When you spend over three decades on the road and in the studio, you glean far more than just timing or technique. What separates a hired hand from a trusted, lifelong collaborator is a blend of art and professionalism—a commitment to craft, character, and reliability. I want to share some of the lessons distilled from thousands of gigs, sessions, and tours. These are the principles that shape how I operate every day and what I bring as your drummer. 

Prioritize Making Others Comfortable

The number one secret to sustaining major tours and session work is surprisingly simple but profound: make everyone around you comfortable. I don’t just mean physically; I mean mentally and emotionally. Whether it’s crew, engineers, fellow band members, or the artist, the energy I bring is about service and teamwork.

On massive productions involving hundreds of people—roadies, techs, lighting crews, wardrobe, production managers—everyone relies on each other’s stability. If I can create an atmosphere where people feel respected, relaxed, and supported, it relieves stress and fosters a creative flow.

I’ve learned the hard way that when a musician prioritizes their own ego or makes demands that overshadow the group’s needs, they’re soon replaced. It’s not just about your chops; it’s about your attitude. I’m humble enough to know I’m part of something bigger, and that humility is what lets me keep gigs for decades and build lasting relationships.

Foster a Collaborative, Easy-to-Work-With Attitude

Touring and session work require a different mindset than solo gigs. I treat everyone on tour like family. I’m not a prima donna; I’m the guy who shows up early, quietly solves problems, and keeps the vibe positive.

Being easy to work with means being flexible and unflappable. When plans change (and they always do), or when fatigue and long hours set in, my commitment is to stay steady and ready. I don’t make mountains out of molehills, and I rarely complain. That steadfastness builds trust, earn respect, and opens doors for future work.

Ultimately, a professional musician’s best quality isn’t just notes—it’s reliability and grace under pressure.

Master Preparation and Internalization

My preparation is almost clinical. For every session or set, I map out entire songs on paper, writing down every detail: tempos, feels, drum parts, fills, accents. I do this deeply and methodically because memorizing everything before stepping on stage or hitting record is crucial.

Using charts on stage is something I avoid. There’s no confidence in reading music live. The second you shift your attention away from the band to a page, you lose connection. Instead, I internalize every beat until it’s second nature—free enough to be musical, locked enough to be consistent.

This disciplined approach helps me be instantly adaptable, able to navigate changes mid-song or respond to artist cues without hesitation.

Go Beyond “Good Enough”

“Good enough” might get your foot in the door, but it’s the person who consistently goes the extra mile who stays. I live by this every day. Practicing something until it’s not just right, but nearly impossible to play wrong—that’s what professionalism looks like.

When deadlines are tight, or when an important session demands perfection, it’s this mindset that keeps me composed and ready. From subtle groove variations to flawless technical execution, I sweat every detail.

That relentless pursuit of excellence isn’t about ego; it’s about respect for the music, the production, and the people relying on me.

Surround Yourself with Positivity and Inspiration

We are the company we keep. I maintain a circle of musicians, mentors, and industry professionals who are inquisitive, supportive, and high-energy. They challenge me to grow and inspire me to keep fresh.

On tour, especially, your mindset is everything. Staying positive helps me endure long flights, irregular routines, and constant change. I embrace curiosity and continual learning, whether it’s new gear, styles, or workflows.

This mindset has opened doors, expanded my creativity, and helped keep me relevant through decades of changing music landscapes.

Performance, Sound & Gear Insights

Control Your Cymbal Volume Thoughtfully

I’ve learned that cymbals—while beautiful—can kill a mix if not handled with care. I use tight, warm cymbals with controlled decay to blend with the music rather than overwhelm it. Keeping crash and hi-hat volumes in check ensures the lead vocal shines and the front-of-house engineer smiles.

I choose parts that serve the song, never show off unnecessarily. This sonic awareness is something every high-profile project appreciates.

Self-Mix as You Play

Good drummers are inherently their own first sound engineers. Listening carefully while playing means dynamically adjusting your balance—turning down a crash, scooping the toms, digging in on the kick—so the overall sound holds together.

This live “self-mixing” skill separates session pros from hobbyists. It demands constant listening and precise control.

Optimize Your Acoustic-Electronic Blend

I run hybrid kits blending acoustic drums with triggers and samples. The key is subtlety and musicality, not layering everything at once. Samples reinforce without overshadowing, and triggers are timed meticulously to avoid latency or phase issues.

I avoid sounding like a “kid in a toy store.” Instead, my rig supports the artist’s vision with seamless tonal cohesion.

Prioritize Low Latency in Triggering

Latency kills groove—it’s that simple. I use dedicated trigger modules with direct audio inputs to shave off milliseconds between strike and sound. It’s about retaining the snap and punch that producers crave.

Fast, clean triggers with no phase problems help me lock perfectly with the band and the mix.

Take Manual Control on Stage

I prefer manual control for sample changes, kit switching, and effects during live shows. This approach grants me the flexibility to adjust on the fly when cues shift—something automatic MIDI can’t do as reliably.

Backup systems are in place, but being in control of my soundboard keeps me connected and confident even during high-pressure moments.

Tour Mentality, Setup & Career Wisdom

Build a Simple, Scalable Rig

My rigs grow in logical steps. I don’t add gear for flash; every piece serves a musical purpose. This focus ensures my setup is road-ready, easy to maintain, and adaptable to different show sizes and styles.

Keeping it simple yet scalable means I can perform flawlessly in small clubs or stadiums alike.

Always Prepare for the Unexpected

Tour life is unpredictable—power outages, equipment failures, and last-minute changes are par for the course. That’s why I build redundancy into every rig: dual drum brains, backup computers, spare cables, and more.

Being prepared to switch instantly without missing a beat makes me a trusted asset for any production.

Learn from Role Models and Maintain Discipline

My many years of training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu taught me discipline, patience, and strategic thinking—traits that I apply daily in music. Mentors and colleagues have shaped my approach, imparting lessons on resilience and professionalism.

Discipline isn’t just about practice—it’s mindset, choices, and sacrifice.

Precision and Feel Go Hand in Hand

Artists expect night after night perfection with space for musical expression. I nail the charts with surgical precision but always leave room for groove, dynamics, and subtle interaction with the band.

This balance makes performances feel vibrant and alive.

Maintain Trustworthy Tech Relationships

My drum techs are partners in sound and reliability. I trust their judgment on drumhead changes and maintenance, freeing me to focus on playing. This collaboration ensures the best tone and uptime on the road.

Embrace Teamwork On and Off Stage

Music is the ultimate team effort. Leaning on bandmates and trusted advisors enriches my performances and sustains my career. I stay open to feedback and continually learn from others.

A career at this level requires humility, flexibility, and a hunger for excellence. I never stop evolving, both musically and professionally. Whether on tour or in the studio, I show up ready to serve the music and the team with passion, precision, and care.