Year of the beat

I’ve had a good number of my peers recently tell me that...

Tue, 21 May 2013 12:33:40 -0400

I’ve had a good number of my peers recently tell me that I’m a real “hard worker”. Yes. But shouldn’t you be one also…? To quote the great Michael Jordan “Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen”. We need to all “make it happen” if your a time waster your wasting my time and I don’t want you around. I challenge my friends and loved ones to work harder. This is how progress happens and real change will start to occur in our world. This photo was take at the lab during a recording session with Bo White. 12 songs, 2 takes, 4 hours, and a different drum set up each track. Go practice…

I played my first solo show last week in Columbia,SC. It was a...

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 12:18:22 -0400

I played my first solo show last week in Columbia,SC. It was a great sense of accomplishment that I’m still reflecting on. It takes a certain drive to get on stage and express yourself with out any accompaniment. I did this performance to get myself out of my routine and force myself to talk in front of an audience. I only can imagine its the same way a artist must feel when they have there first gallery opening and see all the pieces they’ve been working on hanging on the walls. It’s who you are without hiding behind what you think you are or what your trying to be. I encourage all my friends to do this at least once in there life. It’s liberating and scary but when you reach down inside yourself and really pull at the essence of what it is to be alive it’s one of the most rewarding feelings. Go practice!

We all have to fall into a routine of life. As artists we have...

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 12:39:59 -0400

We all have to fall into a routine of life. As artists we have to deal with the pressure of day to day but also a balance of our time in mediums we work in. Do these routines limit us from our full capability? Do these routines make it less personal and less honest to our beliefs? I’ve been a firm believer and act upon putting myself completely in the moment when I sit behind the kit. Bloody knuckles, soar body, lack of sleep all of these stem from what I love to do. Being the best that you can be at something you enjoy will always be more positive for your life. You are responding to life in the present time. I’m increasingly finding more people understanding my commitment to my medium. It feels good! Go practice.

One of the hardest things for me as a musician is asking for...

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 12:00:26 -0400

One of the hardest things for me as a musician is asking for money. Maybe it’s the punk rock ethics I grew up in or the guilt for asking for money for something you love doing. The DIY ethics (not the actual act) is dead to me. Any yahoo who farts on a snare drum these days can book a tour and travel and the old rule of touring bands guarantee gets paid first is a stale idea. The audience at most clubs are there to see the locals because they’re the ones telling you about the show. A promoter gets a cut from making a Facebook event and scribbling out a few flyers. The venue gets a cut for employees and for keeping the doors open. What’s left? Well the touring band has a $500 guarantee so the 2 locals get to split $50 amongst (on a good night) for the 6+ people that played. How does that make any sense? I’ve never dreamed of Yachts and a big house I just want sustainability amongst my drive of music making. I put so much love and energy into something I care about and being degraded to ask for a hand out of $10 is fucked! So what can we all do? Skip the Yägger bomb and go buy a bands record even better buy 2 and give one to a friend. Go to a venue you haven’t been to and see some other music. Tell your friends about a band you like and try to get them to check them out with you. Make a flyer, zine, logo, a mix tape and spread the word about some cool bands you like. Nothing will ever grow with out the right nutrition. We as musicians have to start growing in the pits of a basements and garages and rise to nasty bars or obscure locations. We’re handed beer and a few dollars to not cover the cost of practice spaces, shirts, records, equipment, and gas. It’s poverty level stuff that many folks don’t witness it and its been like this forever! With back catalogue record sales going down and more older acts hitting the road I’m going to fight for what I’ve earned. Present time is what live music is all about so let’s start PAYING attention to that. Go Practice!

I’ve played two shows in the past six weeks. That’s...

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 10:04:30 -0500

I’ve played two shows in the past six weeks. That’s the least that I’ve played in years, even less than after the birth of my son. I’ve decided to finally embark on some solo shows. I can’t wait or rely on my musically amigos anymore, I’ve got to much to say on my instrument that I can’t keep it percolating anymore. I’ve been feeling more and more like an outsider from my family, friends and coworkers. I’m totally at fault for most of this “distant” feeling but for all that know me well, playing the drums is when I am at peace with myself. I don’t worry about another bank withdrawal fine, or how I need a new roof, or how is it possible for 18 month old to eat the same as me at most meals! I’ll be damned to let life beat me into submission. So be on the lookout for some solo shows my friends, I’m about to elbow drop the hell out of life. Whoa!!!

For most of you who read this know this joker I’m standing...

