Interview with
Tom Knight
1998
Editing
by Dave Callari
At: www.cyber-drum.com
(under construction)
CD
Who are some of you favorite musicians to work with?
TK One of the musicians that I have most enjoyed working with
is Terence Trent D'Arby. Working with him is so inspiring and rewarding,
because he is such an incredible source of musical creativity. I have
also found playing drums on super-producer Dallas Austin's projects to
be very musically gratifying. Watching Dallas create these mulit-platinum
songs is watching true genius at work!
CD What factors are involved with your choosing
a new project?
TK When I decide whether or not to work on a project, I take
the following into consideration: 1) The artist, 2) the label, 3) financial
profit, 4) the exposure I may gain from working on the project, 5) and
finally the attitudes and work ethics of all other individuals working
on the project.
CD
Have you recently experienced any significant changes in your technique?
TK The most profound
changes in my technique have to do with my set-up and my physical approach
to the kit. These changes are the result of my studying under Dave Weckl--who
through many consultations has shared his personal insights toward drumming
techniques which improved his playing.
CD
What, if any, differences have you observed in the younger drummers of
today?
TK I have not noticed any real differences
in the younger drummers of today. One of my commitments in the music business
is as a drum instructor at the Atlanta Institute of Music, where I teach
hundreds of students each year. I've found that these drummers today are
hungry for the same things my generation of drummers wanted: They want
it all! They want the chops, they want the ability to groove, and they
want to be familiar with as many styles as possible. They want it all!
19. Anything in your own career you would have changed or done differently?
CD
Anything in your own career you would have changed or done differently?
TK The only thing
I would've done differently in my own career is to have pursued the business
side of music much sooner than I did. I think that the "music business"
has as much of a need to be mastered by the musician as the instrument
itself.
CD
Any of your projects you would like to see come together again?
TK Sure! I'd love to come together again with ALL of the artists
I've worked with and play drums on their future albums!
CD What
types of things do you enjoy doing away from the drums?
TK Outside of playing drums, I enjoy
computer-programming and designing web pages. I've developed a lot of
software in my time, including an ear-training program called INTERVAL
& CHORD RECOGNITION. In addition, I've designed my own website! (Address:
http://members.aol.com/TomStix)
CD
Are you involved with any other artistic endeavors, painting, writing,
etc.?
TK My other artistic endeavors include
the fighting arts--Tae Kwon Do to be more specific. When I was very young,
I studied the Korean art for many years and earned a black belt. I don't
have quite as much time for it these days, but I still work out whenever
I can.
CD
What advice do you have for young drummers?
TK My advice for
young drummers would be: 1) Get with the best teacher you can find as
early on as possible. A good teacher can eradicate bad habits before they
happen and also provide useful instruction and insight into playing drums.
2) Don't quit! Keep playing! Stay positive, and good things WILL HAPPEN!
3) On a more technical level--strive for a real "pocket groove" with everything
you practice--even those fancy licks. The reason is this: When you play
with a group--live or in the studio--you are playing WITH other musicians
who honestly don't care about anything you do if it isn't locked into
the pocket! Don't get me wrong--a great fill or solo has it's place--but
in reality, the successful drummer is the one who recognizes his/her place
in the music and PLAYS JUST THAT!
CD Do you
have any humorous/embarrassing moments in your drumming career you would
like to share?
TK Fortunately
I don't really have any embarrassing moments to share!
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