Todd Sucherman here!

[Todd Sucherman]

2b---

Of course! There's always a signing table after the clinic. See you then.

Gab--

You figured it out.

Mr. B--

Cool---look forward to seeing you and I'd be more than happy to sign your dvd. Thanks for getting it!

Cheers from Mexico City,
TS

[the-gablushe]

Hi Todd..

Wish I could come to one of your clinics, that's for sure!

Hey: There are snippets of a Styx-performance on the net I haven't known about yet. It kinda looks like back in the old days. My guess is 1997. You were playing Sonor, of course.
The thing is, it's an unplugged appearance on some TV-show, I suppose (blue and red curtains flapping in the background).
Although, there didn't seem to be an audience present. Your playing is really intriguing and the unplugged-format grants very up-close and personal insights.

Do you recall what event that was...couldn't find anything about it yet! I'd re-really like to see more of this:)

Thanks, man and all the best...
Andreas



PS: Good luck for Monterrey!

[Todd Sucherman]

Andreas,

That, I believe was from 1996 in NY. We did a 4 songs acoustic set for VH1. It still gets played I guess. I don't remember much about that day. It was long ago.....

Thanks--

I'm coming to Canada for some clinics next week....if anyone lives in these cities, come say hello!

March 17, 2010
Just Drums (In-Store Clinic)
137 Willowdale Avenue
North York, ON M2N 4Y3
(800) 565-6676
Tme: 7:00pm

MARCH 18, 2010
Long & McQuade
Venue:
The Hellenic Community of Ottawa
1315 Prince of Wales Drive
Ottawa, Ontario
K2C 1N2
Store Address:
2631 Alta Vista Dr.
Ottawa, Ontario
K1V 7T5
Phone: 613-521-5909
Time: 7:30PM

MARCH 20, 2010
MUSIQUE GAGNÉ ET FRÈRES
302, Rue Durocher,
Quebec, QC G1K 4W9
Phone: 418-525-8601
Venue:
Salle Jean-Paul-Tardif
950, avenue Joffre, Québec, G1S 1V2
Does open @ 5*:30pm

March 21, 2010
Steve’s Music Store
Corona Theatre
2490 rue Notre-Dame west
Doors at 3pm
E-Pro Live / Korg Wave drum demo 3:15- 4:45
Isaac Dumont 5:00 pm
Flo Mounier 5:30
Todd Sucherman 6:30
*
Todd

[Larta]

Hi Todd!
Do you plan to start working on a new dvd?
If you are, what will you cover with it?

Also, I feel kinda stuck in where I'm at right now.
if you have the time, perhaps you could have a look at this video and say what you think and if you have any suggestions on what could be better about the playing in general I would be thankful!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TSG75mhooI


Cheers!

[Todd Sucherman]

Larta---

I hope to commence work on a new dvd sometime Nov/Dec. I'm still formulating my ideas but there will be lots of songs. I'm not ready to talk about some of my other concepts yet. As for the clip, it's kind of hard to make suggestions. Just watch about making things feel too tap dancer/ dotted 8th, 16th feely. dah-da, dah-da, dah-da. Think about other ways to break up the time. Check out some Tony Williams and Elvin Jones. Dig what they are saying on the ride. But you did hold them all together!

On my way to Canada....
TS

[Larta]

Hi Todd!

Allright! I've listened to some Elvin with Coltrane(I really enjoy Giant Steps!) and Williams with Miles, but I'm going to listen some more!
Btw!
On youtube(Todd Sucherman Demon Drive Part II video) you're playing the song "Going on 17", which is also a Goodman song, Is there any chance to hear and see you play the whole song?

Goodluck in canada!

Cheers

[the-gablushe]

Hey Todd

Great to hear you're already working on MM-2 !!
I'm thinking you just HAVE to put a special about Latin-American drumming in the new piece....because -oh my- you got that down, Todd.

