Q
Please introduce yourself and the name of your band?
A
Sean Strelecki of 3 Kisses
Q
Where are you from and who were your earliest musical influences? Do you remember going to your first concert?
A
I am from Katy, TX (suburb of Houston). My earliest musical influences were church choir and listening to my mom and dad’s records (Journey, Yes, Boston, Steely Dan etc.) I’ve always loved movie and game soundtracks too.
Q
What about non-musical influences? Who or what else has been influential to you personally?
A
I like to live an active lifestyle and enjoy the History and Discovery networks and learning about the world. Knowledge is power!
Q
Are you self taught or did you take lessons?
A
Both. Nothing replaces lessons from a skilled professional. Then you take that knowledge and decide what to do with it. I can’t stress enough how important listening to music is as well!
Q
How did you originally connect with your band?
A
They messaged me via Myspace about an audition.
Q
What stands out to you about your first recording sessions?
A
Nothing stands out in particular – I love recording!
Q
What is your band currently up to?
A
Gigging and recording as much as possible and promoting our awesome new CD.
Q
Do you get involved with the song writing process?
A
Yes, I try to put in my 2 cents whenever possible.
Q
Do you have a favourite brand of drums?
A
Trick Drums are amazing.
Q
Who has given the best live drumming performance you’ve seen? Recently I saw Tommy Aldridge and that just blew me away.
A
Dave Weckl @ any of his clinics
Q
What do you do to warm up?
A
Lots of rudiments on hands and feet.  I try to get a very intense burn going!
Q
Tell us about your current kit set up.
A
HP Custom Carbon Fiber Drums: 10”, 12”, 14” toms – 13” snare – 22” bass (sometimes more pieces and sometimes less). Cymbals a mix of HHX Evolution and various Zildjian cymbals and Wuhan chinas
Q
Any endorsements?
A
Working on them!
Q
What is your take on file sharing?
A
Although it is illegal it is too hard to stop from happening. Any form of exposure is good exposure I suppose!
Q
Have you ever done, or would you consider, a drum duet?
A
I have played some duets but never recorded any. It’s definitely on my list of things to do!
Q
Any advice for new drummers?
A

1)    Learn from the best - take lessons from the best players in your town

2)    Learn how to tune your drums and get a “pro” sound. This includes cymbal selection.

3)    Practice with a metronome as much as possible and record/listen to yourself often.

4)    Listen to as much different music/drummers as you can and study them. (Not just rock!)

5)    Practice as much as you can when you’re young (before you have bills to pay)…strike a balance in your practice between groove, technique, coordination, creativity, phrasing etc.

(FOR DRUMMERS OF ALL LEVELS): PRACTICE WHAT YOU SUCK AT!!
Q
Everyone has their own perception of success, what is yours?
A
Making a good living as a professional musician and being the best player possible.
Q
When do you know you’ve had a satisfying day?
A
When I’ve accomplished everything I wanted to that day.
Q
What are you looking forward to most this year?
A
Advancing my music career and all the fun and work that entails!
Q
And lastly, should there be drum rooms in the gym? Research has suggested that a rock drummer needs extraordinary stamina comparable to top athletes.
A
That’s a heck of an idea! I would be at the gym all the time if those were there. Yes, we drummers sweat and expend a lot of energy on stage.

 

To check out more about 3 Kisses, visit
www.myspace.com/3kisses

and
http://www.ratpakrecords.com/3_Kisses.html

 

I would like to thank Sean Strelecki for this interview.

Keep It Loud!

 

 

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