Tim Galvin - Drums

"...I just always have liked drumming that goes beyond the role of the timekeeper. In my opinion this is the only drumming truly worth listening to. The musicians I have been privileged to play with have been good enough at keeping their own time to let me expand rhythmically. Good drumming should really shape the way the song is going, not just brainlessly bash away in the background.

Drummers that inspire me are drummers who obviously put a lot of thought into what their part should make the listener feel like; bringing to mind a certain drummer who accomplishes this task flawlessly is the one who has truly harnessed his inner flame, utilizing his third eye to its fullest potential. Since I recently got the opportunity to thank this man in person at a Detroit Pigmy Love Circus show, no more thanks is necessary. But along those notes…truly original drummers such as Tim Alexander from Primus are worth checking out. When I was starting to play drums I tried to emulate a lot of the evil-clown-carnival-psychotic-trip Billy sound that you only get from Primus.

I also try to borrow certain aspects of those styles, along with influences from the Monstrous Derico Watson (currently touring with none other than Master Bassist Victor Wooten) from my hometown Muskegon. The few lessons I had with Derico consisted of late night chopping sessions at either Mona Shores Band Room or at MCC. Just getting behind the Kit with Derico watching you is more than enough to get you to increase your practice time. He taught me that there is always someone better than you are so you better stay humble.

Striving to harness one's inner funk is as essential as learning to harness one's inner flame. I will never forget my good friend, a true master of the pocket - Will Watson. A man who taught me many tricks of the trade back when I was in high school. Both Will and Rico taught me to play with more feeling and groove. Also, the Guru Tim Froncek, a master of all drumming styles showed me many important things including the “Froncek Mambo” back when I was at BLFAC. This was a beat that was a particularly challenging Latin rhythm that took me a whole week to finally be able to stumble through. Tim told me that some drummers take hours, days, weeks, months, years or never to master these types of beats. I was worried I would be one of those who never got it, but thanks to his instruction I blew past that hurdle and never looked back. For his inspiring performances and instruction I am truly thankful.

And last but by no means least, my first formal drum teacher, Danielle Froncek, whose attention to technique and excellent instruction during my crucial first years on drums were priceless. I feel very fortunate to be in contact with such incredible drummers, whose influence and guidance has enabled me not only to talk on my instrument but to say what I want.."

GEAR

Drums:

Pearl Export

Toms: 8x8, 8x10, 10x13, 16x16

Kick: 16x22

Snare: Omar Hakim 5x13

Cymbals:

Hi-hats: 14” Zildjian A Custom Master Sound

Ride: 20” Zildjian K Custom Medium Ride

Crashes: 18” Zildjian K Custom Dark Crash, 18” Paiste Signature Fast Crash

Splashes: 10” Zildjian Edge Splash, 8” Zildjian Avedis Extra Thin Splash

China : 18” Wuhan

Pedals:

DW 9000 double pedal

Heads:

Toms: Batter side: Pinstripes, Resonant side: Clear Ambassadors

Kick: Batter side: Power stroke 3 with falam patch, resonant side: Evans

Snare: Batter side: Evans Power Center, Remo Power stroke 3, Aquarian Texture coated with dot underneath. Resonant side: Ambassador Snare