Big Johnny Rowe
Interview
# 1 - Could you please provide a brief background on your piping/drumming career i.e.: How old were you when you took up the pipes or drums. Where did you start? What inspired you to take up drumming professionally? Solo & band highlights & accomplishments.
I started playing when I was 9 kind of on a dare. I really wanted to play drum kit and was convinced Iˇ¦d be the next Neil Peart or Tommy Aldridge! My dad heard an advert for a local pipe band taking on new students and he told me I should try that. I guess the rest is history ˇV Iˇ¦m still playing in Pipe Bands and I still play in rock bands. I started with the Dartmouth Boys Pipe band and then moved into the Dartmouth and District gr.2. band. From there it was into the Halifax Police / Halifax Citadel and now, of course, The FRASERS. I feel like this is where I was meant to be. Everything before this was to prepare me for playing in THIS band. I just wanted to play drums and something about the Pipe Bands was unlike any other thing I had gotten into. I was just super-stoked to go to practice from day one. My folks never had to twist my arm to practise or anything like that. I totally have that sense of excitement back playing with the Frasers.
Highlights: theres been a lot! It was definitely a thrill to get the phone call form John Walsh to come out and play with the Frasers. I had to sit down for that one! Also, I've met some pretty cool people along the way and developed some very memorable and lasting friendships.
#2 - Are there any major influence(s) /mentor(s), to whom you credit with developing your interest in piping/drumming?
Geordie Fowler, who was my first teacher. He still plays and is a good friend. Also I've always loved watching Drew (Duthart) play,he always produces wicked corps. I also love a lot of kit drummers ; Tommy Aldridge, Bill Stevenson, Stewart Copeland, Gene Hoglan, Krupa, Bonham. So many greats. It humbles you when you see someone really rip it up.
#3 -What is one of the best moments in your piping/drumming career so far?
There's so many, but just playing my first contest with the Fraserˇ¦s was a thrill.I remember it was on my birthday weekend and we were in Kincardine.. it was a blast. We won, and then celebrated. Good times!Lots of bottle tossing!I also shared some really good laughs with my pal Drew during my trial by fire'concert in Edmonton,Alberta in early 2004. That was my first official gig with the band and I had to learn, like, 2 hours of material(long distance) with only three practises under my belt. A little scary. Anyways,we pulled it off and had some really good laughs along the way. Drew and I were roomies on the trip and by the end of it, my face was sore from laughing so much.Drew's laugh is infectious.
#4 - Do you have a process that you follow when composing tunes or writing scores?
Not really. I usually just get a good idea of what I'm going to play in my head and then BOOM it sticks. There's always little things that change here and there as the music develops. A lot of the times it's a nice collaborative effort. Everyone has a say that counts, but ultimately Drew has the veto.I like to construct bass drum parts that are more melodic.The Pipe music is the key, you've got to be able to know the tune.
#5 - What sticks, drums, carriers are you using? What were you using 10 - 20 years ago and how have things improved?
I use Twisted Thistle mallets made by Mike Cole and the BrowFry harness made by Brian Fry, I have a custom one made for me. The band is endorsed by Pearl drums and I play REMO heads. Things with all the instruments have improved greatly over the years. Of course,you still need to know how to produce a good sound out of your instrument. As far as I know, they still don't come pre-tuned, Ha, ha!!
#6 - Is there a piping/drumming product on the market that you would recommend to others?
I'm very happy with the equipment that I'm currently using. Of course other people are going to have their own opinion,that's fine. Find what works best for you.I would recommend the TAMA tension - watch,however and a good tuner.
#7 - Do you have any tips /advice to offer up and coming drummers? For example, do you have a routine when preparing for competitions and concerts.
I think the key is to LISTEN to the music. That, and expose yourself to all types of music. You can get just as much out of the loudest , thrashiest punk band that you can out of the classics like Haydn or something. Just absorb it all and don't close anything off. I listen to everything and a lot of us in the band are the same way. It's cool because everyone can bring a sense of diversity to the group. From the top on down ,we all respect each other and each others individual tastes.
