Jeff is only 14 right now and quite the monster in the making!
Keep up with Jeff here:
My name is Jeff Temple. I am fourteen years old, and i started playing drums at age 8. My father was the person that got me into drums since he is a drummer as well. I have been taking lessons from John Xepoleas for 4 years. When i first started drumming I didn’t have a passion for it, but once i realized that i was getting better at it, I started to play a lot more and study the instrument much more as well. I did not have intentions of being in a band at this young of an age, but my brother had started a band with some friends and eventually they invited me to be a part of it. At first it was intimidating being so much younger than the rest of the members in my band, but after a while i got used to playing with them and we all perform really well together. I have only gained good things from playing in this band, and i am hoping that it will further excell my drumming ability.
Jeff Temple Interview:
SD.com: How old were you when you started playing?
Jeff: I was 8 years old when i started playing, but I didn’t actually start focusing on improving my ability til a year or so later.
SD.com: Did you play in a school band or any drum corps?
Jeff: I am currently playing in my school’s jazz band.
SD.com: Ever take any lessons?
Jeff: I am taking lessons right now from John Xepoleas and i wouldn’t be where I am now without his direction and teachings.
SD.com: Who are your top 5 influences?
Jeff: I have lots of influences but my top picks are: Buddy Rich, Steve Smith, Dave Weckl, Mike Portnoy, and Vinnie Caliouta.
SD.com: Assuming that influences doesn’t mean favorites, who are your favorites?
Jeff: I love all kinds of drummers ranging from old jazz to new age metal and rock. But my favorites are pretty similar to my influences: Steve Smith, Dave Weckl, Mike Portnoy, Steve Gadd, and the list could go on and on.
SD.com: Let us know 5 CD’s that are in your current rotation
Jeff:
Into The Moat: The Design
Dragonforce: Inhuman Rampage
The Warriors: War is Hell
Vital Information: Come On In
Dream Theater: Train of Thought
SD.com: Can you remember a night you think was your best playing ever? If yes, when and where?
Jeff: Hmmmmm, that question is really hard for me because I don’t think I have ever played a gig that was fanominal, but i have some gigs that go really well, and others that I will play terribly.
SD.com: Do you have a favorite brand of drums or cymbals?
Jeff: I am currently playing Yamaha drums and i love them, but I still love a crisp sounding DW set. I also love Zildgian cymbals.
SD.com: Do you have any pre-show rituals?
Jeff: I don’t know if I would consider them rituals, but I always make sure that I am warmed-up and completely stretched out, because you are much more flexible when you stretch. I also make sure that I have eaten properly so that I am fully e nergized.
SD.com: If you could give one piece of advice to younger drummers than you, it would be…
Jeff: Practice as much as you can. Their is no other way to get better than to practice. Also, don’t take shortcuts, make sure to learn each thing completely no matter what it is.
SD.com: Who gave the best live performance you’ve ever seen?
Jeff: I think Dragonforce in San Francisco gave a great performance because they surpassed my expectations by a mile.
SD.com: If you had to stop drumming, what would you want to do with your life?
Jeff: I would like to do something adventurous with my life, such as a professional mountain biker or something, but I don’t ever plan to stop drumming.
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