What do southern rock, cheerleaders, and 4 billion people all have in common? Rick Brothers. Seemingly from infancy Rick has known what and where he would be. What he doesn’t share with most artists is the template to where he’s gotten. It may not have been a smooth one, but he’s taken it in very smooth strides. With the coolness of a crooner, yet he still has the dirt under his nails to prove he’s worked to get where he is today. He could easily be called a jack of all trades wholly in the traditional sense. This man is a man of tremendous character who has devoted his life to his passion for music. His story proves the old adage; if you put you mind to something, you can accomplish anything. Or, at least luck becomes only an afterthought. “Hard work, persistence, and following my heart. I have had MANY ups and downs in my drumming career but I have never lost sight of what I was put on this earth to do...” Having grown up surrounded by music in the late 60’s Rick knew after his first encounter with a kit; he would be a drummer. Now, almost 40 years later Rick’s still as eager as ever to sit down and play. Whether it’s small crowds, or playing in front of an estimated 4 billion people world wide; Rick is still as enthusiastic as someone playing their first show! One could assume that playing a Super Bowl with Gretchen Wilson and Charlie Daniels, or a pre-Grammy show with legendary artists Ann and Nancy Wilson of HEART, and Hank Williams Jr. may change a person. Or possibly hobnobbing on late night TV shows, touring the globe, or playing with new band Smokey Lonesome might have some effect. Not with Rick though, he remains oddly humbled and comes off as understandably respectful. “With all of the talented Mapex players out there, I'm very humbled that you even think I'm interview worthy.” Members of CSM, I’m honored to introduce to you Mr. Rick Brothers...

CSM: With a name like Rick Brothers, some may argue that you were born to be a star!

RICK: Thanks! I’ve never thought of that but my nickname is “Rockstar”. It must be the hair and the fact that I‘ve been mistaken for Vince Neal more times than I can remember!

CSM: So, what influenced you to start playing?

RICK: Most of the credit would have to go to my brother whom is 12 years older than me. He played guitar in a rock band called the “Distorted Image”. This was the late 60’s-early 70‘s! I was instantly drawn to the music and the thought of being in a rock band. Then the day when the drummer showed up to practice with his new “see through” Blue Ludwig Vistalite drums. I was hooked! Of course, I was only 5.

CSM: Who were your main influences growing up/when you first started playing?

RICK: My mother and my brother. I was destined to be a drummer too since my mother was a drummer growing up. She was so supportive and my brother as well. I eventually got enrolled into grade school. I remember the teacher trying to switch me to saxophone and my mother went to the school and told the teacher that I was NOT a saxophone player. I WAS a drummer and if he wanted me in the band…I was going to be his drummer! As far as “drumming” influences as a youngster…who else…Peter Criss! I was the hugest KISS fan.

CSM: Who are your current influences?

RICK: Wow…I believe the easier question is who “isn’t” an influence? There are SO MANY great drummers out there. I steal from all of them! These days with all of the learning tools (DVD’s, internet, private instructors, etc.) drummers are becoming so much better and informed of their craft and at an earlier age. However, after saying all that, the drummers who most influenced “my” playing are the “older” guys. Poccaro, Gadd, Weckl, Coliauta, Steve Smith, Bissonette. I was a huge Dave Weckl fan and learned most all of the tunes on his “Contemporary Drummer Plus One”.

CSM: Do you recall the first time you sat behind a kit?

RICK: Believe it or not…no! I’m sure it was on that Blue Ludwig Vistalite. I got the chance to purchase one several years ago and the memories it represents are priceless to me. I will never forget the first time I saw that kit as a 4-5 year old. How cool is that?

CSM: I'm sure you've played a lot of kits throughout your career. What sparked your interest in MAPEX drums?

RICK: Well I guess the main influence was that I was employed by MAPEX at the time I got the Gretchen Wilson gig. When MAPEX opened their office in Lavergne, TN., I was contacted by my former boss at Pearl who now was employed at MAPEX. She had an opening as an “inside sales/customer service” rep and wanted to offer me the position. I knew little about MAPEX at the time other than they had some “lower line” kits that were big sellers and that the research and development dept at PEARL said this was a company on the rise. When I got the call for this “new” artist, Gretchen Wilson all they asked was if I got the gig I was going to be playing MAPEX drums right? Laughingly I agreed. I am SO pleased with my drums and the company. They are a wonderful company that makes wonderful drums. The over-all quality and craftsmanship has improved so much over the years. However, I do think that MAPEX offers some of the best quality drums on the market for the best value. You definitely get your money’s worth. I love my Saturn and Orion kits. They sound amazing and each kit offers a distinct tonal quality that’s different than other drums I‘ve played. I like that.

CSM: You went from being a sales representative with MAPEX Drums, to touring with Gretchen. That must have been quite the overnight turn around?

RICK: To say the least…

CSM: You recently wrapped up a tour with Gretchen Wilson, how did that go? What are your current endeavors?

