Global Drum Network - Episode 8

Welcome to episode 8. This time we have a bumper edition for you, featuring exclusive interviews with CRAIG BLUNDELL, CHRIS ‘WOODY WOOD’ from BASTILLE and a report from the FREDDIE GEE DRUM ACADEMY. Workaholic CRAIG BLUNDELL is possibly the busiest drummer on the planet, with an work ethic which puts most of the world to shame. For some time established as one of THE most inspirational clinicians and teachers around, Craig has become an accomplished composer, arranger and producer too, with recent credits including the whole of BBC Radio’s current jingles and TV ads for Jaguar. At last year’s Gadget Show Live events, he spread the e-drumming word to over 100,000 visitors on the NEC’s main stage. Clinic tours and assignments take him all around the world in his roles as Global Ambassador for both Roland and Premier Percussion, and Craig recently enjoyed recording and touring with one of prog’s best-loved bands, Pendragon. As you’ll hear, Craig’s career journey has been unorthodox yet underpinned by self discipline, immense drive, enthusiasm and determination. Oh, and he’s a real people person who can really play too! Meanwhile, Chris ‘Woody’ Wood is riding the crest of a wave with his BRIT award-winning band BASTILLE flying high. Their meteoric rise continues unabated and as you’ll hear, Woody had to pull out all the stops to squeeze his first ever masterclass performance into the band’s hectic schedule. Woody’s story is one to encourage us all; working away at the original material while building a following and taking covers gigs to keep the bills paid. All that hard work is certainly paying off now, as Bastille continue to break into new markets around the world while working on the follow up album to their debut success, ‘All This Bad Blood’. We round off episode 8 with a look at the annual FREDDIE GEE DRUM ACADEMY, and a quick chat with some of the course participants to give you a flavour of this exceptional annual event. Thanks for reading, hope you enjoy the podcast. And always remember ... Whatever You Play, Play It With Passion!