The Drum Lounge Podcast

Alabama A&M came to the Magic City Classic with a COMPLETELY different energy — but did they do enough against Alabama State? 🥁🔥

In Episode 67 of The Drum Lounge Podcast, Jeremie and Bryon catch up on a packed stretch of drumline action. We break down the Magic City Classic battle between Alabama A&M and Alabama State, react to Norfolk State vs. Delaware State, and spotlight some impressive performances from the Trick or Beats virtual drumline competition.

John F. Kennedy Middle School, Deerfield Beach High School, and Creative 2 Play all get some love as we talk beats, cleanlin...

Marching season is in full swing, and Episode 66 of The Drum Lounge Podcast is packed with HBCU band and drumline talk! 🥁

Jeremie and Bryon break down Savannah State vs. Fort Valley State, giving their thoughts on both lines, what worked, what needs improvement, and who took the battle. Then we head to Jackson State’s Homecoming, where FAMU and Jackson State went back and forth with some serious power, musicianship, and song selection.

We also tap into Norfolk State’s legendary MD Thursday, and talk about DC Young Fly jumping on the drums at Mississippi Valley State.<...

🔥 EPISODE 65 IS HERE!
The drumline battles are HEATING UP! 🔥🥁 On Episode 65 of The Drum Lounge Podcast, Jeremie and Bryon break down some of the hottest battles across the HBCU and high school marching band scenes!

Bryon recaps his experience at the Florida Mass Band Battle of the Bands, including intense matchups featuring Northeast, Deerfield Beach, and more! We also dive into Forest Hill vs. Terry, where impressive performances and an unexpected display of sportsmanship steal the spotlight.

On the college side, Virginia State returns to the scene against Lincoln University (PA), while Alcorn State and Arkansas...

🔥 EPISODE 64 IS HERE!
Did we get Drumline of the Week WRONG?! After naming North Carolina A&T Cold Steel our Drumline of the Week following their highly anticipated battle against Talladega College, the comments, messages, and debates started IMMEDIATELY. 😂 So on this episode of The Drum Lounge Podcast, Jeremie Foster and Bryon Russell break down the entire N.C. A&T vs. Talladega drumline battle and explain exactly why Cold Steel earned our weekly pick — even though we believe Talladega won the battle.

We go cadence-for-cadence and talk about everything that separates these two completely different styles of HBCU...

Episode 63 starts with some HUGE news — The Drum Lounge Podcast officially won TWO Black Podcast Awards: Best Arts Podcast and Best Outro Podcast! After celebrating the milestone (and Bryon finding out live on the show 😂), we get straight into another packed weekend of HBCU band and drumline action.

First up, we break down the legendary Boombox Classic between Jackson State and Southern University, including what makes this rivalry one of the biggest experiences in HBCU band culture. From the fifth quarter to Southern’s sound, Jackson State’s musicality, and the atmosphere surrounding both bands, there was plenty to talk a...

Homecoming season is HERE, and this episode is packed with HBCU band and drumline talk! Jeremie Foster and Bryon Russell kick things off celebrating some HUGE news — The Drum Lounge Podcast has officially been nominated for Best Arts Podcast AND Best Podcast Outro at the Black Podcasting Awards! 🙌🏾

From there, Bryon gives the full rundown from Bethune-Cookman University Homecoming, including the concerts, parade, high school drumlines, Battle of the Bands, and everything happening around Daytona. We also take a closer look at Sudden Impact, reacting to their new warm-up, sound, execution, tuning, and what the line could bring when Bet...

It’s Homecoming Week at Bethune-Cookman University, and Episode 61 of The Drum Lounge Podcast is loaded with drumline battles, HBCU band talk, reactions, and plenty of CHOPS! 🥁🔥

Jeremie and Bryon kick things off showing love to their alma mater, Bethune-Cookman University, as B-CU prepares for Homecoming. We check out Cookman’s first home game of the season, react to the Marching Wildcats and the drumline, and talk about some of the changes we’ve noticed in the percussion book over the years. Jeremie also gets to hear one of the warm-ups he wrote back in 2016 still being played by the curre...

Episode 60 is here, and HBCU band season is officially HEATING UP! 🥁🔥

This week on The Drum Lounge Podcast, Jeremie Foster and Bryon Russell break down one of the busiest weekends of the early HBCU band season. We start with the drumline battle between North Carolina Central’s DOA and Elizabeth City State’s Poison — and ECSU may have officially put everybody on notice. From the growth of their line to the cleanliness, sound, material, and aggression, Poison is quickly becoming one of the drumlines to watch this season.

