hear you just joined thomas lang with DW. is that true?

[Bernhard]

i hear you just joined thomas lang with DW. is that true?

Yes this is confirmed just some days ago by DW to me. Goes also for Dave Grohl, JR Robinson.

Bernhard

[toddy]

oh that is awesome! congratulations derek.
can i ask how you ended up working with today is the day? did it work out as you simply being a session musician for the album?

[dairyairman]

can't wait to see your new gear!

[Derek Roddy]

Hey D!!!!

Great to see you the other day. Thanks for the DVD. It is really AWESOME!!! Great job all around. Playing, production, Sound, Video edits, speaking , content, interviews and of course Snakes!!!!!

See you soon my friend-

J Fav

Yes, always great to hang and laugh.

Wish we could hook up more often.

Glad you're diggin' on the DVD....that was a lot of work! Haha.

See ya next time....maybe at the Collective?

D.

[Derek Roddy]

Hey Derek, I'm big fan of your work. I have been getting into the multi-pedal thing lately. I was wondering if you had some general tips for pedal placement & pedal settings. I have a 6 pedal set up from left to right.

Axis A shortboard w/ gajate bracket to LP Matador Cowbell.
Axis LB Hi-Hat max tension w/ 14" Paiste 2002 SE
X LB double pedal 22" Ludwig Classic Maple Kick
Gilbralter Remote Hi-Hat w/ 14" Zildjian Mastersound
Axis X w/ gajate mount LP Black Beauty Cowbell

All the pedals are set at 3/4 pedal tension, beater angle is standard 45*, the pedals on the cowbells have plastic beaters. Everything fits together pretty well overall, except the remote hat b/c it doesn't have velcro on the bottom.

I can play some pretty cool patterns and have gotten to the point where I can solo on top of some easy ones (say a 4 pedal samba pattern).

I was just wondering if you had any advice that would make my set more effecient as far as placement, pedal settings, general movement, and anything else you know.
I know its hard w/o a pic, so I will try to post some later. As you can see I am a pretty big fan of Axis, but I noticed that you use Sonor Giant Steps for everything but the kicks. Do pedals like that seem to work better for multi-pedal work?

Thanks for your help.

You know...I don't put much thought into this really. Some days feel better than others...even when the gear hasn't changed.
You're set up is similar to mine.....I have a foot snare, ribbon crasher, main hat, L kick, R kick, R hat, 6" tom.
Yeah, I only need the Axis pedal for the main kicks.
The Aux pedals....I don't care as much about because I don't really spend much time on those pedals....not like I do on my main kicks.
The reason for this is simply.....Axis are expensive pedals....and when I go into a store for....lets say a clinic or whatnot......The store owners don't have to spend extra....on getting 4 more axis pedals, etc. This way....I don't "rely" on the pedals for that type of execution. I can play pretty much on any pedal (Playing on an Axis pedal for 20 years will do that)....I just prefer the Axis feel for the kicks.
Cheers,
D.

[Derek Roddy]

Just uploaded some videos from the great new DVD "Blast Beats Evolved" - check it out...

..and a solid Rock Drumming with Paul Gilbert i filmed from behind the scenes at the Musikmesse last year...

http://www.drummerworld.com/drummers/Derek_Roddy.html

enjoy...

Bernhard

Cheers Bernhard....coming to the states anytime this year?

i hear you just joined thomas lang with DW. is that true?


Yes sir...it is. Proud to be there.

oh that is awesome! congratulations derek.
can i ask how you ended up working with today is the day? did it work out as you simply being a session musician for the album?

Cheers man....
Well, with TITD....Steve told me exactly what I wanted to hear......and when it was over.....did exactly opposite of that.
I thought the drums I tracked for him....were going to be scratch drums... so I could go home learn the songs better (with vox, etc...) and, then record the songs.
I mean 1 day after I recorded those drums....he started booking a tour (which he said he didn't want to do anymore, yadda, yadda, yadda....)

That's why I didn't say around.
I had just gotten out of the same situation with other bands and, I saw TITD was going to be no different (even thought Steve assured me it wouldn't)
I couldn't keep putting my life on hold..... so, others could escape theirs.

D.

[Derek Roddy]

Hey guys....just wanted to put up a solo from Johannesburg South Africa...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JG8xXTToh5M
Hope you enjoy.

D.

[Chaos_Inferno]

Hey Derek, I was watching that solo... awesome stuff of course, but then saw in the related videos you playing a Serpents Rise song and then realized I never found like a collective of the recordings you guys made of the songs... I've heard several mixes and seen you guys post rough versions/demos of songs and then what I believe were at least certain songs that were finished.

Did you ever upload all the completed songs, even if they're just individual links or did you release them as a pieced together album of sorts? I've seen your posts on several other forums but even browsing through most of those rather large threads I never saw them and now I'm curious.

Thanks in advance :)

[Derek Roddy]

Hey Derek, I was watching that solo... awesome stuff of course, but then saw in the related videos you playing a Serpents Rise song and then realized I never found like a collective of the recordings you guys made of the songs... I've heard several mixes and seen you guys post rough versions/demos of songs and then what I believe were at least certain songs that were finished.

Did you ever upload all the completed songs, even if they're just individual links or did you release them as a pieced together album of sorts? I've seen your posts on several other forums but even browsing through most of those rather large threads I never saw them and now I'm curious.

Thanks in advance :)

Cheers man....yeah, I'll have the final Serpents Rise finished within this month.

I'll post them on my site and here at Drummerworld for everyone to download.
Of course, I will offer a physical CD that will be available through my website, Amazon, ITunes, etc...
Glad you dig the stuff.

It sounds so much better than those demos....can't wait to get it out there.

D.

[Larta]

Hey Derek!

So now that you've joined DW drums, will you be making a promo video just like Lang did, and when will we see this?
Btw, What made you want to leave Sonor?

Cheers from sweden

[Chaos_Inferno]

Cheers man....yeah, I'll have the final Serpents Rise finished within this month.

I'll post them on my site and here at Drummerworld for everyone to download.
Of course, I will offer a physical CD that will be available through my website, Amazon, ITunes, etc...
Glad you dig the stuff.

It sounds so much better than those demos....can't wait to get it out there.

D.

I was unaware they weren't even quite finished yet! Silly me lol.

Sounds good to me, I remember when I first heard those demos... I think it's cool that they're instrumental, because I think you'll see people doing some vocal covers because the structuring of it still would work for vocal melody lines. Maybe that's just me though.

