Meet Jonathan Ulman. A self-taught drummer who has earned himself the title of Session musician of the year 7 TIMES in addition to being nominated for “Best New Drummer 2016” by Rhythm Magazine. Jonathan is a busy bee playing live and performing recording sessions nonstop while working at @Berkleecollege where he does some amazing supportive work for students. He also played as a guest drummer on the @latenightseth show during the Summer of 2022.
Follow him on Instagram here @jmudrums
He is such an amazing, genuine and supportive human who I’m so grateful for giving up his time to chat. If you’re not already, please follow and support him on @jmudrums.
Jonathan is endorsed by @zildjiancompany @westoneaudio @vicfirth @ludwigdrumshq @evansdrumheads @drumtacs and @protectionracket
0:00 – Managing a career while going through tough emotional periods. The therapeutic effects of drumming.
12:00 - Lesser known drummers achieving huge achievements. Boston investing into it's music scene
17:00 - Jonathan's definition of success and how it has changed over time. The importance of writing our your goals.
37:43 - The power of loving and enjoying the drums without attaching an outcome/goal to it.
44:20 - Balancing career and hobbies/passions.
50:57 - The impact of networking and being diverse in your interests. Power of diversifying your audience.
1:08:30 - The Whisper Breaks, Jonathan’s loop and sample library and the magic of improvisation and creativity.
1:22:43 - Being nominated for Best New Drummer in the world at the age of 36.
1:25:05 Being prepared for any opportunity. PHARRELL (1:26) EVERY GIG IS THE BIGGEST GIG IN THE WORLD. YOU NEVER KNOW IF THAT’S THE OPPORTUNITY THAT WILL KICK START YOUR CAREER.
1:29:00 - Playing on Seth Meyers/Playing on tv experience.
1:38:35 - Jonathan’s drum journey and how he developed his playing. The power of hip hop songs/beats for kids learning drums to make success easier.
1:46:48 - Steve Jordan story and the power of simplicity.
1:51:13 - You’re not grooving, unless you’re moving. How moving enhances groove. If you’re not feeling your own pocket, no one else will be.
1:54:30 – The difference in headspace between live and studio performances. Looking for that vibe in recording takes.
2:02:55 - What are the most important elements of a session drummer.
2:09:07 - Tips on landing endorsements.
2:28:25 - Wrap up. Reach out to Jonathan. Shout out to Pharrell Williams.
