Keep up with Zack here:
Zack Simmons began seriously pursuing proper percussive knowledge at the age of nine years old. Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, he studied with private instructors and in the school/ drumline setting all through his high school years, leading to his
involvement with several local bands in the area.
Zack joined New Orleans based, Goatwhore in 2004 at the age of 17. Since then, the band has toured the U.S. and Canada relentlessly. Touring to support the newest release, "A Haunting Curse" on Metal Blade records, saw the band supporting some of metal's most legendary underground acts, such as Celtic Frost, Venom, Emperor, Gwar, Napalm Death, etc. The band's work ethic and determination have gained them a notable reputation in today's metal scene.
More recently, Zack filled in on drums for a tour with psychadelic black metal band Nachtmystium, and also completed the 2007 edition of the Sounds of the Underground tour with Goatwhore. Writing material in between tours for the next Goatwhore release sees Zack expanding upon his hard-hitting thrash/ blast style pushing the limits of powerful speed metal drumming
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Zack Simmons Interview:
SDM: How old were you when you started playing?
Zack: I was eight years old when I started "playing."
SDM: Did you play in a school band or any drum corps?
Zack: I went through the whole deal. From fourth grade in elementary school band up until high school playing snare drum in drumline. It was the best thing I could have ever done. You learn a lot more than just technique, reading music, etc. I got a lot of discipline and other good traits out of it as well.
SDM: Who are your top 5 influences?
Zack: For the type of music I'm playing now, I'd have to say Tony Laureano is a main one for his versitility and ability to mesh into different situations. The other 4 spots are basically any drummer I'm on tour with. I get a lot out of watching different drummers and learning new things from them on tour. It pumps me up and makes me want to play better touring with good drummers.
SDM: Assuming that influences doesn't mean favorites, who are your favorites?
Zack: I would have to say Paul Bostaph, Mikkey Dee, Tommy Aldridge, John Bonham, Gene Hoglan, and Dave Lombardo. Those are my favorites based on their feel and other all around aspects of their playing. I'm a big supporter of hard hitting drummers.
SDM: Let us know 5 CD's that are in your current rotation.
Zack: Watain- "Sworn to the Dark", Motorhead- "Rock and Roll", Celtic Frost- "To Mega Therion", Guns 'n' Roses- "Use Your Illusion 1", and Hacavitz- "Katun"
SDM: What do you do to warm up before a show?
Zack: I make sure I get at least 20 minutes on a practice pad for the hands, and I 'll usually just warm up with my feet on the ground. Stretching also helps before a gig… I also can't help pacing back and forth for about ten minutes. I get anxious…
SDM: Can you remember a night you think was your best playing ever? if yes, when and where?
Zack: Actually, a couple nights ago in L.A. was a very satisfying performance.. There's always gonna be something you weren't satisfied with any show you play, but the energy was right, and when you're having fun rockin' out, you tend not to overanalyze petty things about your playing. It was cool…
SDM: Do you have a favorite brand of drums or cymbals?
Zack: I have always used Pearl drums. I just got a new kit from them a couple months ago. I love those damn drums… I'm currently using Sabian cymbals as well.
SDM: If you could give one piece of advice to young drummers, it would be…
Zack: Practice more than you should or want to. The boring stuff helps the most when you are laying the foundation. If you don't learn good technique, you will eventually hit a brick wall and have to start over. Don't cut corners 'cuz you'll be fucked! Oh yeah, don't forget to have fun too… Nobody gets good in a week.
SDM: Who gave the best live performance you've ever seen?
Zack: That is a hard one. As a band, naturally I'd have to say Black Sabbath back in '99. That was incredible being able to see them. As a drummer, there are so many great drummers that I enjoy watching, I couldn't pick "the best."
SDM: If you had to stop drumming, what would you want to do with your life?
Zack: I guess I would go to school and use that time to figure something out. I would be bummed if I had to stop, but I know I could be happy doing something else if I had to.
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