The Rich Redmond Show

Guitarist, songwriter, producer, and real‑estate investor Erik Halbig joins Rich and Jim to talk Nashville showcase days, early Jason Aldean moments, writing number ones with the Wolfe Brothers, using AI tools like Suno, developing young artists, and building real passive income with rental properties. If you’re a working musician who cares about songs and your financial future, this one’s for you.

Timed Highlights:
00:00:00 – Cold open: low‑cash demos, $40 a song, and early Nashville hustle
00:06:10 – What Erik looks for in drummers: alpha energy, loud count‑offs, strong transients
00:15:30 – 90s/00s Nashville: 12th & Porter, Thi...

Rock drumming powerhouse Tommy Clufetos sits down with Rich Redmond and Jim McCarthy to talk about the reality of life at the top of rock, why every gig matters, and how “playing at” rock is killing the feel in modern music.

Tommy goes deep on growing up in Detroit hauling gear for his dad’s band at age seven, earning gigs with Ted Nugent and Alice Cooper the hard way, and spending 15 years on the road with Ozzy and Black Sabbath. He breaks down drum solos as part of the show, his love/hate relationship with click tracks...

Freelance Nashville drummer Carlos Guevara joins Rich and Jim to share his incredible journey from growing up in Venezuela under political and economic crisis to rebuilding his life and career in the U.S. Despite being born with arthrogryposis, Carlos became a first-call Broadway drummer, a devoted family man, and a model of resilience and positivity.

They dig into his escape from Venezuela, learning English through drum magazines, adapting his technique around physical limitations, grinding for gigs on Lower Broadway, and balancing music, Uber, and fatherhood. The guys also geek out on Stewart Copeland, Journey, Yamaha’s...

Rich and Jim sit down with Nashville drummer, producer, and drum tech Jeff Brown (Shrug Sound Studio) for a deep dive into a working musician’s reality: from opening for Rush and Van Halen to teching the Taylor Swift Eras Tour, tuning for stadiums, building a home studio career, and navigating divorce, burnout, and late-bloomer success.

Jeff shares stories from early days in Anaheim clubs, cruise ship gigs at 18, Nashville’s legendary 12th & Porter era, and playing with artists like Phil Vassar, Thomas Rhett, Steel Magnolia, Tom Kiefer, and more. He also breaks down hybrid drumming on mass...

Rich sits down with drummer and biomechanics specialist Brandon Green of Drum Mechanics to unpack how drummers can play hard for life without breaking their bodies. They dig into pain‑free technique, throne and kit setup, strength training, cardio, nutrition, and longevity—plus stories about working with Thomas Lang, top touring drummers, and building a business around drummer health.

Timed Highlights:
00:00 – Cold open: Drumstick physics, carpal tunnel, and energy absorption
02:10 – Rich opens the show and introduces Brandon Green of Drum Mechanics
06:40 – Pain‑free drum set playing: Anatomy, physics, and setting up your kit to fit you

In this episode, Rich and Jim sit down with drummer, composer, and educator John Wackerman to talk about the Wackerman dynasty, from their band-director dad Chuck to brothers Chad, Bob, Brooks, and John’s own genre-hopping career.

John shares stories from the road and studio with Frank Zappa, Maynard Ferguson, Alan Holdsworth, Family Matters, Vegas headliners, and more. He breaks down his all-star drum duets project with Steve Gadd, Alex Acuña, Ronnie Tutt, Steve Smith, Terry Bozzio, Taylor Hawkins, and others, plus the origin story of DW Drums, a private masterclass with Stuart Copeland, and why dis...

Rich Redmond and Jim McCarthy sit down with Nashville drummer and counselor Elizabeth Chan to unpack what it really takes to build a sustainable music career in 2024: from grinding on the road and tour managing, to setting healthy boundaries, negotiating contracts, and managing your mind while you chase the dream.

Elizabeth shares her journey from Brooklyn churches to Liberty University, moving to Nashville at 20, landing gigs with Carrie Underwood and Lady A, and earning a master’s in counseling so she can help artists unburden and stay healthy in the process.

You’ll hear shop...

Born and raised in Nashville, Tucker Wilson grew up surrounded by true country music royalty: a grandfather in the Grand Ole Opry staff band, family ties to The Whites, and Uncle Ricky Skaggs holding him the day he was born. Today, Tucker is the powerhouse drummer behind Justin Moore, playing arena and shed tours, cutting number one country records, and rocking with his own band Dog Violet.

In this episode of The Rich Redmond Show, Tucker opens up about his musical lineage, quitting drinking in 2023, dialing in massive Gretsch drum sounds, networking the right way in...