Either way, it's interesting and well-crafted death metal where lately a lot of the genre tends to be... well, repetitive and boring for the most part. It's good to hear something refreshing, because it always ends up being some of my favorite stuff.

[toddy]

I had just gotten out of the same situation with other bands and, I saw TITD was going to be no different (even thought Steve assured me it wouldn't)
I couldn't keep putting my life on hold..... so, others could escape theirs.

D.

yeah yeah, i'm in a similar situation currently (albeit with much smaller bands). i don't feel the need to go around touring shitty clubs because i have so much more productive stuff to do for myself..
hopefully one day opeth or obscura will need a new drummer ;)

i hope the transition to DW has been going well. i bet its much easier to get them in the US than it is to get sonor.

[kwolf68]

i hope the transition to DW has been going well. i bet its much easier to get them in the US than it is to get sonor.


You can say that...I can't speak for Derek at all, but Sonor has issues...stuff like distribution in the states, customer service, artist support, etc. that leaves a lot to be desired. It's almost like Sonor doesn't really care about the US market.

It sucks, because I don't choose drums based on drummers I like, but it's still nice to have drummers you like playing the drums you choose.

Sonor lost Paul Bostaph and now Derek Roddy...you just can't lose this type of talent.

Oh well, I don't have the same 'situation' as those guys so I'll continue to pound away on my Sonors for the forseeable future...but I am sure every time I turn on the tv to watch a gig, no doubt most likely the drummer will be driving a DW rig...smart move by DW.

I wish the very best to Derek on his move to DW, it's a fantastic company with great product and they'll surely get him excellent support.

It was a sad day for a lot of us Sonor users when Derek left, but I respect his decision and I hope the brass at Sonor has taken notice and will wake the hell up.

Peace.

[MisterMixelpix]

Hey Derek!

I was watching a vid where you were explaining the "flat foot" technique, and I was wondering if there's anything else you have out there that goes into it in more detail (book, DVD, whatever). I've always felt like "running in place" was the most natural way to do double bass, but was under the impression that was wrong. However, if YOU'RE doing it, well obviously it can't be TOO wrong, can it? LOL

[Derek Roddy]

Well, "running on the pedals" is what I do....but, doesn't mean that it will work for you.

You have to do and progress.... with what you are already doing.
Stopping to learn all these different "techniques"....is what is keeping players from progressing as quickly as they'd like.

You still have to put just as much time into learning a new technique...as you would have the "old" technique.
So, really....it's all a moot point.
The only thing that makes a real difference......is practice, persistence and consistency.
If you change any of those things.....you add more time to your progress...thus slowing you down.

That said....I don't have material out about technique. I have watched so many drummers....hold themselves back in order to search for the perfect technique....that I feel it's a waste of time.

Practice, you'll get there one way or another. Neither of which...is better than the other.

Cheers,
D.

[MisterMixelpix]

That's the thing. It already IS working for me. Trying to focus on mostly ankle movements and keep my hip flexors from being activated was leaving me literally uncomfortable on the seat. It felt like the pedal tension was too low to get any "spring off" but too high to comfortably step down.

So I pulled down my pedal tension, raised my seat about two inches, scooted in a bit, and double kick patterns sprang to life faster than I was doing just yesterday! Stuff I was struggling to get on tempo was a BREEZE. In my "can't drum" time I've been practicing the movement on the floor. It's the first way to do it that felt "right" for me, so I'm thanking you IMMENSELY for opening my eyes to it! I swear I had been under the impression that the goal was to MINIMIZE leg movement at high speeds, so seeing you say "well no, that can definitely work" was a revelation.

So I'm just, you know, curious about any other little tips and tricks. Seat placement ideas, if ankle weights are a good idea, etc. Obviously I'm not going to copy you exactly since we're built totally differently, but I'm always on the lookout for little nudges in the right direction, yah?

Again, you kick major ass, DR. And I heard you're moving away from triggers now? INTENSE!

[Derek Roddy]

Yeah, you're going about it the right way. Your body is telling you what to do....and, that's cool.
But, don't get to comfy.......As fast progress like you described.... can be quickly followed with...." why in the hell did I change everything?" Haha.

There's a fine line there.

As far as tips, etc...just jam man...and, play with as many people as you can.

That's where you get..."what you need" to move forward.....whether it's speed, and chops...or feel and dynamics...or just being comfortable playing music and drums in general.
The only way you really get that.....is listening and feeling the presence of others.

Then...it all comes together. (IMO) LoL.


D.

[MisterMixelpix]

Haha, well yeah definitely. Right now I've figured that this is my ideal position, so now it's a matter of doing the drills. Your endurance exercises (those ten minute circuits of single strokes) are INCREDIBLY tiring, but I love 'em.

I'm not sure I'd call what happened today "progress" so much as finally putting myself in an ideal position to start the REAL practice. It's gonna be a long journey.

I just want to get to a point where my feet are as fast as my hands, y'know? I can hit single stroke rolls at 190-200bpm for short periods of time, and 180bpm for a solid minute or two, but on my legs? No way. 140bpm for any period of time now.

You're an inspiration Derek. Make another DVD!

[HOUSTON 94]

Yeah, you're going about it the right way. Your body is telling you what to do....and, that's cool.
But, don't get to comfy.......As fast progress like you described.... can be quickly followed with...." why in the hell did I change everything?" Haha.

There's a fine line there.

As far as tips, etc...just jam man...and, play with as many people as you can.

That's where you get..."what you need" to move forward.....whether it's speed, and chops...or feel and dynamics...or just being comfortable playing music and drums in general.
The only way you really get that.....is listening and feeling the presence of others.

Then...it all comes together. (IMO) LoL.


D.

Thats some execellent advice. Thanks man.

[Deathtoll]

Hey there Derek, i'm a little confused because there are still websites saying you play Sonor and on your website I see you are now playing DW. Could you clarify which one you are currently playing for? Thanks!

Cheers!

[dale w miller]

Well, "running on the pedals" is what I do....but, doesn't mean that it will work for you.

You have to do and progress.... with what you are already doing.
Stopping to learn all these different "techniques"....is what is keeping players from progressing as quickly as they'd like.

You still have to put just as much time into learning a new technique...as you would have the "old" technique.
So, really....it's all a moot point.
The only thing that makes a real difference......is practice, persistence and consistency.
If you change any of those things.....you add more time to your progress...thus slowing you down.

