319 - Matt Musty (Grace Potter): The rollercoaster ride of a freelance drummer - Drummer's Resource: Conversations with the world's greatest drummers and music industry pros.
October 23, 2017

319 – Matt Musty (Grace Potter): The rollercoaster ride of a freelance drummer

Matt Musty, now an LA resident, has traveled from coast to coast playing music and relocating his residents along the way. From New England to NYC to Nashville and now to LA, Musty has kept one thing constant: chasing the muse of becoming a master player and establishing himself as a top-call freelance drummer. His hard work, professionalism and adaptiveness have lead him to his current role as full-time drummer for Grace Potter, studio work with Gwen Stefani, and a list of other LA sessions to speak of. Matt’s undeniable candor and laid-back, warm personality may get him in the door, but it’s his playing and perfectionism that keeps him there.

“Don’t let the good times go to your head and don’t let the bad times go to your heart.” – Les Brown (Tweet this)

Matt Musty talks about:

  • Growing up in a musical family in a small, rural town
  • The path to playing drums
  • Why he went to Berklee
  • Moving to NYC
  • The journey of creating relationships
  • Getting the Grace Potter gig (and why he though he could possibly get fired)
  • Dealing with the ups and downs of being a freelancer
  • Tips for being a professional (no matter what level player you are)
  • What it’s like to work with Aaron Sterling in the studio
  • Much more

Resources / Links / People mentioned:

Matt Musty Plays:

  • Ludwig Drums
  • Aquarian Drumheads
  • Zildjian Cymbals
  • Vic Firth Drumsticks
  • 64 Audio in-ear monitors
  • SKB Cases

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