You can keep up with Tommy here:
I began to play the drums as a hobby about six years ago, but it soon became a career objective as much as the basis of my whole lifestyle. Playing through many important metal classics, I founded my first band in nineteen ninety-nine, with three talented dudes, namely Martin Auger (vocals), J Dubee (guitar) and veterant guitarist and main composer David “Couna” Vaillancourt. Our death-thrash-speed metal motivated by the teenage prime fierceness shook the youth of our hometown, Rimouski, and still lives on in the memorie of friends and fans. Later on, I moved to Montreal. The first gig I got was a college band which introduced me to pop music. Then, I joined a hard rock band fueled by alcool and cocaine, and I parted ways with them after the guitarist and the singer fought each other right before a show at Cafe Chaos.
Thereafter, I wanted to find a metal band, so I soon joined a grim black metal-trying-to-do-something-but-can’t-figure-the-fuck-how band, that was later named Nefastus Dies with the addition of other talented members and the combined efforts of everybody. Unfortunately, an obscure manipulation process mostly orchestrated by the very girly newfound bassist of Necronomicon (who’s also the prime bassist of Nefastus and self-proclaimed leader of the group) recently trew me out of the quintet. However, chance smiled to me as I joined Neuraxis, whose reputation is no longer to prove. I feel confident within this solid and professional formation, and in the new album to come. So that is it, a tale to be continued..
Musical Influences: Prog rock and metal, old school metal, King Diamond, pure hate black metal, death metal, ancient music, byzantine music, gregorian music, contempory music (from Stravinsky to our days), Frank Zappa, Great balls of fire as Jerry, Lemmy, George Thoroughgood, The AC/DC mutherfukers, and everyting else that’s tight and tasty. Also a tribe of amazing drummers as Flo, Etienne Gallo, Gene Hogland, Terry Bozzio, Virgil Donati, Max Roach, Elvin Jones, Phil Rud (the greatest living time-keeper) and many others.
Tommy McKinnon Interview:
SD.com: How old were you when you started playing?
Tommy: I was 15.
SD.com: Did you play in a school band or any drum corps?
Tommy: I started playing by myself, learning some songs i liked, improvising and jamming with a good buddy of mine, who was an exellent guitar player. After a year or so, i started my first band.
SD.com: Ever take any lessons?
Tommy: Yes, i took about twenty lessons with a blues drummer from my home town. He taught me the basics pretty well, introduced me to some great drummers like Dave Weckl and Neil Peart. I also learned a lot by myself by improvising on the kit, learning covers and practicing many written exercises.
SD.com: Who are your top 5 influences?
Tommy: Death (Gene Hogland), King Diamond, Suffocation, Rush, Terry Bozzio
SD.com: Assuming that influences doesn’t mean favorites, who are your favorites?
Tommy: I listen to all kind of stuff, from Bysantine music to Death Metal. There is so much awesome stuff out there, i can t figure out what s the best.
SD.com: Let us know 5 CD’s that are in your current rotation
Tommy: death individual thought pattern, king diamond voodoo, john coltrane a love supreme, dream theater metropolis part two, the best of sting and the police…
SD.com: Can you remember a night you think was your best playing ever? If yes, when and where?
Tommy: I d say once in a while, something kind of magic happens-no matter the situation, live or anything-when i feel like i shine a the peak of my capacity. However, naming exactly such or such situation would be imposible.
SD.com: Do you have a favorite brand of drums or cymbals?
Tommy: My favorite drums are Sonor. I totally dig Sabian s incredible cymbals, as much as Vic Firth 2bs.
SD.com: Do you have any pre-show rituals?
Tommy: I usualy do a one to two hours warm up, begining with some stretches, followed by rudimental practice with hands and feet. Of course, my first concern is to get my drums ready.
SD.com: If you could give one piece of advice to young drummers, it would be…
Tommy: Please, don t try to do any double stroke rolls on the bass drums before mastering the single stroke at perfection.
SD.com: Who gave the best live performance you’ve ever seen?
Tommy: Suffocation. The Death Metal Kings.
SD.com: If you had to stop drumming, what would you want to do with your life?
Tommy: The only reason i would quit drumming is an accident with serious and everlasting injuries. The way i picture a future without drums is becoming a writter, composer, movie maker, or anything else relating with art.
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