That said....I don't have material out about technique. I have watched so many drummers....hold themselves back in order to search for the perfect technique....that I feel it's a waste of time.

Practice, you'll get there one way or another. Neither of which...is better than the other.

Cheers,
D.Being someone which speed was never a strength, the reason I continue to search is the failure. After years of doing it one way and it not working, I now noticed that there are so many younger players playing much faster than even the speed demons did while I was growing up. I cannot help myself but want to try what they are doing.

That said, I will always be an experimental and feel based drummer. That is just my whole approach but I am open enough to see the musicality in what players like yourself are doing. I would just love to be able to pull out a a few measures of half the speed some of you all are doing for emphasis/energy sake.

[Therma lobsterdore]

Being someone which speed was never a strength, the reason I continue to search is the failure. After years of doing it one way and it not working, I now noticed that there are so many younger players playing much faster than even the speed demons did while I was growing up. I cannot help myself but want to try what they are doing.

That said, I will always be an experimental and feel based drummer. That is just my whole approach but I am open enough to see the musicality in what players like yourself are doing. I would just love to be able to pull out a a few measures of half the speed some of you all are doing for emphasis/energy sake.

Yeah I've had to do a lot of searching and re-learning as well, this stuff doesn't come naturally to all of us like it did for Derek. I did the whole 'do what my body wants to do' thing for a year or so and I nearly ended up injuring myself because I was doing it all so wrongly, I had to hit the forums and whatnot to figure out what I was doing wrong and re-learn a lot of things.

Tried and tested techniques are there so we learn from mistakes made previously, whats the harm in paying attention to them? There is definitely harm in spending too much time on them, but certainly no harm in investigating them and incorporating what you find to be useful and relevant to you.

[sonorplayer]

Hi,

Does anyone know if Derek has posted any videos of his new DW kit? I've been looking around and can't can't find any videos. But weeks ago he said they'd be posted soon.

Anyone know anything?

[mattmbdr]

Hi,

Does anyone know if Derek has posted any videos of his new DW kit? I've been looking around and can't can't find any videos. But weeks ago he said they'd be posted soon.

Anyone know anything?


As far as I know, he doesn't have any DW videos up yet. I think it's still in the works.

[mattmbdr]

Hey there Derek, i'm a little confused because there are still websites saying you play Sonor and on your website I see you are now playing DW. Could you clarify which one you are currently playing for? Thanks!

Cheers!

Not to answer FOR Derek, but I know that he is no longer with Sonor and is with DW.

[elliotMOOSEdrummer]

why the transition from sonor to dw?

what kit has he got now : specs?

any pictures?


<3

Elliot

btw,,, cba to look back to find it "/

[mattmbdr]

why the transition from sonor to dw?

what kit has he got now : specs?

any pictures?


<3

Elliot

btw,,, cba to look back to find it "/

I'll let Derek say why he made the change, but you can get an idea of the kit at www.derekroddy.com

[Chaos_Inferno]

Sorry to be a bother, since I know your'e a busy man and have had some crazy stuff going on lately...

But do you know even roughly when any of the Serpents Rise stuff will be released?

[Pass.of.E.r.a.]

Hello Derek!

So a few months ago I broke a toe on my left foot and I was unable to work on and double pedal-ing for 6 weeks. I'm finally getting back into it but a problem I've been having is starting a double kick pattern (single strokes leading with the right). I practice slowly to a metronome (to build evenness) but I always seem to stumble the first few notes. What do you suggest I do to remedy this?

-Jonathan

[MisterMixelpix]

I'm obviously not Derek, but what I did was do a LOT of practice with stops and starts. Simple four bar patterns of 8ths and 16ths, so you're constantly alternating between them. I had the same problem, now it's mostly remedied because the repetition just forced my body to figure out how to do it.

[Pass.of.E.r.a.]

I'm obviously not Derek, but what I did was do a LOT of practice with stops and starts. Simple four bar patterns of 8ths and 16ths, so you're constantly alternating between them. I had the same problem, now it's mostly remedied because the repetition just forced my body to figure out how to do it.

Thanks! I'll try that for sure!

I'd still love to hear what Derek has to say on this topic as well!!

-Jonathan

[Derek Roddy]

You're an inspiration Derek. Make another DVD!

I'm actually working on one now! Haha.

Hey there Derek, i'm a little confused because there are still websites saying you play Sonor and on your website I see you are now playing DW. Could you clarify which one you are currently playing for? Thanks!Cheers!

Yep...moved to DW and I'm very happy there. Great drums...Great people.
Yeah...websites aren't the quickest to update sometimes. Haha.

Being someone which speed was never a strength, the reason I continue to search is the failure. After years of doing it one way and it not working, I now noticed that there are so many younger players playing much faster than even the speed demons did while I was growing up. I cannot help myself but want to try what they are doing.

That said, I will always be an experimental and feel based drummer. That is just my whole approach but I am open enough to see the musicality in what players like yourself are doing. I would just love to be able to pull out a a few measures of half the speed some of you all are doing for emphasis/energy sake.

Having read this... I'd say your best bet is to buy a physics book and work with motion.

The reason you're not getting there isn't because of "technique" it's because your body doesn't understand what you want it to do. Many techniques can get you to this point and, I find that you need all of them.... to get there. So, it's not a verdict of "one or the other".

What I mean is....if you're trying to play top tempos...with the same motion you use for show tempos....you'll never get there. Playing the same way for each tempo...confuses the body...and, that's how you hurt yourself.

Use your feet...with the same physical principles as your hands.

Hi,

Does anyone know if Derek has posted any videos of his new DW kit? I've been looking around and can't can't find any videos. But weeks ago he said they'd be posted soon.

Anyone know anything?

Waiting on DW for that. What we did wasn't part of the "It's a DW" campaign. So, I will be in a new series of ad's that will hit very soon.
I've been out of town for the last several months and just haven't had time to set up the camera's, etc.....I do have some free time coming up but, hey....better busy than not I guess! Haha.
I'll get to em' eventually. LoL.

Hello Derek!

So a few months ago I broke a toe on my left foot and I was unable to work on and double pedal-ing for 6 weeks. I'm finally getting back into it but a problem I've been having is starting a double kick pattern (single strokes leading with the right). I practice slowly to a metronome (to build evenness) but I always seem to stumble the first few notes. What do you suggest I do to remedy this?

