🎧 Behind The Kit Episode 22: Art Cruz (Lamb of God)

Episode 34 of Behind The Kit features an incredible conversation with **Henry Go**, Artist Relations Manager for KHS America and the man working behind the scenes with some of the biggest names in drumming through @MapexDrumsUSA and @SonorDrumTube !!!Henry brings a unique perspective to the music industry, working at the intersection of artists, brands, business, and the relationships that help careers grow. From navigating artist relations and understanding what companies look for in their artists to building a name for yourself in an incredibly competitive industry, this is a conversation packed with insight you won't want to miss.In this episode, we dive into the realities of the drum industry and what it actually takes to grow as a drummer, creator, and professional. We discuss the relationship between artists and brands, how opportunities develop, what goes into building meaningful partnerships, and why the way you approach your career can be just as important as what you can do behind the kit.We also talk about growth, standing out in a crowded industry, building relationships, creating opportunities, and understanding the bigger picture of what it means to be a professional musician today. Whether you're an aspiring artist looking to get noticed, an established drummer trying to take the next step, or a content creator building a career around your passion, there are valuable takeaways in this conversation.And of course, no episode is complete without a few unexpected turns... including **THANOS?!** 👀 Yes, we go there! This conversation covers more than just drums, endorsements, and the business of music, and you'll have to watch to find out exactly how THANOS enters the picture.Henry's experience provides a fascinating look into the industry from a perspective most drummers don't often get to hear. We get into the conversations, considerations, and relationships that happen behind the scenes—and why professionalism, authenticity, patience, and knowing how to build genuine connections can make a real difference in your journey.Whether you're a Mapex artist, a Sonor fan, an aspiring professional drummer, a music industry enthusiast, or simply someone who loves hearing the stories and perspectives of the people working behind the scenes, this episode of Behind The Kit is one you do NOT want to miss!Season 2 of Behind The Kit continues to bring together inspiring voices from across the drumming community, exploring the stories, experiences, lessons, and personalities that make this industry what it is. I'm incredibly grateful to welcome Henry Go to the Behind The Kit community for this conversation.Thank you for being here, and thank you for supporting Behind The Kit. 🥁🎧

Episode 33 of Behind The Kit features an incredible conversation with the one and only **Will Hunt**! Will is an absolutely phenomenal drummer, musician, performer, and longtime professional who has built an incredible career through relentless dedication, versatility, and an unmistakable presence behind the kit.Best known for his work with @Evanescence , @zakkwyldetv , @godsmack and more! Will has spent decades performing on some of the world's biggest stages and working alongside some of the most influential artists in rock and metal. His playing combines power, precision, groove, energy, and an incredible ability to serve whatever music is in front of him.In this conversation, we dive into Will's musical journey—from his early beginnings and the experiences that shaped him as a drummer to building a career as one of the most respected touring and recording drummers in the industry. We talk about his path through the music business, working with major artists, touring at the highest level, recording, preparation, and the realities of sustaining a professional career over multiple decades.We also discuss what it means to step into a band and make the music your own while still respecting the identity of the artist. Will shares his perspective on learning songs, preparing for massive tours, adapting to different musical environments, and understanding that being a great professional drummer is about far more than simply playing the parts correctly.Beyond the technical side of drumming, Will opens up about the mindset required to survive and thrive in this industry. We talk about confidence, discipline, professionalism, work ethic, creativity, longevity, and the importance of continuing to evolve as both a musician and a person. Will's career is a great example of how preparation, personality, versatility, and the ability to connect with people can create opportunities that last a lifetime.Whether you're an aspiring drummer, a seasoned professional, a fan of Evanescence, Black Label Society, Slaughter, or simply someone who enjoys hearing the stories behind the musicians you admire, this conversation with Will Hunt is packed with insight, experience, inspiration, and plenty of incredible stories from a life spent behind the kit.Season 2 of Behind The Kit continues to bring together some of the most inspiring voices in drumming, and I'm incredibly grateful to welcome Will Hunt to the Behind The Kit community.Thank you for being here, and thank you for supporting Behind The Kit. 🥁🎧

