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J-ROD SULLIVAN: Playing for Janet Jackson, Gigs and Discipline

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Join Ollie Winiberg as he chats to J-Rod Sullivan who shares his journey behind the drums, landing gigs performing for legends like Janet Jackson, and the discipline it takes to succeed. This video is packed with personal stories, advice for aspiring drummers, and insights into life on stage and behind the scenes.

00:33 – Intro

03:10 – Getting the gigs

05:00 – “Social media has been a huge benefit”

08:20 – Batch recording for social media

09:50 – What it’s like playing for Janet Jackson

11:30 – “It was the equivalent of being at a football game”

12:20 – Seeing my peers advancing: “Am I doing something wrong?”

15:10 – Advice for aspiring drummers

17:05 – The power of discipline

19:12 – “I want to be able to give back, pay it forward and help the younger generation advance”


J-Rod Proudly Plays…

Pearl Drums

Zildjian Cymbals

Vic Firth Drumsticks

Remo Drumheads


For more interviews with some of the biggest names in drumming along with completely impartial, HD video reviews, please subscribe to Drummer’s Review on YouTube: www.youtube.com/drummersreview and click on the bell icon to be notified as soon as each new video is released.

You can also follow Drummer’s Review on social media:

Facebook: @DrummersReviewUK

Instagram: @drummersreview

Twitter: @drummersreview


BIOGRAPHY:

Proficient, intentional, and consistent not only define Jerrod ‘J-rod’ Sullivan’s approach to music, but also his approach to life. Born in 1992, J-rod discovered his passion for music at the age of two, often drumming on pots and pans in his mother’s kitchen. Immersing himself in the diverse world of music, J-rod devoted countless hours to teaching himself the art of drumming, bass guitar, and music production.

In 2006, J-rod uploaded his first Youtube video, receiving positive feedback that reinforced his belief in using his musical talent to educate and inspire others. Committed to honing his craft, J-rod enrolled in the Atlanta Institute of Music, graduating in 2012, and later joined The 4 Korners band in 2013. With a growing online community of over 700K+ followers, J-rod’s brand transcends his talent, drawing in aspiring and talented musicians with his style, methods, and dedication.

J-rod’s talent has led to collaborations with renowned artists such as Janet Jackson, Jeffrey Osborne, Avery Sunshine, Lalah Hathaway, Gerald Albright, Kirk Whalum, and many more, showcasing his versatility and ability to work across a range of genres. Currently serving as the drummer for Janet Jackson, Jeffrey Osborne, and The 4 Korners, J-rod continues to make waves in the music industry through his passion and dedication.


Additionally, J-rod has recently reached a significant milestone in his career. His highly anticipated debut album, “The Comeback,” is now available. This album is a culmination of his musical journey, showcasing his growth, passion, and unique artistic vision. With captivating melodies and a distinctive sound, “The Comeback” promises to leave a lasting impression on listeners and establish J-rod as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.


In a world where dedication meets talent, J-rod stands as a beacon of inspiration, showing us that with hard work and passion, anything is possible.

The UK Drum Show 2025 – Inside The Event With Organiser Neil Golding

In this exclusive interview, we sit down with Neil Golding, the organiser of The UK Drum Show and The Europe Drum Show, to talk all things drumming and community ahead of The UK Drum Show 2025 at the ACC Liverpool (18–19 October).

Neil shares the story behind the birth of The UK Drum Show, the careful artist selection process, and what it means to see the buzz and excitement online each year. He also dive’s into supporting local drum shops, the friendships forged when strangers unite through their love of drumming, and where the show is heading next. Ollie and Neil also explore the creation of the Main Stage Mini—a dedicated space for children who can play drums—along with the legendary post-show “hang” where drummers gather in a local pub to relax over a few beers. Plus, Neil gives insight into the huge number of emails he receives in the run-up to the show, and we break down the VIP experience that offers priority entry to the main stage for fans wanting the best seats in the house. Whether you’re a drummer, a fan, or just curious about what makes The UK Drum Show such a special community event, this interview is packed with stories and insights you won’t want to miss.