Then we head to the massive Labor Day Classic Batt...

HBCU football season is officially BACK — and that means the bands are back too! 🥁🔥

On Episode 59 of The Drum Lounge Podcast, Jeremie and Bryon break down some of the biggest HBCU band moments from opening weekend. We react to Albany State vs. FAMU, Alabama State vs. Southern, Jackson State vs. Tennessee State, Texas Southern, Norfolk State, South Carolina State, Hampton and more.

We also talk about why Alabama State may be one of the bands to watch this season, the power coming from HBCU tuba sections this year, Norfolk State’s incredible identity and tradition, the importance...

What happens when a Southern University snare drummer puts the sticks down for 20 years… then comes back and builds one of the most unique drum pad companies in the percussion world?
On Episode 58 of The Drum Lounge Podcast, Jeremie Foster and Bryon Russell sit down with Nissan Ballard, founder and owner of Rudimental Control, to hear the story behind the man, the drummer, and the brand.

Nissan takes us back to growing up in the rich musical culture of New Orleans, learning the Louisiana style of drumming, and eventually becoming a two-year section leader at Southern University du...

Band camp fever is officially HERE! On this episode of The Drum Lounge Podcast, Jeremie and Bryon break down the start of the 2026 HBCU marching band season, beginning with Jackson State’s highly anticipated Merge. We react to the freshman and upperclassmen coming together, the size and sound of the Sonic Boom, Jackson State’s drumline, their new-look Stingray drums, and whether the line is bringing the same energy we’ve seen in previous years.

We also check in on North Carolina A&T’s band camp, the Blue & Gold Marching Machine’s preparation for the season, and the import...

The Drum Lounge is expanding! In this episode, Jeremie Foster and Bryon Russell announce that the podcast is officially heading to Twitch, where viewers will be able to join the conversation live, submit drumline clips for reactions, receive help with music, and watch the unedited behind-the-scenes experience of recording the podcast.

The guys also share another major announcement: The Drum Lounge Podcast has been submitted for three Black Podcast Awards—Best Arts Podcast, Best Hosting Duo, and Best Podcast Outro!

This week’s flashback episode takes us to North Carolina for a complete recap of the Rep...

Band camp season is here! In Episode 55 of The Drum Lounge Podcast, Jeremie Foster and Bryon Russell share everything they learned from experiencing HBCU band camp as freshmen, returning upperclassmen, and section leaders at Bethune-Cookman University.

For incoming freshmen, we break down how to prepare physically and mentally before arriving on campus—from staying hydrated, eating before those early-morning sessions, improving your conditioning, and practicing with a metronome to researching your school’s sound, music, traditions, and technique. We also explain why earning a band scholarship does not automatically guarantee your preferred instrument, what to expect during drumline audi...

The official Pre-2026 Marching Season HBCU Drumline Tier List is here, and no school is safe!
In this loaded episode of The Drum Lounge Podcast, Jeremie Foster and Bryon Russell evaluate HBCU drumlines based on everything they witnessed throughout the Fall 2025 marching season and Spring 2026 battle season. Each line is judged using four major categories: ensemble sound, visual appeal, level of complexity, and overall energy.

South Carolina State, Florida Memorial, Virginia State, and Norfolk State continue to prove why they belong among the elite—but several programs made major moves. Jackson State and Fort Valley State earn th...

We're back! After a two-month hiatus, The Drum Lounge Podcast returns with plenty to catch up on. Jeremie Foster and Bryon Russell kick things off by announcing their exciting partnership with Rudimental Control, sharing why they believed in the brand long before joining the team and what viewers can expect from the collaboration moving forward.

The conversation then shifts to the surprising news surrounding Xymox Percussion, as the guys reflect on the company's apparent closure, discuss its impact on the percussion community, and share personal stories about how Xymox influenced their drumming journeys.

With marching season...

In this episode of The Drum Lounge Podcast, Jeremie Foster and Bryon Russell break down the Dollar Watson Classic, featuring intense battles between Palm Beach Lakes, Jonesboro, and South Cobb. The conversation dives into musicality, power, and the growing influence of Florida drumlines in Georgia.

They also react to the Red Smooth Classic drumline battle, highlighting the importance of technique, uniformity, and overall presentation.