Your solos around "time" and "motif" (are they called that?) are so inspiring! Particularly the application of all sorts of flams make them outstanding in my mind. "Flams" ...another TS-trademark in my oppinion. "Tribute to flams" I say!!

Great news -- something to look forward to!

Thanks, Todd!

Andreas

PS: It's spring! Yay :)

[Mr. Brownstone]

Hey Todd,

thanks for the great clinic last night, you did a great job. It was an honour being a guinea pig. I really dig how you set your kit up sideways, the audience does see a lot more.

Would have loved to have chatted some more but was feeling the pressure from line up behind me. Until next time!

[Todd Sucherman]

Larta---

Going On 17 will most likely make it into the next DVD.


Andreas---

Thanks a lot!


Mr. Brownstone----

Great to meet you! Thanks for coming out and thanks for the compliments!


Have a few more clinics coming up.....if anyone lives in these cities, come out and say hello.
Cheers,
Todd

Thursday April 1st @7PM
Resurrection Drums
The Bienes Theatre of the Arts
* (at St Thomas Sr High School)
2801 SW 12th St
Ft Lauderdale, FL 33312
(954)513-2272


Monday April 5th @ 7PM
Tickets $10 in advance $12 at the door
TJ's Music
347 South Main St.
Fall River, MA 02721
Call 508-673-9100 for more info
www.tjsmusic.com


Tuesday April 6th @ 7pm
Husson University Gracie Theatre
One College Circle Bangor, ME 04401
Tickets are $10
Contact Mark's Music for more info @ 207-989-6658

Dicenso's Drum Shop
Wednesday April 7th @ 7pm
Venue is at Hajjar's
969 Washington St.
Weymouth, MA 02189
Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door
For more info call Dicenso's at*(781) 331-3333
www.dicensos.com
*

[2bsticks]

See you at Hajjars, I will be there early for a bite and a cold brew.

[Larta]

How may Goodman songs do you got? I enjoy his work both with the Dregs, Mahavishnu, and the covers he played on with Dream Theater(for their latest cd). Also his solowork is awesome.
I also bought both Taylor Mills albums! I'm going to listen to them as soon as I can!

Cheers from sweden

[Todd Sucherman]

2b--

See you there!

Larta--

I have just those two from Jerry. Thanks for getting the Taylor Mills CDs. Where did you pick them up?

Cheers-
TS

[KBadd]

TS,

See you in Ft Lauderdale April1!

[Gary Husband]

My good friend!! How are you man?

I just discovered http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bl57Q...eature=related

Now I can't sleep!!!

You sound so fantastic there bud!! Respect!

Hope to hang with you again some day.

Love,

GH

[Todd Sucherman]

Hey Gary,

Thanks! Well, you've kept me up at night too. (Does that sound strange?)

Well, those Panchos club dates are loose fun adrenaline tequila soaked gigs where we are encouraged to play like that from the nice people who keep sending us rounds of shots. Although it's a bit of wankery, at least we are listening to each other trying to make some fun stuff happen! I deeply appreciate your compliments and consider them of the highest order, my friend!

It's been way too long and I sure hope our paths cross soon-
Hugs to you-
Todd

[Larta]

Originally Posted by Todd Sucherman

Larta--
I have just those two from Jerry. Thanks for getting the Taylor Mills CDs. Where did you pick them up?
TS

I bought them om iTunes actually(I haven't got the actual CD)! I liked both albums alot! I played some songs to a friend of mine, and she asked if we could cover some of the songs live sometime in the summertime actually.

If we play some songs and it ends up on youtube, I will send you a link!

Cheers

[gongbass]

Hey Todd,

Just saw pics of your new Reference kit on Pearl's website. Kit looks killer! Was curious as to specs and size? What made you go with the Quarter Toms on this one? Love the way they were painted to match the rest of the kit!

Keep it up!!

[skreg]

Originally Posted by Larta

Also, I feel kinda stuck in where I'm at right now.
if you have the time, perhaps you could have a look at this video and say what you think and if you have any suggestions on what could be better about the playing in general I would be thankful!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TSG75mhooI


Cheers!