Episode 32 of Behind The Kit features an incredible conversation with the one and only @ryanvanpoederooyen !Ryan is an absolutely phenomenal drummer, musician, educator, and longtime professional who has built an incredible career through dedication, versatility, and a relentless commitment to his craft.Best known for his work with @dvntownsend , The Devin Townsend Project, and @Imonolith , Ryan has spent years performing on some of the world's biggest stages and recording some of the most demanding music in modern progressive metal. His playing combines power, precision, groove, creativity, and an incredible level of musicality.In this conversation, we dive into Ryan's musical journey—from his early beginnings and the experiences that helped shape him as a drummer to building a career performing and recording at the highest level. We talk about working with Devin Townsend, the demands of progressive music, touring, recording, preparation, and what it takes to stay consistent throughout a long career.We also discuss the importance of developing your own voice behind the kit, learning to serve the music, and understanding that being a professional drummer is about so much more than simply being able to play difficult things.Beyond the technical side of drumming, Ryan shares his perspective on discipline, mindset, longevity, education, creativity, and the importance of continuing to grow as both a musician and a person.Whether you're an aspiring drummer, a seasoned professional, a fan of progressive music, or simply someone who enjoys hearing the stories behind the musicians you admire, this conversation with Ryan is packed with insight, inspiration, experience, and plenty of great drumming stories.Season 2 of Behind The Kit continues to bring together some of the most inspiring voices in drumming, and I'm incredibly grateful to welcome Ryan Van Poederooyen to the Behind The Kit community.Thank you for being here, and thank you for supporting Behind The Kit. 🥁🎧

Episode 31 of Behind The Kit features an incredible conversation with the one and only @toshpeterson1053 !Tosh is one of the most exciting and versatile drummers working today, and it was an absolute pleasure to sit down with him and talk about his journey, how he got his start, and the experiences that have shaped his career.Best known for his work with artists including @LadyGaga , @alkalinetrio , DAMNAGE, and more, Tosh has built an incredible career by combining world-class musicianship, versatility, creativity, and an unmistakable personality behind the kit.In this conversation, we dive into Tosh's musical journey—from his early beginnings and the experiences that helped shape him as a drummer to performing alongside some of the biggest names in music. We talk about touring, preparation, versatility, finding your own voice, and what it takes to thrive as a professional musician in today's industry.We also get into the realities of building a career as a drummer, the importance of being prepared for opportunities when they come your way, and the mindset required to keep growing and pushing yourself as a musician.Beyond the technical side of drumming, Tosh shares his perspective on creativity, confidence, musicality, collaboration, and what it really means to make a life out of playing the drums.Whether you're an aspiring drummer, a working professional, or simply someone who loves hearing the stories behind the music, this conversation with Tosh is packed with insight, inspiration, laughs, and plenty of great drumming stories.Season 2 of Behind The Kit continues to bring together some of the most inspiring voices in drumming, and I'm incredibly grateful to have Tosh Peterson as part of the Behind The Kit community.Thank you for being here, and thank you for supporting Behind The Kit. 🥁🎧

pisode 30 of Behind The Kit features an incredible conversation with the one and only @kazroddrums !Kaz is a close personal friend and mentor to me. It was so great gettting to sit down with Kaz and talk about his background, how he got his start, and his views on our community. Known around the world for his incredible groove, technical mastery, and musical versatility, Kaz has built an extraordinary career performing with artists including @JoshGroban , @chakakhan and his own amazing compositions.Through years of touring, recording, teaching, and inspiring drummers across the globe, Kaz has become one of the most respected and influential drummers of his generation.In this conversation, we dive into Kaz's musical journey—from his early beginnings and the dedication that shaped his career to performing on some of the world's biggest stages. We discuss the importance of feel, musicality, consistency, preparation, and developing a unique voice behind the drums. Beyond the technical side of drumming, we explore mentorship, mindset, creativity, and what it truly means to pursue excellence over the course of a career. Whether you're an aspiring drummer, a seasoned professional, or simply someone who enjoys hearing the stories behind the music, this conversation is packed with wisdom, inspiration, and practical advice.Season 2 continues to bring together some of the most inspiring voices in drumming, and I'm incredibly grateful to welcome Kaz to the Behind The Kit community.Thank you for being here, and thank you for supporting Behind The Kit. 🥁