Twentyish Drummer Questions Volume Fifty-Four: Shane Natalie!
Drum Interview!
1. How long have you been a drummer?
-I've been drumming for about 16 years, but only about 6 of those have been in a band.
2. When/why did you decide to be a drummer?
-I always wanted a drum set but my parents told me it was too loud... so they got me a guitar when I was eight - which bummed me out. I waited and waited and when I was fourteen, I received a Tama Rockstar from Jolly Ol' St. Nick. Why did I start though? Hyperactivity almost certainly. I can't sit still without tapping or bouncing.
3. What kind of set did you play?
-I have a Limited Edition Rockstar Custom Marine Pearl kit and a Shine Kit Kick- 22x24 Rack- 13x10 Floor- 16x16.
4. What album(s) did you learn to drum to? If not an album, with whom? Or did you just bang it out?
-When I first got my kit I tried learning Alkaline Trio's Goddamnit and From Here to Infirmary from start to finish. Didn't go so well so I usually just banged it out. I taught myself but had been playing guitar for years so there was a lot of info I could generalize. Also, Tabit is a really cool tool for learning drums, bass and guitar.
5. When you started out, did you buy so many accessories?
-Haha I used to think Travis Barker sticks would make me play better so I bought those but they're painted and it just gets sweaty and paint gets all over the place. I bought a tambourine and double bass pedal eventually but not right away. Oh, but, Travis Barker sticks do make you play so much better just like the Lars Ulrich ones... pfft.
6. Single or double?
-Single
7. Stick size/type?
-5A
8. Nylon tips, or wood?
-Wood
9. What brand of heads do you prefer?
Kick- Evans EMAD 2 Clear. Snare- Remo Powerstroke 4. Coated Toms- Remo or Evans Coated. It's fun to switch up heads just to see.
10. What is your favorite cymbal ever?
-I like the Sabian 22" Omni Ride I own quite a bit. 2 cymbals in one bebbeh!
11. What are your thoughts on china cymbals?
-I think they're cool in the right setting. Some music they sound great in, others maybe not as much.
12. How about splashes?
-Same for splashes.
13. Where did you get your gear from?
-Craigslist, Guitar Center, Absolute Music in Fairborn, OH.
14. How do you feel about the statement “any drummer with more than a four piece set is an asshole?”
-I think there's an abundance of assholes everywhere whether they're playing a 12 piece or 2 piece kit so it's unfair to say just more than 4 haha.
15. I know that you are in Tight Bros now.. What bands have you been in/are you in? Would you mind listing out a bandography for us?
Seditious Libel- 2006-2008 - Lose the Tude- 2007- Present Tight Bros- 2009-Present noiseblanket- 2010- Present Sleep Fleet- 2012-2013 Dan Conner- 2012-Present Filled in on guitar for a Sidekicks tour in 2012.
16. Where is your best performance located? (This refers to physical media)
-Tight Bros LP (Bandcamp)/ Oakland's Downfall (Myspace)
17. Who are your top three drummers now?
-Nick Schuld (Nervosas) -Mike Throneberry (The Marked Men, High Tension Wires, Mind Spiders) -Jord Samolesky (Propagandhi)
18. Who were your initial top three drummers?
-Tre Cool -Travis Barker -Derek Grant duh, come on. ha
19. Have you ever actually stopped a cymbal crack?
-That's a negative.
20. Do you play any other instruments, or do you feel like a drummer should just concentrate on doing their drummer job well?
-I play the guitar and enjoy singing. I would love to learn more instruments. It's possible to do a job well and do other thannngs!
21. How do you feel about that “This drummer is at the wrong gig" video?
-I heard ZZ Top weeped out of blissful joy when watching the video. I feel the same way.
22. What is your signature move?
-Making really ridiculous faces that I don't realize I'm making while playing 16th notes...
23. What cd do you put in just because the drums are amazing?
- Fortress by Protest the Hero. mmmmmmm.
24. What would be the most exciting fill in spot for you; the kind where you would puke from excitement before going onstage?
- I think it would be fun to play with Weezer so that I can fuck up and Rivers Cuomo will fine me for fucking up and I'll never pay him back.
25. Shoe preference or no shoe?
-Just started wearing shoes again because the pedal eats socks as a snack.
26. Fill in the blank:
Best word (phrase) ever to describe your drumming: Sweaty.
Worst word (phrase) ever to describe your drumming: Choice.
Word (phrase) that you are aiming for while drumming: Fun and entertaining.
Man, this was SUPER GOOD. Thank you Shane!