Hot Sticks Drum Show

Neil Peart (Rush) joins filmmaker Ari Gold for a rare conversation on the "Professor’s" role as the judge in Adventures of Power. They delve into the philosophy of practice, the "karma" of filmmaking, and the deep intellectual connection between rhythm and the human brain. Watch the full video version and read the Director’s Note at: https://www.cinemaverses.com Get full access to CINEMA VERSES with Ari Gold at www.cinemaverses.com/subscribe

Marky Ramone (The Ramones) discusses his 15-year tenure as the heartbeat of punk rock with filmmaker Ari Gold. From the heavy metal of Dust to playing 1,700 shows and 45 songs a night, Marky breaks down the stamina of a legend and the secret to his family’s famous sauce. Watch the full video version and read the Director’s Note at: https://www.cinemaverses.com Get full access to CINEMA VERSES with Ari Gold at www.cinemaverses.com/subscribe

Charlie Benante (Anthrax/Pantera), Alex Skolnick (Testament), and Ra Diaz (Suicidal Tendencies/Korn) join filmmaker Ari Gold for a rare trio session. They discuss their viral "Quarantine Jams," the deep influence of Rush, and the resilient energy of thrash metal.Watch the full video version and read the Director’s Note at: https://www.cinemaverses.comThanks for listening and keep air drumming! Get full access to CINEMA VERSES with Ari Gold at www.cinemaverses.com/subscribe

Dave Lombardo joins filmmaker Ari Gold for a wide-ranging conversation on adrenaline, improvisation, and a life behind the kit. From Slayer and Suicidal Tendencies to Mr. Bungle, Misfits, and Dead Cross, Lombardo reflects on creative discipline, collaboration, and why playing live remains irreplaceable.Watch the full video version and read the Director’s Note at:https://www.cinemaverses.comThanks for listening and keep air drumming! Get full access to CINEMA VERSES with Ari Gold at www.cinemaverses.com/subscribe

Adam Gomez (The Dickies) and Spike T. Smith (Memoriam/Killing Joke) join filmmaker Ari Gold to discuss the evolution of punk and the heavy roots of "old school" death metal. From the technical hurdles of remote sessions to the discipline of the "air drum," they break down the stamina required for a life on the road and the truth behind the Dickies' "last" record. Watch the full video version and read the Director’s Note at: https://www.cinemaverses.com Get full access to CINEMA VERSES with Ari Gold at www.cinemaverses.com/subscribe

In this conversation, Ari Gold sits down with Dan Whitesides to talk about the long, unglamorous road into a working life in music. From growing up playing drums too loud in Utah basements to navigating local scenes in Ogden and Salt Lake City, Whitesides reflects on persistence, timing, and the friendships that quietly shaped his career.The two discuss nearly walking away from music, the chance moments that led to joining The Used, life on tour, and the challenge of balancing family, fatherhood, and creative momentum. It’s a grounded look at how musical careers are often built—not by chasing the biggest opportunity, but by staying open long enough for the right one to appear.Watch the full video version and read the Director’s Note at: https://www.cinemaverses.comThanks for listening and keep air drumming! Get full access to CINEMA VERSES with Ari Gold at www.cinemaverses.com/subscribe

Shaun Foist (Breaking Benjamin) and Harley DeWinter (The 5th) join Ari Gold to discuss the transition from the "air drum" dreams of youth to the high-stakes reality of arena tours. From the technical precision of modern rock to the physical stamina required to maintain the heartbeat of a platinum-selling band, Shaun and Harley break down the evolution of the kit and the bond between mentor and protégé. Watch the full video version and read the Director’s Note at: https://www.cinemaverses.com Get full access to CINEMA VERSES with Ari Gold at www.cinemaverses.com/subscribe

Sina Drums and Jasmine Star join Ari Gold for a wide-ranging conversation on Rush’s “YYZ,” air drumming vs. real drumming, and what it means to grow as musicians online while dreaming of the stage. They talk about collaboration across continents, the Rosanna shuffle, learning by “playing it wrong,” and the push to keep evolving—through jazz, pop, and everything in between.Watch the full video version and read the Director’s Note at: https://www.cinemaverses.comThanks for listening and keep air drumming! Get full access to CINEMA VERSES with Ari Gold at www.cinemaverses.com/subscribe

Ray Luzier (Korn) and producer Nick Raskulinecz join filmmaker Ari Gold for a candid conversation about the drummer–producer relationship and the unseen choices that shape great records. They explore Korn’s balance of deep cuts and anthems, the producer’s role in sculpting drum tone, and the lasting influence of Neil Peart and Rush on modern drumming.Watch the full video version and read the Director’s Note at: https://www.cinemaverses.comThanks for listening and keep air drumming! Get full access to CINEMA VERSES with Ari Gold at www.cinemaverses.com/subscribe