Check out the lesson series by Ian Froman on the Vic Firth Website.The guy swings harder than Barry Bonds!

http://www.vicfirth.com/education/drumset/froman.php

I'm just starting to comp with both the bass drum and snare over a very generic ride pattern, and working in fills. A few months from now, though, I'll be able to start utilizing these more advanced ride patterns.

[Todd Sucherman]

Larta--

Cool, man. Thanks! Hope you enjoy them. They take a few listens to kick in. My favorite records are like that and I'm proud that those two CDs are like that too.

Gongbass--

That kit is for shows with Lawrence Gowan in Canada on May 7&8. The gold hardware will come home to live with me. It's a standard Reference but the shells are stained on the inside as well. The rocket toms will be used again for the Gowan material. Here's the link for pics:
http://www.pearldrum.com/News/Drumse...le.aspx?id=665

Skreg--

I studied with Ian back in '87/'88. He's a bad-ass of the highest order. I love him and I love his playing. He was a big influence for me in many ways.

Cheers, and off to Ft. Lauderdale.....
Todd

[2bsticks]

Todd,

Great clinic in Weymouth Ma (DiCenso's) It was a great pleasure to meet you after the show. My wife thought it was the best clinic to date. I drag her along so she can see how great the drumming community is and also to point out that I'm not the only drummer who owns three drum kits :-)

I did want to ask a couple of ?'s but time became an issue.

1, You played a simple groove and afterwards you explained how on beat 4 for example you opened the hi-hat and on beat 2 you did X and how producers notice this type of thing. Is this something you create while playing a groove or is this type thing requested of you, or maybe a little of both? Hope I did not confuse you!

2, What kind of shoes were you wearing? My wife pointed them out, they looked very comfortable. I knew I brought her along for something :-)

Again, thanks for a great informative clinic. Your playing is superb but better than that is you are a great down to earth person. I'm 56 and it's people like yourself that keep me inspired and strive to always push myself.

Thank you.
Pete (2bsticks)

[Larta]

Originally Posted by skreg

Check out the lesson series by Ian Froman on the Vic Firth Website.The guy swings harder than Barry Bonds!

http://www.vicfirth.com/education/drumset/froman.php

I'm just starting to comp with both the bass drum and snare over a very generic ride pattern, and working in fills. A few months from now, though, I'll be able to start utilizing these more advanced ride patterns.

I've checked out some of Ians stuff on Vic's page, and he sure is badass!
I feel quite good now when it comes to my playing!

Btw Todd!
Just checked out the clip at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKPdvIv8FWU !
You are badass on the drums!!
Also I got the Into the Green cd! I've just started to listen tro it, but it sounds really good! Great job! Keep up all the good work!

Cheers from Sweden

[jjmason777]

Todd,

I just bought your DVD. Very well done. This should keep me busy for a couple of years!
I like that you had the balls to say on your DVD to get JoJo's DVD!

I first saw you play on the Styx concert with the youth orchestra. You were so impressive in that show, that when I heard you had a DVD, I knew it was a "must have".
Also, thanks for being available on this forum! Please let us know when you have a clinic in the Philadelphia area.

Thanks,

Jeff

[Todd Sucherman]

2b---

A pleasure to meet you and thanks for coming out! Glad you and the Mrs. had a good time. To your questions.

1. No. I might get requests but that was just a simple thing of changing up sections. Hats open on "and" of 4 every four bars in the verse and every 2 bars in the chorus. Just to break it up and give each section it's own feel---even though it's a simple groove.

2. Shoes? Suede ankle boots by John Varvatos. They weren't cheap but they are comfy and stylish!

Thanks again!



Larta--

Thanks, man! Hope all's cool with you.


jjmason--

Thanks for picking it up and for sharing your feedback with me. I really appreciate it! Hope it continues to give you ideas.

Cheers from Jacksonville, FL.