00:57 – The Birth of The UK Drum Show

04:23 – The Selection Process

08:05 – The Reactions

10:10 – Supporting Your Local Drum Shop

13:10 – From Strangers to Friends

15:40 – Where It’s Going and the Creation of The Mini Stage Mini

21:50 – The “Infamous Hang”

22:50 – “There’s a LOT!”

28:15 – The VIP Experience


For more interviews with some of the biggest names in drumming along with completely impartial, HD video reviews, please subscribe to Drummer’s Review on YouTube: www.youtube.com/drummersreview and click on the bell icon to be notified as soon as each new video is released.

You can also follow Drummer’s Review on social media:

Facebook: @DrummersReviewUK

Instagram: @drummersreview

Twitter: @drummersreview


Catch up on all episodes of  The UK Drum Show: The Official Podcast
Hosted by the legend, our Main Stage Host, Ollie Winiberg, we’re sitting down with every drummer performing at the UK Drum Show
A Weekend in Devon with Neil Golding – The Man Behind The UK Drum Show:
Ollie Says…”Last weekend, I swapped the familiar sights of Essex for the rolling hills of Devon, and not for a holiday (though the views did tempt me to linger). Instead, I packed my bags and made the journey west to sit down with my boss – yes, my actual boss – Neil Golding. Now, I’ll be honest, when you tell friends you’re going to your boss’s house for the weekend, you get a few raised eyebrows. But this wasn’t some awkward appraisal meeting over tea and biscuits. This was an opportunity to chat with the man responsible for The UK Drum Show and The Europe Drum Show – the two biggest dedicated drum exhibitions in the world.And where better for such a conversation than Neil’s own home? The Devon countryside provided the perfect calm backdrop, though ironically, all we talked about for the next half hour was noise: glorious, rhythmic, inspirational noise.

With the 2025 edition of The UK Drum Show fast approaching (mark your calendars: October 18th–19th at the ACC Liverpool), I wanted to uncover what makes this event tick. What’s the secret sauce that transforms a weekend of clinics, performances, and gear demos into a global pilgrimage for drummers?

Neil began by sharing the story of how The UK Drum Show first came to life. Like so many brilliant ideas, it started small. It was a vision, a spark, a determination to create something the drumming world was missing. That first show was ambitious, but it laid the foundations for what is now the must-attend event for anyone with sticks in their hands. Listening to Neil talk, it’s clear that this isn’t just business for him – it’s personal. He knows what it means to the community because he’s part of it.

We then got into the detail of the artist selection process. And let me tell you, it’s not just a case of rolling a dice and hoping the right names pop up. Neil and his team carefully craft the line-up, ensuring a balance of genres, generations, and styles. He described the annual buzz online as drummers speculate and celebrate each new announcement – and honestly, you can see how much joy he gets from watching the community light up.

Another subject close to Neil’s heart is supporting local drum shops, something he feels strongly about after seeing how COVID impacted retail across the board. While he encourages drummers to keep their local stores alive, the show itself also brings together an incredible range of brands under one roof – from smaller, up-and-coming names right through to the biggest players in the industry. Head downstairs at the ACC Liverpool, in the Exhibition Centre, and you’ll find around 90% of the world’s drum brands represented. Of course, sales happen, but the real magic is in the face-to-face interaction: meeting the people behind the brands, putting personalities to logos, and having real conversations. It gives punters the chance to ask questions directly to the companies who design, build, and innovate the gear they love – and that two-way exchange is what makes the weekend so unique.

And that’s the thing… the show, the brands, the performances, even the gear sales. It all comes back to connection. Neil spoke with real pride about the friendships forged across its halls. Strangers meet in Liverpool, swap a few stories, trade a few tips, and leave as mates for life. It’s that sense of community that sets the show apart.

We also talked about the Main Stage Mini, a feature introduced a couple of years ago to give children their own platform. Watching young players get behind a kit and experience the buzz of performing is something so special for the next generation of drummers. It’s proof that the show isn’t just celebrating drumming today – it’s nurturing tomorrow’s players too.

