Drum Dog Podcast
The Drum Dog Podcast goes deep on the instrument we love. In our interviews, we sit down with world-class drummers, from session players to festival headliners, for honest, unhurried conversations about their playing, their careers and the craft behind the kit. Guests include Bill Bruford, Gavin Harrison Antonio Sánchez, and Mel Gaynor.
On 'The Back Beat', our weekly format, Dan talks spotlights drummers worth your attention, goes through albums that are must-listens, worthwhile gear, and think-pieces to ruminate on.
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Drum Dog Podcast
Ralph Rolle (Nile Rodgers & CHIC) Interview: Auditioning for Nile Rodgers, D'Angelo & Biggie Stories, & The Rocketman Soundtrack
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We sat down with Ralph Rolle at the Drum Dog studio during his latest visit to the UK. Ralph talks growing up in the Bronx, the high-pressure audition that landed him the Nile Rodgers & CHIC gig, and the stories behind sessions with D'Angelo, Biggie Smalls, and the Rocketman soundtrack. If you've ever wondered what it takes to build a career playing with music legends, this one's for you.
00:00 Welcome Back & Talking Dogs
02:35 From The Bronx to Rural Somerset
04:44 Learning Drums in the Bronx River Houses
07:06 Saving Up for His First Drum Kit
08:33 Landing His First Professional Gig at 19
15:26 The Cookie Business: Soul Stacks
19:08 The Nile Rodgers Audition That Almost Wasn't
26:34 Playing on the Rocketman Soundtrack
29:20 Discovering D'Angelo Before Anyone Else
36:13 The Biggie Smalls Session & the Credits Mix-Up
40:44 Walking Away from the Apollo
43:12 Why He Chose Drum Dog
#ralphrolle #chic #drumdog
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