Red Hot Chili Peppers Grooves & Fills | Chad Smith

Drumeo2 minutes read

Chad Smith, the drummer of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, shares insights on his musical influences, recording process, and band dynamics, emphasizing perseverance and kindness in the industry. He discusses his energetic drumming style, recording techniques, and collaborations, highlighting the importance of playing from the heart and with others for a fulfilling musical experience.

Insights

  • Chad Smith, the drummer of Red Hot Chili Peppers, emphasizes perseverance, kindness, and heartfelt playing in the music industry, showcasing the values he holds dear in his musical journey.
  • The collaborative nature of the band, highlighted by the unique drumming influences and recording processes, underscores the importance of live interaction, improvisation, and continuous evolution in creating music that resonates with audiences.

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Recent questions

  • Who is Chad Smith?

    A drummer in the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

  • What is Chad Smith's drumming style influenced by?

    Stuart Copeland and nervous energy.

  • What is the recording process of the song "Power of Equality"?

    Two drum tracks panned left and right.

  • What are Chad Smith's musical influences?

    Motown artists like The Temptations.

  • How does Chad Smith describe the importance of playing with others?

    Emphasizes the importance for a satisfying experience.

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Summary

00:00

Chad Smith: Drumming for Fame and Perseverance

  • Chad Smith loves playing the drums and being in a band, aiming to be in the Hall of Fame and play stadiums at 60 years old.
  • Chad Smith is a member of the Red Hot Chili Peppers and has played with various other bands like the Dixie Chicks, Ozzy Osbourne, and Iggy Pop.
  • Chad Smith emphasizes the importance of perseverance, kindness, and playing from the heart in the music industry.
  • Chad Smith discusses the setup and recording process of the song "Give It Away" in 1991, highlighting the minimal drum kit and microphone setup used.
  • Chad Smith's energetic drumming style, particularly his constant movement on the hi-hat, is influenced by Stuart Copeland and contributes to his sound.
  • Chad Smith talks about the hi-hat groove in the song "Blood Sugar Sex Magic" and the influence of nervous energy on his drumming style.
  • Chad Smith explains the recording process of the song "Power of Equality," which involved using two drum tracks panned left and right for a dynamic sound.
  • Chad Smith discusses his musical influences growing up in Detroit, including Motown artists like The Temptations and Stevie Wonder.
  • Chad Smith shares insights into the songwriting process and recording of the Red Hot Chili Peppers' album "Blood Sugar Sex Magic."
  • Chad Smith showcases his drumming on the song "Mellowship in B Major," highlighting the unique groove and hip-hop influence in the track.

25:59

Evolution of Songs Through Live Collaboration

  • Mitch Mitchell inspired the song "Breaking the Girl" with a swing beat.
  • Flea suggested incorporating toms like Mitch Mitchell, leading to a unique drum part.
  • Rick likened the drum part to Ringo Starr, adding a rolling tom element.
  • The drums in "Breaking the Girl" sneak in gradually, inspired by "My Sweet Lord."
  • The band collaborates to create music, often jamming together to develop ideas.
  • Recording together captures a unique sound and performance aspect.
  • The band prefers live interaction and improvisation to create music.
  • The drummer emphasizes the importance of playing with others for a satisfying experience.
  • The band's live shows showcase their interaction and musical chemistry.
  • Songs evolve over time, changing and growing as they are played live.

57:30

Drummers' styles, friendships, and gratitude in music.

  • Drum soloists like Tony Williams, Elvin Jones, and Art Blakey are admired for their skills.
  • Rock drumming gained popularity in the late 60s with drummers like Ginger Baker and John Bonham.
  • The speaker enjoys playing a variety of styles in concerts, occasionally adding drum intros.
  • While respecting virtuoso drummers like Virgil Donati and Thomas Lang, the speaker prefers simpler styles for their music.
  • The speaker recently acquired a double kick pedal for a specific song during a tour with Eddie Vedder.
  • The speaker appreciates the use of double kick pedals for dramatic endings but finds it unnecessary for their band, the Chili Peppers.
  • Mario Calire overdubbed cowbell parts on certain tracks, showcasing his versatility in percussion.
  • The speaker discusses the importance of chemistry in bands and expresses gratitude for their band's longevity.
  • An anecdote about meeting Taylor Hawkins at a festival and forming a close friendship during tours with the Foo Fighters is shared.
  • The speaker concludes with a message of gratitude for the opportunity to play music and performs songs like "Under the Bridge" and "Can't Stop" during the session.
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