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Steve Dilks - I love metal and I play drums!

Steve Dilks Drums

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Steve Dilks Drums Newbie

Steve Dilks Drums

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I grew up fascinated by the idea of being a famous drummer, but since my parents valued their sanity, I compromised and picked up a guitar instead. Growing into a very rhythmic guitarist, after 8 years, I considered transitioning to percussion instruments. By my late-teens the urge to play was irresistible, so I bought a used, entry level drum kit – one I couldn’t even bring home. I would store it at friends’ houses and rush to visit them at every opportunity to play some music. I joined my first recording band in 2009,a folk rock outfit called Pale Whale. We supported a self-titled LP with performances all over Southern Ontario, including Toronto, Hamilton, and Mississauga. By the time the group disbanded in 2012, I gained three years experience jamming with an array of musicians, seeing recordings of original tracks through to production, and playing dozens of gigs. I also earned my parents acceptance as a drummer. They helped me finance a performance level Yamaha Stage Custom that I still have and play today.

My next project was Animal Shelter, an alt-rock band that was formed in the vein of bands like the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Guns N’ Roses. Over 2 years, we released an EP, and gigged extensively. We played shows supporting both local artists and well-known acts like The Salads. When the band separated in 2013, I capitalized on the opportunity to improve my craft as a drummer, learning new techniques, and styles. I went back to the bare bones of drumming, even playing on just a practice pad for several weeks. This gave me a new found appreciation for drumming and allowed me to play things that I had never thought about in the past. When I went back to the kit I noticed that I was picking up new concepts quickly, my playing was more relaxed and accurate, I was an all around better drummer. Once again, my passion for playing music with others had returned. It was time to look for a new band.

Late in 2014, I took the role of drummer in the Melodic Progressive Metal band, Paradise Falls. Having never played with such technical musicians, my work was cut out for me and the pressure was on. I learned the tunes in a few weeks and after hearing me play the band welcomed me on board. PF challenges me to be a better drummer; I am tirelessly working to cultivate unique beats that will hit heavily on recordings, and transition smoothly to live shows. Our guitarist, Andrew writes most of our material and continues to improve his playing which, in turn, motivates me to progress my abilities as a drummer.

As of mid 2015 I am playing drums in a pop/punk/rock band called Academy Killer. I’m also working on a new website (weaponsofmasspercussion.ca) a blog and resource for drummers.

To me, drumming isn’t just about tirelessly recording, trying to jump into the next fad, getting Youtube views or social media followers. Being a drummer is about being surrounded by music; listening, playing, and sharing it with as many people as possible. I have experience in folk / alternative / punk / metal music, but my skill-set extends beyond that. I am interested by all types of music and try to play with as many different people as possible. I am always excited for opportunities to celebrate a common love of music and explore new possibilities. Thanks for your support, feel free to send a message or some links if you are interested in jamming, collaborating, or just want to say hello.

 

Check out my Progressive Metal Band - Paradise Falls --> https://www.facebook.com/paradisefallsband/

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GorboGorboze Newbie

GorboGorboze

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Welcome to the forum, I hope you dig it here. I've been a pretty low effort musician for a long time, but I'm starting to step it up a bit. I recently,late last month, was given a drum kit and have played daily since then, and though obviously I'm just beginning, it has changed how I listen to music a lot. I've played with a dozen drummers, but never though about them very much, as they tend to come and go, but I'm developing some new understanding about what drumming is to music. It's a little hard to put into words. I'll try at some point, but anyway welcome. I look forward to checking out your music and your blog. Nice to see someone from Canada around, there have been a few Canadians here, but there is not one currently posting I don't believe. thanks for the intro, hope you stick with the forum.

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RelentlessOblivion Grand Master

RelentlessOblivion

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G'Day and welcom to our little forum. I too would like to know what bands you're into and perhaps a little about the drummers who inspired you to start playing in the first place.

 

I'm a guitarist myself but as of yet have not played in a band. I was close before an accident last year caused me to pretty much forget everything I knew about playing guitar. Now I'm slowly building the skill set back up in the hope of forming a black/doom/death metal band.

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