Dami Ogunyemi a busy drummer coming through the London scene. His church upbringing and studying of the likes of Dave Weckl, Chris Dave & Teddy Campbell lead to the development of his skills. While also paying homage to other drummers hot on the London scene who've helped him; Jessie Grant & Matty Brown.
"Ive always been a fan of 13” so when I reached out to De Broize I asked for a 13 x 8 because even though its a smaller diameter it can still pack a punch. Tuning the snare I noticed that it had a wide range and can be used in any situation from a ballad to a pop snare. As a main snare cranked up it was perfect and loud as oak is quite strong and durable and with the remo coated dot head the tone was there whilst controlled. In other words I loved it!"
Firstly I'd love to know your drumming story; how did you start and develop?
Well I started off playing in church as most drummers tend to do. Started playing from 8 years old, I’ve always had the love of music and playing gospel records and getting chairs together in the house and start whacking at them. As time went on i started playing in school for assembly and my music teacher gave me the opportunity to play at different community gigs and even the Lord Mayor Show which was a great experience.
How would you describe your playing style?
My playing style I would say is quite versatile especially quite recently, having the ability to adapt to any genre and any situation is key in developing yourself as musician. Also I tend not to limit my thinking whilst playing, whatever I feel like playing i just play don’t think, of course while still thinking about the right place and time and if the music allows it.
What artists / drummers have inspired you? Who has had the most impact on your playing?
I would say when I was young I looked up to the likes of Aaron Spears, Tony Royster only because at the time the stuff they were doing was crazy to me, and I remember saying 'yeah I want to play just like that', but with growth iIfound out there is much more to than the speed and chops so I'd done research up guys like Dave Weckl, Chris Dave, Teddy Campbell. These are a few guys when they play it's not just playing, its about technicality and to the choice of which drum to hit. Most recently have been inspired by the people closest to me such as Jesse Grant who is also a brother to me, giving me advice on how to be a better musician, Matty Brown as well from the times we have worked together and how to approach music.
What is your approach to session work, how do you get the gigs and prepare?
My approach to session work very simple, how do I take an artists’ project which is already great and make it come alive on stage whilst the fundamentals of the song is still there. I go in with the mentality of first learning each song to the ’T’ without taking anything or adding anything. And most importantly, have fun!. Getting gigs is about putting yourself out there, no-one will know who you are if you only playing for yourself in you studio or room. Post content and connect with people. most of my gigs have come through recommendation and my close friends who have asked me.
How do you adapt and still be creative while working with different MDs? What are you doing to stay creative in lockdown?
I believe getting to know someone before their job title is key, knowing how your MD operates and think is key as a person and relate with them you establish mutuality so when it come to doing your job you are on the same page. Once that is done i believe there is space for creativity through the MD or even and idea from the band.
I have been producing a lot more now there is time to do so, also practicing and going back to the fundamentals. so once lockdown is over you will be seeing new ideas hopefully!
From your experience, what advice would you give to someone pursuing this field of work?
I would say perfect your craft as much as you can, going to social events and meet people cause you never know who you can bump into. Not many people would say this industry is hard to get you foot in so i’ll say if you perusing this career make sure you have a plan and as your going along have multiple incomes.
Could you talk us through your setup and how you’ve utilised the snare?
I play Yamaha and Sabian and I pretty much like to set up my drums to what the gig requires. With the chance of using the De Broize snare it was my main snare predominately.
How did you discover De Broize Custom Drums and what were your first impressions?
I heard about De Broize through a good friend, who recommended me to use it and to be honest I was impressed straight away from the finish to the way they sound.
Can you give us an in-depth review of your De Broize snare?
Ive always been a fan of 13” so when I reached out to De Broize I asked for a 13 x 8 because even though its a smaller diameter it can still pack a punch. Tuning the snare I noticed that it had a wide range and can be used in any situation from a ballad to a pop snare. As a main snare cranked up it was perfect and loud as oak is quite strong and durable and with the remo coated dot head the tone was there whilst controlled. In other words I loved it!
What can we expect from you in the future? New music? New bands? What are your ambitions?
In the near future I plan to bring out new content on my page, such as covers whilst working on a Drum Track EP for next year so look out for that and be able to work with a full range of artists.