Twentyish Drummer Questions Volume Fifty-Five: Billy Menke!
Drummer interview with BILLLLYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!
1. How long have you been a drummer?
I started in 6th grade in the school band.
2. When/why did you decide to be a drummer?
My dad's thrash punk band, SF-70, used to play in our basement and I couldn't get enough of it. When I saw Alkaline Trio at Warped Tour '07 (I was probably 12), I knew what I wanted to do with my life, as cheesy as that sounds.
3. What kind of set did you play?
I'm pretty sure I've always played Pearl, but I'm probably wrong because I suck and can never remember what kind of equipment I have.
4. What album(s) did you learn to drum to? If not an album, with whom? Or did you just bang it out?
I remember looking up a drum set tab for "Astro Zombies" by the Misfits and figuring out basic beats. I pretty much just practiced constantly from there, trying to do whatever new thing I heard.
5. When you started out, did you buy so many accessories?
I didn't buy many accessories starting out (I still don't), mainly due to money. I pretty much buy things as I need them or before going into the studio.
6. Single or double?
Single! That's all you need.
7. Stick size/type?
I only recently started using 5A sticks. I was using 5B's, but those things get fucking heavy after a while. I'll still use them for practice sometimes though. As far as type, usually whatever feels the best when I go looking for new ones.
8. Nylon tips, or wood?
Wood, for sure. I tried out nylon tips and I don't think they lasted for one show.
9. What brand of heads do you prefer?
I've always gravitated toward Remo heads. I haven't had to change my heads too much yet, so I'm still testing out new ones. Although I'm loving my Powerstroke coated bass drum head and it sounds like I really need to check out the Ambassador for my snare.
10. What is your favorite cymbal ever?
Whatever's cheap and sounds decent! I'm going to the University of Cincinnati and I'm broke right now, so any cymbal that I can get my hands on is my new favorite.
11. What are your thoughts on china cymbals?
Dillinger Four uses one, but that's the only time it's okay.
12. How about splashes?
Funny thing - I used a splash as a crash cymbal, using brushes, when I played in my Violent Femmes-esque folk-punk band, The Taste of Irony. I guess that's not really that funny.
13. Where did you get your gear from?
I bought my current set from the drummer from my dad's old band for cheap and I've bought anything I've needed from random music stores or anywhere I can get it since then.
14. How do you feel about the statement “any drummer with more than a four piece set is an asshole?”
If that's your thing, then sweet, but I usually prefer simpler sets. For example, Neil Peart is fucking boring, no matter how much shit he has surrounding him.
15. I don't remember the specifics of which bands you are in that are active now.. What bands have you been in/are you in? Would you mind listing out a bandography for us?
I'm still doing stuff with Atomic Potato right now and I'm playing guitar/bass respectively in Caulfield Kids and This Is My Nightmare, which I'm really fucking excited about. I used to play in The Wisemen, The Zvills, Toxic Bukkake, and the Taste of Irony.
16. Where is your best performance located? (This refers to physical media)...
Definitely on the newest Atomic Potato album that we just went in and did. Vocals aren't quite done yet, but holy shit I'm stoked on it.
17. Who are your top three drummers now?
1. Neil Hennessy of The Lawrence Arms.
2. Derek Grant of Alkaline Trio.
3. Mikey Erg of every band ever!
18. Who were your initial top three drummers?
Probably Dan Panic of Screeching Weasel.
Brooks Wackerman of Bad Religion.
Derek Grant of Alk3.
19. Have you ever actually stopped a cymbal crack?
I fucking wish. I ruined my last cymbal the summer that I bought it from tightening it too much.
20. Do you play any other instruments, or do you feel like a drummer should just concentrate on doing their drummer job well?
I definitely do! I play pretty much anything I can get my hands on. Like I said before, I'm playing guitar and bass in two different bands right now, and I honestly prefer it. I think musicians should play whatever they want. Knowing how to play drums does help a fuck ton when learning other instruments though.
21. How do you feel about that “This drummer is at the wrong gig" video?
Holy shit, I just watched it for the first time. That was intense and goofy and just great.
22. What is your signature move?
Trying to add weird fills to songs last minute and inevitably failing and throwing everyone off.
23. What cd do you put in just because the drums are amazing?
None! I usually enjoy all aspects of an album and it's really hard for me to listen to something that I don't have an emotional attachment (of any sort) to. I know, lame right?
24. What would be the most exciting fill in spot for you; the kind where you would puke from excitement before going onstage?
Oh man, probably a Jawbreaker reunion. I'd totally puke. Or the Larry Arms. I'd probably puke from all of the beers we'd share, let alone the excitement.
25. Shoe preference or no shoe?
I usually wear shoes, but I find myself paying more attention now than I did before to who does/doesn't.
26. Fill in the blank:
Best word (phrase) ever to describe your drumming: Hectic, maybe.
Wo rst word (phrase) ever to describe your drumming:Probably giraffe, since that's not even an adjective.
Word (phrase) that you are aiming for while drumming: Fun/not boring/okay, I guess.
Dearest Billy, this was most excellent! Thank you for answering these questions!! IT WAS A BLASTER MASTER.