RICK: Actually I haven’t been with Gretchen for over 2 years. Since then I have resumed some touring with my previous boss and friend Ty Herndon, have done dates with other national country artists, as well as numerous showcases for up and coming artists. I was fortunate to tour Greece, Switzerland, Germany, and Austria this last summer. That was an Amazing time! Over the last year or so I have also been in the studio more than ever before. Another fun memory is when I played drums and sang with “newcomer” Colby Caillat (Bubbly) when she was in Nashville. Most recently I have been recording and playing for 3 artists that within the last year have all been courted by major labels. The one dearest to my heart is my own band “Smokey Lonesome” but the other two are also dear friends. I wish them all the luck in the world. A husband and wife duo called “Thompson Square” and a female artist “Kata Rhe”. Another artist I’ve accompanied who is gaining notoriety for her talent internationally is blue’s vocalist and harp wizard, Stacie Collins. You can check out all of these artists and their recordings I played on by finding them in my "top friends" on Myspace.

CSM: You've played with some of the top names around Nashville and the USA. Are there any acts that really stand out?

RICK: Stand out? Hmm…interesting question. I would have to say some of the best musicians in the world live in Nashville. Most (people) think of Nashville as “Country Music City” USA where as most here would tell you… it’s known as “Music City” USA. There is such diversity here. I have been fortunate to work with artists who are amazing singers. Ty Herndon and Gretchen Wilson are both unbelievable singers live. It was a pleasure to back them up.

CSM: You have a new band called Smokey Lonesome, let’s hear about it.

RICK: Smokey Lonesome is a seven piece southern rock / country band with the likeness of the Eagles, Lynard Skynard, Marshall Tucker and the Allman Brothers all rolled up into one. It is probably the most talented and diverse group of musicians I have ever played with as a group. It definitely has it’s own unique sound. Much of that has to do with our harmonica player, Tim Beatty. Remember this name… Please check out the band, the music, and the players at http://www.smokeylonesome.net or at our Myspace page (http://www.myspace.com/smokeylonesomemusic).

CSM: It looks like Smokey Lonesome is perusing a Southern, Redneck image. How do you find this differs from a tour with say, Gretchen Wilson?

RICK: Well I don’t know about a “Redneck” image. I’m definitely “over” my redneck days… but it definitely has a southern rock “rebel” image. The main difference for me is that when you are a “sideman” for an artist, you are strictly a hired gun with little to no input on decisions that effect your job and career. With Smokey Lonesome we are a band, I have input and an equal say. Of course there are 7 of us which means 7 inputs and 7 opinions. However, it is a democracy and this time I will "be" the “artist” instead of working for one.

CSM: How are the fans at your shows with Smokey?

RICK: I sometimes can’t believe how enthusiastic the crowd is at our shows. Especially since we are not -yet- a signed artist with national exposure. Note that I said…not yet! Truly, I think the response comes from how pure and good the music is. The songs are well written and the melodies are infectious. What’s even more apparent is that the subject matter is not cliché and everyone who grew up in the era of southern rock is reminded of “those days” and how awesome the music was back then. You don’t hear that authentic southern sound anymore and if it’s out there…it’s certainly not main stream.

CSM: What do you attribute your success to?

RICK: Hard work, persistence, and following my heart. I’ve had MANY ups and downs in my drumming career but I’ve never lost sight of what I was put on this earth to do. Every dollar I have ever earned in my adult life has come from my love of the drums. From selling them, to teaching them, to playing them. I have no idea what I’d do for a living if it didn’t involve drumsticks. However, I feel there are certain keys to success in our business. First and foremost…be ON TIME and be PREPARED! First impressions are everything. Secondly, treat your gig like a job. Even though it’s fun…if you expect to get paid and make a living doing it…it is a job. I think back and realize at an earlier stage in my career I would have probably not been ready to handle a gig like Gretchen’s. With all of the award shows, TV appearances, and high profile shows you’re exposed to. It’s the drummer’s job to drive the boat. If you are not prepared and confident in those situations it shows and it’s not tolerated. When I played the Superbowl XXXIX pre-game show with Gretchen and Charlie Daniels there was as estimated 4 billion people watching “world wide”. There’s no room for error there! Sometimes it's not what you play, but the consistency of how you play it! Remember…Maturity in this business may or may not make you a better player but it better make you a “smarter” one.

CSM: After your first big gig…how excited were you?

RICK: I’m always excited! Smile

CSM: Before all of the fame, where did you catch your first big break?

RICK: I’m not sure there was ever a “first big break”. I have been playing drums for so long it seems that all that has happened in my career has happened in the succession that it was supposed to. Everything I have done to this point has been a stepping stone to the next level.

CSM: Is there any advice you can give to your fellow drummers -both young and old- that may be trying to get into the professional music scene?

