Original Date: 01/17/2009
DC: Tell us a little bit about Los Cabos and why they're your stick of choice.
RP: Los Cabos, I've been using Los Cabos for 3 years now. I use the 5A maple; its Canadian maple - a really good stick, real strong. I always had to travel out on tour, you know, sticks break right on the grain line or you chew em up real fast. Los Cabos, those are really well... they do a back turn when they do the lay on the sticks when they turn these. And, um, these sticks are just tremendous for me. I also use the Slapstick. Doing the Johnny Cash stuff I have to do a lot of train beats. This stick is real strong and rugged and gets me through those songs. Just brings back that classic sound of Johnny Cash and train beats. Some really cool products that they have here; this year they are introducing the Red Hickory which is a real cool stick too. I'm taking some out on this next tour in '09. Try those out and give em a whirl. And um things will be going good. Y'all check out Los Cabos. LosCabosdrumsticks.com.
DC: So, what are some other things you have planned for 2009 other than the tour?
RP: While not out touring I direct music videos. I've got a company, Powell Music Group. We are pretty much broker business out of Nashville. Check us out at Powellmusicgroup.com. We can... pretty much anything you need in music; we can do that for you.
DC: Being that you are also an educator, you're not just somebody who goes out and plays. You actually go out and give back to students and other people. What's the hardest point that you try to impress upon younger kids who are trying to learn the art that are becoming frustrated with it?
RP: Flashy is good. The main key to being in music is, if you're a drummer, play in the pocket. Keep the groove, keep it solid, keep the tempo good. There are always times for being flashy. That doesn't always get you the gig. You gotta be solid. You gotta be firm when you're playing. If you get time to be flashy and do a solo, that's cool. That's secondary to me. I try to emphasize that to the younger drummers coming up.
DC: Well, one of the things we like to talk about at Drummer Connection is the actual connection that the artist has with their instrument and when they play. So, what are you feeling when you're behind the kit and you're emotions are coming through.
RP: It's just all about... you know, any of the products I endorse, I really want to let that out there, you know? To me an endorsement is not about the getting free gear. I take it, I use it, I run it through the mill, I see what breaks. If something breaks, I call the company. I tell them what's failing so we can make their product better. With Los Cabos sticks, I've gone 3 years and I have never broken a stick. And to me... I don't have any complaints with Los Cabos drumsticks about anything. You know? So, it's mainly using that product, making sure it is going to work for me and all the other drummers out there.
DC: Well, man, I'm sure they appreciate your loyalty because loyalty is kind of hard to find in this industry. You find a lot of people switching companies back and forth. They just don't seem to realize that not only are they promoting the company's name but they're also promoting their name as well. And to be switching back and forth, it does end up saying something about the artist eventually. So, you're a very genuine guy and I want to thank you for your time.
RP: Thanks Damian.
DC: Make sure you check out more of Rodney's artist profile on Los Cabos.com, Powell Music Group, and Drummer Connection.
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