Episode 91: How to Become a Session Drummer (Real Career Path with Collette Williams)

The path from rehearsal room to global stages is rarely straight, and Collette Williams shows how grit, honesty, and community can bend the line in your favour. I sit down with the session drummer and multi-instrumentalist to unpack the craft behind TV appearances, the leap from drum tech to the Blossoms live setup, and the mindset that turns fear into fuel when the brief suddenly changes.Collette opens the door on the contrast between mimed TV performances and fully live broadcasts: the glued hi-hats, the choreography of movement, the pressure of one-take camera cuts, and the pure rush of playing Later… with Jools Holland while your heroes watch from the balcony. Then we trace the moment networking met readiness: a chance meeting with Blossoms’ tour manager led to drum tech gigs at Reading and Leeds, a seat on percussion and backing vocals, and finally a bold shift to acoustic guitar and keys when the new album demanded it. She didn’t posture—she negotiated for support, practised with intent, and walked on at Gunnersbury Park in front of 50,000.We also rewind to Rews, the heavy-rock duo that became the first signing to Marshall Records. The secret wasn’t hype; it was relentless touring, authentic conversations at the merch desk, and a fan-first approach that attracted management, booking power, and a label partnership. Along the way, Colette shares clear, hard-won lessons for music creators about networking that sticks, artist development, session etiquette, and building a patchwork career that includes teaching and side hustles without losing artistic momentum.Her most personal chapter challenges a stubborn industry myth. Performing at seven months pregnant, her waters broke mid-show; plans changed, but the mission didn’t. Visibility can be a conversation as much as a spotlight. With candour and warmth, Colette shows how to balance touring and parenting with supportive teams, flexible logistics, and a focus on what matters most: presence over perfection.If you found value in this story, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs the nudge, and leave a review so more creators can find it.Reach out to me ! Support the showWebsiteswww.jonnyamos.comhttps://themusicbusinessbuddy.buzzsprout.comInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/themusicbusinessbuddypodcast/https://www.instagram.com/jonny_amos/[email protected]