#8 - Because you are regarded as such an influential player, do you feel a sense of responsibility as a role model to younger players?
I guess so. I just try to be a cool person, period. Whether I'm chatting up a cool girl in the beer tent after a contest or meeting a new player from some other band or hanging with my friend's kids. I just try to be myself and treat people with respect. Of course, it is a two way street,ya know? Respect earns Respect. Also - KIDS - make sure to get mom's permission before you get tattooed!! Ha, ha!!
#9 - When you find time in your busy schedule, what other interests do you enjoy?
I enjoy listening to music and playing my drums. I also enjoy the company of friends, family, etc. That's important.I love slinging drinks and collecting tattoos, and despite my horrid ppearance, I do enjoy getting into the gym.I have a lot of interests,too many to mention! Did I mention bird watching ???
#10 - How have you been influenced by other styles of music (ie. other instruments that you may play, or other groups you may be involved with).Yeah, as I said, it's ALL good. I love rock n roll,punk, metal, classical, traditional,country, blues, reggae, dub. Man, thereˇ¦s sooo much good stuff out there. I've played in a lot of rock bands. King Konqueror out of Halifax was the last serious one. They're still playing, you should go check em out!!
#11 - What are your thoughts on the future of the Canadian pipe band scene?
It's looking good. We have a lot to offer over here and are producing great talent. I think our band is one the way up of course, I'm biased!! Ha,ha!
#12 - What are your thoughts on the new items provided by the Scottish Lion for the band (ie, kilts, sporrans)?
It's going to be nice to look UNIFORM!!
#13 - What are some plans for the band over the next few years, and how do you see The Scottish Lion sponsorship factor into those plans? I think the sponsorship can and will play a role in what we do to achieve our goals, namely to win the World's and continue to put on cool concerts. Of course what specifically their role is will depend on each specific occasion.
Personally, I'd love for the band to go out to eastern Canada to compete in a contest and/or play a concert. I think the people out there in N.S. would just eat it up. The pub crawl in Halifax wouldn't be too bad either!!
# 1 - Could you please provide a brief background on your piping/drumming career i.e.: How old were you when you took up the pipes or drums. Where did you start? What inspired you to take up drumming professionally? Solo & band highlights & accomplishments.
I started playing when I was 9 kind of on a dare. I really wanted to play drum kit and was convinced Iˇ¦d be the next Neil Peart or Tommy Aldridge! My dad heard an advert for a local pipe band taking on new students and he told me I should try that. I guess the rest is history ˇV Iˇ¦m still playing in Pipe Bands and I still play in rock bands. I started with the Dartmouth Boys Pipe band and then moved into the Dartmouth and District gr.2. band. From there it was into the Halifax Police / Halifax Citadel and now, of course, The FRASERS. I feel like this is where I was meant to be. Everything before this was to prepare me for playing in THIS band. I just wanted to play drums and something about the Pipe Bands was unlike any other thing I had gotten into. I was just super-stoked to go to practice from day one. My folks never had to twist my arm to practise or anything like that. I totally have that sense of excitement back playing with the Frasers.
Highlights: theres been a lot! It was definitely a thrill to get the phone call form John Walsh to come out and play with the Frasers. I had to sit down for that one! Also, I've met some pretty cool people along the way and developed some very memorable and lasting friendships.
#2 - Are there any major influence(s) /mentor(s), to whom you credit with developing your interest in piping/drumming?
Geordie Fowler, who was my first teacher. He still plays and is a good friend. Also I've always loved watching Drew (Duthart) play,he always produces wicked corps. I also love a lot of kit drummers ; Tommy Aldridge, Bill Stevenson, Stewart Copeland, Gene Hoglan, Krupa, Bonham. So many greats. It humbles you when you see someone really rip it up.
#3 -What is one of the best moments in your piping/drumming career so far?
