PropertyOfZack is very excited to be debuting our first Contributor Blog with Ben Homola. Many individuals may know Homola as Brand New’s drum tech, as the drummer of Bad Books, or as the owner of a great new website called Kick-Snare-Hat that you can check out here. We’ve been working to have Ben write for PropertyOfZack for a long time now, so we’re happy to finally have him. In his first blog, Ben discusses the relationship between a drummer and a drum tech. Read up and enjoy it, it’s a great post!

7 years ago, I was given a chance to go on tour and be Brian Lane of Brand New’s drum tech. I had never actually drum teched before, but I figured playing drum’s since I was a kid gave me some sort of idea on what would need to be done. Either way, I wasn’t going to give up the chance to tour and be involved with something I loved since I was a little kid. Long story sort, 7 years later I’ve teched for numerous bands but with the relationships I’ve made I’ve been given the chance to play with some pretty amazing musicians/bands that I also get to call some of my best friends.

When I first started out on the road, I was strictly a drum tech. As Brand New began releasing records with multiple drum parts, I found myself performing alongside Brian. Those performances were incredible experiences, not only giving me the opportunity to actually play, but due to the shear number of drums and instruments we used every night, I learned to focus twice as hard. Dealing with a single kit is one thing, but dealing with two kits, tons of percussion and a large 28” bass drum molded me into the tech I am today and enhanced my skills as a drummer.

Professionally, the roles of performer and tech may be separate, but the reality for most drummers is that they are often intertwined. Plenty of drummers who tour take on both roles out of necessity. Techs can be a luxury not all drummers can afford, so many touring drummers take care of their own kit, doing the tuning, maintaining and all the other non-playing tasks that come with being a drummer. If I’m taking care of my own kit when on tour with Bad Books or anyone else that I find myself sitting behind the kit for these days, I approach both roles, as drummer and drum tech, with equal care and consideration. Taking care of your instrument is as important as honing your skills as a player. Being open to taking a step back from my role as a player has been the best thing I could have ever done as a drummer.

I feel very blessed that I’ve formed great relationships along the way. I’ve learned that hard work does pay off. I’ve come to realize that it’s also important to be a good person. People will not only want you for the skills that you’ve worked so hard on crafting, but also for being someone others will enjoy working with. For those of you looking to be a tech I’d say trust your instincts, but also do your research. Make sure to read anything and everything you can about drums. Also, get hands on and really understand what makes a drum work and why. For those who are performers, switch roles and step from behind the kit. Consider going out with a friend’s band that’s looking for help. You’ll benefit from developing an understanding of the aspects that might go overlooked when focusing on playing. You’ll quickly realize that the relationships between the two roles overlap. Not only will you understand your drums on a different level, but it’ll ultimately make you a better player as well.