The Rich Redmond Show returns from hiatus with viral Nashville drummer Ethan Harb.

From Santa Barbara to Lower Broadway, Ethan breaks down how he went from garage bands to grinding 3-a-day sets, touring with Taylor Acorn, building Skylines & Satellites, and accidentally blowing up the internet with a single “bonk” in Immigrant Song. Rich and Jim go deep on social media strategy, drum gear, Ableton, mental health, and building a long-term career in today’s music world.

Chapters:
0:00 Intro – The Rich Redmond Show is back
1:00 Meet Ethan Harb: Santa Barbara to Nashville, sushi with Ric...

Ben Wood sits down with Rich Redmond and producer Jim McCarthy for a fast-moving conversation about music, business, and building a life in Music City. Ben shares how a Green Day concert lit the spark, why he drove 7 hours to study with Rich in LA, and how that conversation pushed him to choose Nashville over Los Angeles.

They break down the origin story of Music Lab Nashville, including buying an existing school, taking on serious debt during the pandemic, and growing it to 15 teachers and 200+ students. Ben talks teaching philosophy, Ableton and tracks, being an asset to...

Join Rich Redmond and Jim McCarthy as they dive deep with Kevin Rapillo, a veteran country music drummer who's been holding down the beat for Rodney Atkins for 25 years. This episode explores Kevin's journey from Boston's music scene to becoming a Nashville staple, with hilarious stories and insider insights into the music industry.

Timed Highlights:

[0:00-0:10] Early drumming influences and family background

[0:10-0:25] Kevin's start with drumsticks as a young musician

[0:43-1:02] Family connection to legendary drummer Gene Krupa

[1:36-2:09] Early drum lessons and musical passion<...

Join Rich and Jim as they sit down with Joseph Wooten, keyboardist of the legendary Steve Miller Band and member of the renowned Wooten Brothers, for an inspiring conversation about music, life, and the power of rhythm.

Timed Highlights:

[0:05:30] - Joseph's Journey to Nashville in 1990

[0:14:30] - Joining the Steve Miller Band: A 32-Year Musical Odyssey

[0:28:50] - The Philosophical Power of Rhythm in Music

[0:43:45] - How Music Can Unify People Beyond Political Differences

[0:57:00] - The Wooten Brothers' Musical Origins and Family Bond

[1:01:00...

Join Rich and Jim as they as they dive deep into the world of Garth Justice’s musical roots, Nashville scene insights, and career highlights. Key moments include:

[0:11:16] - How Garth first picked up drumsticks at age two in his grandparents' house

[0:12:29] - His first church performance at 7-8 years old when the drummer didn't show up

[0:16:58] - Early musical experiences playing in college groups and seeking performance opportunities

[0:18:33] - Influences from legendary drummers like Carl Palmer and Carlos Vega

[0:19:24] - Learning from local Nashville drum he...

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Join Rich Redmond as he sits down with legendary studio drummer Paul Leim, who shares incredible stories from his 50-year music career. Highlights include:

[0:02:51] - How a Tyler, Texas DJ discovered Paul's talent at age 15

[0:10:00] - Driving to Los Angeles in a woody station wagon to pursue his dream

[0:11:04] - Performing at the 2017 Trump Inaugural Ball

[0:18:54] - Turning down a tour with James Taylor to stay with his young family<...

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Join Rich and Jim as they dive deep into the world of Lonnie Wilson's session drumming, exploring his incredible career backing some of country music's biggest stars. With 118 #1 hits and over 200 million records sold, Lonnie shares behind-the-scenes stories, musical influences, and the importance of humility in the music industry.

Timed Highlights:

[0:05:00] - Lonnie's early musical influences, including his drummer father

[0:24:00] - His time as a lead singer in the band Bandana

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Join Rich Redmond and Eddie Bayers as they dive deep into the world of professional drumming, music production, and the evolution of Nashville's music scene. Highlights include:

[0:05] Eddie's early career and move to Nashville
[0:20] How Eddie mentored Rich Redmond in the music industry
[0:35] The changing landscape of recording studios and music production
[0:50] Eddie's incredible discography - over 300 gold and platinum records
[1:05] Insights into being the Grand Ole Opry house drummer
[1:20] Advice for young musicians...

Join Rich Redmond and Jim McCarthy as they sit down with father-son drumming duo Dave and Nick Harrison for an epic conversation spanning music, teaching, and life. Highlights include:

[0:15] - Dave's transition from touring musician to elementary school teacher
[0:35] - Nick's drum corps experience and musical background
[1:05] - Stories from touring with Edwin McCain Band
[1:22] - Discussing favorite movies and childhood memories
[1:26] - Nick's Rush tattoo and family concert memories
[1:28] - Insights into recording, music technology, and drumming philosophy

From road stories to classroom adventures, this episode offers a heartwarming...