Todd

[latzanimal]

Hey Todd, Is there any Styx songs you guys can't play because they were written/owned by Dennis? Or has he been cool with things as long as he gets his royalties a la Steve Perry?

Thanks...

[Todd Sucherman]

latzanimal--

We can play any song we want but there are some we WON'T play!

Cheers,
TS

[yesdog]

Originally Posted by Todd Sucherman

latzanimal--

We can play any song we want but there are some we WON'T play!

Cheers,
TS

what! you don't play Mr Robotto (ha ha).
I think you guys should play the whole killroy was here album. All kidding aside do you guys
ever play Crystal Ball I think that is a killer tune.

[Todd Sucherman]

We play Crystal Ball all the time-

TS

[<3Josh<3]

So, I had seen your playing for the first time (sorry!!) in the Demon Drive videos, and I was blown away. For some reason, I never thought to watch more until today. I watched you playing Tears of Joy on YouTube, and holy hell!! I need to get this DVD. Also, is there any chance of a clinic in or around the Philadelphia area? It would be awesome to see you!

Take care

[the-gablushe]

Hey Todd...

Hope you're well!

Again, I'm wondering....

I really dig the TS 330...I use it on the xpad only, because I only own that one pair. This stick kinda turned me into a 5B guy, I must say. Although I can't really handle the Hickory ones that well. I also like and mostly play the V**** 6B sugar maple because I find it to be like a distant relative to your 330W.

How would you further describe the TS-330 than you already did in MM? I learned that it sums up most of the characteristics you demand of a drumstick and I fígure that you feel comfortable playing all styles of music with this stick....heck I can imagine that myself...it's fairly thick, yet not heavy..it's very well balanced.
But what if you decide to create another autograph-series stick? What if pro-mark approaches you again...?

Or is the question rather and just simply: What's your second favorite stick, Todd?

:)

Thanks for your time and all the best from Bavaria,

Andreas

PS: Have fun tonite in Valdosta!

[Todd Sucherman]

Hey Josh---

Thanks, man. I appreciate the kind words. As far as clinics go, I have to be invited by a dealer. That's basically how it works. I don't choose where I do them. I'm now hitting the busy touring season so I'll be on the road for the better part of the next 6 months. I do hope you choose to pick up the dvd and that it inspires creativity in your playing and thinking! You can order it here and it'll hit your mailbox quickly.....thanks again!

http://altitudedigital.com/todd-such...mechanics.html

Andreas--

To answer your question, I don't have a 2nd fav. THAT is my stick and I use it for all the music I play. Not sure I can describe it's attributes any better than I did in the dvd, but it is a unique stick that feels familiar....not unique in a peculiar or goofy way. I have no need or interest in a 2nd stick. So, that's that!

Cheers from Austin,
TS

[skreg]

Hey Todd,

I just wanted to compliment you on you're great performance on "Tears of Joy." I can't explain how inspiring I find playing like yours - although I bet you understand.

I'm wondering if you recommend any albums in particular where you really feel like you were able to express yourself as a musician and drummer.

Thanks,

-sheldon

[Todd Sucherman]

Hey skreg,

Thanks for the compliment. I appreciate it! I'm on a lot of records doing 1 or 2 tracks and often I'm playing what the producer/artist wants. Far and away my biggest "freedom" is my DVD, Methods and Mechanics...

http://altitudedigital.com/todd-such...mechanics.html

I really don't have "fusiony" records but I did most of Steve Cole's "Spin" record--smooth jazz--but musical stuff, not wussy elevator stuff. I like that one. The two Taylor Mills records "Lullagoodbye" and "Under the Surface" I produced and played exactly what I wanted and I adore those records.

http://taylormills.com/

The two Styx records I'm most proud of are "Cyclorama" and "Big Bang Theory." I also have a pretty extensive audio gallery on my website. You can kill a couple hours sifting through the examples here and seeing what you dig:

http://www.toddsucherman.com/sucherman-audio.html

There you can check out all sorts of stuff, live bootlegs, etc. Hope you enjoy it and thanks again, man!
Cheers,
TS

[skreg]

I've been wanting to get your DVD for quite some time, so I finally decided to order it this morning. I'm almost two months without cigarettes now, and I'm trying to reward myself with books, dvds, equipment etc. Apparently drums are more addictive than tobacco.

