Hitmakers

Had a fun chat with these BBQT's over a couple of Caesars and a Moosehead Pale Ale (the true Saint Johner's beer of choice) at the Lunar Rogue in Fredericton. BBQT are, like, a pop-punk band (but not like Blink) from Montreal via NL and NB. Very via - drummer Allison Graves currently lives in St John's and commutes for gigs. Tune in to find out how that works. Plus: we discuss the scene all over Eastern Canada and clown on some bands. Enjoy.

Stefan is a Fredericton-based drummer and visual artist. He was in town this past weekend for Quality Block Party, as one half of the Jane Blanchard band. This coming weekend, the two of them are putting on the 5th annual Flourish festival in Fredericton. It's a small, independent art and music festival. We talked about Flourish, the NB festival scene, hidden music communities, doing it on your own and much more.

Stealing Bill Burr's idea. Comics apparently love that. Solo project this week. Delivering  Saint John lore, internet pop culture videos, the history and current state of the learndrums empire, tips and insider info for getting the most out of music lessons, thoughts on popular music and much more.

Paul Milner is a recording engineer right here in Saint John (via PEI, via Toronto, via Quebec, via the UK). He's worked in Barbados with Eddy Grant (of "Electric Avenue" fame) and at Quebec's famed Le Studio with Keith Richards (of "The Rolling Stones" fame). And made approximately 498 other records along the way. We had a great chat about the music industry past and present, and doing it on your own. 

Clinton is a legend. A drummer who's also a singer-songwriter (or a singer-songwriter who also drums) and all-around cool cat. Was excited to talk to him as he bridges a few different things we're trying to do with the show this season. We talked about having different roles onstage, musical context, cover bands, jazz, the local scene, focusing on one instrument (or not wanting to) and kept it rolling for close to 2 hours before discovering that the recording software had a metronome running the whole time. Thought there might be a repetitive "click" sound through this thing. Fortunately there isn't, but even more fortunately, it's a great episode. Part 2 coming some day.

Jason (or JVo) has played with literally millions of bands. Literally. Not bad for a guy who started out playing upside-down acoustic guitar, idolizing KISS. We catch up on his latest projects (a disco band, for one). He takes us through his early days (you won't believe what happened at his first gig). We discuss his love of metal, jazz and the bass. And he lays down some deep thoughts on listening, leaving space and how it all fits together.

Erin is a singer-songwriter who makes moody, affecting music under the name Wrote. Don't let that description fool you - this is a fun hang. We talk about creative freedom, high school talent shows, artistic evolution, touring as a solo act, putting bands together, the "Maritime vibe", discover that we both took up instruments as bored country kids who didn't have the good cable channels, and much more!

MARCH BREAK! Quick one! Our reporter gets a candid assessment of a secret concert from a local showgoer.

In which our resident grandpa tries to understand the computer. (Back in my day all we had was Geocities and ICQ! Pictures took a week to load! And we NEVER complained!) Big thanks to Micah Brown for his thoughts on current recording methods and the ecosystem they inhabit.

Our very first and most-listened-to guest of all time returns. A total pro! We're talking, of course, about the one and only Mike Belyea. In this episode, we talk 311, jazz, taking lessons with Mars Volta drummers, self-criticism, using whatever gear happens to be lying around, and more.

Glenn is a longtime punk rock drummer, current music venue owner and absolute legend. We talk about gear, school, the road, the studio, playing music on the East coast, the Toronto scene, filling in, and drum dorks.

We sit down with the Brown Bros of Montreal, the day after Christmas. In order of appearance: James, whose DIY standup comedy night recently led to him opening for Half Moon Run at Massey Hall; Steve, who stepped out of the punk scene and into the world of thin films, and Micah, who always seems to have at least 5 bands on the go.

BIG episode. Jerry Granelli is a Halifax-based drummer, composer and sound artist. Originally from San Fransisco, where he hung out with all the greats and pioneered psychedelic music in the 60s. We talk about his life in music and throw mild amounts of shade.

BONUS EPISODE! A quick one. Steve plays with the Jerry Cans, from Iqaluit, Nunavut. We talk about the early days of the band, the drummer life and the music scene up North. Super interesting. Recorded LIVE in the green room at CBC Music Festival in Toronto!

Joe is the drummer for British classic rock group Wishbone Ash, inventor of hit metronome app PolyNome, great player and a lovely gent. Canadian indie fans may also recognize him as the brother of Tim "Paper Beat Scissors" Crabtree. We dive deep into the learning process, get some road stories and so much more.

Brad is the creator and star of YouTube channel Adventure Drums. It's got infotainment, bizarre humour, celebrity interviews - what more could you ask for? Recorded outdoors at a park in San Diego, where he lives, we talked about 90s bands, the drummer life, mental health, and more - including a look behind the scenes of Adventure Drums.

Evan is a true intellectual of the drumkit. The consummate indie-rock drummer, he's equally at home discussing Vinnie Colaiuta and DIY home recording. We sat down and chatted about local music scenes, how to use drum books, drumming as a way of manipulating time, cassettes and so much more.

Adrian plays in the EDM band Neon Dreams, with whom he spends his time touring North America and playing arenas, and has a certified gold record. Did he have that in mind when he started drumming? No, he just hated playing piano and wanted to cover Master of Puppets with his neighbour. We sat down to talk for an hour about forming bands, changing up styles, tour logistics onstage and off, surprising celebrity encounters and more!!

Ryan chats with Michelle from Halifax punk rock band Like A Motorcycle. We talk about playing in bands (in her case going from a garage in Moncton NB to touring Europe), the valuable skills you learn at Rockin' For Dollars, and so much more!

GAME-CHANGING EPISODE! We hang out with a couple of good ole Charlottetown boys and talk gear, gigs, recording and real life on the road. Swear words and potty humour used. Longest one yet! ENJOY!