Keep up with Roger here:
I was raised in Los Angeles where my father played blues and rock drums throughout my childhood. I started picking it up at a young age, and began taking it seriously around the age of 9. I had a few years of experience before I met up with my current band members in Cerberus, while taking band class in junior high. At the time I was mostly listening to skate punk, but when we got together we covered Metallica songs. As years passed, I got deeper into the metal genre, listening more to European metal bands like At The Gates, The Crown and The Haunted. Listening to these bands encouraged me to play faster and more technical, which broadened my understanding of music. Looking back, I had no idea that this would take me across the country. It has been 6 years since Cerberus began, and we are slowly gaining the attention in the national scene, and I am excited to see where it takes us.
Roger Watson Interview:
SD.com: How old were you when you started playing?
Roger: I can not remember the exact age I started to play the drums but I do know I was young. My dad played the drums so I have always had a drum set at my house while I was growing up. I remember sitting down on his set and hitting anything that could be hit, but I wouldn’t call that playing very much. So I would say I was about 9 or 10 when I started to play.
SD.com: Did you play in a school band or any drum corps?
Roger: When I was in middle school I was in the band class and it was my favorite class of the day. That lasted through 6th and 7th grade. I had grade problems in 8th so they wouldn’t let me in.
SD.com: Ever take any lessons?
Roger: Nope, I am pretty much all self taught but I wouldn’t say self taught because I learn from watching other drummers. When I was younger and first starting out on playing the drums my dad would teach me little things here and there. I remember asking him when I was really young “dad I need a new beat”. But soon I would progress to become showing him the new tricks. So if you want to call that taking lessons then ok but other then that no I haven’t taken lessons.
SD.com: Who are your top 5 influences?
Roger: Umm.. I would have to say Dave Lombardo, Jaska Raatikainen , Per Jensen, Mike Mangini, and Nick Barker.
SD.com: Assuming that influences doesn’t mean favorites, who are your favorites?
Roger: Hmm.. I would say all that I just listed, Gene Hoglan, and Janne Saarenpää.
SD.com: Let us know 5 CD’s that are in your current rotation
Roger:
Opeth – Ghost Reveries
The Haunted – Made Me Do It
The Crown – Hell is Here
Arch Enemy – Anthems of Rebellion
Carnal Forge – Aren’t You Dead Yet?
SD.com: Can you remember a night you think was your best playing ever? If yes, when and where?
Roger: I really don’t think I could remember this. I think it is much easier to remember one of my not so good shows from one of my better ones.
SD.com: Do you have a favorite brand of drums or cymbals?
Roger: My favorite brand of drums now is Yamaha. I am using a 7 piece Yamaha Oak custom right now and its loud and thick and I love them. For cymbals I like Zildjian, and Sabian.
SD.com: Do you have any pre-show rituals?
Roger: Pretty much just take it easy, keep the beer level low and stretch right before I get on stage, also warm up if there is time and space. Not a whole lot but I always make sure I am ready to play my best.
SD.com: If you could give one piece of advice to young drummers, it would be…
Roger: Well I guess I kind of am a young drummer my self, I was born in 88, but to you guys younger then me keep practicing as much as you can and listen to different styles of music and drummers.
SD.com: Who gave the best live performance you’ve ever seen?
Roger: I would say Tomas from Meshuggah, and Richard Christy with Iced Earth
SD.com: If you had to stop drumming, what would you want to do with your life?
Roger: Wow, umm I really don’t know. I think I would maybe go become a pro skydiver or something because that’s the only thing that can compete with playing a show.
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