Vlad Ulasevych of Jinjer joins filmmaker Ari Gold for an in-depth conversation on groove, restraint, and the architecture of heavy music. They discuss Vlad’s unique drum setup, his signature dry snare sound, long-term collaboration with engineers in Kyiv, and the discipline behind Jinjer’s unmistakable feel—plus reflections on touring, lockdown creativity, and briefly reconnecting with piano.Watch the full video version and read the Director’s Note at: https://www.cinemaverses.comThanks for listening and keep air drumming! Get full access to CINEMA VERSES with Ari Gold at www.cinemaverses.com/subscribe

Matt Greiner of August Burns Red joins Ari Gold for a wide-ranging conversation that connects heavy music, spirituality, farming, posture, and purpose. From growing up on a farm with seven siblings to becoming a two-time Grammy-nominated drummer who’s played six continents, Matt shares how discipline, humility, and long-term thinking shape both his drumming and his life.They discuss posture and balance behind the kit, working without immediate reward, Neil Peart’s lasting influence, air drumming as a spiritual practice, and why the hardest thing to improve is often the thing you avoid practicing. A grounded, thoughtful conversation about intensity with intention.Watch the full video version and read the Director’s Note at:https://www.cinemaverses.comThanks for listening and keep air drumming! Get full access to CINEMA VERSES with Ari Gold at www.cinemaverses.com/subscribe

Ludvig Kennberg (Ghost) joins Ari Gold from Linköping, Sweden for a low-key, deep-dive conversation on drums, feel, and the art of staying in the pocket. They talk about tracking with Tobias Forge, why Ludvig doesn’t tour with Ghost, and his philosophy of “never practicing” (at least not in the traditional sense). Ludvig also shares his early influences (Dave Matthews Band, Blind Melon, Pearl Jam), his love of “beefy” low-tuned snares and vintage kits, working with drum tech Ross Garfield, and how his current listening habits (jazz + modern textures) are shaping his next project—songs where he plays everything and sings.Watch the full video version and read the Director’s Note at: https://www.cinemaverses.comThanks for listening and keep air drumming. Get full access to CINEMA VERSES with Ari Gold at www.cinemaverses.com/subscribe

Session drummer Brendan Buckley joins filmmaker Ari Gold for a wide-ranging conversation on adaptability, musicianship, and longevity. From recording with Shakira to touring with Perry Farrell, Buckley shares behind-the-scenes stories, lessons learned from technical failures, and why serving the song always comes first.Watch the full video version and read the Director’s Note at:https://www.cinemaverses.comThanks for listening and keep air drumming! Get full access to CINEMA VERSES with Ari Gold at www.cinemaverses.com/subscribe

John Humphrey joins Ari Gold and Ethan Gold for a wide-ranging conversation on air drumming, preparation, and being the foundation behind emotionally powerful rock bands. From growing up on Rush and Kiss to touring with Seether, Humphrey discusses auditions, family legacy, drum tone, and what it means to truly serve the song.Watch the full video version and read the Director’s Note at:https://www.cinemaverses.comThanks for listening and keep air drumming! Get full access to CINEMA VERSES with Ari Gold at www.cinemaverses.com/subscribe

Todd Sucherman (Stix) joins Ari Gold for a wide-ranging conversation that moves from childhood air-drumming rituals to the discipline, feel, and endurance required to anchor one of rock’s most enduring bands. From recording a modern Stix album remotely to unpacking the invisible magic behind groove, Todd reflects on Brian Wilson, Jeff Porcaro, Phil Collins, and the quiet mentorship of Neil Peart. Together, they explore music education, artistic integrity, and why air drumming is more than fantasy—it’s training. Watch the full video version and read the Director’s Note at:https://www.cinemaverses.com Get full access to CINEMA VERSES with Ari Gold at www.cinemaverses.com/subscribe

Scott Reeder of Fu Manchu | The Discipline of Groove and the Long Game of RhythmThis episode is less about drumming as a skill and more about rhythm as a lifelong practice. Ari Gold sits down with Scott Reeder, longtime drummer for Fu Manchu, to explore what it really means to commit your life to groove, discipline, and creative endurance.Scott isn’t here to mythologize talent. He’s here to talk about work. The slow burn. The decades of showing up. The unglamorous repetition that eventually turns into voice, feel, and identity.From early experiences in marching band to finding his place in the Southern California rock scene, Scott reflects on how rhythm lives not just in music, but in the body, the nervous system, and the way a person moves through the world. Get full access to CINEMA VERSES with Ari Gold at www.cinemaverses.com/subscribe

