David Rhoades

Keep up with David here:

www.myspace.com/fromtheshallows

 

 

When I was 11 years old I got my first drum set. I started teaching myself how to play by playing to cds and the radio. During that time my friend was playing guitar and we would just play to songs we had learned just to try to get the hang of it all. I was pretty much in a garage band for about 5 or 6 years just jamming with friends and not even playing shows. Me and a couple friends at the time started a more serious project that involved my vocalist now Steffan Howey. After that, I ended up taking a break from trying to play in a band just to better my playing and focus on things I had going on at home.

In September of 06, I got a call from my old vocalist wanting me to try out for his band From the Shallows. I tried out and got the position, then quickly learned the set to play a show that week. After a few shows, we starting writing new material and shortly after released our ep Beyond the Unknown. I then got the chance of going on my first full US tour this summer. Its been nothing but amazing since.

David Rhoades Interview:

SD.com: How old were you when you started playing?

David: I got my first drumset for Christmas when I was in 6th grade, I was 11 years old.

 

 

SD.com: Did you play in a school band or any drum corps?

David: No, but it is something that I really regret. I encourage drummers that are still in school to be involved in it.

 

 

SD.com: Who are your top 5 influences?*

David: Growing up my dad listened to a lot of Jazz, so I became familiar with a lot of those drummers; Steve Gadd, Dennis Chambers and Dave Weckl. As far as metal drummers go I’d have to say Derek Roddy and George Kollias are my biggest influences.

 

 

SD.com: Assuming that influences doesn’t mean favorites, who are your favorites?

David: This is easy; Derek Roddy, George Kollias, Shannon Lucas, Marco Pitruzzella and Matt Kuykendall

 

 

 

 

SD.com: Let us know 5 CD’s that are in your current rotation

David: 1. The Black Dahlia Murder-Nocturnal 2. Vader-The Art Of War 3. The Faceless-Akeldama 4. All Shall Perish-The Price Of Existence 5. Darkest Hour-Deliver Us

 

 

SD.com: What do you do to warm up before a show?

David: I find the most quiet spot possible at the venue and set up my practice rig. I start off by running over our set once and then play just whatever comes to my head to keep loose. Sometimes I’ll even play along to the band that is on stage.

 

 

SD.com: Can you remember a night you think was your best playing ever? If yes, when and where?

David: I can’t recall one certain night in particular, but like anyone, I’ve had my fair share of good and bad nights.

 

 

 

 

SD.com: Do you have a favorite brand of drums or cymbals?

David: Tama all the way, and for cymbals it’s definately Zildjian.

 

 

SD.com: If you could give one piece of advice to young drummers, it would be?

David: Being a young drummer myself, I’m still working on how to better my playing too. Consistency is definately key in playing drums, practice as regularly as possible. Also, don’t just try to play as fast as you can, start at a comfortable speed and slowly work your way up. Another thing you should do is try out different styles of drumming, don’t just focus on one type of music; this will make you a more well-rounded drummer.

 

 

SD.com: Who gave the best live performance you’ve ever seen?

David: Alex Pelletier of Despised Icon.

 

 

SD.com: If you had to stop drumming, what would you want to do with your life?

David: If I couldn’t actually play drums, I would still want to work around them. Something like making them or even teaching them would be cool.