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 10:37:44 -0500

For most of you who read this know this joker I’m standing next to in this photo ( thank you John Williamson). For those who don’t, let me fill you in. Bo White is song craftsman, a multi- instrumentalist, a documentary of music, an encyclopedia of music, and a inspiration to me. He played in the first band I saw when I moved to the Queen City and I’ve had the pleasure of playing in countless ensembles with this sultan of swing. I’ve learned so much about keeping a simple back beat, learning to accent vocals, how polyrhythms can work with two instruments, but most of all if you love doing something just keep doing it. Bo has been writing, arranging, recording, and releasing his own music since his teenage years. The dude has so much style that I don’t dare try to describe because I won’t give it justice. His songs are a analog of instant film in which the taker of the picture isn’t always the man standing behind the camera nor is he even in the photo. When someone inspires you keep them close in the end they’ll probably get the best work out of you. Go practice.

I hate everyday talk so much. Looks like its going to rain?...

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 13:28:57 -0500

I hate everyday talk so much. Looks like its going to rain? How’s your day been so far? Parking is crazy over here? Lame. One of the many joys of playing in Great Architect is our dialogue gets pretty real and radical. Yes- let’s talk about the downfalls of humanity, new forms of energy, the real 1% of America and mythology. We don’t all see eye to eye but that’s how we learn new things and make progress.These ideas pour into the music and breath life into the crazy vortex of sound that we make. If I can encourage anyone who reads this is to start getting real and turn off your phone and computer, put on some Mahler or Mingus and open up some new dialogue with some your friends and start a project. We all can better ourselves which only betters the ones around us, so lets all stop the bullshit talk and start making some real progress. Go practice.

2012 is over, so the “year” of the beat needs to be...

Thu, 03 Jan 2013 10:01:00 -0500

2012 is over, so the “year” of the beat needs to be pluralized and I hope I do twice as much musically. It’s hard growing up, I try to avoid it as much as possible and I think I’ve done a really good job so far. The 14 year old Michael would want to play the drums all day, stay up late, eat pizza, listen to fast music, thrash, etc. the downside of living the way that makes you happy is the world around you isn’t always so excepting to this mentality. I’m 28 I have no savings, no health insurance, no retirement plan, and I make about a 1.25 more an hour than I did when I was 14. Many thoughts have crossed my mind to throw up the old stick bag and go work a grown up job, but I think at this point that bridge has been burned and the river is getting wider. I’ve been missing a step somewhere in ways to get paid playing music. Erin (joking- I think) suggested playing on the streets. I already play in alleys next to trash cans and that doesn’t pay, so I’m going to scrap that idea. I know a musical environment is equal to what you put in as what you get out. But I haven’t been getting anything out of CLT music scene and I’ve put a lot into it. Ideas and inspiration don’t feed my son and being paid in beer doesn’t help either. The wind has been calling me I just need to listen harder. Go practice.

So this has been the longest break of year of the beat all year....

Tue, 04 Dec 2012 09:54:14 -0500

So this has been the longest break of year of the beat all year. I’m working 4 jobs, playing in 2 active bands, and dealing with 1 insane life. I’ve never have had much faith in humanity. As a whole were selfish and careless and we have all gotten really good at putting a blind eye to it. We have people being burned to death in factories so we can have fist fights at 5am for free underwear in malls in America!?! Consumerism is what’s killing this world we can point the finger at a lot of evil but we should start by looking at what owns us. I’m working my ass of right now to just sustain peace at home, but I also want my son to enjoy his first Christmas. I’m buying him some toys, I’m consuming like all good Americans. But I’m not going over board and I’m also buying from good practicing businesses or handmade gifts. I encourage anyone who reads this to do the same. If a company has to go the extreme of cramming human vessels in a building with no doors or windows to make a profit were all missing the point. This year has been a defining one and I hope I’ll remember as Jimmis first year of life and forget all the other madness. I’d give him the world but I think he’d rather just have raspberries and play in the tub. Go practice.

This past weekend 500 miles apart from each other my drum...

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 14:33:24 -0500

This past weekend 500 miles apart from each other my drum patterns where being crafted into some songs for 2 very different ensembles. The older I get the more I don’t want to be described as a “genre” drummer just a good one. I prefer to play certain styles but I won’t limit myself to one way or another. This is how new ideas grow. In my punk band Joint Damage I used a 6/8 Afro Cuban beat over a 4/4 driving part just for a drum fill. This may seem pointless to most but these are the things I pride myself in. Rules need to be broken and I’m trying to break all of them.

One thing I pride myself in as a musicians is not buying into...