And then, of course, there’s the legendary Post Hang. On the Saturday night of the show, drummers flood a local Liverpool pub for a few beers, a laugh, and some well-earned downtime. It’s become just as much a tradition as the performances themselves, and Neil chuckled as he described the lively atmosphere that carries on well into the night (and for some, into the morning!)

Interviewing Neil at his home felt like pulling back the curtain, not only on the show but on the man behind it. He’s passionate, driven, and very inspiring…

So, as October draws nearer, one thing’s for certain: The UK Drum Show 2025 isn’t just another date in the diary. It’s the heartbeat of the drumming community – and if Neil has anything to do with it (spoiler: he does), it’s going to be the biggest and best one yet.”

British Drum Co Raven Series Shell Pack & Additions – Reviewed

Join the Drummer’s Review team as they take a look at a Raven Series Shell Pack (and additions) from British Drum Co. Filmed August 2025.

Configuration:

3-piece shell pack featuring…

22″ x 16″ kick drum, 12″ x 8″ Rack Tom, 16″ x 16″ Floor Tom

Additions…

10″ x 7″ Rack Tom, 14″ x 14″ Floor Tom (Not Featured), 14″ x 6″ Raven Snare Drum, BDC Casino Hardware Pack (snare, hi-hat, kick pedal, 2 x boom stands)

Price:

3-piece shell pack: £2,175.82*

10″ x 7″ rack tom: £335.80*

14″ x 14″ floor tom (not featured): £641.23*

14″ x 6″ Raven snare: £338.29*

(*all prices correct at time of filming – August 2025)

Specs:

100% Handcrafted using BDC’s signature cold press moulding technology

Toms: 8-ply Scandinavian Birch

Kick: 11-ply Scandinavian Birch

45-degree bearing edges

BDC Palladium shell hardware

BDC Overhead drumheads

British Drum Co Says…”Our most affordable British built kit! Inspired by the legendary Tower Of London Ravens and 100% hand made in Britain. RAVEN by British Drum Co. is a drum kit with a performance that defies its cost.

Building on the success of our 2022 ‘Raven’ snare drum, we are thrilled to introduce the Raven Drum Kit—our most affordable, British built drum kit. Each kit is 100% handcrafted, utilising our signature cold-press moulding technology, shared by our acclaimed Legend and Lounge Series. Constructed from Birch ply, cross-laminated into a robust shell with a precisely cut 45-degree bearing edge, the Raven Drum Kit is designed for powerful performance at an incredible price. Rack and Floor toms feature an 8 ply shell and Bass drums are 11 ply shells.”

More Details:

https://www.britishdrumco.com/drum-kits/raven


Be sure to catch British Drum Co. at The UK Drum Show this October…tickets available HERE


Recording Details:

Filmed at Cube Studios, Cornwall, August 2025.

Microphone selection: 

Kick In – SE BL8 (classic character on switch)
Kick Out – V KICK (classic character on both switches)
Snare Top – V7X
Snare Bottom – VBEAT
Toms – VBEAT
Hi-Hats / Ride – SE8
Overheads – RN17 – stereo – spaced pair
Room Mics – RNR1 – stereo – XY

***HUGE THANKS TO SE MICROPHONES FOR SUPPLYING THE MICS USED IN THIS REVIEW***

Processing Details:

Recorded through SSL Origin preamps with no EQ

Mixed using only fab-filter pro Q3 for EQ and pro C2 for compression (lightly on kick and snare)


For more completely impartial HD video reviews, along with interviews with some of the biggest names in drumming, please subscribe to Drummer’s Review on YouTube: www.youtube.com/drummersreview and click on the bell icon to be notified as soon as each new video is released.

You can also follow Drummer’s Review on social media:

Facebook: @DrummersReviewUK

Instagram: @drummersreview

Twitter: @drummersreview


Check out more reviews featuring British Drum Co…

Snare Drum Review: British Drum Co. Bluebird

British Drum Co. Legend Series Shell Pack – Drummer’s Review

British Drum Co. Super 7 Snare Drum – Drummer’s Review

 

Slingerland Launches Radio King and Studio King Outfits, plus Spare Parts

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The Slingerland Drum Company announces the launch of the Radio King™ Outfit and Studio King™ Line, plus a selection of spare parts and accessories.

