Twentyish Drummer Questions Volume Fifty-Seven: Nick Neumeister!
Drum interview!
1. How long have you been a drummer?
I've been drumming since I was about 4.
2. When/why did you decide to be a drummer?
Like many other drummers, any time I had two stick like objects in my hands I was tapping on everything around me. It got me in trouble at school quite often.
3. What kind of set did you play?
My first real kit was a 4 piece Ludwig set. I had a kids set before that.
4. What album(s) did you learn to drum to? If not an album, with whom? Or did you just bang it out?
I really have only had 3 months of drum lessons in my life. I still use a few things I was taught in that short time. But mostly got my style and whatnot from bands like Smashing Pumpkins, Soundgarden, Korn, Rage Against the Machine etc.
5. When you started out, did you buy so many accessories?
When I started out I had two drum sticks, a window sill, and magazines I would lay on my bed and pretend were drums.
6. Single or double?
I've played a double kick pedal for many years now. My last band was a soul/folk type band that only required one pedal though.
7. Stick size/type?
Tama Iron Cobras.
8. Nylon tips, or wood?
Wood.
9. What brand of heads do you prefer?
Evans on the toms and kick. Remo emperor x on snare
10. What is your favorite cymbal ever?
Hard to pick just one, but I'd have to say 22" Meinl Byzance traditional crash.
11. What are your thoughts on china cymbals?
Love them, the bigger the better.
12. How about splashes?
I don't use any splashes at the moment, but like any cymbal they work very well for some drummers.
13. Where did you get your gear from?
My drums were built by a guy named Tim who owns Truth Custom Drums. As far as cymbals and hardware, I use mycymbal.com and Guitar Center.
14. How do you feel about the statement “any drummer with more than a four piece set is an asshole?”
I think that whoever said that is the asshole. Use whatever size set you want. I personally prefer a 4 or 5 piece kit.
15. I know that you are in Lockland Brakes now.. What bands have you been in/are you in? Would you mind listing out a bandography for us?
I guess I'll just name bands that people might have actually heard of haha.
Thuraya (Cincy local rock n roll hardcore band) 2005-2006
A Present Day Nightmare (local metalcore band/ Resound Grind Records) 2006-2007
The Heartland (Lancaster Ohio tech metal grindcore style/ Creep Records)2007-2008
Ligeia (Boston Massachusetts based hardcore band/ Ferret Records) 2008
Arlo McKinley and the Lonesome Sound (local soulful, folk style) 2012
16. Where is your best performance located? (This refers to physical media)
I'd say my favorite show I've ever played was 2008 New England Metal and Hardcore festival in Holyoke Massachusetts.
17. Who are your top three drummers now?
Travis Barker, Tony Royster Jr., Billy Rymer
18. Who were your initial top three drummers?
Jimmy Chamberlain, Tony Royster Jr., Dave Grohl
19. Have you ever actually stopped a cymbal crack?
No.
20. Do you play any other instruments, or do you feel like a drummer should just concentrate on doing their drummer job well?
I can play guitar and bass as well.
21. How do you feel about that “This drummer is at the wrong gig" video?
I think that dude is bad ass. I can relate kind of. I play the same way in front of 15 people as I would at Madison square garden.
22. What is your signature move?
I don't believe I have a signature move. If it were anything I would say how I switch hands back and forth while smashing my left crash.
23. What cd do you put in just because the drums are amazing?
Blink 182- Enema of the State.
24. What would be the most exciting fill in spot for you; the kind where you would puke from excitement before going onstage?
Blink 182.
25. Shoe preference or no shoe?
Socks no shoes.
26. Fill in the blank:
Best word (phrase) ever to describe your drumming: Intense
Worst word (phrase) ever to describe your drumming: Soft
Word (phrase) that you are aiming for while drumming: Passionate
Thanks for answering these for me! Yeahman!!!