This summer (2018), London based session drummer takes one of our 1960’s Beech snares for a festival run with Sam Henshaw. Away from the kit, Eddie is busy as an Artist and Tour Manager for an array of artists with Juicebox Live Ltd. We get inside his head to find out what it really takes to transition between grooving and balancing elements for tours and artist’s progression.
“I have been playing the same steel snare on most gigs for about 4 years now, I wanted to give something else a go and find something that would complement the artist’s sound, records and also my kit! I came across the 14”x7.5”Beech Snare by De Broize Custom Drums which fit perfectly for the type of gigs I was playing at the time. The Beech Snare is a truly ‘Warm, Phat & Tight’ sounding snare drum that responds to all levels of tuning. It is capable of detuning to get that Fat Country rock sound, tightening up to get that Stevie Wonder superstition sound or simply taking a laid-back approach and playing some tasteful jazz.”
Looking back at the summertime, how was your whole Boardmasters Festival experience?
First time playing at Boardmasters and it was an amazing experience, weather was great, sound was sweet in my ears and nothing better than
playing with your mates. Hopefully i’ll get the chance to be back this year. Big shout out to Jermaine Whyte who I was covering for, very cool guy and a great drummer.
I hear you have been building a new kit, what changes have you been making?
I now play a Yamaha Live Custom, Remo Drum heads and Zildjian Cymbals.
How does this differ to previous rigs? Any particular reason for these changes?
I used to play Mapex & Sabian. Everyone has their personal preference but with time and age, your ears tune in to a distinctive and unique sound, which may lead you into changing your gear and trying out something new that suits you best.
What is your history with drums and sessions?
I started playing drums with the cliché pots and pans story as a child. Growing up in the church I would run to the drum kit after service before being escorted out by an elder for making too much noise. My parents supported my passion, they got me a drum kit and I went to a music school to read and write music. At a young age I would say yes to anything coming my way, function gigs, weddings, church services, I just wanted to play. I started getting noticed and offered paid work, it was at this time I started to invest in myself and my gear. I have been playing drums professionally for about six or seven years now. I’ve worked with the likes of Martin Garrix, Bebe Rexha, Snoh Aalegra, Dan Caplen, Etta Bons and Tiana Major9 to name a few. Over the years I have built some good friendships and just being in the right place at the right time. It’s not your talent alone that will take you places but it’s your hardwork and character.
Aside from this you work as a Tour / Artist Manager, can you talk us through this role?
Yes, I currently work for a Management company as an Artist Liaison and Artist Manager. My day to day consists of attending label meetings, coming up with marketing strategies, booking sessions, liasing with brand partnerships, radio and a few other admin based duties. Through my experiences within live music and music management, I have started up my own tour & production company called Juice Box Live Ltd.
What recent experiences do you have to share from this side of work?
My most recent experience would have to be going on tour with Young M.A as her Tour Manager. It was the first act I’ve worked with from the United States, we were out on the road for two weeks across Europe.
How did you end up on this side of the industry?
I picked up tour management through working as an artist manager, sometimes being so heavily involved in the industry you find yourself doing things without knowing it’s a completely different role. I found a genuine love for it too besides
playing, I love to travel so it’s always a win win.
From your experience, what advice would you give to someone looking to pursue this kind of role in the industry?
My advice would be do not be afraid to try new things. If it doesn’t work for you, at least you have tried. Network, this is very important; you will never know who you might meet in your walk but it’s always best to build relationships that might
benefit you in the long run.