A few words from drummer Freddy Ortscheid; ”I’ve always loved music and drums in all forms. My dad was a musician, and I used to watch him play with his band. I remember being inspired and amazed by their drummer. Music is joy and a way of expressing emotions and creativity in infinite ways.”
Freddy Ortscheid Interview:
SDM: How old were you when you started playing?
Freddy: My dad brought home a drum kit when I was around 6 years old, but I didn’t really start playing seriously until age 15.
SDM: Did you play in a school band or any drum corps?
Freddy: I used to jam with some friends during breaks and free time in school. Nothing really serious, just for fun. I didn’t play in any corps, but I’ve always found it very cool.
SDM: Who are your top 5 metal influences?
Freddy: I have so many influences when it comes to music, and there are so many amazingly talented musicians out there. But Nicholas Barker, George Kollias, Derek Roddy, Anders Johansson, and Alex Holzwarts have made the most impact on my playing since the beginning. Especially Nicholas Barker. His playing on ”Puritanical” is still my top 5 drum performances of all time.
SDM: Who are some of your other favorites?
Freddy: I will list some bands here, all of whom have inspired me the most. Necrophagist, Aeon, Children of Bodom, Kataklysm, Dimmu Borgir, Nile, Hate Eternal, Dissection, Blotted Science, Amon Amarth, Fleshgod Apocalypse, Behemoth.
SDM: Let us know 5 bands in your current personal rotation.
Freddy: Right now, I’m listening to a lot of Psycroptic, Blotted Science, Angra, Hate Eternal, and Revocation.
SDM: What do you do to warm up before a show?
Freddy: I never really warm up, to be honest. I just get pumped by the adrenaline and the joy. But a few minutes of single strokes on hands and feet, at most. I usually make sure that the first song is possible to play while being cold, haha.
SDM: Do you read music? Regardless of answering yes or no, please tell us how it might have affected your playing.
Freddy: I do read a little. I was a drum teacher for 4 years, and during that time, I decided to learn. I’m completely self-taught, so I’ve never taken any lessons myself, but I found it so much easier to teach ”correctly.” And I must say that I’ve learned a lot, and I got inspired by many cool grooves and playing styles that I’ve never tried before.
SDM: Can you tell us about the gear you use?
Freddy: I’m using Tama Starclassic Maple. They look and sound amazing, both live and in the studio. I use an SLP snare drum (mostly), and I use Remo and Aquarian drum heads. Some different brands of cymbals and hardware, but mostly Murat Diril and Pearl. So it’s a good mix! And 5b XL sticks from ”Slagverkskompaniet.”
SDM: If you could give one piece of advice to younger drummers, it would be…
Freddy: Listen to a lot of different music! Try finding your own sound, and focus on playing tight and precise rather than just fast. Speed and endurance will come in time. Make your practice sessions fun and rewarding. Use a metronome, and start slow.
SDM: Who gave the best live performance you’ve ever seen?
Freddy: ”The Omen” playing with Blind Guardian. I was just blown away!
SDM: Aside from drumming, what else do you like to do?
Freddy: I love spending time with my son, fishing, building stuff, making my own music, going to the gym, and spending time with family and friends.