On the college side, the guys discuss the Hampton vs Norfolk drumline battle, Hampton’s rise, and what it takes for a program to build a true identity. Plus, major updates on ba...

Welcome back to another episode of The Drum Lounge Podcast with Jeremie Foster and Bryon Russell, where we break down everything that went down at Destination HBCU 2026—one of the most INSANE drumline events we’ve ever witnessed.

From Piper H.S. setting the tone in the high school division, to Brooklyn United delivering a movie-level performance in the community division, to the intense and controversial college battles featuring Norfolk State, South Carolina State, Fort Valley State, and Florida Memorial, we cover it all with real reactions and in-depth analysis from being there LIVE.

We also talk...

Episode 50 is here, and Jeremie Foster and Bryon Russell are back with a BIG one. In this episode of The Drum Lounge Podcast, we celebrate 50 episodes of Season 3 and dive straight into one of the most stacked events of the season: Destination HBCU Drumline Competition in Augusta, Georgia.

We break down the loaded collegiate, community, and high school divisions, talk through the drumlines we’re most excited to see, and explain why this year’s event could be one of the craziest yet. From Norfolk State, South Carolina State, Florida Memorial, Fort Valley State, and Talladega to community powe...

In this episode of The Drum Lounge Podcast, Jeremie Foster and Bryon Russell react to a long-awaited moment — Bethune-Cookman University’s Sudden Impact finally unveiling their new percussion feature 🔥

From the jump, the guys break down what made this performance special — the massive drumline size, creative use of the drum set player, unique arrangements, and Cookman’s signature sound. If you love HBCU drumline culture, this is one you don’t want to miss.

The conversation then shifts to Beatdown 10 in Atlanta, where Bryon gives a firsthand recap of Faith’s Place competing against Tucker High School. They di...

In this episode of The Drum Lounge Podcast, Jeremie Foster and Bryon Russell take you inside the energy and intensity of the Nothin’ But Drums Percussion Showcase in Mississippi. From explosive high school battles to elite collegiate matchups, the duo breaks down everything that made this event one to remember.

Jeremie and Bryon dive into the “Final Four” high school showdown, analyzing standout moments, performance strategies, and what separated the top groups from the rest. They also react to the highly anticipated college battles featuring Jackson State University, Mississippi Valley State University, Texas Southern University, and Fort Valley State...

In this episode of The Drum Lounge Podcast, Jeremie Foster and Bryon Russell take you inside their trip to Brooklyn, New York for the highly anticipated Battle In The Apple drumline competition. From electric performances to the unmatched energy of the crowd, they break down what made this event a must-see moment in drumline culture.

The duo dives into standout performances, including the continued rise of Hampton University and the evolving presence of Talladega’s drumline, sparking conversations around competition, rivalry, and innovation within the HBCU scene. They also address the importance of discipline and respect in the mi...

The Drum Lounge Podcast is back with another episode packed with drumline culture, competition highlights, and real percussion knowledge. In this episode, Jeremie Foster and Bryon Russell recap the Honor Your Name Drumline Competition hosted by Faith’s Place Center for Arts Education in West Palm Beach, Florida — an event that brought together some of the most exciting drumlines in the community.

  We break down the biggest moments from the competition, including Mainland High School’s drumline taking 1st place in the High School Division and Shark City Drumline winning the Community Drumline Division. The energy reached another level w...

In this episode of The Drum Lounge Podcast, hosts Jeremie Foster and Bryon Russell break down some of the most talked-about moments in the drumline competition scene. The conversation kicks off with a recap of the Rumble in the Jungle Drumline Competition, including an exciting battle between Palm Beach Lakes High School and Mainland High School, where the hosts analyze the energy, musicality, and competitive spirit displayed on the floor.

The discussion then shifts to Dolla Watson’s Stonecrest Battle of the Drumlines, highlighting the impact of independent and community drumline events on the cu...

In this powerful and purpose-driven episode of The Drum Lounge Podcast, hosts Jeremie Foster and Bryon Russell sit down with Dr. Noble Lockhart-Mays, founder of Faith’s Place, an arts education center making a real impact in South Florida.

Dr. Lockhart-Mays takes us through her personal journey in music and education, what led her to establish Faith’s Place, and the mission behind creating a safe, nurturing space where young people can grow through the arts. The conversation dives deep into the importance of community collaboration, faith-based leadership, and why arts education is more than music — it’s a tool f...

