In hindsight, if I could go back in time and relay a message to my younger self, I would tell him to work on his time keeping, and that the job of a drummer is not to be the one that gets noticed the most on stage, or to be the fastest, or the loudest. Above all, it is to be the timekeeper.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the importance of timekeeping over showmanship in drumming.
In this reflection, Taylor Hawkins shares his insights on the true role of a drummer, highlighting that the essence of drumming lies not in attracting attention or showcasing speed and volume, but rather in maintaining the rhythm and time for the entire band. This message serves as a metaphor for life, encouraging individuals to focus on their responsibilities and contributions rather than seeking the spotlight.
In practice
During a musical workshop, when discussing the importance of teamwork, this quote can inspire young drummers.
In the studio you can auto tune vocals, and with drums, you can put them on a grid and make them perfect. I hate that sound. When someone hands me a record and the drums are perfectly gridded and the vocals are perfectly auto tuned, I throw it out the window. I have no interest in rock music being like that.
I've worked hard, but this business can be tough, and I just consider myself incredibly lucky to have had the career that I have, and to still be having so much fun playing drums and making music.
Punk is musical freedom. It's saying, doing and playing what you want. In Webster's terms, 'nirvana' means freedom from pain, suffering and the external world, and that's pretty close to my definition of Punk Rock.
Hail, hail rock and roll / Deliver me from the days of old.
There are always young bands playing in their garages. A lot of punk rock is not going to be in the mainstream. It's below the radar. The beauty of it is that you're not supposed to always know. It's subterranean.
My dad would always ask, 'How's the money?' but I was never interested. Millions came and went, stolen by the robbers in the music industry. But as someone said, 'You'll never be poor as long as you can pick up a guitar.'
I have been accused of being a very simplistic, very lyrical player, and that's okay. That just comes from the blues, which is my background. But every day you wake up and transcend. You can't ever rest on your laurels.
The Telecaster has two sounds - a good one and a bad one.
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