The first outfit of Radio King in decades continues the rich tonal legacy of its predecessors and benefits from both modern precision craftsmanship and build. The U.S.A.-built 3-ply shells are constructed with a mahogany-poplar-mahogany formula for a punchy attack with a buttery feel, warm tonality, and lush resonance. They are finished with authentic 30° rounded bearing edges, reinforced with steam-bent solid maple re-rings, and the classic Radio King cloud badge. The nickel-plated hardware includes “Stick Saver” hoops, classic Beavertail lugs, isolation tom mounts, and internal mufflers, standard in both snares and mounted toms.

Based on the original iconic configurations, the new Radio King series of drums offers twelve shell pack choices, featuring bass drums in sizes 18” to 24” and toms from 10” to 18”. The outfits are available in four finishes, two wraps: White Marine Pearl and Black Diamond Pearl, and two lacquers: Black & Gold and Blue & Silver.

Slingerland

Inspired by the popular 1970s 5-ply shell, which became a workhorse of the studio era, the Studio King Outfit has a 5-ply maple-poplar construction. This combination of woods produces a sonically focused attack, warm, versatile tone, and medium resonance: these drums thrive under a studio microphone. Crafted in Taiwan by a trusted, long-term partner, these heritage-influenced drums feature the company’s hallmark 30° rounded bearing edges, Nickel-plated hardware, incorporating “Stick Chopper” hoops, classic Beavertail lugs, road-ready folding bass drum spurs, isolation tom mounts, and a newly designed oval badge.

The new Studio King drums range offers eight shell pack configurations, 18” to 22” bass drums, and 10” to 16” toms. Del Norte Black, Lunar Blue, Ventura Sand, and Royal Crimson are the four high-gloss lacquer finish options.  

Both are perfect for touring, recording, or passionate enthusiasts with their timeless tone and modern playability.

In addition, especially for enthusiasts and collectors, Slingerland introduces a new range of spare parts and accessories for both vintage and modern Slingerland drums. Perfectly suited for restoring original drums to their former glory or handy spare parts for the new Oxnard-era Slingerland drums, the new parts catalog includes throw offs, beavertail lugs, spurs, tension rods, internal mufflers, snare wires, Nickel over steel “Stick Saver” and “Stick Chopper hoops”, drum keys, and logo drumheads.

New Slingerland artists have been talking about the drums, and these include John ‘JR’ Robinson, Grammy Award winner and one of the most recorded drummers, who said “From the legendary Radio King snare drums to the timeless three- and five-ply shells, Slingerland embodies a sound that doesn’t just speak—it sings. These drums carry stories, traditions, and an authenticity that resonates deeply with anyone who embraces this American icon. I’m thrilled to rejoin the Slingerland family and continue sharing its legacy with the world.

Eric Hernandez (Bruno Mars) commented, “The Slingerland drum sound is classic and timeless. The iconic drum company is back like they never left, and I’m thrilled to be a part of it!John Sparrow (The Violent Femmes) added, ‘The wait is over, not just for me but for the music world. Slingerland is synonymous with quality, sound, and rich in history. Slingerland was the sound of Gene Krupa, the first drum hero. Now Slingerland will be the sound for the next generation’s Gene Krupa. The legacy continues.” Sarah Jones (Harry Styles) said, “The new kits have a classic look and feel with modern road worthy durability. They sound great, I’m so happy to be joining the Slingerland team.

To learn more about re-discovering the iconic Slingerland sound, please visit Slingerland.com.

Artisan Customs At The UK Drum Show

Please give a warm welcome to our newest exhibitor – Artisan Customs!
‘At Artisan Customs, we are first and foremost music enthusiasts! From the musicians and the instruments they play, all the way through listening to the final product at a live performance or on a great sounding audio system, music makes our world go around!
While we don’t build musical instruments at Artisan Customs, we are absolutely dedicated to creating beautiful, hand-crafted exotic wood products to compliment anyone’s instrument and/or their musical interests! With intense focus on every detail, from every cut made to a piece of wood through the final finishing touches, we want our drum stick holders, guitar hangers, side tables, and every other product we create to be of the finest quality!
Whether you play an instrument, have a collection of music related memorabilia, or anything music related that you want to show off, we would love to create one or more pieces to enhance the décor of your music room, show off your instrument(s), and provide inspiration for your musically oriented endeavours! Every piece is a one-of-a-kind; we like our customers to have “the only one like it.”
Be sure to join us at ACC Liverpool on Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th October for the UK’s hottest drum weekend…tickets available now: HERE. Check out the full list of exhibitors HERE.

