020 – Jim Riley (Rascal Flatts): Conquering Nashville, by any means necessary
In this podcast I talked to Jim Riley, Drummer and Music Director for Rascal Flatts. Rascal Flatts have sold upwards of 20 million records and Jim has been there since the beginning. His story is motivational and inspiring to say the least as he explains how he made it to the top of the music game. Jim’s “by any means necessary” and “never give-up” mentality servers as glimpse into what it takes to forge a career in music. In addition to playing with Rascal Flatts, Jim is an educator, author, instructor and run his own music school, the Drum Dojo in Nashville. If you want to be inspired and motivated to be great, you want to listen to this interview NOW!
“If you wan’t something you’ve never had, you must be willing to do something you’ve never done!” – Thomas Jefferson
Jim Riley’s Bio (from JimRiley.com)
Jim is the drummer and bandleader for multi-platinum group, Rascal Flatts. Since moving to Nashville in 1997, Jim he has played over a thousand of sold out shows for millions of fans. His television credits include The Grammy Awards, The Tonight Show, The American Music Awards, The Voice, American Idol, Dancing with the stars, Oprah, and The Today Show. Jim’s recording credits include Rascal Flatts 2014 release Rewind, as well as multi-platinum disc, ‘Me and My Gang’, EA sports ‘MADDEN 11 Football’, Brian McKnight’s album, ‘Ten’ as well as movie soundtracks for “Heaven is Real” and ‘Hannah Montana: The Movie’
Jim’s has been constantly recognized by his peers as being one of the best in the business. 2011-2014, Jim was voted “Best Country Drummer” by the readers of Modern Drummer Magazine as well as winning “Best Drum Clinician” in 2009. The readers of DRUM! Agree voting Jim “Country drummer of the year” 2008-2010, 2012-2013.
In May of 2014 Jim was featured on the cover of Modern Drummer.
Jim attended University of North Texas where he received his degree in Music Education. In addition to being one of Nashville’s elite touring drummers, Jim has become internationally recognized as a clinician and educator. His 2011 Clinic for Modern Drummer Fest was filmed and released on DVD in November of 2011. His teaching studio “The Drum Dojo,” opened up in 2007 and is a place where Jim can teach the great drummers of tomorrow. He is also a published composer, and a frequent educational columnist for Modern Drummer Magazine. Jim has been a member of both the Pro panel and educational panel for MD. His first book, “Song Charting Made Easy: a play along guide to the Nashville number system” (Hal Leonard Publications) was released in June 2010 and is now in its second printing. His new book, “Survival Guide for the Modern Drummer (Alfred Publishing) is set to be released in July of 2014
In this interview you’ll hear Jim Riley talk about:
- How he got started with drumming
- Moving to Nashville
- His position as Music Director for Rascal Flatts
- The Nashville Number System
- The Nashville touring schedule
- Advice on having a career in music
- What bands look for in a drummer
- The importance of being professional
- Networking advice
- The importance of a good attitude and a good reputation
- Jim’s new book to be released in 2014 (Survival Guide for the Modern Drummer)
- A LOT more…
Resources and links mentioned in this interview:
SUBSCRIBE to the Drummer’s Resource Podcast on iTunes!
WANT TO GET THE PODCASTS EARLIER? SIGN UP FOR THE VIP LIST AND RECEIVE
PRE-RELEASED PODCASTS.