-Jonathan

That stumbling you speak of is a balance problem. Just keep working your feet in equal time increments...and, you'll work yourself out of it.
There's also an exercise in my book that trains your mid section for this type of balancing.
You simply sit at your throne....and, lift your feet about 3 inches off the ground. (Without curing them under your seat or arching your back.)
That's a killer! Haha.

Cheers,
D

[Derek Roddy]

But do you know even roughly when any of the Serpents Rise stuff will be released?

Ask and ye' shall receive......
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v321/derekroddy/serpentsriselogo-1.jpg

Serpents Rise suggest downloading all the songs, THEN....listening to the entire recording.
The work is intended to be seamless....and, taken in as one body of music.

We hope you enjoy....and, interpret.


Serpents Rise....as you can hear....is an instrumental entity.
But, this does not mean that we are opposed to hearing what vocal possibilities exist.
With this in mind....Serpents Rise invites you to "be the vocalist".

Whether in your car, in your bedroom, on stage covering one of our songs, posting clips of you singing our tunes on youtube OR....in the event that we show up in your town.....you sing with us on stage! Have fun...create!

Serpents Rise


http://www.derekroddy.com/Dereks_Link_Folder/InitiationRituals.m4a
http://www.derekroddy.com/Dereks_Link_Folder/InvasiveSwahngi.m4a
http://www.derekroddy.com/Dereks_Link_Folder/Intertwine.m4a
http://www.derekroddy.com/Dereks_Link_Folder/TheGreaterEquanimity.m4a
http://www.derekroddy.com/Dereks_Link_Folder/Naja.m4a
http://www.derekroddy.com/Dereks_Link_Folder/SerpentsRise.m4a
http://www.derekroddy.com/Dereks_Link_Folder/Squarewave.m4a
http://www.derekroddy.com/Dereks_Link_Folder/SignsOfIdentity.m4a
http://www.derekroddy.com/Dereks_Link_Folder/Selfless.m4a
http://www.derekroddy.com/Dereks_Link_Folder/TheCataplexyEvent.m4a

Initiation Rituals...are rites of passage or ceremony marking entrance or acceptance into a group, society or religion. In an extended sense it can also signify a transformation in which the initiate is 'reborn' into a new role. A spiritual initiation rite normally implies a shepherding process where those who are at a higher level guide the initiate through a process of greater exposure of knowledge.
This may include the revelation of secrets, hence the term secret society for such organizations, usually reserved for those at the higher level of understanding. Initiation is considered necessary for the individual to be regarded as a full member of the tribe. Otherwise, the individual may not be allowed to participate in ceremonies or even in social rituals.
It was among the most important social institutions of early humans. The ordeal measures the initiate's worthiness to enter the new status. Initiation may mean the cessation of contact with those who have not been initiated. Seclusion, mutilation, symbolic representation of death and resurrection, the display of sacred objects, special instruction, and restrictions on the initiate are frequent attributes of the ceremonies.

Invasive Swahngi...Many Native American tribes believed that the physical body housed two or more souls, which became separated at death.
The seven types of souls:

1. a vital principle that resides in the brain until death, when it disappears;
2. the heart, the seat of the conscience, which inspires action during the life experience, but also disappears at the time of death;
3. the person's name, which achieves a kind of individuality after death;
4. the essence of the person, which perpetuates itself after death;
5. the active principle of the soul as long as the body lives;
6. the blending of shadow and soul;
7. the spiritual residue, which can appear to living humans as a ghost.

The legends of the dead told by ancient or tribal people are perhaps the most accurate indicators of their religious thought. And from what can be assumed from the burial rites of early humans, they pondered the same kinds of questions concerning the afterlife as humans do today. Where had their friends gone? What do they do and see when they disappear into the unknown? Will they live again? Can their spirits return to communicate? Or are they just gone—forever? Early humans could not answer these great questions, and so, to temper their fear of death, they created rituals, rites, and religions to comfort them.
Although the process of death and the reasons why the once animated body became lifeless were puzzles, aboriginal tribal societies understood that there was something in their departed friends and family members that survived somehow in another existence. The reason for this belief can be easily imagined. As they slept, early humans saw those persons whom they knew to be dead, alive and well in their dreams. Perhaps they themselves had witnessed their friends being killed in a dispute with another tribe or mangled by a predator, yet now they saw them and spoke with them, just as they had before their death. These vivid dreams of the dead undoubtedly led to the belief that there existed an immaterial aspect of human beings, a part that managed to survive the dissolution of the body.

Early humans generally did not accept death as due to natural causes. Death was either the result of acts of violence caused by human or animal enemies, or it was caused by evil and unseen demons. To the primitive mind, if a man or a woman, without wound or injury, fell silently asleep and never awakened, they had to have been the victim of malevolent spirits.
Some of the earliest rituals revolving around death concerned the interaction between the living and the body of the newly dead. Some tribal cultures believed that an evil spirit inhabited the corpse, and it should not be touched for fear of providing the malevolent entity with a living body to possess. Some anthropologists have theorized that it was fear of the dead body that led early humans to dispose of it. Since evil spirits had caused the "long sleep," they must undoubtedly still be lurking near the body to seize new victims. Therefore, the practical thing to do was to bury or burn or otherwise dispose of the body, thereby removing both the dead and the demons at the same time.
The Australian aborigines showed their fear of the dead by burning all the deceased's property and running away to establish a new village. They believed that the demon resided not only in the dead body, but in all the deceased's belongings.
Many Native American tribes believed that spirits of the dead lingered among the living until certain rites had been performed that would aid the spirits in their passage to the other world.
Among most tribal cultures, therefore, it is customary to dance and feast at the time of death for purposes of pleasing the spirit of the departed and to stamp upon the ground to frighten away evil spirits.


Intertwine...To join or become joined by twining together, many...to become one. The combination of two or more organizations or entities. To blend.



The Greater Equanimity...Equanimity is one of the most sublime emotions of spiritual practice. It is the ground for wisdom and freedom and the protector of compassion and love. While some may think of equanimity as dry neutrality or cool aloofness, mature equanimity produces a radiance and warmth of being. The Buddha described a mind filled with equanimity as “abundant, exalted, immeasurable, without hostility and without ill-will.”
Equanimity is a protection from the “eight worldly winds”: praise and blame, success and failure, pleasure and pain, fame and disrepute. Becoming attached to or excessively elated with success, praise, fame or pleasure can be a set-up for suffering when the winds of life change direction.
For example, success can be wonderful, but if it leads to arrogance, we have more to lose in future challenges. Becoming personally invested in praise can tend toward conceit. Identifying with failure, we may feel incompetent or inadequate. Reacting to pain, we may become discouraged. If we understand or feel that our sense of inner well-being is independent of the eight winds, we are more likely to remain on an even keel in their midst.