The Taylor Mills album sounds fantastic. Your playing does not sound generic, but it doesn't sound bombastic or overbearing at all. I really like the way you've incorporated the toms into "Anything." I must say that the sound of the recording is also exceptional. You're lucky to be working with such great sound engineers and musicians. I just bought the mp3 album and I can't wait to listen to it all the way through. I run a little studio at my school, and we had some water leak in through the ceiling yesterday. Luckily, nothing was damaged, but I have move all the equipment again and clear out the wet ceiling tiles. Now I have something to listen to while I set up!

-sheldon

[Todd Sucherman]

Hey Sheldon,


Thanks a lot! Hope you dig the dvd and glad you're digging the Taylor Mills stuff. And I hope your clean up situation with the studio is OK and that all is well with the equipment.

My best to you-
Todd

[the-gablushe]

Hi Todd...

Wow...you have a pretty tight schedule in the upcoming months as I learned from styxworld. I wish you good luck with that and I hope you stay healthy, Todd!

Here we go: I've been working on my singles and doubles and all sorts of conjunctions since I layed hands on MM last year. Unfortunately I'm reaching a level or rather a limit of speed lately that I'm having a hard time to surpass. I'm not talking about coordination and evenness...this seems to me to a be a sheer matter of power...but I don't really know. I can go fast on the xpad but when it comes to the drum I drop out at about 90% of that speed....and I'm far from what YOU can do (as far as I can tell from videos and MM).

Would you rather recommend to practice speed and evenness on a surface with more rebound like e.g. a mesh-head? I figure it's a finger/wrist - thing especially on the left hand since I play trad. It always seems to lag at higher speeds. I really dig your alternating doubles/singles - exercise, Todd....it brought my singles way forward!

Sorry man...this is the best way I can put it other than simply asking "How do you do that?"


Thanks Todd,

Andreas

PS-Update: What do you think about aluminium sticks for practicing strength, Todd? Or do they tend to mess with someone's touch? ..Again, thank you!

[Larta]

Hi Todd!
I have some questions about recording.
How do you work when you record? do you record with the whole band in one take or do you record the drums first?
What do you prefer?
I recorded with one of my bands this past weekend, and we recorded the whole band in one take, and I wasn't comfortable at all with that.

What do you think when your recording?
How do you know that it will sound good when you record during the take? what do you listen to?

Hope everything's cool with you!

Cheers from a pretty warm sweden
// Erk

[Larta]

Hi again!
Todd, if you would to design a signature snare drum, what would the result be?

Cheers
// Erik

[gongbass]

Hey Todd,

Big Fan of your DVD, constantly going back to it and stealing licks! ; )

Question I have is in the DVD you have a double headed mounted bass drum in the normal gong bass position. I know on your recent kits you have a standard single headed Pearl gong drum. Was curious as to how much of a difference that second head makes?

I know Deen Castronova (sp?) from Journey seems to go back and forth between a standard gong bass and a double headed mounted bass drum. Anyway would love to hear your thoughts on the differences.

Thanks

[Todd Sucherman]

Gablushe--

Play as much as you can on the actual instrument----a real drum. Mesh heads can supply even more "fake" rebound that will disappear when you get to a drum. I use a mesh head backstage more for the silence factor so I don't piss anyone off. 40 minutes on a regular practice pad can get on the nerves of those you share space with. But play on all surfaces. Even a bed (mattress). I can still pull out the fast stuff on a no rebound surface. It's a matter of spending time doing it. It's hard to really suggest anything without seeing you play. But keep at it.

