"if you only listen to the style of music you play, you'll bring nothing new to it" -steve gadd
also, "music is the plumage upon humanity that enables us to fly". i wrote that in an essay for my music appreciation class, and my teacher (a classical pianist, they are hard to impress) said that was one of the most profound statements a student of his ever made- haha!
"serve the song through musicality, not just simplicity" is something i concluded a few years back.
also, "drums are already loud as hell, you need not bash to project, be sparing on the volume and you will give the dynamics room to ebb and flow. play with the wrists and fingers, you will conserve energy and minimize fatigue while maximizing finesse" are what i've said for years now!