Naja... Naja is a genus of venomous elapid snakes. Although there are several other genera that share the common name, naja are the most recognized, and most widespread group of snakes commonly known as cobras. The genus Naja consists of from 20 to 22 species

Serpents Rise...
The ancient traditions and scriptures from different continents talk about a race of serpent beings endowed with superhuman powers. The scriptural and folkloric resources are used to present more complete picture of them and their ancient and recent interaction with humans.The snake (serpent spirit) has been a symbol of wisdom, eternity, healing, mystery, magical power, and holiness throughout most of the ancient non-western world. Its symbol is used today in medicine, and other healing professions, and its live descendants are hailed as sacred and used in everything from cancer drugs to sex potions. Serpent was worshiped in ancient Babylon, Mexico, Egypt, as well as many other places all over the world.
The power of the serpent and the mystery surrounding them..has been historically recorded through out time.

SquareWave...A square wave is a kind of non-sinusoidal waveform, most typically encountered in electronics and signal processing. An ideal square wave alternates regularly and instantaneously between two levels. The square wave contains only odd integer harmonics.
An ideal square wave requires that the signal changes from the high to the low state cleanly and instantaneously. This is impossible to achieve in real-world systems, as it would require infinite bandwidth.


Signs of Identity... examines the definitions of identity and their scope, as well as to test the interdisciplinary applicability of the suggested sign-based model of identity with regard to conceptual and methodological questions.

1. to argue for or against self conceptualization,
2. to propose descriptions of the details of identity
3. to develop disciplinary and trans disciplinary methods for the analysis of identity,
4. to discuss the influence of culture specific factors on the semantics of identity (synchronically and diachronically),
5. to explore to what extent the proposed model of identity is applicable.


Selfless... without self.


The Cataplexy Event...Cataplexy is a sudden and transient episode of loss of muscle tone, often triggered by emotions. It is a rare disease[1] (prevalence of fewer than 5 per 10,000 in the community), but frequently affects people who have narcolepsy, a disorder whose principal signs are EDS (Excessive Daytime Sleepiness), sleep attacks, sleep paralysis, hypnagogic hallucinations[2] and disturbed night-time sleep. Cataplexy is sometimes confused with epilepsy, where a series of flashes or other stimuli cause superficially similar seizures. Cataplexy can also be present as a side effect of SSRI Discontinuation Syndrome.

Cataplexy in severe cases can cause vital signs to be hard to detect without a continuous auditory pulse oximeter. As an anecdotal example, one individual, a sufferer of severe cataplexy, has been pronounced dead three times....Once, waking up in a freezer in a morge. This is their story...


Serpents Rise contributors...

Derek Roddy: Drums, Percussion, Guitars, Bass, Voices, sounds
JP Soars: Guitars, Horns
JP Brown: Guitars
Todd Edmunds: Bass, Loops, Sousaphone/Tuba
Chip Staples: Percussion, Voices
Evan Kline: Percussion
Angela Self: Viola
John Storemski: Guitars, Sounds
Chad Waller: Guitars
Atrox (Rattlesnake)

Musical Concept: Derek Roddy
Logo Design: Derek Roddy/ R. Scott Johnson
Cover design: R Scott Johnson/Derek Roddy
Engineered, Recorded and Mixed by: Derek Roddy @ Aspidities Room Recording Studio
Assistant Engineer: Justin Alavi
Mastered by: Jeremy Staska / Justin Alavi @ Studio 13

Cheers to:
Meinl Cymbals, DW Drums, Axis Pedals, Vater Drumsticks, Remo Drumheads, Shure Microphones, Presonus, Yamaha, Jackson Guitars, Gibson Guitars, Spector Basses, Fender Basses, Dean Markley Strings, Boss Pedals, Marshall Amps, Engl Amps, Category 5 Amps, Scott Johnson and ETV Lowcountry TV, Steven Hires, Todd (God) Tuner, Jayson Moore, Nicko McBrain and Rock and Roll Ribs, Jason Bittner, Jeff Lee and all at Resurrection Drums, all my snake buddies...Tom Keogan, Tom Baily, Ben Siegel, Jay Eaton, Cindy and, all at kingsnake.com.
My family: Halle Roddy, Randy and Rosemary Roddy, Randy Roddy Jr, Larry Herzog, Studio 13 (Justin Alavi, Jeremy Staska), All drummers everywhere!
www.derekroddy.com Forum members and YOU!!!!

........Thanks for giving Serpents Rise a listen.

[Chaos_Inferno]

Seems as though despite my searching I missed that post somewhere... Thanks a ton, man. Really looking forward to it.

Even the original "demo" or rough versions or whatever you guys called them slayed.

[tinlid82]

hey derek, just wanted to let you know i picked up your dvd a few months after i'd become interested in death metal drumming, and the lessons and backing tracks on the disk have really helped me get into the style, not to mention the very noticable improvement in my hand and foot speed as result of trying to keep up with with the back track!

thanks a million

[supermac]

Hi Derek,

I very much enjoyed your playing on Modern Drummer 2008 DVD.

I am trying to work on a double bass drum shuffle in the style of Simon Phillips/Billy Cobham etc.

But for the life of me I cannot get my feet to do what I want them to - and they keep reverting to straight 16ths.

Any suggestions would be welcome on how to achieve a shuffle.

Thanks

[Chaos_Inferno]

Hi Derek, another question for ya... one I'm not sure if you'd be willing to answer.

When you were still with Sonor, what wood make/other specs were your SQ2s? Not sure if you'd be willing to release that info now that you're with DW but I've been curious...

[Gus]

Hi Derek

Just want to give you all my praise for your performance yesterday at DrumFest in Sevilla (my city). You were brilliant and your playing were top of the line. Very impressive to me, so congratulations!

Also we all enjoyed with your mood and positive attitude with us, so thanks for all Derek!!

Can´t wait to see you playing again.

All the best
Gustavo

[jamest]

Been getting more and more into your playing Derek. You are the man! Thanks!
__________________

"When the going gets tough, the tough get going!"

http://www.excellent-offers.com/gravy1.jpg

[Derek Roddy]

Seems as though despite my searching I missed that post somewhere... Thanks a ton, man. Really looking forward to it.

