Keep up with Derrick here:
I started playing drums in 2002; I was sixteen years old. At that time I had only one focus, to play as fast and as hard as I could. That phase quickly passed as I realized drumming wasn’t nearly as easy as I thought it was. My main influence at that time was Flo Mounier. I admired his speed and endless dynamics around the kit. After I had been drumming for about two years I started to notice the smaller things, the accents, the hand and foot rolls between toms, the difference in blast beats; everything that any great drummer did to make drumming more musical instead of just a loud metronome.
I started to pay attention to other styles of drumming–mostly jazz, and fusion. Since then I have started to develop technique (now that I know what that is.). I’ve also been paying more attention to tastefulness, as well as a sense of caution as to never ‘overplay’ a part. In my eyes there is much room for improvement, and I can’t wait to share and display that.
Derrick Sadkowski Interview:
SD.com: How old were you when you started playing?
DS: My grandparents and mother bought me a Tama Rockstar Kit with B8 cymbals (haha) when I was 16 years old I’m 20 now, and I haven’t stopped playing since.
SD.com: Did you play in a school band or any drum corps?
DS: Neither were offered in my high school, which didn’t matter much because I didn’t keep my grades up.
SD.com: Ever take any lessons?
DS: I never received any lessons, I’ve basically just watched great drummers (Buddy Rich, Dave Weckl, JoJo Mayer, Dennis Chambers, Jeff Porcaro, Louie Bellson, Jack DeJohnette… to name a few) and just tried to copy what they did in a metal sense.
SD.com: Who are your top 5 influences?
DS: Just five? I’d have to go with Buddy Rich, Dennis Chambers, Dave Weckl, John Longstreth, and Flo Mounier
SD.com: Assuming that influences doesn’t mean favorites, who are your favorites?
DS: My favorites out of my influences would have to be Dennis Chambers and Flo Mounier.
SD.com: Let us know 5 CD’s that are in your current rotation
DS: Suffocation’s Self Titled album, Mastodon’s “Blood Mountain”, Gorguts’ “Obscura”, Napalm Death’s “Smear Campaign”, and At The Gates’ “Slaughter of the Soul”
SD.com: Can you remember a night you think was your best playing ever? If yes, when and where?
DS: Yes. We played with HORSE the band in Rochester, New York. I remember everything just going right while I was setting up. Nothing was lost or loose, none of my stands or anything moved during the ride there. I got on stage and remember just playing everything to a T. After the first couple songs I remember a guy in the crowd actually got up on stage and shook my hand and told me I was awesome. haha. Cool dude.
SD.com: Do you have a favorite brand of drums or cymbals?
DS: Basically whatever sound catches my ear. A lot of the time, for cymbals at least, that means Sabian or Zildjian. I really haven’t had the chance to play on many kits I recently saved up and bought a Mapex M Series, which is made out of Birch wood and I’m in love with it.
SD.com: Do you have any pre-show rituals?
DS: Stay sober! Ha-ha. Musically I try to be set up at least two bands (sets) before my own, and I’ll start stretching out my calves, arms, and fingers. Depending on the weather I might do a couple quick exercises maybe some running in place or easy calisthenics. After that I’ll make sure I have everything and change into shorts, and hit my practice pad for about 15 to 20 minutes, mostly comprised of single strokes and double-paradiddles.
SD.com: If you could give one piece of advice to young drummers, it would be…
DS: I think there are a few things overlooked with death metal or extreme drumming. Posture and breathing control should always be kept in mind when practicing. Although I’ve never used a metronome or a click track, I’d recommend using one when practicing fills or rolls—that saves so much time hah.
SD.com: Who gave the best live performance you’ve ever seen?
DS: That would have to be a tie between Morbid Angel and Cryptopsy. Both bands were on point all night long–not even a broken string. As far as the drumming, you can’t argue with Pete Sandoval. He’s handsdown one of the strongest and most controlled drummers in death metal music, and same can be said with Flo with his dynamics and technicality.
SD.com: If you had to stop drumming, what would you want to do with your life?
DS: Die.
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