What does it actually take to build a sustainable life as a drummer in 2025?In this wide-ranging conversation, Tucker Rule — drummer for Thursday, former touring drummer for My Chemical Romance, and longtime fixture in New York’s music scene — sits down with Ari Gold to unpack the reality behind the gigs.This isn’t a gear talk. It’s a human one.In this episode, we explore:How Tucker navigated radically different worlds — from post-hardcore to pop arenasWhat “humanly perfect” really means when every hit is under a microscopeThe unglamorous truth of touring and why vibe matters as much as chopsFatherhood, pandemic timing, and redefining success offstageWhy Stewart Copeland’s feel still haunts drummers in the best wayThe discipline of practice — and why it should still be funHow being kind can be a career strategyWhether you’re a drummer, musician, filmmaker, or creative trying to stay sane while doing what you love, this episode is a reminder that longevity isn’t built on ego — it’s built on rhythm, adaptability, and showing up as a decent human. Get full access to CINEMA VERSES with Ari Gold at www.cinemaverses.com/subscribe

Ari Gold opens with air-drumming energy and the “human heartbeat” behind rhythmMeet the guests: Matt Ochoa (Dirty Heads / former Tribal Seeds) + Carlos Verdugo (Sublime with Rome)The shared DNA of SoCal ska, reggae, punk, and rock—and how it evolved into today’s soundWhy Stuart Copeland is the bridge: technique, groove, and unexpected rhythmic choicesCarlos’ origin story: punk upbringing → speed + aggression → finding reggae as “the feel”Drum tone philosophy: low tuning, using toms + kick to create the illusion of double bassMatt’s start in concert band: percussion tests, paradiddles, and “anything to make loud noise”Dirty Heads + Sublime with Rome: how “cousin bands” became a touring family (not rivalry)Lockdown era live music: drive-in concerts, coast-to-coast differences, and adapting to chaosThe Ozarks biker rally story: a show that was absolutely not socially distancedThe hidden theme: rhythm as sanity, community as survival, and groove as a lifelong practiceAri’s Adventures of Power stories + the always-on comedic chaos that makes this show feel live Get full access to CINEMA VERSES with Ari Gold at www.cinemaverses.com/subscribe

In this wide-ranging, deeply human conversation, Johnny Rabb (Collective Soul, freehand drumming pioneer) and Scott Hessel (Gin Blossoms) join filmmaker Ari Gold (Adventures of Power) for a no-filter talk on drumming, music, legacy, and what it actually means to be a working musician.The trio dives into the origins of freehand drumming, the influence of Neil Peart, Stewart Copeland, and 80s icons like The Police, Duran Duran, Wang Chung, Talk Talk, and Mr. Mister, and the evolving reality of modern drumming in the age of Instagram virtuosity.They unpack the tension between technical mastery vs. musicality, why playing with people still matters more than playing to a camera, and how ego, empathy, and listening are the real survival skills in music.Along the way: tour stories, injury chaos, drummer jokes, broken bones, vintage headphones, drum sounds that changed lives, and honest advice for young drummers navigating today’s hyper-digital music landscape.This episode is for:Drummers of all levelsMusicians navigating the modern industryFans of Neil Peart, Stewart Copeland, and 80s music Get full access to CINEMA VERSES with Ari Gold at www.cinemaverses.com/subscribe

Episode Guests:Arejay Hale — drummer of HalestormTaylor Carroll — drummer of LitHosted by Ari Gold — director/star of Adventures of Power, Guinness World Record air drummerIn This EpisodeAri introduces the “dueling drummers” concept — and the secret collaboration RJ + Taylor have been quietly building.A heartfelt Neil Peart tribute and why the Modern Drummer Festival special matters (proceeds supporting brain cancer research).RJ’s (semi-confirmed, semi-denied 👀) experience tracking with Neil Peart-style toms in the studio.Neil Peart as more than a drummer: artist, lyricist, humanitarian, and a musician shaped by real personal tragedy.The fandom “God complex” around Neil — and Ari’s story about fans being mad that Neil had… a sense of humor.Taylor’s early influences: Keith Moon, “Baba O’Riley,” and the gateway drug known as John Bonham.The “pocket” conversation: Bonham’s relaxed power vs. Peart’s intellectual force — and why both are legendary in different ways.A nerdy-but-great breakdown of time feel: how far you can sit behind the beat without falling off it.Two drummers onstage: why it works (Doobie Brothers, Allman Brothers) and why RJ + Taylor are itching to do it too.The Lit lore: AJ was originally Lit’s drummer — and yes, Ari demands dirt about singer-drummer backseat driving.Neil Peart’s lifelong study: traveling, learning rhythms globally, and staying a student forever.Why music education matters: rhythm improving math/science, plus confidence, emotional processing, and mental health.Taylor’s “13-year-old despair” soundtrack: Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Jethro Tull → punk (Rancid, Casualties, Millencolin).The origin story friendship moment: Mall of America, RV touring days, and the most iconic opener question ever:“Hey… you guys got any beer?”Pandemic creativity: the shift from touring life to Zoom hangouts → songwriting partnership.Updates on what’s next: writing/recording in progress, possible releases, and the “drop with no warning” philosophy. Get full access to CINEMA VERSES with Ari Gold at www.cinemaverses.com/subscribe