Twenty-ish Drummer Questions: Number 65: Chase Schleyer!
(This interview was conducted a month of Tuesdays ago at MOTR over drinks and pinball. Many thanks to Chase for allowing me to do this!!!)
Q: How long have you been a drummer?
A: Since 2001.
Q: When/why did you decide to be a drummer?
A: My dad, who is a drummer, made me be in the school marching band. I started that in the 8th grade. I graduated in ’07.
Q: What kind of set do you play?
A: I play a Slingerland black and gold kit, with a pdp snare.
Q: What album(s) did you learn to drum to? If not an album, with whom? Or did you just bang it out?
A: I played along to Darkest Hour’s Hidden Hands of a Sadist Nation.
Q: When you started out, did you buy so many accessories?
A: I wanted a lot of shit.
Q: Single or double?
A: Single.
Q: Stick size/type?
A; Zildjian double butt, no tip.
Q: Nylon tips, or wood?
A: Wood.
Q: Which brand of heads do you prefer?
A: Aquarian.
Q: What is your favorite cymbal ever?
A: UFIP. Stagg 14” Hi hat. I like huuuuuuge cymbals and drums.
Q: What are your thoughts on china cymbals?
A: LOVE THEM.
Q: How about splashes?
A: I’m not really into them anymore….
Q: Where do you get your gear from?
A: I buy from Ebay or Guitar Center, out of the used section.
Q: How do you feel about the statement “any drummer with more than a four piece set is an asshole?”
A: That many pieces isn’t necessary, but I don’t want to judge anybody for something that insignificant.
Q: What bands have you played in, or are currently in? Where is your best performance located? (This refers to physical media)
A: I have played in: Clouded, Mollusk, and Dessa Sons. My best recording was at Candyland with Mike Montgomery.
Q: I remember someone telling me that the drummer for Dessa Sons was real great, a few years ago. It may’ve been Chad Von
Lumberjack. Was that you? That’s why I feel like you’ve done one of these before!
A: CHAD IS A NICE GUY.
Q: Do still keep in contact with past band members? In this day and age, do you feel like it has become more difficult or easy with social media?
A: I keep in touch with everyone.
Q: Who are your top three drummers now?
A: Tyler Coburn - Mutilation Rites
Ben Jones - Edhoculi
Brian Chippendale - Lightning Bolt
Q: Who were your initial top three drummers?
A: Chris Pennie - Dillinger Escape Plan
Stewart Copeland - The Police
Buddy Rich
Q: Have you ever actually stopped a cymbal crack?
A: No.
Q: Do you play any other instruments, or do you feel like a drummer should just concentrate on doing their drummer job well?
A: I am also a DJ. I play the guitar as well.
Q: What is your signature move?
A: A certain type of paradiddle.
Q: Which lp/eight track/tape/cd do you put in just because the drums are amazing?
A: Prowler in the Yard - Pig Destroyer
Q: Shoe preference, or no shoe?
A: At home, no shoes. Now, shoes.
Q: How do you feel about playing to a click track?
A: No. I can’t do it. I wouldn’t be able to do my flair.
Q: What is the best show that you’ve played?
A: It was November (2017?) @ The Hub w/Cinemechanica, Hissing Tiles, and Ball of Light.
Q: Are you concerned about the type of wood that sticks, the kit, and etc. are made of?
A: MAPLE ALL THE WAY.
Q: Do you use different sticks for different songs, depending on need?
A: No.
Q: What are your thoughts on drum triggers?
A: Not cool.
Q: Do you try to tune your drums to specific notes? Or just to where they sound great?
A: Two steps up from loose.
Q: Have you ever used an electronic drum kit? If there was one set up on stage, would you use it?
A: I would not play it. They are convenient though.
Q: Fill in the blank:
Best word (phrase) ever to describe your drumming:KABLAM
Worst word (phrase) ever to describe your drumming: It’s probably the worst show I’ve ever seen:John Hoffman:Dead North
Word (phrase) that you are aiming for while drumming:Alakazam!!!
Heck yes friends!!!!