The 180 Drums Podcast

Preconceptions, ego and fear are a few topics who's prevalence should lead to greater self inspection. As drummers it's important we realize not only how to improve, but how to refrain from creating self-made pitfalls. Preconceptions are the perspectives that form in our mind while ego is the response to our preconceptions with a focus on me. Lastly, fear is that driver that motivates preconceptions and ego to protect oneself, often at the expense of others... and almost always at the expense of ones self in due time.

What we're saying in this post is, self-awareness in life isn't always as important as self-forgetfulness. Creating models that matter while adding value to those around you, is what matters most.

This podcast features Wayne Blanchard, and let me tell you, he is one incredibly wise man. Not only is Wayne a studied drummer in his own right, but Wayne also has worked with everyone from Neil Peart to Dave Weckl. In his time working for Sabian, Wayne helped the company rebrand aspects of it's business and change it's approach to marketing. This podcast is one of my personal favorite's. Wayne's insights are not only brilliant, but also are that of his experiences and the environment that assisted in his wonderfully creative approach to thinking.

Growing up in Germany, England and Scotland, now living on the east coast of Canada, Wayne Blanchard lives a life that embodies personality, creativity and humility. Playing in clubs by age 13, Wayne grew up drumming and playing bass, drawing inspiration from Beat-Club and listening to Radio Luxembourg. It wasn't until hearing Cream and Hendrix that Wayne found himself transmogrified as a musician. The influence of Average White Band and Jeff Beck also made an impact as Wayne transitioned from a life in Post War Germany, to one in England and Scotland.

Wayne shares why:

• Phil Collins and Mike Portnoy are the ultimate endorsers
• Distinction matters (don't be neapolitan ice cream!)
• Everyone liking you is a distraction from what matters
• Innovation is important

• Most people prefer to be informed enough to make up their own mind.
• Accept that you're not right all the time. The one time you're wrong can wreck everything.
• Just because people like things doesn't mean it's good for you.
• Brand is like a magnet.
• It's what you are, not what you do.
• Don't sell, create value.

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Zack’s shares some of his most memorable moments with Springsteen, Bowie, Gwen Stefani, and how he’s used drumming to really explore other cultures.

Jeremy plays with many artists. He may leave for a month long tour and have to sub out on some shows, but many artists choose to put him back in once he’s back. Artist’s can’t seem to replace him, so we talk about why this might be.

Alex has been touring from a young age, and has been the ‘new guy” enough times to know how to react and grow quickly to fill the shoes.

"The drums speak for themselves." – Nathaniel Mela. Playing a major role in helping bringing Craviotto drums to the marketplace. He's also surrounded by Craviotto drums daily, making him one of the luckiest guys we can think of. Nathaniel gives us the lowdown on his experience working with Craviotto and the backstory of Johnny Craviotto. He shares how Johnny growing up using drums from the 20-40's had an impact on Johnny's inspiration to pursue a particular style of drum crafting after seeing a shift from major manufacturers to ply drum shells in the 80's.

Craviotto one-ply, solid shell drum sets provide a sound and feel that is instantly recognizable. Each drum is handmade from premium quality, hand-selected wood boards. We begin at the source to ensure your instrument is free from imperfections. From there, each drum takes several weeks to make - start to finish. The result is an instrument that speaks for itself and inspires others. Each Craviotto one-ply, solid shell drum wears over one thousand fingerprints from the pickiest, most exacting talented drum craftsmen in the business. You bet and proud of it. From Maple, to Ash, to Walnut to Mahogany, let the fine craftsmen at Craviotto construct the instrument you've been seeking.

Why listen to this episode? You will learn How:

• Craviotto was birthed
• Johnny Craviotto's inspiration to begin building custom drums first came from and how Neil Peart was an early artist
• Ringo Starr playing drums on the Ed Sullivan show impacted the culture of drumming as a whole and especially for companies like Zildjian Cymbals and Ludwig drums.
• Jake Nicolle messed up on a Craviotto Snare trade that led to the formation of 180drums.com with Steve Augustine (I didn't mess up that bad on the trade)!
• Johnny built such an impressive roster of artists who all buy the drums and don't receive giveaways
• Johnny used to tour with Buffy St. Marie, Neil Young and many others
• the early 20s, 30s and 40s drums had an impact on the Craviotto sound
• To cope with letting go of a drum you regret parting ways with

Enjoy!

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• Listen to it on iTunes.
• Stream by clicking here.******

"Just another Fish." - Johnny Craviotto

"It spread like wildfire amongst the right people."

"All these guys have approached him and I think that stems from the fact that Johnny is really doing something unique."

"The drums speak for themselves."

CraviottoDrums.com | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter | Instagram

• Johnny Craviotto
• Emily Smith
• Zildjian
• Ludwig Drums
• Ringo Starr
• Huey Lewis and the News
• Solid Drum Company
• Jim Keltner
• DW Drums
• Don Lombardi
• Ronnie Vannucci
• Jason McGerr
• Bernie Dresel
• Brian Blade
• Chris McHugh
• Chad Cromwell
• Chris Tyrell

@JakeNicolle

Co-founder of @180Drums and @SundaySeat. A lover of all things drums. I have toured and recorded with various artists, constantly refining my craft. I spend my time working on 180Drums.com, Sunday Seat and various other projects, inspiri...