I'm not a fan of the weighted sticks. There was a study I heard about with baseball players who use the weighted bats to warm up with---and they actually slowed the swing compared to those who warmed up with the bat they use for the game. I can't substantiate this, but if it's true, then there's your proof.

Larta--

I've recorded (and still do) all the ways you mentioned. As mostly a hired side man, I do whatever the artist/producer requires of me. It's special to have a whole band play at one time, as long as everyone is good and on the same page musically. It can be a drag if there's a weak link and someone is messing with the time/feel. But I'm completely comfortable in doing it both ways. I'm thinking about getting a good take which means: playing the song, shaping the song with dynamics, responding emotionally to the lyrical content, maybe creating some thematic simple parts, making sure any or all fills not only fit the musical moment but that they all make sense in a collection of fills throughout the piece, playing good time and making every bar feel good--and making every note count. I want to play the truth, you know?

I have an idea of what will work because I've been doing this so long. But sometimes I'll hear a playback and something wasn't quite right, whatever it is, and I have to identify the problem and fix it on the next take. As far as what I'm hearing---I'm hearing whatever is there as far as musical information and a click if one is being used. (Most times it is.)

I have no interest in a signature drum. I like lots of drums. But it would be nice to have a solid sterling silver shell, engraved, and encrusted with rubies, diamonds, emeralds and sapphires. But then most people, including myself, couldn't afford one!

Gongbass---


Thanks, man. You know, both have their charms. I have a double sided 22" up in my studio now. It's cool to have some different options. A single might have a touch more attack and a touch less lows, and a double is more like a big floor tom with some extra resonance from the bottom head. It's a little fluffier. I dig them both really.

Thanks for your questions, guys.

Cheers from Baton Rouge,
Todd

[Larta]

Hi Todd!
It's kind of a drag to record everything in one take, especially when our bass player only played bass for 2 years now, while me and the guitarist has more years behind us on our instrument. Even if I like her as a person and think that she's learned alot playing the bass with us for the lat years or so, I feel sometimes that I want someone with more experience on the instrument.

Some more questions:
Have you recorded something with Jerry Goodman else than the trcks he recorded for you?

I saw a video on DrumChannel.com with a little interview with you in it. Will you appear some more in the future(you want to)?

Btw, I noticed that you did a clinic with Jimmy DeGrasso. He's also been a huge inspiration to me. He's pretty much badass when it comes to "metaldrumming"(If I can express it that way). How was it to do a clinic with him?

Anyway, I try to think positive thoughts about life and realise at we get gigs and get to play drums infront of people and feel the energy and joy of playing. It keeps me young(okey, I'm 21, so I'm not old either). My teacher Roy has given me alot to think about when I play and was thinking I could share some things that he thinks about when he plays and practice.
You can perhaps say what you think of these thoughts

Here are more thoughts about how you could approach practicing listening with your heart:

1. What does the music make you feel? Don’t talk; express it through your playing!
2. Listen to the melody and play it how it wants to be played. Listen to it’s own expression with your heart and express it through the playing.
3. Listen to the melody being played by you and express through your playing, the feelings that are being evoked by your playing of the melody.
4. Allow the melody play you instead of you playing the melody.
5. Let the music play you instead of you playing the music.
6. Be in the music.
7. Become the melody that you are playing.
8. Realize that you (love) are the melody that you are playing.
9. Learn the text as it can help and enhance your heart’s perception.
10. Play/Sing the text. The text can enhance your heart’s perception as the text deals with feelings. Sing the text and the feelings that it inspires through the instrument
11. Play Ballads and listen to each note, realizing that your greatness (love) is being expressed by you, through you.
12. Be aware of what you are saying by listening and being aware to meaning of what you are saying.
13. Improvise with space so that you can reflect and be aware of what you are saying.
14. Sing! Singing tends to be less intellectual and more from the heart.
15. Play what you sing…. Your instrument is an extension of your heart’s (love’s) expression. Try avoiding singing what you play.