Introducing ^AVRG™ at the UK Drum Show!

We’re extremely proud to introduce our newest exhibitor: Above Average – ^AVRG™ – a new UK-based independent clothing brand built for those who believe in progress over perfection.
Brand-owner Adam tells us “The brand started from something deeply personal. Like many of you, I was juggling parenthood, full-time work, and a pull toward something more meaningful. I wanted to create something that reflected how I think. So, ^AVRG™ began as a side project grounded in mindset, wellness, and sustainability. But it’s become more than that.
At this year’s show, the focus is on DRMMR – a collection designed specifically for the drumming community. Sleeveless tees and lightweight organic shorts are ideal for high-energy sessions. Premium hoodies, joggers, and long sleeves let you stay comfortable and represent your identity beyond the kit. But this isn’t just about clothing that looks good. It’s about clothing that does good. Every item is made from either organic cotton or certified recycled materials, using ethical, renewable-energy manufacturing processes. Each piece is tagged with a QR code for return and remanufacture – part of the mission to close the loop and fight throwaway culture. In short: everything in every collection is made to be remade.
If you’ve ever felt like you didn’t quite fit the mould… if you’ve ever been underestimated… if you’re working on your craft, your mindset, or just yourself – you’re one of us.”
Join ^AVRG™ in the exhibition hall on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 October at ACC Liverpool. Be sure to check out full list of exhibitors joining us at the UK’s biggest drum event of 2025.

Zebra Drums Return To The UK Drum Show 2025

We’re buzzing to welcome Zebra Drums to The UK Drum Show 2025!
Handcrafted in the Netherlands by Sjoerd van den Beuken, these stunning stave-shell drums combine beautiful woods, jaw-dropping finishes and game-changing innovations like their Free-Floating System.

 

Come see (and hear) them in action this October!
Be sure to join us at ACC Liverpool on Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th October for the UK’s hottest drum weekend…tickets available now: HERE. Check out the full list of exhibitors HERE.

UK Drum Supremo Darby Todd To Open The Main Stage At The Europe Drum Show 2026

We are hugely excited to announce that UK session-supremo Darby Todd has been confirmed to open the main stage at The Europe Drum Show 2026 in association with British Drum Co, Zildjian, Evans Drumheads, Promark Drumsticks, Protection Racket, Porter And Davies, ACS In Ear Monitors & Roland Electronics.

With a huge list of recording and live credits, including Devin Townsend, Jordan Rudess, Martin Barre, Charlie Giffiths, Alfie Boe, The Darkness, Robin Ford, Robert Plant, Carl Verheyen, Kee Marcello and Don Airey, Darby’s playing is as intense as it is varied!

Don’t miss Darby Todd at The Europe Drum Show 2026 on Saturday 11th April at Messe Friedrichshafen. Tickets available now: HERE. Check out all of the main-stage artists: HERE. Check out more news from The Europe Drum Show: HERE

JAMES COMPTON: Catfish and the Bottlemen’s Session Drummer

In this exclusive interview for Drummer’s Review we sit down with James Compton, the session drummer for Catfish and the Bottlemen, to uncover the real story behind the beats that power one of the UK’s most energetic live acts.

From volunteering to now performing at The UK Drum Show, James shares his journey, his love for hearing others’ stories, and how networking and community have shaped his career.

James will be appearing in the Mike Dolbear Masterclass Room at The UK Drum Show 2025 on Sunday 19th October at 3.00pm at ACC Liverpool.

