“Four Answers for José Medeles”
by Brendan Buckley

-WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE A YOUNG DRUMMER?

Practice often. Create, create, create. Combine persistence with passion. Learn empathy.

-WHAT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT TRAITS YOU ADMIRE IN A DRUMMER?

I admire a drummer who can put his or her ego aside to become a team-oriented player.
I admire a drummer who embodies consistency (in time, feel, professionalism).
I admire a drummer who blends creativity with stability.

-WHAT SHOULD A DRUMMER ASK THEMSELVES BEFORE THE MUSIC STARTS?

Am I comfortable? Am I prepared? Am I ready to create art?

-NAME ONE VIRTUE A DRUMMER SHOULD POSSESS IN YOUR OPINION.

Control. An elite drummer should possess control of time, dynamics, arrangement, breathing, body-mechanics, emotion, syncopation, subdivision, expression, communication.