Behind The Kit with Arizona Drummer

Behind The Kit dives into the lives of today’s most inspiring drummers — from Grammy winners to rising stars. Hosted by Kyle Smith of Arizona Drummer, each episode explores the real stories behind the beats: the hustle, heart, and passion it takes to make it in music. Whether you're a drummer or just love music, you'll find powerful insights and raw conversations that go way beyond the kit.Follow, like, and subscribe to never miss a beat!

Behind The Kit with Arizona Drummer is a music podcast hosted by Arizona Drummer, with 31 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Arizona Drummer hosts Behind The Kit with Arizona Drummer, a music show with 31 episodes published.

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  Episode #17

  Behind The Kit Episode 32: Ryan Van Poederooyen | The Devin Townsend Project, Imonolith, Educator

  Sep 21, 20261h 57mS2

  Episode 32 of Behind The Kit features an incredible conversation with the one and only @ryanvanpoederooyen !Ryan is an absolutely phenomenal drummer, musician, educator, and longtime professional who has built an incredible career through dedication, versatility, and a relentless commitment to his craft.Best known for his work with @dvntownsend , The Devin Townsend Project, and @Imonolith , Ryan has spent years performing on some of the world's biggest stages and recording some of the most demanding music in modern progressive metal. His playing combines power, precision, groove, creativity, and an incredible level of musicality.In this conversation, we dive into Ryan's musical journey—from his early beginnings and the experiences that helped shape him as a drummer to building a career performing and recording at the highest level. We talk about working with Devin Townsend, the demands of progressive music, touring, recording, preparation, and what it takes to stay consistent throughout a long career.We also discuss the importance of developing your own voice behind the kit, learning to serve the music, and understanding that being a professional drummer is about so much more than simply being able to play difficult things.Beyond the technical side of drumming, Ryan shares his perspective on discipline, mindset, longevity, education, creativity, and the importance of continuing to grow as both a musician and a person.Whether you're an aspiring drummer, a seasoned professional, a fan of progressive music, or simply someone who enjoys hearing the stories behind the musicians you admire, this conversation with Ryan is packed with insight, inspiration, experience, and plenty of great drumming stories.Season 2 of Behind The Kit continues to bring together some of the most inspiring voices in drumming, and I'm incredibly grateful to welcome Ryan Van Poederooyen to the Behind The Kit community.Thank you for being here, and thank you for supporting Behind The Kit.

  ListenShow Notes
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  Episode #16

  Behind The Kit Episode 30: Tosh Peterson | Lady Gaga, Alkaline Trio, Damnage

  Sep 11, 20262h 13mS2

  pisode 31 of Behind The Kit features an incredible conversation with the one and only @toshpeterson1053 !Tosh is one of the most exciting and versatile drummers working today, and it was an absolute pleasure to sit down with him and talk about his journey, how he got his start, and the experiences that have shaped his career.Best known for his work with artists including @LadyGaga , @alkalinetrio , DAMNAGE, and more, Tosh has built an incredible career by combining world-class musicianship, versatility, creativity, and an unmistakable personality behind the kit.In this conversation, we dive into Tosh's musical journey—from his early beginnings and the experiences that helped shape him as a drummer to performing alongside some of the biggest names in music. We talk about touring, preparation, versatility, finding your own voice, and what it takes to thrive as a professional musician in today's industry.We also get into the realities of building a career as a drummer, the importance of being prepared for opportunities when they come your way, and the mindset required to keep growing and pushing yourself as a musician.Beyond the technical side of drumming, Tosh shares his perspective on creativity, confidence, musicality, collaboration, and what it really means to make a life out of playing the drums.Whether you're an aspiring drummer, a working professional, or simply someone who loves hearing the stories behind the music, this conversation with Tosh is packed with insight, inspiration, laughs, and plenty of great drumming stories.Season 2 of Behind The Kit continues to bring together some of the most inspiring voices in drumming, and I'm incredibly grateful to have Tosh Peterson as part of the Behind The Kit community.Thank you for being here, and thank you for supporting Behind The Kit.

