I'll be continuing to fill-in for Whitechapel on their upcoming European dates (flying across the ocean tomorrow, actually!). While I was home between these two tours, I recorded a few new videos playing some of their stuff. Here's the first one - "The Void", off of their album 'Mark Of The Blade'.
This is one of my favorites to play live. It's got some really cool drum parts, & is "tech" without being TOO difficult. There's also a pretty rad tempo change towards the end with a drum fill right in the middle of it (love that kinda thing!).
You may notice that I'm using ProMark sticks, & that the Vic Firth logo is gone from my intro. I've officially left Vic Firth - I have something new in the works that I can't tell you all about quite yet (but am very excited about!). In the interim, I've been using ProMark sticks (just to try something new, honestly). Plus, I thought it was more professional to be honest with a company that has treated me so well over the years (Vic Firth), instead of waiting until this other thing is ready, & then telling them last minute / very abruptly that I won't be working with them anymore (which to me just seems sketchy & rude). I have nothing but good things to say about Vic Firth, & my departure is truly nothing personal. They treated me well for many years, & they know how much I appreciate them.
Since they're aware of the change though, & I'm technically without an official stick endorsement at the moment, I've been using this in-between period as an opportunity to just try a bunch of different stuff out. So, while I am not "officially" endorsing ProMark, I've been using them for awhile now, & I must say: I'm VERY impressed with them. I've been using the standard 2B (with wood tip), & they absolutely rule. The quality & consistency is top notch (seriously, it's actually crazy how consistent they are). So that's what I'm using for now, & regarding the other thing... well, you'll just have to wait & see ;) !
Mixing was done by Adam "Nolly" Getgood. As always, Nolly handling the mix was an absolute pleasure. He's always able to get the most out of the drums I track at home. If you're interested in mixing, engineering, or general audio work, please contact Nolly using the email address below!
johnny@selftitledmgmt.com
Drums are all natural except for the kick, which is a natural/sample blend. Altho... it's mostly sample (I think - didn't actually ask Nolly what percentage he blended). I didn't personally love how the natural kick turned out, & a trigger is generally more suited for this kind of music anyway. So I assume the natural blend is pretty low.
& you may ALSO notice the internally mic'ed toms (visible from the overhead angle). These mounts (which are custom made, actually) & mic's belong to Brandon Cagle - Whitechapel's Front of House engineer. Brandon put them inside my shells before the first tour I did with them, & since I was coming back down a few weeks later to rehearse again before Europe, he let me take them home temporarily. The foam inside is to defuse the internal sound waves a bit (so it doesn't get as much of a "beach ball" effect... it actually REALLY works wonders). I'm always stoked to try something new, & it turned out pretty rad. I felt that there was a bit less attack, but far more cymbal rejection (which is great). I'm not sure if it's something I'd always do when recording, but it's great for live performance. Was definitely fun to try in this environment though, & has some cool benefits. Big love to Cagle for being a sick guy & doing SICK stuff.
Kit Specs -
Tama Starclassic B/B in Smokey Indigo Burst
10x7
12x8
14x12
16x14
20x16 (x2)
14x6.5 Custom Starclassic G-Maple Snare (13-ply)
Meinl Cymbals (from left to right, if sitting behind the kit) -
18" Classics Custom Extreme Metal China
18" Byzance Brilliant Medium Crash
14" Byzance Traditional Medium Hi-Hats
10" Byzance Brilliant Splash
10" Gen-X Electro Stack
10" MB20 Rock Splash
13" Byzance Brilliant Medium Hi-Hats
19" Byzance Brilliant Medium/Thin Crash
20" MB20 Heavy Bell Ride
18" Pure Alloy China
15"/16" Stack - comprised of a 15" Byzance Dual Hi-Hat Bottom (bottom), & a 16" Classics Custom Trash Crash (top)
Evans Drumheads -
Clear G2's over Clear G1's on Toms
Coated G14 over SnareSide 300 on Snare
Clear EQ4 over Ebony Resonant Head (with port) on Kick
I proudly endorse Tama Drums, Meinl Cymbals, Evans Drumheads, Vratim Drumshoes, Reflexx Practice Pads, Audient, 64 In-Ears, Gator Cases, Trick Pedals, OnTrigger, & Tunerfish Luglocks
Feel free to follow me on your desired social network(s)!
/ alexrudingerofficial
/ alexrudinger
/ rudyrudinger
www.AlexRudinger.com
As always, thanks for watching & stay tuned for more!