This episode was recorded on Super Bowl Sunday — so a few moments are time-capsuled to that day… but moving forward, episodes will be current and lined up with what’s happening right now in the drum world!

Hosts Jeremie Foster and Bryon Russell kick things off by addressing the recent hacking of Jeremie's YouTube channel before shifting into a broader discussion on the importance of community support, unity, and cohesiveness within drumming culture. The duo reflects on past episodes, shares thoughts on creating educational content that truly serves the community, a
nd breaks down their experi...

In this episode of The Drum Lounge Podcast, hosts Jeremie Foster and Bryon Russell sit down with Pedro Orey, a cornerstone of HBCU percussion culture and longtime leader at Bethune-Cookman University's Percussion section, 'Sudden Impact'.
    The conversation traces Mr. Orey’s journey from a string player to a nationally respected percussion educator, unpacking his role in shaping drumline sound, teaching music philosophy, and the evolution of HBCU percussion over the decades. He shares insight into the importance of versatility, sound quality, and fundamentals, along with what he looks for during auditions and how young percussionists can prepare for the next...

In this episode of The Drum Lounge Podcast, Jeremie Foster and Bryon Russell dive deep into marching band culture, competition energy, and the moments that shape drumline history. The duo recaps the South Florida Bands Jamboree, breaks down standout performances, and reflects on audition experiences and the lasting impact of strong leadership—especially the influence of Dr. Wells, Director of Bands at Bethune-Cookman University.

The conversation expands into the evolution of modern marching bands, the role alumni play in pushing programs forward, and why innovation is no longer optional in today’s band culture. Jeremie and Bryon also spot...

In this episode of The Drum Lounge Podcast, hosts Jeremie Foster and Bryon Russell dive into the culture of HBCU drumlines and marching bands. They react to standout performances, compare FAMU’s visual artistry with Southern’s precision, and share insights from the National Battle of the Bands. The duo also discusses the importance of community support, innovative drumline approaches like Cold Steel, and how drumline features are shaping modern shows. Along the way, they sprinkle in personal updates, light-hearted band stories, and a few product reviews to keep things fun and informative.

5th Quarter Picks

In this episode of The Drum Lounge Podcast, hosts Jeremie Foster and Bryon Russell tap into everything happening across the drumline scene as competition season ramps up. From the importance of consistency in content creation to personal drumstick preferences and favorite practice gear, the guys blend real-life percussion talk with culture and community.

They break down A&T’s new cadence "PHUN", explore the unique atmosphere and format of the Rumble in the Jungle competition, and highlight the value of networking within the marching and music industry. The conversation also touches on sound projectors, tradition versus innovation in mo...

In this episode of The Drum Lounge Podcast, hosts Jeremie Foster and Bryon Russell break down their recent HBCU Drumline Tier List rankings, the reactions it sparked across social media, and the real-world experience that shapes their opinions in the percussion space.

They dive into the nuances behind their rankings, shout out schools that may have been overlooked, and talk about what really matters when evaluating drumlines — including the importance of quality video footage and performance consistency. The guys also look ahead to the upcoming spring season and competitions, sharing their excitement for the drumlines ready to make no...

In this episode of The Drum Lounge Podcast, hosts Jeremie Foster and Bryon Russell officially return from hiatus and kick off the new year with a deep dive into the state of the HBCU drumline and marching band scene. The guys reflect on the previous marching season, highlighting standout performances, community reactions, and the evolving conversation around judging standards within band culture.

  The discussion covers major moments from the season, including First Take’s visit to Bethune-Cookman, and transitions into a detailed tier-list breakdown of drumlines across the country. Jeremie and Bryon analyze the strengths, weaknesses, and overall imp...

In this episode of The Drum Lounge Podcast, hosts Jeremie Foster and Bryon Russell sit down with special guest Dontavius Seaborn for a deep dive into the art, culture, and evolution of the modern drumline. The trio breaks down the significance of the Florida Classic, the pressures of preparing new material, and the creativity required to craft unforgettable percussion features.

 They explore the importance of musical interpretation, leadership within a drumline, and why a strong foundation in music theory and reading is essential for today’s percussionists. Throughout the conversation, Jeremie, Bryon, and Dontavius reflect on their own exp...