Can the discipline of drumming translate into building a successful business?

Join Rich, Jim and guest Adam Silverman as they dive deep into a conversation spanning drumming, digital marketing, and farm life. 

Highlights include:

[0:11:30] - Adam's transition from touring drummer to web designer
[0:25:57] - How he first got into playing drums as a kid
[0:38:14] - Running a horse farm with his wife Heather
[0:45:47] - Growing his digital marketing agency, Mule Town Digital
[0:55:00] - His experience in Contemporary Christian Music (CCM)
[1:02:14] - Favorite drummers and musical influences
[1:35:00...

Join Rich Redmond as he sits down with drummer, author, and educator Bart Robley for an epic conversation covering:

[0:01:30] - Connecting through the Percussive Arts Society
[0:09:39] - Bart's musical mentors and influential drum teachers
[0:30:29] - Recording with Bob Seger and achieving over 40 million streams
[0:34:36] - Touring through war zones in Europe with the Sam Morrison Band
[0:43:41] - Creating the Drummers Education Connection during COVID
[0:48:19] - Bart's journey of sobriety and writing about personal transformation

Highlights include hilarious stories about Star Trek conventions, drumming adventures, and practical advice for musicians looking...

Rich and Jim talk with drumming legend and longtime pal Johnny Rabb, the powerhouse behind Collective Soul for over a decade. In this candid conversation, Johnny opens up about his journey from Berklee College of Music to Nashville, his innovative "free hand technique," dealing with online trolls, and life on the road with one of rock's most enduring bands. From recording in Elvis's Palm Springs estate to the band's unique "Peanut Hour" joke-writing sessions, this episode is packed with insider stories, drumming wisdom, and plenty of laughs.

**[4:27]** - Johnny reflects on being a returning...

Join Rich and Jim as they sit down with Mike McKee, founding member of Americana rock band Delta Ray and co-founder of Bald Man Percussion. From signing with Warner Brothers to creating the award-winning Junk Hat, Mike shares his incredible journey through the music industry. Discover how Delta Ray pivoted during the pandemic with their innovative "Behind the Door" fan club, raising nearly half a million on Kickstarter, and building a haunted chapel residency at Nashville's Basement. Plus, learn about Mike's corporate team-building venture Drum Team Collective and his entrepreneurial mindset inspired by Walt Disney and unconventional business models.<...

Keyboardist and producer Jeff Roach joins Rich and Jim to share incredible stories from his 36-year Nashville career, including the time he beat Garth Brooks in a talent contest! From his classical piano roots in Mangum, Oklahoma to playing on countless hit records with artists like Tim McGraw, Darius Rucker, and Amy Grant, Jeff reveals the behind-the-scenes world of Music City's recording studios. The conversation takes a deeply personal turn as Jeff opens up about his recent spiritual transformation and the supernatural encounters that have completely changed his perspective on faith and purpose. Plus, discussions on vintage synthesizers, one-hit...

Rich and Jim sit down with Jay Weinberg, son of Max Weinberg and drummer for Slipknot and Suicidal Tendencies, as he shares his incredible musical odyssey from punk rock roots to international stages.

Timed Highlights:
[0:10] - Bruce Springsteen's unexpected tour invitation during college
[0:25] - The Ramones' influence on Jay's drumming style
[0:45] - Transitioning from hockey to professional drumming
[1:10] - Touring experiences with Metallica and unique stage design
[1:30] - Artistic expression beyond drumming - oil painting and creative process
[1:50] - Global touring adventures, including a trip to Antarctica
[2:05] - Family musical...

Rich and Jim invite Wes Little into the studio for a deep dive into the life of a versatile drummer who's played everywhere from the Grand Ole Opry to Carnegie Hall. 

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Highlights include:

[0:10] The vibrant Nashville drum scene

[0:25] Wes's journey from North Carolina to New York City

[0:45] Living and creating m...

Join Rich Redmond and Steve Wilson as they dive deep into a hilarious and inspiring conversation about life as a professional musician. From playing with Dead Kennedys to voiceover work, Steve shares his incredible journey across genres and continents.

Timed Highlights:

[0:10] - Steve's musical roots and family influences

[0:25] - The wild ride of becoming a professional drummer

[0:45] - Navigating the LA music scene and jam nights

[1:15] - Unexpected gigs with T.A.T.U. and playing for massive crowds

[1:35] - Transitioning to Nashville and...