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 12:31:45 -0500

One thing I pride myself in as a musicians is not buying into the instrument market and fads. I hate stepping into guitar center I feel like I’m walking into a musical hell. Theres always some dumbass trying to play paradise city on full volume and the drum department is not much better. Did you
Know guitar center is owned by toys R’ us? With the neon green drum set that glows in the dark I’m not surprised. Guitar center offers no discount for teachers, military, working musicians and they won’t match prices. Is Sam ash much better? Well if you have an hour to get someone to ring you up sure. I know I can buy online but when I busted my last pair of sticks or destroying a cymbal it’s nice to get a feel for something and not assume it’ll be what your looking for. Here in Charlotte we don’t have any other options besides the Walmart and Cosco of disposable instruments.It’s sad and dare I say this could really be a reflection on why

are queen cities music scene is out weighted by crappy bands? Food for thought, until then I’ll keep cruising Craigslist and look into some instrument swaps or maybe someday open my own shop.

I always considered myself a quiet but grateful person. But...

Tue, 30 Oct 2012 11:42:07 -0400

I always considered myself a quiet but grateful person. But sometimes even the things you care the most about you take for granted. I had the pleasure to play in a Danzig cover band this past weekend with a good friend and two of his adolescent brothers. It was fun listening to these guys talk about the salad days and there first shows, it sparked a lot of memoirs I haven’t thought about in along time. Show time came and flew by so quick but the fist pumping and slam dancing to “mother” was a trip. This was just another night for me at the milestone but for Chris and Ryan (guitarist&bass) I could tell this made there year. I guess when you do things in a routine you sometimes forget why you do them in the first place. Those guys reminded me on how great it is to just be on stage and play and you shouldn’t take it for granted. I’ve been so caught up with life and the stress that it creates I forgot sitting behind some drums is the best way for me to give the middle finger to my troubles. So to all the
Working musicians- be happy you have this outlet and never forget why you started playing the first place.

I was doubled book last night with both my ensembles which is...

Wed, 24 Oct 2012 16:00:42 -0400

I was doubled book last night with both my ensembles which is always fun. My friend Katie was amazed on how I could physically go and pounded it out for hour and not be tired afterwards. Lets also not forget set up and tear down and lugging those big old tubs around. At this point in my playing I rarely feel depleted after a show. I root it all with 2 key elements. 1. Practice- muscle memory is so important and that’s not just playing with sticks. Stretching and understanding the anatomy of your muscles and knowing when to stop doing something before you strain it. 2. Nutrition- food is fuel. Sure lots of great musicians disregard this part and play amazing but it always catches up. The drums are the most physical instrument

and when your sick or injured its hard to feel the music when your down. These days I’ve been struggling with both of these things with having to work other jobs and the little man on the move, my practice routine has lacked a bit. Also Being broke as hell I eat what I can afford for the family but I always make sure Jimmi gets the best we can get. I’ve eaten shitty food most my life so I can manage when times are tough but I won’t let him have to deal with the stress on the body and mind processed food will do to you. So if you see me giving it my all don’t be afraid to tip:) I’m probably not getting paid anyways.

Leaving my drum lessons last night I was stopped by one of the...

Thu, 18 Oct 2012 10:02:34 -0400

Leaving my drum lessons last night I was stopped by one of the guitar instructors asking where I had a gig at, with my car filled to the ceiling with drums. “The milestone dude you should come” I said “milestone?Never heard of it.”

The milestone was the first club I went when I moved here 5 years ago. I played there at least 30 times now and love walking up those tiny cement steps to be greeted by a tag on the wall “lets get rowdy” and a doorman who usually is a beirdo. In a city that destroys its history you can walk into the milestone and realize quickly there’s a lot of memoirs hanging around in the little west side box. To be greeted by John the owner/bartender with a big smile who’s always on his toes cracking beers and jokes with anyone at the bar is reminder on how we should all talk to each other. But my hat gets tipped to Ian Stroupe the sound genius for the club. I’ve seen a lot of shitty music at the milestone but they have never sounded bad in the place. He can mix the bar side stage and somehow in the feedback drenched walls make it sound great! I have no idea how long I’ll keep my feet planted in the Queen City but when I reflect on my favorite things about this place the milestones on the list.

It’s so easy to make excuses. I work 2 jobs, play in 2...

Tue, 09 Oct 2012 11:26:23 -0400

It’s so easy to make excuses. I work 2 jobs, play in 2 bands, stay home with my son most mornings and afternoons but I’ve been slipping on my focus. I want to be able to crush any drum part in front of me. If its reading or improving or just learning someone’s song I want to nail it one or two takes. My factors to achieve this are 1. Practice everyday 2.exercise (muscle memory is key) 3. Eat clean 4. Drink lots of Water. I’ve had some gnarly alcohol benders recently and I really can put the finger on my problem with not completing these goals with the booze. Am I going to stop? No way this body is a alcohol fuel burning machine. I will however think about passing the bottle when the 6am alarm goes off for a run. If we all stop making excuses and stay on track to your personal goals and interests than maybe we can find the answer to happiness.