Even the original "demo" or rough versions or whatever you guys called them slayed.

No worries, glad you dig!

hey derek, just wanted to let you know i picked up your dvd a few months after i'd become interested in death metal drumming, and the lessons and backing tracks on the disk have really helped me get into the style, not to mention the very noticable improvement in my hand and foot speed as result of trying to keep up with with the back track!

thanks a million

Awesome...thanks for giving it a try. I really believe in that system.

Hi Derek, another question for ya... one I'm not sure if you'd be willing to answer.

When you were still with Sonor, what wood make/other specs were your SQ2s? Not sure if you'd be willing to release that info now that you're with DW but I've been curious...
Those were vintage Birch shells, not my favorite Sonor kit but, really nice... none the less.

Hi Derek,

I very much enjoyed your playing on Modern Drummer 2008 DVD.

I am trying to work on a double bass drum shuffle in the style of Simon Phillips/Billy Cobham etc.

But for the life of me I cannot get my feet to do what I want them to - and they keep reverting to straight 16ths.

Any suggestions would be welcome on how to achieve a shuffle.

Thanks

That's a tough one. I guess it's something you're just going to have to work on. Shuffles are tough for some people and others get it right away....wonder why that is?
Mechanics of the body can be tricky.
I'll do some thinking for ya though....maybe I can come up with something for ya.


Hi Derek

Just want to give you all my praise for your performance yesterday at DrumFest in Sevilla (my city). You were brilliant and your playing were top of the line. Very impressive to me, so congratulations!

Also we all enjoyed with your mood and positive attitude with us, so thanks for all Derek!!

Can´t wait to see you playing again.

All the best
Gustavo

Cheers Gustavo.....I had a blast (no pun intended) in Spain. Such a beautiful country.
Hope to come back soon.

Been getting more and more into your playing Derek. You are the man! Thanks!


Thanks brother....for the support.

D.

[Derek Roddy]

Hello everyone......
Just wanted to send out a note to you wonderful drummers here at drummerworld that my new website has been launched this week.
http://www.derekroddy.com/forum

PLEASE....take a minute to come over and register. It only takes 2 minutes....even if you think you will not post.
During our data transfer......We lost close to 50,000 members....so, Just making my rounds to tell everyone to swing by and re-register.

Cheers everyone and as always....thanks for the support.

D

[LukeSnyder]

Just registered Derek, and I just want to thank you personally for everything you give back to the drumming community, though your DVD, being active on the forums, and on Youtube as well. I know a ton of people really appreciate it, and you're definitely a huge help!

[Derek Roddy]

Cheers Luke...been a pleasure to have you over there. Thanks.

If you guys are interested.....here's a clip with me and the new DW performance series.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1684hL01zc

Cheers,
D

[LukeSnyder]

Cheers Luke...been a pleasure to have you over there. Thanks.

If you guys are interested.....here's a clip with me and the new DW performance series.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1684hL01zc

Cheers,
D

And I've enjoyed my time spent there so far! Hopefully everyone will re-register soon and everything will get back up to speed.

Really enjoyed that video, its cool to see you and Pridgen switching off, thanks for sharing!

[Pass.of.E.r.a.]

Cheers Luke...been a pleasure to have you over there. Thanks.

If you guys are interested.....here's a clip with me and the new DW performance series.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1684hL01zc

Cheers,
D

That was great! Especially that groove at around the 1:34 mark. That simple groove has seriously inspired me!

Joining your new fourm as we speak!

...or as I type I guess.

-Jonathan

[paistemage]

Just wanted to say you and Hoglan are probrably my Favorite death metal drummers, good job.

[REIIID DOLLAZ]

Cheers Luke...been a pleasure to have you over there. Thanks.

If you guys are interested.....here's a clip with me and the new DW performance series.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1684hL01zc

Cheers,
D

This is sick! how are these compared to collector series in sound? is there a big difference without the re-rings?

[LukeSnyder]

Kollias and Roddy messing around (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_p-PpeGEuFs)

[Pimento]

Hey Derek,

I was wondering about the hi hats in this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJNSeQ71G6Q&feature=related

How much has the sound been processed? Or is this how they really sound? I dont have a meinl dealer in my province so i would be ordering them sight unseen :)

[LukeSnyder]

Hey Derek,

I was wondering about the hi hats in this video: http://www.danceyourhartout.com/dance/

How much has the sound been processed? Or is this how they really sound? I dont have a meinl dealer in my province so i would be ordering them sight unseen :)

I think you might have posted the wrong link? Haha :D

[Pimento]

Haha i got owned by my wife looking up dance for our daughter haha! editing with link!

[LukeSnyder]

Haha i got owned by my wife looking up dance for our daughter haha! editing with link!

Haha, that explains it ;) Love the video you actually posted!

[Pimento]

Yeah i really REALLY love the hi hat sound. My first "favorite" cymbal was meinl but i had to switch to Zild/Sabian because like i said Meinl isnt even sold in my province, so its a 14 hour drive to the closest place that has them.

I can seem to find those particular hats online either though.

[Derek Roddy]

Haha...was wondering for a second!

Those hats are the 13 Med Byzance Brilliant. Sweet Hats....love em a lot.

And because they're a Meinl product...you can be sure if you buy them...they will sound similar or identical to these in my video.

Cheers,
D

[Pimento]

Now what are your opinions on childrens dance studios.....kidding :P

Thanks for the reply man, gonna order a set of these babies, just cant find em on musicians friend lol.

[Lex]

I wonder whether people have already commented on this, or not..

I like your harcut in that video. :) As much as I like your playing.

[sonorplayer]

hi Derek,

I heard that when you buy the Axis AL-2 new that the pedal comes with drum lugs like on the new A21 instead of the old allen keys. Can you tell me if that's right?

Thanks

SonorPlayer

[Derek Roddy]

Now what are your opinions on childrens dance studios.....kidding :P

Thanks for the reply man, gonna order a set of these babies, just cant find em on musicians friend lol.

They should have them...they had them as a "musicians friend special" about a month ago.

I wonder whether people have already commented on this, or not..

I like your harcut in that video. :) As much as I like your playing.


Thanks.............I think! Haha.

hi Derek,

I heard that when you buy the Axis AL-2 new that the pedal comes with drum lugs like on the new A21 instead of the old allen keys. Can you tell me if that's right?