"Larry Romano: From King of Queens to Rock & Roll - A Hollywood Journey"

Join Rich and Jim as they talk with actor, musician, and filmmaker Larry Romano for an epic conversation spanning his incredible career.

Highlights include:

[0:10:00] - Behind-the-scenes of King of Queens and working with comedy legends

[0:25:00] - The making of "Saturday in the Park" - a passion project about musicians in 1980s New York

[0:37:00] - Hilarious clips from Romano's character Richie on King of Queens

[0:52:00] - Collaborating with music...

Rich and Jim dive deep with rising country rock artist Ben Gallaher. Hear his incredible story of playing concerts in maximum security prisons, breaking free from a record label that didn't understand his sound, and building a unique musical style that's garnered 35 million views online.

Highlights:

[0:10:00] - Ben's unique journey playing concerts in state prisons for 10 years

[0:23:00] - Navigating the challenges of a record label that wanted to change his sound

[0:35:00] - Musical influences and developing his distinctive guitar style

[0:49:00] - Emotional stories from prison performances that c...

Rich and Jim sit down with drummer Andy Peake for an epic conversation exploring Nashville's music scene, featuring insights into drumming, producing, and Peake's solo albums. Highlights include:

[0:05] Music City Drum Show Preview

[0:20] Peake's musical background and Nashville journey

[0:37] Discussion of first Nashville gigs with Nicolette Larson

[1:10] Peake's solo albums "Mood Swings" and "Pocket Change"

[1:25] Insights into Nashville's music industry

[1:40] AI and music technology discussion

[1:50] Peake's daughter Emlyn's music career

[2:05] Advice for young musicians breaking into Nashville

Special moments include Peake's...

Join Rich and Jim as they dive deep with drummer, engineer, and studio owner Elton Charles. From his immigrant parents' success story to navigating the Nashville music scene, Elton shares insights into his musical journey.

Timed Highlights:

[0:10] - Elton's backstory and move to Nashville

[0:25] - Discussion of Berkeley College of Music and career beginnings

[0:45] - Owning Studio 2300 Nashville and recording with top artists

[1:10] - Drumming techniques and musical influences

[1:30] - Family background and the immigrant entrepreneurial spirit

[1:45] - Challenges of running a professional r...

In this throwback episode from the early days of the Rich Redmond Show, Rich and Jim dive deep into the world of all things Chris McHugh! Chris's incredible career spans contemporary Christian music, country, and beyond. From Nashville's early days to modern recording techniques, this episode offers an intimate look at a legendary session drummer's life, challenges, and evolution.

Timed Highlights:

[0:00-15:00] Nashville's Musical Roots: Chris discusses arriving in Nashville in 1985 and his early days with WhiteHeart

[15:00-30:00] Session Musician Life: Insights into recording techniques, working with artists like Ke...

Rich and Jim dive deep with multi-talented Rob Ricotta in this high-energy episode. Highlights include:

[0:15] Rob's journey from church band drummer to touring with John Morgan [22:30] Behind-the-scenes of voiceover work and character creation [35:45] Balancing multiple creative careers in music and acting [48:20] Hilarious voice-over challenges and impersonation battles [1:05:10] Rob's inspirations and future goals in drumming and entertainment

From drumming with country artists to voicing video game trailers, Rob shares candid stories about his creative path, the importance of mentorship, and staying adaptable in the entertainment industry. A must-listen for aspiring musicians, actors, and creatives looking to...

Rich and Jim chat with rock legend Stan Lynch, founding drummer of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. 

Highlights include:

[0:12:30] - Early drumming influences and learning to play with restraint [0:24:00] - The magic of recording Damn the Torpedoes [0:45:00] - Working with Don Henley and transitioning from drummer to producer [0:52:30] - Reflections on modern music and staying creative [1:03:30] - Introducing his new band, Speaker Wars, and upcoming album release

Stan shares candid stories about his musical journey, the importance of serving the song, and his philosophy of making music with friends. A must-listen fo...

Join Rich Redmond and Jim McCarthy as they dive deep with Dango Cellan, a versatile drummer who's played with Scott Stapp, Amber Pacific, and Hawthorne Heights. Discover the secrets of surviving and thriving in the music industry, balancing multiple gigs, and maintaining passion through decades of drumming.

Timed Highlights: [0:05] - Dango's Impressive Musical Journey [0:15] - Nashville's Drumming Hustle Culture [0:30] - Broadway Gigs and Musical Flexibility [0:45] - Teaching Philosophy and Mentoring Young Musicians [1:00] - Punk Rock Roots and Evolving Drumming Style [1:15] - Gear Talk: Drums, Cymbals, and Endorsements [1:30] - Balancing Family Life and Musical Career [1:45] - Financial Strategies...

