Keep up with James here:
There are so many different elements that comprise my drum playing. The one thing I tried to stay away from was confining myself to one style. Whenever im writing music I always think of all the things I've learned over the years and incorporate them into the song. My background is mostly metal, I've been playing it as long as i remember.
I started out playing drums in 1990. My stepfather is a drummer as well, and I learned alot from just watching him. Then moving on to form bands with some friends playing metal covers. In 2001 was the birth of Flipface, which we released an album called " Full Circle" in 2003. One of the highlights of my career so far was to play with Joey Belladonna ( ANTHRAX ). Also in the same year, I joined Absolution Project and released an album called " Lies". In 2005 I was asked to go down to Alexandria, VA to record an album for Painmuseum's lead singer Tim Clayborne, in his project called Hatred ( Demolition Records ). Due out in early 2007.
James Dell Interview:
SD.com: How old were you when you started playing?
James: 14, around 1990.
SD.com: Did you play in a school band or any drum corps?
James: I actually didnt, only highschool cover bands.
SD.com: Who are your top 5 influences?
James: Thats a tough one.
Nick Barker
Lars Ulrich
Bobby Jarzombek
Scott Columbus
Daniel Erlandsson
SD.com: Assuming that influences doesn't mean favorites, who are your favorites?
James: Definetely all of those guys i meantioned, they are all badass drummers.
SD.com: Let us know 5 CD's that are in your current rotation
James: oh shit, lets see…..
Trivium " the crusade"
Within Temptation " the silent force"
Old man's Child "vermin"
Dimmu Borgir " stormblast"
Anthrax " Among The Living"
SD.com: Can you remember a night you think was your best playing ever? If yes, when and where?
James: I try to make each night count, but i think it had to be here for a hometown show in Rochester.? its hard to tell one show from the next.
SD.com: Do you have a favorite brand of drums or cymbals?
James: Sabian's are amazing, i've been using them for years. I play Satin black finish DW drums.
SD.com: If you could give one piece of advice to young drummers, it would be…
James: Dont give in to one style of music. Be creative, innovative, practice to a click track every chance you get. just be yourself and have fun with it.
SD.com: Who gave the best live performance you've ever seen?
James: That's the hardest question ever……probably Manowar in Buffalo, NY 2002. Dimmu Borgir, Arch Enemy….
SD.com: If you had to stop drumming, what would you want to do with your life?
James: Definetely stay in music. Maybe try out the business side of things? or go into art?
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