Bryan Newbury Interview

Bryan “Newbs” Newbury has been shredding the drums in Western Canada since 2002 working his way up the ranks to become one of Canada’s most beloved, fun, positive, and beastly, bearded metal drummers! Bryan wears his obvious influences on his sleeve, literally! Heavy names like Gene Hoglan, Neil Peart, and Vinnie Paul shape his style and love of groovy hard-hitting metal/rock music.

Among his current bands that include International Touring Artists Into Eternity and Untimely Demise. Bryan has a Death Metal labor of love by the name of Sadistic Embodiment. Bryan is an accomplished session drummer and has been known to have many side projects on the go at any given time.

Bryan is also the Head Drum and Percussion Instructor at Alberta School Of Music in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. He teaches all ages and skill levels with a focus on mental/physical health, fitness, personal expression, and fun!

Bryan proudly endorses Pearl Drums, Sabian Cymbals, Vater Drumsticks, Remo Drum Heads, Roland Electronics, Sweet Spot Clutches, High On Life Superfoods, Fresh Cap Mushrooms, Allmax Nutrition, and The Gilded Beard.

Bryan Newbury Interview:

SDM: How old were you when you started playing?

Bryan: 14

SDM: Did you play in a school band or any drum corps?

Bryan: I volunteered in the SACHS guitar/band program and played the drums for their recitals from grade 10-12.

SDM: Who are your top 5 metal influences?

Bryan: Death, Metallica, Pantera, Strapping Young Lad, and Decapitated. Drummers Gene Hoglan, Vinnie Paul, Neil Peart, Kerim, Dan Presland, Ash Pearson, Eloy Casagrande, and Nick Barker, to name only a few!

SDM: Who are some of your other favorites?

Bryan: Rush, King Diamond, and Rammstein.

SDM: Let us know 5 records in your current rotation.

Bryan:

Neobliviscaris – Urn

Untimely Demise – Black Widow

Death – Symbolic

Pantera – The Great Southern Trendkill

Solborn – Dark Lights Of Delirium

SDM: What do you do to warm up before a show?

Bryan: I wear ankle weights/wrist weights and I use big heavy sticks and practice on pillows and towels. I use resistance bands to do some quick pump exercises to get the blood flowing before a set. Drink lots of water, carb up! Fuel the machine!

SDM: Do you read music? Regardless of answering yes or no, please tell us how it might have affected your playing?

Bryan: Drum notation yes! Other instruments no. I teach drums to many students in Western Canada, all ages and skill levels. I have a form of photographic auditory memory which helps me to learn songs quickly, build structures for writing songs quickly and recalling material comes easy to me. I’m very fortunate to have this gift and I would not be where I am without it.

SDM: Can you tell us about the gear you use?

Bryan: I proudly use and endorse Pearl Drums, Sabian Cymbals, Vater Drumsticks, Remo Drum Heads, Roland Electronics, And Sweet Spot Clutches.

SDM: If you could give one piece of advice to young drummers, it would be…

Bryan: PRACTICE! Focus on your breathing, EAT HEALTHY, Drink lots of water. Think positively. BREATHE some more! Always breathe and be calm. Keep your mouth closed! Relax. Be excited but take your time and build your ability little by little each day. Be patient but realize that hard work and gratitude equals success.

SDM: Who gave the best live performance you’ve ever seen?

Bryan: Gene Hoglan (every time I see him) love you brother.

SDM: Aside from drumming, what else do you like to do?

Bryan: I love bodybuilding and powerlifting, traveling, teaching, motivational speaking, coaching and inspiring people to live their best, healthy/happy life.