Rich and Jim dive deep with Nashville drummer, songwriter, and storyteller Vince Santoro. From his early days playing drums in Washington D.C. to becoming a staple in Nashville's music scene, Vince shares his incredible journey through music, including his work with Felix Cavalieri, Rodney Crowell, and his upcoming solo record "Exposed".

Timed Highlights: [0:05] - Vince's early musical influences: Beatles, Kinks, Stones, and Hendrix [0:15] - Nashville's evolving music and food scene [0:25] - Vince's journey from D.C. to becoming a Nashville musician [0:35] - His role as Secretary Treasurer of the Nashville Musicians Association [0:45] - Playing with legendary...

Christopher Williams is the powerhouse drummer for the legendary metal band Accept. Join Rich and Jim as they explore Williams' incredible musical journey from small-town South Carolina to sharing stages with rock icons like Gene Simmons and Ace Frehley.

 Hear hilarious tour stories, learn about his woodworking side hustle, and discover the dedication behind becoming a world-class drummer. From heavy metal to Nashville's rock scene, this episode is a must-listen for music lovers and aspiring musicians.

Timed Highlights:

[0:10:39] - Christopher Williams moves to Nashville in 2008, getting his first opportunities through networking an...

"Bass, Bands, and Backstage Stories: Brian Arsenault's 25-Year Musical Journey"

Join Rich Redmond and Brian Arsenault as they dive deep into the life of a professional bass player, exploring his incredible journey from Canadian country bars to touring with Gary Allen for 25 years. Highlights include:

[0:10] Early Touring Days: Brian's wild first experiences in a Winnebago with a fighting band [0:25] Nashville Arrival: How a truck driver and a chance encounter brought Brian to Music City [0:40] Pam Tillis Years: Behind-the-scenes stories from life on the road [0:55] Gary Allen Band: The inside scoop on 25 years as a band...

Join Rich Redmond as he sits down with Parker McCollum's drummer Jonathan Bostwick for an epic conversation covering his musical evolution. Highlights include:

[0:15] - From Ohio to Nashville: Jonathan's musical roots

[0:30] - Uber driving days and early musician struggles

[22:00] - Breaking into the country music scene with Parker McCollum

[45:00] - Performing at massive venues like George Strait's record-breaking Kyle Field show

1:05:00 - Exploring drumming techniques and musical influences

1:20:00 - Side hustles: Jonathan's emerging passion for music production

1:30:00 - Personal stories about touring, kayaking, and navigating...

In this episode of the Rich Redmond Show, drummer-turned-producer Ben Jackson shares his incredible story of musical reinvention. Dive into a candid conversation about transitioning from touring musician to studio wizard, navigating the Nashville music scene, and building a successful career by constantly evolving. Ben reveals insights into modern music production, the art of co-writing, and the importance of staying adaptable in the ever-changing music industry. Highlights include his work with artists like Gary Allen and Steven Tyler, his approach to studio recording, and the challenges of balancing creativity with business savvy. Whether you're a musician, producer, or music...

Join Rich Redmond as he sits down with Gerald Ware, a multi-talented musician, Navy submarine veteran, and PhD holder. Highlights include:

[0:00-0:15] Musical Influences: Gerald shares stories about bassist Joseph "Lucky" Scott [0:20-0:35] Musical Philosophy: Treating songs like relationships [0:45-1:00] Career Journey: From Navy submarine service to architecture and drumming [1:15-1:30] Comedians and Creativity: Discussion of Dave Chappelle and comedy [2:00-2:15] Drumming Insights: The importance of musical feel over technical speed [2:30-2:45] Personal Life: 25 years of marriage and raising three children [3:00-3:15] Future Plans: Traveling and enjoying life as empty nesters

A fascinating conversation exploring...

Join Rich Redmond and Jim McCarthy as they dive deep with Matt Nolan, Lainey Wilson's touring drummer, in an epic conversation that explores his musical journey, rise to success, and behind-the-scenes stories from the country music world.

Timed Highlights:

0:10:00 - From Van Life to Grammy Success: Matt's incredible rise with Lainey Wilson

0:25:30 - Drumming Influences: Discussing jazz legends Tony Williams and Elvin Jones

0:42:15 - Recording Process: Inside Lainey Wilson's New Album

0:55:40 - Opening for the Rolling Stones: An Unexpected Career Milestone

1:10:20 - Upcoming European Tour and Career...