There's so many, but just playing my first contest with the Fraserˇ¦s was a thrill.I remember it was on my birthday weekend and we were in Kincardine.. it was a blast. We won, and then celebrated. Good times!Lots of bottle tossing!I also shared some really good laughs with my pal Drew during my trial by fire'concert in Edmonton,Alberta in early 2004. That was my first official gig with the band and I had to learn, like, 2 hours of material(long distance) with only three practises under my belt. A little scary. Anyways,we pulled it off and had some really good laughs along the way. Drew and I were roomies on the trip and by the end of it, my face was sore from laughing so much.Drew's laugh is infectious.
#4 - Do you have a process that you follow when composing tunes or writing scores?
Not really. I usually just get a good idea of what I'm going to play in my head and then BOOM it sticks. There's always little things that change here and there as the music develops. A lot of the times it's a nice collaborative effort. Everyone has a say that counts, but ultimately Drew has the veto.I like to construct bass drum parts that are more melodic.The Pipe music is the key, you've got to be able to know the tune.
#5 - What sticks, drums, carriers are you using? What were you using 10 - 20 years ago and how have things improved?
I use Twisted Thistle mallets made by Mike Cole and the BrowFry harness made by Brian Fry, I have a custom one made for me. The band is endorsed by Pearl drums and I play REMO heads. Things with all the instruments have improved greatly over the years. Of course,you still need to know how to produce a good sound out of your instrument. As far as I know, they still don't come pre-tuned, Ha, ha!!
#6 - Is there a piping/drumming product on the market that you would recommend to others?
I'm very happy with the equipment that I'm currently using. Of course other people are going to have their own opinion,that's fine. Find what works best for you.I would recommend the TAMA tension - watch,however and a good tuner.
#7 - Do you have any tips /advice to offer up and coming drummers? For example, do you have a routine when preparing for competitions and concerts.
I think the key is to LISTEN to the music. That, and expose yourself to all types of music. You can get just as much out of the loudest , thrashiest punk band that you can out of the classics like Haydn or something. Just absorb it all and don't close anything off. I listen to everything and a lot of us in the band are the same way. It's cool because everyone can bring a sense of diversity to the group. From the top on down ,we all respect each other and each others individual tastes.
#8 - Because you are regarded as such an influential player, do you feel a sense of responsibility as a role model to younger players?
I guess so. I just try to be a cool person, period. Whether I'm chatting up a cool girl in the beer tent after a contest or meeting a new player from some other band or hanging with my friend's kids. I just try to be myself and treat people with respect. Of course, it is a two way street,ya know? Respect earns Respect. Also - KIDS - make sure to get mom's permission before you get tattooed!! Ha, ha!!
#9 - When you find time in your busy schedule, what other interests do you enjoy?
I enjoy listening to music and playing my drums. I also enjoy the company of friends, family, etc. That's important.I love slinging drinks and collecting tattoos, and despite my horrid ppearance, I do enjoy getting into the gym.I have a lot of interests,too many to mention! Did I mention bird watching ???
#10 - How have you been influenced by other styles of music (ie. other instruments that you may play, or other groups you may be involved with).Yeah, as I said, it's ALL good. I love rock n roll,punk, metal, classical, traditional,country, blues, reggae, dub. Man, thereˇ¦s sooo much good stuff out there. I've played in a lot of rock bands. King Konqueror out of Halifax was the last serious one. They're still playing, you should go check em out!!
#11 - What are your thoughts on the future of the Canadian pipe band scene?
It's looking good. We have a lot to offer over here and are producing great talent. I think our band is one the way up of course, I'm biased!! Ha,ha!
#12 - What are your thoughts on the new items provided by the Scottish Lion for the band (ie, kilts, sporrans)?
It's going to be nice to look UNIFORM!!
#13 - What are some plans for the band over the next few years, and how do you see The Scottish Lion sponsorship factor into those plans? I think the sponsorship can and will play a role in what we do to achieve our goals, namely to win the World's and continue to put on cool concerts. Of course what specifically their role is will depend on each specific occasion.
Personally, I'd love for the band to go out to eastern Canada to compete in a contest and/or play a concert. I think the people out there in N.S. would just eat it up. The pub crawl in Halifax wouldn't be too bad either!!