  ListenShow Notes
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  Episode #15

  Behind The Kit Episode 30: Kaz Rodriguez | Josh Groban, Chaka Khan, Composer

  Aug 24, 20261h 38mS2

  pisode 30 of Behind The Kit features an incredible conversation with the one and only @kazroddrums !Kaz is a close personal friend and mentor to me. It was so great gettting to sit down with Kaz and talk about his background, how he got his start, and his views on our community. Known around the world for his incredible groove, technical mastery, and musical versatility, Kaz has built an extraordinary career performing with artists including @JoshGroban , @chakakhan and his own amazing compositions.Through years of touring, recording, teaching, and inspiring drummers across the globe, Kaz has become one of the most respected and influential drummers of his generation.In this conversation, we dive into Kaz's musical journey—from his early beginnings and the dedication that shaped his career to performing on some of the world's biggest stages. We discuss the importance of feel, musicality, consistency, preparation, and developing a unique voice behind the drums. Beyond the technical side of drumming, we explore mentorship, mindset, creativity, and what it truly means to pursue excellence over the course of a career. Whether you're an aspiring drummer, a seasoned professional, or simply someone who enjoys hearing the stories behind the music, this conversation is packed with wisdom, inspiration, and practical advice.Season 2 continues to bring together some of the most inspiring voices in drumming, and I'm incredibly grateful to welcome Kaz to the Behind The Kit community.Thank you for being here, and thank you for supporting Behind The Kit.

  ListenShow Notes
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  Episode #14

  Behind The Kit Episode 29: Austin D'Amond | With A Vengeance, Chimaira, DevilDriver

  Aug 10, 20261h 40mS2

  Episode 29 of Behind The Kit features an incredible conversation with the one and only @fnaustile1 !Known for his powerful, technical, and high-energy drumming, Austin has made a name for himself in the metal world through his work with @bleedtheskyofficial7476 , DevilDriver, @chimairatube , and now with @WithaVengeanceBand ! With years of experience touring internationally, recording acclaimed albums, and performing alongside some of the biggest names in heavy music, Austin has become one of the genre's most respected drummers.In this conversation, we dive into Austin's musical journey—from discovering drums and breaking into the metal scene to joining some of heavy music's most iconic bands. We discuss the realities of professional touring, recording in the studio, developing speed, precision, and endurance, and what it takes to perform at the highest level night after night.Austin also shares incredible insights into perseverance, consistency, preparation, and the mindset required to build a lasting career in music. Whether you're a metal drummer, a musician chasing your own dreams, or simply someone who loves hearing the stories behind the music, there's so much value packed into this conversation.Season 2 continues to bring together some of the most inspiring voices in drumming, and I'm incredibly grateful to have Austin join the Behind The Kit community.Thank you for being here, and thank you for supporting Behind The Kit.

  ListenShow Notes
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  Episode #13

  🥁 Behind The Kit Episode 28: Jess Bowen (The Summer Set, 3OH!3, Jax, Lights)

  Jul 6, 20261h 19mS2

  Episode 28 of Behind The Kit features an incredible conversation with the one and only Jess Bowen! Best known as the founding drummer of The Summer Set, Jess has built an impressive and diverse career behind the kit, performing with artists including 3OH!3, Jax, Cassadee Pope, Lights, NEKKTAR, and many more. Through years of touring, recording, and adapting to a wide variety of musical styles, she has become one of the most versatile and respected drummers working today. In this conversation, we dive into Jess’s musical journey — from forming The Summer Set and breaking into the music industry, to navigating life on the road, building a career as a freelance touring drummer, and finding her own voice behind the instrument. We discuss the realities of professional touring, developing versatility, balancing creativity with consistency, and the lessons she's learned from performing with artists across multiple genres. Jess also shares insights into perseverance, career growth, networking, and what it takes to create opportunities in an ever-changing music industry. Whether you're an aspiring drummer, a working musician, or simply someone who loves hearing the stories behind the music, there is so much value packed into this conversation. Season 2 continues to bring together some of the most inspiring voices in drumming, and I’m incredibly grateful to have Jess join the Behind The Kit community. Thank you for being here, and thank you for supporting Behind The Kit. 🥁

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