270 - Kris Myers (Umphrey's McGee): From Jazz man to jam band - Drummer's Resource: Conversations with the world's greatest drummers and music industry pros.
May 22, 2017

270 – Kris Myers (Umphrey’s McGee): From Jazz man to jam band

Since 2003 Kris Myers has been the drummer for Umphrey’s McGee, who’ve been a staple on the Jam Band Scene for more than 2 decades. Although he fits the band like a glove, this isn’t the career path that Kris originally envisioned for himself. Originally focused on being a studio/local drummer and avoiding the road, Myers found himself landing a gig with a band who is constantly touring  – a position that he gladly accepted and is now considered one of the best “Jam Band” drummers in the world, a title he earned in the 2011 Drum! Magazine reader’s poll.

Kris Myers talks about:

  • His early years  / getting into drumming
  • Life as a Jazz drummer
  • Original plans for his career
  • Landing the Umphrey’s McGee gig
  • His approach to learning a huge song list in a short amount of time
  • How he learned the improvisational language of the band
  • The ups and downs of being on the road
  • Much more

Resources / People / Links mentioned:

Kris Myers plays:

  • Pearl Drums
  • Evans Drumheads
  • Vic Firth
  • Zildjian Cymbals
  • Humes and Berg

Drummer’s Resource Podcast is free thanks to support from:

DW Drums: I’ve been playing DW for years…not only because they make high-quality, handcrafted drums but because they support and foster drumming initiatives all over the wold, much like this podcast. I’m thrilled to announce that DW has signed on to support Drummer’s Reosource for 2016! Be sure to check them out today at DWDrums.com.

Musicians Institute: Musicians Institute (MI) is the official education partner of Drummer’s Resource. Located in the heart of Hollywood, CA, (where they’ve been since 1977) MI boats world class faculty, recording studios, curriculum and events for the aspiring musician. MI offers a chance to learn everything you need to create a successful music career by showing you how to get not only your drumming chops together but also your business and tech chops together too. Learn more at MI.edu