Thanks

SonorPlayer

I think so brotha.....don't quote me on that but, I do believe they switched all their pedals over.
Makes sense to me.

D

[Zeus Mutation]

Hi,
So I've been passionate about music for 37 years but only been drumming for this past year... needless to say I can't get enough of all things drum related.

I recently purchased the MD 2008 dvd, what... its still good lol, but in your interview you mentioned being into Metal or Metal being a heavy influence as you gained your chops?

My question is now that you have skills do you find yourself discovering older artists in different genra's ... as in not Metal, which in turn helps you create fresh Metal beats?

This Q's is open to any Metal drummer reading this. I'm a Maiden fanatic so Niko is the shiznit and Metallica up to the Black album always floored me with that big heavy powerful sound... but funk grooves and off beat stuff seams to have so much "Flavor" it just ooozes and fills the air with thick slimy vibrations that you can't hide from... as opposed to a zillion beats a second sounding like a machine on roids

Don't get me wrong... I love Metal, just curois if there is a crossover point

thnx

[jonescrusher]

Just finished watching part 2 of the Dream Theater audition doc, intrigued as to why the audio was left raw in the footage of your audition. Any thoughts?

[Derek Roddy]

Just finished watching part 2 of the Dream Theater audition doc, intrigued as to why the audio was left raw in the footage of your audition. Any thoughts?

I got an e mail saying the audio was "corrupt" (technical response for..... "someone forgot to press record".)
Haha.

D

[LukeSnyder]

I got an e mail saying the audio was "corrupt" (technical response for..... "someone forgot to press record".)
Haha.

D

Haha, thats probably what happened. Although it is possible for audio data to actually corrupt :P Regardless, congrats on auditioning with Dream Theater Derek, your playing sounded pretty tasty! I'm always amazed by the power and precision of your blasting, and you seem to constantly be improving as well. Inspiring stuff!

[Pimento]

I thought the playing was fantastic, i would have liked to see more where they didnt make you look like you were struggling. But if you know what you did enough to be that happy in the interview afterward it musnt have been that bad.

Also....i really dig your DW kit. Im working on ordering the same finish but with black hardware as soon as i find someone here thatll do it for me :D

[Derek Roddy]

I thought the playing was fantastic, i would have liked to see more where they didnt make you look like you were struggling. But if you know what you did enough to be that happy in the interview afterward it musnt have been that bad.

Also....i really dig your DW kit. Im working on ordering the same finish but with black hardware as soon as i find someone here thatll do it for me :D

Cheers man....yeah, I started wondering why they would have shown the 4 minutes of just hearing the riff.....and didn't show any of my actually playing that riff.....but, then I figured it out.
Any drummer that wasn't affiliated with RR records in some way....had a "flaw" presented with-in this doc.
They knew they wanted Mike before the Audition, Jordan and JP are doing a project with Marco and Peter plays with James.......so, that made a whole lot of sense to me actually.

I do know that a lot of what they wanted to put in of me playing (such as the songs and our jam) just sounded bad without the recorded audio....so, I understand not wanting to put much of that footage in there....from an editors point of view. (I do some video editing myself...so, I get it.)

Everyone of those drummers told me that the riff they showed them tripped them up for 5 minutes.....so why were Thomas, Virgil, Aquilles and I the only ones who were presented this way?

The DEE DUBS rule man....you'll love em.

D

[Pimento]

Aquilles is another one of my favorite drummers and i thought he was presented rather poorly, they really didnt even have anything nice to say about him.

I guess thats a thing about being a big shot, appearance is everything. It would have been cool if they had footage of the drummers original stuff that they presented back to the band.

[dale w miller]

Another confirmation that Reality TV is not filled with very much reality.

[Ramtin HajatDoust]

Hi
Dear Derek,

Hope you are fine.

After you arranged the better places for the microphones on your kit, arrange the Gain for gets the Maximum peak(without clip or distortion) of them without attention to the leakages, or you use the Gain for Minimum leakages and use the ambiance sounds in your mix when you record in your studio?

Best Regards,
Ramtin HajatDoost
Tehran - Iran

[Kage Konjou]

Interesting that I found a forum Derek's a part of, seeing as he is one of my favorite drummers of all time.

And this is why. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nSjqsioLM6s)

Honestly, first time I heard of Derek Roddy, I thought, "Oh, ok, another drummer who blasts like crazy, big deal." Then I found "Faceless One," and my mind got blown. Derek, you've got some incredible technical skill, far and beyond your well-touted blasting skills. I'm glad you auditioned for the likes of Dream Theater, and hope you pursue that kind of thing further. Your blasting is impressive, but you've shown already you're an incredibly capable technical percussionist, and I hope to hear more of that from you.

Keep up the good work.

[N.I.B.]

Good stuff, Derek!

Would've been nice if you had made it with Dream Theater - I would have been very interested in seeing how their musical direction changed with you on board. Nonetheless, you did great in the audition. It made my day when I found out that they were auditioning a fellow native of South Carolina, especially considering that I don't know many other metal drummers from SC besides you - I might actually be alone down here! :P

Is there any possibility of you coming down to SC and doing a drum clinic here? I'm sure I'm not the only one who would look forward to that!

Cheers,
Andrew

[KirbyM]

Derek -

I just bought a DW Collector's Series kit with a 6-ply maple snare drum. The snare sounds great - in fact, Danny Seraphine used my snare in a clinic recently.

How is the DW bronze snare? Does it have a lot of ring to it?

By the way, I'm am truly amazed at the speed of your single stroke roll at the beginning of the DW video with the bronze snare.

[Giuliano]

Hi Derek,first i just would like to say that you are a big,big inspiration,an amazing drummer,i've been watching you vídeos and career since the beginning!!!I would like to ask you about double bass exercises,i am studying it every day 1 hour(focusing speed and control) but sometimes in the third or forth day i get tired!Should i change the way i am studying,maybe play 2 hours one day and take the other day off?or play 1 our a day for 2 or 3 days and tthen take one day off?what would you recommend?Thanks a lot Derek!

[Derek Roddy]

Hey guys....quick note about the up coming Serpents Rise release.

You can go here....

http://www.youtube.com/user/MrObsidian?feature=mhum

The feature video is of me tracking some preproduction drums for the second Serpents Rise release.

Check it out if you all get a chance and I'll get back here this week to answer the questions from the last time I posted.

Hope everyone is happy and well.

