Facedown Recording artists Thieves and Liars have just released their debut CD and are set to take their signature sound to the world. Reminiscent of Rock and Roll from the Seventies the band has created an offering that not only pays homage to all of the superstar bands of the 70’s but also establishes them as a force to be reckoned with in their own right. Kyle Rosa recently took a moment to answer a few questions for Sick Drummer about his rig, his influences and his playing style.
Interview By Bruce moore
B.M: What made you want to play drums?
Kyle: I grew up listening to music with my parents and I especially liked listening to the drums. I started playing when I was about 10 years old because a friend of mine had a drum set and every time I went over to his house I would play them. I loved it so much I had to get my own kit…so I did.
B.M: Overall, what drummer has influenced you the most?
Kyle: It's hard to name just one, but probably John Bohnam is the one I've been the most influenced by. I like a lot of the older rock drummers like Ian Paice and Mitch Mitchell because it's the kind of music I play and love the most.
B.M: What other drummers do you admire and why?
Kyle: I'm into old jazz drummers as well like Gene Krupa and Buddy Rich, but I also like the heavy hitters like Joey Castillo and Taylor Hawkins.
B.M: Your newest release “When Dreams Become Reality” has a very distinct 70’s drum sound to it. What studio techniques did you use to accomplish this sound?
Kyle: We used older micing techniques as far as placement goes. We wanted a big and natural drum sound so we used a lot of the room mics that were out away from the kit. But for the most part what you hear is what the drum actually sounds like. I think recording analog had a lot to do with it as well.
B.M: From a drummers perspective what is the toughest lesson you have earned in the studio? On stage?
Kyle: In both the studio and live I think the toughest lesson I've learned is about endurance. I like to hit hard so it takes a lot more out of me. I've learned that practicing for longer amounts of time and more intensely really helps with playing the best I can for as long as I can.
B.M: Do you try to distinguish or tailor your drum sound and or your performance from release to release?
Kyle: Our current record is actually our first release, but we've been working on some new stuff for our next record and for the most part I try to just focus on the particular song were working on and what will sound the best for it.
B.M: What does your touring drum rig consist of? What about your studio setup?
Kyle: I use the same set up for both live and in the studio and it's a 5 piece kit with a 14X6 snare, 1 rack tom that’s 13X9, 2 floor toms that are 16X16 and 18X16, and a 24X20 kick drum. I use paiste 2002 series cymbals also.
B.M: What specifically is the main element of your thunderous drum sound? and what equipment do you use to attain that sound?
Kyle: I use a San Diego Drum and Percussion custom kit and I like a really big drum sound so I tune them to sound as big as possible. I also try to hit hard to get the full sound out of the drum.
B.M: Past or present, other than Thieves and Liars, if you could be a drummer for any other band, which band would it be?
Kyle: Metallica in their heyday….everything before they cut their hair.
B.M: Any advice for young drummers or drummers just starting out in the business?
Kyle: Play what you love and hammer away on those skins!
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