179: Aaron Spears: Ushered to the big stage
In this podcast I chat with one and only Aaron Spears. Aaron, probably best known for his work with Usher, has amassed a legion of fans and admirers because of his blazing chops and great pocket and feel. Aaron also makes numerous clinic appearances around the world, as he’s become a staple in the drum and percussion world.
“There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow men. True nobility lies in being superior to your former self.” – Ernest Hemingway
Aaron Spears talks about:
- Getting his start in church
- Chops vs Groove
- How he landed the Usher gig, basically overnight (great story!)
- Dealing with failure on the Usher gig
- Advice for staying humble
- Shedding and practicing
- Advice for other drummers looking to do what he does
- Much more
Resources / Links / People Mentioned:
- Contact Aaron Spears: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
- Gideon Band
- Usher
- Gerald Heyward (DR Podcast Interview)
- Brian Frasier-Moore (DR Podcast Interview)
- Rob Wallis – Hundson Founder (DR Podcast Interview)
- Lil John Robers (DR Podcast Interview)
- La Dell Abrams
- Big Mike Clemons
- Sir-Mix-A-Lot Interview
- Burning for Buddy
Aaron Spears Plays:
- DW Drums
- Zildjian Cymbals
- Remo Drumheads
- Vic Firth Drumsticks
- Toca Percussion
- Big Fat Snare Drums
- Cympad
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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 and DWDrums.com.
Promark Drumsticks: Promark is Is now a sponsor of the podcast once again they were last year and now they are again. they just released the Mike Portnoy signature model that has the active grip 420X at it’s designed to add more power to your arsenal and features the heat activated technology. It’s s an awesome technology that actually adjusts to your body temperature and give you control you need so no matter how hard you play the active grip is going to help you handle it by getting tackier as it warms up. You can learn more about this great technology and the Mike Portnoy stick at Promark.com
Audible.com: Audible is one of my favorite companies in the world! They make audio book so you can listen to your favorite books on the go. You know, but I listen more. I use audible every single day and can’t recommend them enough! The best part, you can download a FREE audio book by going to Audible.com/Drummer