Keep up with Josh here:
www.myspace.com/akeldemadrummer
My name is Josh O’Donnell and I have been playing for 4-5 years. My mom actually got me into drums when I was 13 because she thought I’d be good with timing and everything that comes with the responsibility of drumming, as Robert Sweet puts it “Visual Timekeeper”. Anyway when I was really young maybe a year old or so I used to slam my head against my crib when music was playing. Now whether or not that was a sign of my ability to keep time or maybe that was my attempt to make myself mentally retarded, I guess that’s up for you to decide.
I got into the metal scene slowly at first and then I was hooked. I was listening to stuff like 12 Stones but nothing that satisfied my hunger for “go out and punch somebody in the face metal”. Some people I know are kind of offended I guess at first when they hear deep throat grinding
screams and growls but I loved it at first and wanted to mimic it. Then I started listening to stuff like Zao and Norma Jean. It just got harder from there on out. Now I just love playing it. There’s a feeling I get that I can’t describe but I always leave practice feeling accomplished.
Josh O’Donnell Interview:
SD.com: How old were you when you started playing?
Josh: Probably around 13 years old.
SD.com: Did you play in a school band or any drum corps?
Josh: No, I was never into that cause I go to a private school and they have individual drums but never anything more. I was just never into playing one drum at a time. I do respect the guys that do that stuff but it was just never my thing.
SD.com: Ever take any lessons?
Josh: Kind of. I don’t know, the guy (Joe Schultz) was from my church and he showed how to hold the sticks and a basic 4 count beat. But then he went off to the war in Iraq and that about stopped the lessons. Except for one guy, I forget his name, but he showed the same stuff Joe showed me and that was it after one lesson. So yeah I guess they count as lessons but nothing real in depth.
SD.com: Who are your top 5 influences?
Josh: There are so many. Jordan Mancino- basic beats, Chris Adler-technicality , Ted Kirkpatrick- Just because, Jonathas Carlos- blast beats, and Steve Robinson- just the way he goes off on his own during breakdowns and stuff
SD.com: Assuming that influences doesn’t mean favorites, who are your favorites?
Josh: Yeah uh, definitely Neil Peart, Robert Sweet, Jason Bittner, Rickard Gustaffson and all the guys I listed above.
SD.com: Let us know 5 CD’s that are in your current rotation
Josh: Akeldema- Field of Blood (its not out yet but I get to liten to it cause I made it. You can get a peak at our myspace.
Killswitch Engage- End of Heartache
All Shall Perish- Hate Malice Revenge
As I Lay Dying- Shadows Are Security
Divine Symphony- Reject Darkness
SD.com: Can you remember a night you think was your best playing ever? If yes, when and where?
Josh: No not really. I try to play consistently all the time. If I change a beat or miss a roll while we’re practicing I’ll get mad at myself. I won’t show it but I’ll make sure I don’t do it again.
SD.com: Do you have a favorite brand of drums or cymbals?
Josh: Yeah Sabian cymbals are by far the best brand in my mind. Camber bells are pretty intense too. As of right now I have a hybrid kit so with drums there is really no preference as of yet.
SD.com: Do you have any pre-show rituals?
Josh: Praying, Warming up my hands. Calming nerves cause when I get excited sometimes I’ll blast too fast for the riff or my feet won’t be in tune with what the guitars are playing.
SD.com: If you could give one piece of advice to younger drummers, it would be…
Josh: Practice everyday. God has blessed me so if I’m away from my set for let’s say a week (I have no idea how that could happen. Vacation?) I really don’t notice a difference but if it has been longer I notice I’m not as quick or precise and at this level those things are crucial.
SD.com: Who gave the best live performance you’ve ever seen?
Josh: Robert Sweet. Cause he just beats himself up while he’s playing and I don’t think I could whack myself in the head with sticks repeatedly and still play to an impressive level of skill.
SD.com: If you had to stop drumming, what would you want to do with your life?
Josh: Probably State police or Swat or anything physical that would involve fighting or beating the crap out of people. Maybe UFC or Marines, if I got bigger.
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