🥁 Behind The Kit Episode 28: Jess Bowen (The Summer Set, 3OH!3, Jax, Lights)

🥁 Behind The Kit Episode 28: Jess Bowen (The Summer Set, 3OH!3, Jax, Lights)

Episode 28 of Behind The Kit features an incredible conversation with the one and only Jess Bowen! Best known as the founding drummer of The Summer Set, Jess has built an impressive and diverse career behind the kit, performing with artists including 3OH!3, Jax, Cassadee Pope, Lights, NEKKTAR, and many more. Through years of touring, recording, and adapting to a wide variety of musical styles, she has become one of the most versatile and respected drummers working today. In this conversation, we dive into Jess’s musical journey — from forming The Summer Set and breaking into the music industry, to navigating life on the road, building a career as a freelance touring drummer, and finding her own voice behind the instrument. We discuss the realities of professional touring, developing versatility, balancing creativity with consistency, and the lessons she's learned from performing with artists across multiple genres. Jess also shares insights into perseverance, career growth, networking, and what it takes to create opportunities in an ever-changing music industry. Whether you're an aspiring drummer, a working musician, or simply someone who loves hearing the stories behind the music, there is so much value packed into this conversation. Season 2 continues to bring together some of the most inspiring voices in drumming, and I’m incredibly grateful to have Jess join the Behind The Kit community. Thank you for being here, and thank you for supporting Behind The Kit. 🥁

🥁 Behind The Kit Episode 27: Alex Bent (Trivium, Battlecross, Decrepit Birth)

Episode 27 of Behind The Kit features a conversation I’ve been incredibly excited to share — sitting down with the one and only Alex Bent! Known for his incredible speed, precision, versatility, and technical mastery behind the kit, Alex has established himself as one of the most respected drummers in modern metal. Throughout his career, he has performed with acclaimed bands including Trivium, Decrepit Birth, Battlecross, Dragonlord, and many others, earning a reputation for delivering world-class performances both in the studio and on stage. In this conversation, we dive deep into Alex’s journey behind the kit — from his early influences and dedication to developing his craft, to navigating the demands of professional touring and recording at the highest levels of the music industry. We discuss practice routines, technique development, consistency, musicality, mental preparation, and the mindset required to perform some of the most challenging music in the world night after night. This episode isn’t just about speed and technical ability — it’s about discipline, perseverance, continuous growth, and the pursuit of excellence. Alex shares valuable insights into what it takes to build a lasting career while constantly pushing yourself to improve as both a musician and a person. Season 2 continues to grow through honest, inspiring conversations like this one, and I’m beyond grateful to bring Alex’s story to the Behind The Kit community. Thank you for being here, and thank you for supporting Behind The Kit. 🥁

🥁 Behind The Kit Episode 26: David Nester (Disturbed, System Of A Down, Seether, I Prevail)

Episode 26 of Behind The Kit features a conversation I’ve been incredibly excited to share — sitting down with my good friend, the one and only David Nester! David is a highly respected drummer and drum tech who has spent years working behind the scenes with some of the biggest names in rock and metal, including @Disturbed, @SystemOfADown, @SeetherOfficial, and @IPrevailBand. In addition to his work as a world-class tech, David also spent many years as the drummer for ENMY, bringing his own powerful style and musicality to the stage night after night. This conversation was especially meaningful for me because David and I have become close friends over the years, and getting the opportunity to sit down and share his story with the Behind The Kit community was truly an honor. In this episode, we dive deep into the realities of life both behind the drum kit and behind the scenes. We talk about the demanding world of drum teching at the highest level, the importance of professionalism and preparation, balancing creativity with consistency, touring life, relationships within the industry, and what it really takes to build a sustainable career in music. This episode isn’t just about drums — it’s about passion, hard work, loyalty, friendship, and the countless unseen hours that go into making live music happen at the highest level. Season 2 continues to grow through honest, powerful conversations like this one, and I’m incredibly grateful to bring David’s story to the Behind The Kit community. Thank you for being here, and thank you for supporting Behind The Kit. 🥁

🥁 Behind The Kit Episode 25: Jay Weinberg (Slipknot, Suicidal Tendencies)

Episode 25 of Behind The Kit features a conversation I’ve been incredibly excited to share — sitting down with the one and only @JayWeinberg! Known for his explosive energy, precision, and unmistakable intensity behind the kit, Jay has built an incredible career performing with legendary bands like @Slipknot and @SuicidalTendencies. His playing combines power, endurance, musicality, and passion in a way that has made him one of the most respected drummers in modern rock and metal. In this conversation, we dive deep into Jay’s journey behind the kit — from his early influences and developing his identity as a drummer to stepping into some of the biggest gigs in rock music. We talk about preparation, mindset, discipline, creativity, the emotional side of performing, and what it truly takes to sustain a career at the highest level of the music industry. This episode isn’t just about speed, technique, or heavy music — it’s about dedication, resilience, authenticity, and pursuing your craft with everything you have. Season 2 continues to grow through honest, inspiring conversations like this one, and I’m beyond grateful to bring Jay’s story to the Behind The Kit community. Thank you for being here, and thank you for supporting Behind The Kit. 🥁

🎧 Behind The Kit Episode 24: Clemons Poindexter IV (Khalid, Melanie Martinez)

Episode 24 of Behind The Kit features a conversation I’ve been incredibly excited to share — sitting down with the one and only  @ClemonsPoindexterIV  [https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCPZtj9rkj9gqkgaPIqBAkbw] !Known for his feel, precision, and musical versatility, Clemons has built an incredible career performing with global artists like  @khalid  [https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCkntT5Je5DDopF70YUsnuEQ] and  @MelanieMartinez  [https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UC2YnEq5Fc5_zEO6bo0oNzCQ] . His playing blends pocket, creativity, and intention in a way that elevates every performance while connecting deeply with both artists and audiences.In this conversation, we dive into Clemons’ journey behind the kit — from his early beginnings and influences to navigating the professional touring world at the highest level. We talk about developing your sound, adapting to different artists, the realities of life on the road, and what it takes to consistently deliver at a world-class level.This episode isn’t just about chops and technique — it’s about professionalism, adaptability, and building a career that lasts in today’s music industry.Season 2 continues to grow through honest, powerful conversations like this one, and I’m beyond grateful to bring Clemons’ story to the Behind The Kit community.Thank you for being here, and thank you for supporting Behind The Kit. 🥁