Grab your tickets now: www.theukdrumshow.com

00:00 – Intro

00:25 – The Secret Sauce to the Bands Ongoing Energy

04:05 – From Volunteering at Drum Shows to Performing at The UK Drum Show

06:15 – “I Love Hearing Everyone’s Stories”

08:40 – Getting The Gig With Catfish and the Bottlemen

11:10 – Networking and the Drumming Community

16:21 – Feel vs Technicality

19:17 – Advice For Drummers

23:40 – In 100 Years Time…


James Proudly Plays…

DW Drums

Sabian Cymbals

Wincent Drumsticks

Remo Drumheads

Roland Electronics


For more interviews with some of the biggest names in drumming along with completely impartial, HD video reviews, please subscribe to Drummer’s Review on YouTube: www.youtube.com/drummersreview and click on the bell icon to be notified as soon as each new video is released.

You can also follow Drummer’s Review on social media:

Facebook: @DrummersReviewUK

Instagram: @drummersreview

Twitter: @drummersreview


Catch up on all episodes of  The UK Drum Show: The Official Podcast
Hosted by the legend, our Main Stage Host, Ollie Winiberg, we’re sitting down with every drummer performing at the UK Drum Show

BIOGRAPHY:

James has become a widely in-demand drummer working live for a variety of artists.
Playing drums has taken James on tours all over the world, performing on festival mainstages, sold out theatres, arenas and stadiums as well as many primetime, late night TV and radio shows. Some of these shows include; The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Queen Elizabeth’s televised Platinum Jubilee performance, The Graham Norton Show, multiple Radio 1 live lounges and Radio 2 sessions as well as other BBC broadcasts.

James has gained the reputation for being an energetic and diverse player, bringing an electrifying energy to whichever stage he is on. This has enabled him to be placed in a profusion of musical settings. Recently in his career, James has been touring with UK pop-star Mimi Webb, alt-pop singer Baby Queen, Egyptian-American R&B singer Col3trane, singer-songwriter Sam Tompkins and is now currently the touring drummer for the UK indie-rock band Catfish & the Bottlemen.

With a mix of hard-hitting and energetic flair, James incorporates his love of rock music, jazz and hip-hop as well as his experience playing in marching bands in his early life to bring his own unique sound to every stage he plays on around the world.

First Artist Announced For Mike Dolbear Masterclass Room 2026

We’re massively excited to announce that Ralf Gustke is to perform in the Mike Dolbear Masterclass Room at The Europe Drum Show 2026!

Ralf Gustke was born in Heidelberg/Germany. At the age of 10, Ralf was already gaining experience on the snare drum in a marching band. At the age of 16, he got his first drum set and began playing along to music from the American radio station AFN, which at the time featured R&B, funk, rock, jazz and soul music. His love for drums never left him – constantly driven by development, virtuosity and curiosity to play the groove for each style. Drum lessons, participation in drumming competitions, and live performances with various bands in clubs led to his first major tours with Chaka Khan and his band Zebra, as well as with German Rocker Wolf Maahn.
Ralf Gustke is appearing at The Europe Drum Show
Over time, Ralf became a sought-after studio and live drummer. To date, he has contributed to recordings on more than 200 albums. He played with, amongst others, Georg Danzer, Gianna Nannini, Rio Reiser, Six was Nine, Culture Beat, Culture Cross, Sabrina Setlur, Edo Zanki, Glashaus, Moses Pelham, De Phazz, Katie Melua, Schiller, Nena, RZA (Wutang Clan), Tarja, Kevin Coyne, Ünlü, Wirtz, Söhne Mannheims Jazz Department, Uli Brodersen Jazz, Ali Neander Organ Quartet, Söhne Mannheims, Barclay James Harvest, Xavier Naidoo. Stylistically, Ralf moves confidently across many genres and is certainly
one of the most versatile drummers in Germany. In 2017, Ralf released his first solo album, Flying Days, featuring bassist
Claus Fischer, keyboardist Jesse Milliner, and trumpeter Joo Kraus. He has also given regular drum workshops as a solo artist in past and present. Ralf also worked on Philipp Rehm’s Bassbook, Bass Matrix / Alfred Music.
Catch Ralf at The Europe Drum Show in the Mike Dolbear Masterclass Room at 16.30 on Saturday 11th April 2026: More Details
Tickets for Europe’s hottest drum event 2026 available: HERE