RICK: As I touched on before…number one… follow your heart! But, be honest with yourself. Don’t mortgage the house for a dream that you aren’t prepared for, but also I would never encourage sitting back and wondering “what if”. The other thing I suggest is to learn early on what your role is. Unless you want to conduct clinic tours for drummers all of your life, which I think would be great, at the audition leave your “showboating chops” at home. No one but drummers want to hear that stuff and in most situations it will keep you from getting work if you don’t understand that concept. It’s all about the song and the groove.

CSM: When it comes to practicing. You were a member of the drum corps in the mid-late 70's. Do you still find yourself resorting back to the chops and rudiments you would have practiced back then?

RICK: Oh my God….YES!!!! Whether we realize it or not, everything we play as a drummer is a rudiment or variation of a rudiment! From a single stroke roll to a triple ratamacue. But most importantly, I feel good technique allows a drummer to play in a more confident manner, relaxed, and with a steady feel. In Nashville…if you don’t have that…good luck. Chops mean nothing here.

CSM: You've been all over the world. Where are some of the more memorable places you've been?

RICK: Well I have a couple that stand out. I would have to say my favorite place in the world so far has been Australia. Sydney and Brisbane were some of the most beautiful and clean places that I’ve seen in the world. Sony records surprised Gretchen and the band with a sunset cruise on a private yacht around Sydney harbor. That’s something I will never forget. The memories are endless. I’ve had the distinct pleasure of playing in London, Ireland, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Puerto Rico, the Bahamas, Canada, Mexico…the list goes on. I must say they are all amazing places in their own way and I’ve enjoyed my time in all of them. I have been very fortunate.

CSM: Isn't there a picture floating around of you with the Redskin's Cheerleaders? How did you talk Joe Gibbs into that?

RICK: *Laughs* Yeah, that’s a good one. Believe it or not they wanted a picture with us! The picture was taken at the Redskin’s stadium when we were on the Kenny Chesney tour in 2005. Our encore with Gretchen was her #1 hit “Here For The Party”. The Redskin Cheerleaders worked out a dance routine to the song and came on stage with us during the show.

CSM: I’m jealous! That must have been a fun show?

RICK: Yeah it didn’t suck. Getting the opportunity to play drums to a sold-out stadium of over 60,000 people with the Redskin Cheerleaders dancing in front of your drums...all I can say is...It was a good day at the office!

CSM: You've been on both, The Tonight Show and Letterman. Who's the top late night host?

RICK: Well, I only got to shake hands with them…no discussion, but I guess I would say it was more fun to be on the Letterman show because of his band. Playing Letterman was always a dream for me and most musicians I know share that dream. In the early days Letterman always had the coolest bands and artists and I think his band was a big part of that. We got to hang out with Paul, Anton, and the boys. It was a great experience.

CSM: It looks like you used to play a much larger kit than you do now. Why did you decide to downsize?

RICK: I got older!!! Truthfully, when you have an artist gig that you’re playing mainly just groove for…that’s all you need! I wasn’t doing drum solos and not many pop or country songs these days have monster tom fills in the them. I love the look of a big kit but it does seem a little out-of-place to see the drummer with 6 toms on a country gig when he may only use 2 of them. What’s even worse is if the drummer playing that gig "DOES" use all of them. I think you get my point.

CSM: You have a beautifully laid out website. Do you feel that being digital is now a part of the global music scene?

RICK: Thank you for the kind words on the website. It’s funny you bring that up. I am currently working with a friend designing a new approach to my site. If anyone would visit it now it looks a little like an homage to Gretchen Wilson. Although Gretchen’s gig gave me credibility in the drumming world -I’m very proud of those days. Now to answer your question! Most DEFINITELY! Can we say "MYSPACE"? I say it again…you have to promote yourself! CSM is a prime example of that. Look how far they’ve come in this short period of time! That’s something to be proud of!

CSM: Do you divulge in any other aspects of drumming and/or percussion?

RICK: Well…I’m a conga and djembe owner. I truly admire those who play them correctly. It’s a different world. With my studies in music education I do know how to read all music and I can play a little basic piano and guitar but without a doubt…I am a drummer.

CSM: I read that you went to school with Sheryl Crow. Have you had the chance to work with her afterwards?

RICK: NO! I hate I haven’t gotten the chance to see her since we were in college together. She had been at several award shows we played my first year with Gretchen and I was sure that I would run into her back stage-never happened, but I hope to get the chance one day. I’m not sure she would remember me from appearance but all I would have to do is remind her of a couple of classes we had together and I’m sure she would remember us all copying off each-other before class.

CSM: What do you do when you’re not behind a kit?

RICK: I try to maintain a constant workout schedule. It’s harder as you get older. Unfortunately, I've never been one of those "skinny" guys. I also enjoy home improvement projects. I love looking at a room and thinking of something cool I could do to it. I have a beautiful new home with the love of my life and I’m constantly re-doing something. I also have to admit-I’ve become quite a competitor at “Tiger Woods 07” on the XBOX 360!