In a recent studio session, I captured my warm-up after setup and tuning. Hard to believe the tiny microphone on my trusty Canon Powershot never peaked once, considering my cymbals were less than 4 ft away! Thanks Mushroom for lending your legendary-sounding open tracking room. n

Back in the ole rig next week with the boys – more recording and some opening slots for Los
Lobos, which I am super-pumped about. The initial fall “blues” are behind me, and Rocktober
is looking up. I’ll be back just in time for trick or treat. Hopefully though, more the latter. n

As the Oktoberfest season marched upon us, the Stagger train headed down to the hop-capital of North America to record for the third time in 2011. With producer Steve Berlin (best known in Canada for his work with the ‘Hip, and member of Los Lobos) at the helm, things got a little sludgey and “out-of-the-comfort-zone”, in a great way. Dom Famularo recently taught me that you should follow “the path of MOST resistance” to progess. I played less than half this new record with actual drumsticks, so this may be ultimately true. Have a heart, for PDX.

I recorded a little tribute to Amy two weeks ago during a session at the Hive Studios after I found out about her death. Respect to Winehouse – a vibrant songstress with raw and unparalleled natural talent. Rest in Peace. n.

Three of the hardest working drummers in the biz’! A pleasure to spend some studio time with Dano Lapierre, and 9 yr old sensation Yoyoy Salvacion!

Okay so, it wasn’t exactly snowing in Nashville, however this past spring on a nearly two-month tour throughout the United States, we stopped for an unexpected three days in the beautiful city. We ate some of the finest pulled pork my lips ever did touch. We played a small show (that to our surprise was being filmed by the funky umbrella). We met Robin Eaton @Club Roar & Alex the Great. We recorded an album in 24 hrs. A few months later, we were filmed again for Music in the Park on Vancouver Island. Leeroy got stung during mid-strum on stage. Lesson learned: Bees love the smell of Silk Road’s essential Jasmine. n

Last year, I had the pleasure of playing with CBC darling Hannah Georgas quite a bit–we played all over Canada together with a memorable time in Montreal @ The Osheaga Festival 2010. Shortly after this video was shot, we all stormed off stage to catch a prime VIP side-stage glimpse of Snoop Dogg’s set. Thanks to the guys @shot in the dark for capturing us “off the cuff” in Calgary. n

A local indie quartet with a lot of guts and melodic integrity.

Stanton Moore told me this is his favourite place to play in NOLA. I’d have to agree. n

Once upon a time, I relied on my trusty double-kick pedal to fly me to the moon. Death, thrash, black, grind, & sludge–I played it all. Nowadays, I still love playing my drums at break-neck speeds (and I am still an avid metal fan); I tip my hat to a band that took up 4+ years of my life and introduced me to heavy music, speedy rhythms, and the occasional can of Pabst Blue Ribbon.