Talk soon.
D

[Arky]

Derek,
cool stuff!

I hope it's not too dumb asking some guitar related questions...

Which guitars do you use? Which (down)tuning? Which amps, microphones? Mic preamps? Your guitar playing is quite remarkable, too. Very fresh and inspiring riffs!

[George Kollias]

Hey guys....quick note about the up coming Serpents Rise release.

You can go here....

http://www.youtube.com/user/MrObsidian?feature=mhum

The feature video is of me tracking some preproduction drums for the second Serpents Rise release.

Check it out if you all get a chance and I'll get back here this week to answer the questions from the last time I posted.

Hope everyone is happy and well.

Talk soon.
D
Killer stuff brother :-)
New SR sounds killer, looking forward to it!

[Derek Roddy]

Derek,
cool stuff!

I hope it's not too dumb asking some guitar related questions...

Which guitars do you use? Which (down)tuning? Which amps, microphones? Mic preamps? Your guitar playing is quite remarkable, too. Very fresh and inspiring riffs!

Ah...thanks Arky. I try really hard to have my own voice with drums and guitar. I figured if there's going to be 2 guitar players.....why have them play the same thing all the time? Or just harmonies here and there?

SR guitar parts are different from one another and never does each player play the same thing. It gives it more of an "orchestrated" type of vibe. Like between a violin and a viola.

My gear ranges.....I have a few different guitars...most of them tuned differently. (That's another way I look to sound different...through tunings)
My standard tuning starts at C#....the whole guitar. Then I have a few other tunings I use as a "secret weapon" so to speak. One is an octave down of the 5th (low tone) string...the other tuning I use a lot is a steel guitar tuning that sounds wicked.....Don't remember what the actual notes are....have them written down on the wall at the warehouse! Haha. I remember by sound though.

Guitars are a Yamaha Ty Tabor, 85 Jackson soloist, and a Ibanez RG560...All with Seymour JBs pick ups .
Marshall 2203 head with a 1960 cab with 25 watt greenbacks...using a Rociforte Bastard line driver pedal.

Mic is a Shure 57 ran to my ProTools rig.....nothin fancy! Haha.

I do use the SSL pull ins channel stripes and compression to dial it in but, I haven't gotten that far with it yet....not on this video.

Thanks for the kind words!

Killer stuff brother :-)
New SR sounds killer, looking forward to it!

Hey George....meant to call you back last night. love the idea....lets talk this weekend and try to make it happen.

D

[Arky]

(...) I try really hard to have my own voice with drums and guitar. I figured if there's going to be 2 guitar players.....why have them play the same thing all the time? Or just harmonies here and there?Thanks for answering, sir - er, D-Rod ;-)

You've definitely found your own voice with the guitars. To my ears there's quite a uniqueness to those lines, even if you'd be a 'specialist guitarist' which makes your material the more remarkable. I'd be curious to hear some lead parts - I've heard you can do sweeping. Now there aren't too many drummers who can play sweeps on the guitar! (Really what drummer bothers to learn this, haha.)

I also like to spread up guitar parts, but only seldom that diverse as you do. I really should try though.

(...) I have a few different guitars...most of them tuned differently. (That's another way I look to sound different...through tunings)
My standard tuning starts at C#....the whole guitar. Then I have a few other tunings I use as a "secret weapon" so to speak. One is an octave down of the 5th (low tone) string...the other tuning I use a lot is a steel guitar tuning that sounds wicked.....Don't remember what the actual notes are....have them written down on the wall at the warehouse! Haha. I remember by sound though.Very cool idea! None of my orig. acoustic guitar instrumentals are in standard tuning (standard tuning doesn't inspire me at all on the ac. guitar). I'm reluctant to go the alternate tuning way on my electrics though (quite a hassle with vibrato systems).

As to acoustic guitar tunings, DADGAD (= Open Dsus4) is one of the most common (and also my favourite one - it has an Irish sound to it - at least that's my impression). It's standard tuning but dropping e1, b2 and E6 1 full step down.

Judging from that dropped 5th string, the lowest/6th string would make a F# - which corresponds to the lowest open string on an 8-string guitar! I guess you're using a 7-string for this downtuning, else I can't imagine you could get that low with standard or slightly above standard string gauge.

As to the SM57:
There's a free mod on the SM57: Just remove the (crappy) transformer (or simply bridge the internal wiring between the XLR connector and the capsule) - one of the few modifications you don't need replacement/upgrade parts for. As a side-effect you'd lose quite some level (to be made up with clean preamps) but the benefit is opening up the frequency response both the low and high frequencies. I would do this mod to any 57 I can get hold of.

Your signal path is really down to earth, the sonic results are amazing!

[Derek Roddy]

Judging from that dropped 5th string, the lowest/6th string would make a F# - which corresponds to the lowest open string on an 8-string guitar! I guess you're using a 7-string for this downtuning, else I can't imagine you could get that low with standard or slightly above standard string gauge.

As to the SM57:
There's a free mod on the SM57: Just remove the (crappy) transformer (or simply bridge the internal wiring between the XLR connector and the capsule) - one of the few modifications you don't need replacement/upgrade parts for. As a side-effect you'd lose quite some level (to be made up with clean preamps) but the benefit is opening up the frequency response both the low and high frequencies. I would do this mod to any 57 I can get hold of.

Your signal path is really down to earth, the sonic results are amazing!

Cheers brotha.......Yeah, I figured might as well try to come up with my own voice as opposed to copying someone else. Thanks for noticing.....most think the guitars are too "weird" for their liking.....which tells me I'm doing something right. Haha.

The down tuning thing......yes, it's F# but, I just use a 6 string for all my guitars. I run 10- 60s on all the guitars so, It doesn't get too loose up there.

And yes, the 57 I use for guitars does have the mod. I have a few 57s that I've done that too.
Doesn't work on everything though. Don't like the mod 57s on the drums at all....esp on snares. Just not my thang.

This time...I'm going to video the recording of the guitars and bass (as well as drums and all other instruments) for the final product.

I'll keep ya posted.


D

Oh yeah......you can hear some of my solo work on the first SR....all me on that one too. Haha.

[Derek Roddy]

Arky, you got any tunes you've written that needs drums?

D

[Arky]

Derek,
I have to type this down to fully grasp it:
One of your 6-string guitars is tuned lower than my downtuning 7-string (A standard)... haha. (My other 2 7-strings are standard tuned.)