One of my favorite things about teaching is finding out how the...

Thu, 04 Oct 2012 10:20:47 -0400

One of my favorite things about teaching is finding out how the drums have called to my students. Hussein who is 11,agreed with his parents to take lessons for a year before they’d buy him a drum set. He is hands down my hardest working student and is hooked to the beat the same way I am. He’s the only one that takes the information I provide digest it and then make something of his own. That’s the essence of music making to me, learn as much from the past as possible but reinterpret into your own voice. Having style while doing so… Well that comes in time.

I have taught close to 40 students now in my years of playing...

Tue, 25 Sep 2012 11:36:22 -0400

I have taught close to 40 students now in my years of playing percussion. Some have gone on into there own studies, and some quit after a few lessons. Each lesson I feel I learn a little something about my technique and myself. I have a student Jayleen- natural talent and I hate using that phrase but he’s 7 and his momma must of been a parliament fan because this kid is funky! But my goal as a teacher is to challenge him and make him sight read ever lesson. Whenever I start to feel comfortable with a style music or understanding a pattern I try something different. I’d rather be consist in anything thrown at me than the best at one thing. Picasso probably wouldn’t have created cubism if it wasn’t for his love of sculpting. understand your dexterity and make something original. Go practice…

I had the pleasure of playing Raleigh’s hopscotch festival...

Tue, 11 Sep 2012 15:37:21 -0400

I had the pleasure of playing Raleigh’s hopscotch festival last weekend. Dream with me for a second…. As musicians we all work hard at different levels. Some of us have people that believe in us, that are backed by record labels, some have rich families that support them. Some bands just bust there ass for countless years and earn every inch of respect they deserve. Now we’re dreaming here remember- what if at festivals all the bands got paid the same. Minus flights and subtracting cost to get there gear there but at the end of the night we were all paid equal. Even in a art form that has more free thinkers, it’s still a capitalist every man for themselves attitude. For a three day pass to get into everything at the fest was $110, a good price if you ask me. Joint damage got paid $100 and I think that’s the going rate from what my amigos where saying. I bet nobunny got paid more than a $100 to make an ass out of himself in his nasty tighty whiteys!

I can’t believe this is my 50th year of the beat! When I started...

Fri, 07 Sep 2012 10:56:50 -0400

I can’t believe this is my 50th year of the beat! When I started this I just wanted to document my practice and playing schedule and spotlight a few shows. What this has become is much more than that to me. I have opened myself up which is hard when your someone who is shy and hates talking about themselves. Reading a few old ones I realized these really do show who I am. I’m obsessed with drums for one:) but I have a lot of common themes- my friends, the struggle of life, hating authority, inspiring musicians, coffee, and not excepting adulthood. Fuck- black flag has left a huge impression on me! That aside, I started this when Jimmi was 4 months old and he is mentioned a bunch and I hope he gets to read these someday. Not that he really will need since he has to deal with this madness first hand and more than anyone else. Go practice!!

Being a young punk it can be a challenge to see live music....

Mon, 27 Aug 2012 17:14:13 -0400

Being a young punk it can be a challenge to see live music. Older friends would drive some of us into the city, but if it wasn’t some coffee house or a rad speakeasy type venue your option was a house show. house shows are great, I still love them. It makes the audience have to be apart of the show. There’s no stage, no security, you feel the sweat of the band, you maybe even get hit with a guitar! It makes the music come alive and if ya suck people are just going to go outside until your done. Great architect played on the floor of a bar recently and the third song in my bass drum decided that it wanted to dance away from me. I tried to keep the beat and pull the drum towards me but it wasn’t happening. The club was packed and I looked up and folks were digging it but I was amazed that know one had yet jumped into help me. I made eye contact with my bud Ross Wilbanks and as soon he seen my look of frustration, he stepped up and sat in front of my bass drum for the rest of the set. This got me thinking about how the house show circuit has shaped a lot of us “grown up” punks to help each other out. I’ll always go grab a brick for a dancing bass drum, or tighten up a mike stand. It’s about keeping the show moving and keeping yourself and everyone else engaged. So if you read this Ross- cheers you get it brother! For those other audience members standing up front, musicians are just people to and give a helpful hand if ya see it:) This photo was also taken 10 years ago of me. I still rock this shirt.