In this episode of The Drum Lounge Podcast, hosts Jeremie Foster and Bryon Russell reflect on their homecoming experiences, diving into the evolution of band traditions, the importance of alumni participation, and the camaraderie that makes HBCU band culture so special. They share hilarious memories, compare homecoming events across different schools, and highlight unforgettable performances that capture the essence of the season. The conversation also explores musical transitions, band battles, and the growing impact of quality media representation in the drumline community. To top it off, Jeremie and Bryon celebrate community achievements, announce the 10K Drum Pad Giveaway Winner, and...

In this episode of The Drum Lounge Podcast, hosts Jeremie Foster and Bryon Russell celebrate reaching 10,000 followers on Instagram and dive deep into the ever-evolving world of HBCU band culture. The conversation unpacks the controversy surrounding Alabama State’s Honeybees dance line, the role and etiquette of band announcers, and the power of community engagement within band programs.

The hosts also tackle heavier topics like hazing and culture reform in college bands, along with fresh updates from the ESPN Battle of the Bands. They explore performance rivalries between legendary programs such as Cookman, Alabama A&M, Norfolk State, an...

In this episode of The Drum Lounge Podcast, hosts Jeremie Foster and Bryon Russell take listeners deep into the world of HBCU bands and drumlines. From Southern University’s legacy to the energy of recent band battles, they break down performances, sound quality, and the unique styles that set each school apart—including Bethune-Cookman, South Carolina State, and North Carolina Central.

The conversation highlights the importance of preparation, practice, and visuals in creating unforgettable performances, while also exploring new trends in drumline equipment and the evolving culture of HBCU music. Along the way, Jeremie and Bryon share personal stor...

In this episode of The Drum Lounge Podcast, hosts Jeremie Foster and Bryon Russell celebrate six years of the show with an in-depth look at the evolving world of band culture. They explore the role of identity in performances, the impact of bias in competitions, and break down recent clashes, including Clark Atlanta vs. Florida Memorial and Florida’s high school drumline battles. The discussion also highlights the  traditions and techniques that continue to shape HBCU band culture.

Jeremie and Bryon dive into the heart of drumline dynamics—examining cadences, tuba breaks, and the distinct styles of different progr...

In this episode of The Drum Lounge Podcast, hosts Jeremie Foster and Bryon Russell welcome listeners into an engaging discussion on HBCU marching bands and drumlines. They take a closer look at recent performances by Bethune-Cookman University,  Southern University and Alabama State, highlighting each band’s unique style, energy, and song selections. The conversation continues with the Lounge and Chop segment, where Jeremie and Bryon share their own drum compositions and encourage listeners to learn and share their renditions. The episode also features the popular Fifth Quarter segment, showcasing Southern University’s rendition of “Kills Me” and Alabama State’s performance...

In this episode of The Drum Lounge Podcast, hosts Jeremie Foster and Bryon Russell dive deep into the current state of HBCU drumlines, exploring preseason predictions, the influence of social media, and updated tier rankings. They break down performances from Fort Valley, Jackson State, and Alcorn, discussing community reactions, the importance of visibility in recruitment, and how evolving drumline culture is shaping the next generation of talent.

The conversation takes a closer look at the intricacies of HBCU drumline performance — from techniques and competition dynamics to the evolution of cadences and the critical role audience engagement plays. With can...

Get ready for a drumline deep dive! In this episode of The Drum Lounge Podcast, hosts Jeremie Foster and Bryon Russell reflect on their favorite band camp memories, break down their 2025 HBCU Drumline Tier list, and bring personal stories and hot takes to the mic. From reminiscing on summer band vibes to unpacking the latest shifts in the South Florida percussion scene, this episode blends nostalgia, expertise, and raw drumline energy. Whether you’re an alum, active marcher, or just love the culture—this one’s for you!

No 5th Quarter Segment this week.

🛒 Check out Jeremie's...

🕊️ This episode is dedicated to our dear friend and fellow drummer, Nicholas Jackson.
We received the heartbreaking news of Nick’s passing while recording this episode. Despite the shock and sadness, we did our best to push through and finish the conversation in his honor.
Rest in peace, Nick — your spirit, rhythm, and friendship will forever be a part of this community.

   In this episode of The Drum Lounge Podcast, Jeremie Foster and Bryon Russell sit down with percussionist and innovator TJ Stevens, creator of the Bolt mallet — a custom tenor drumstick designed specifically for HBCU drummers. TJ...