Canadian Musician - January / February 2020 | Page 52

you learn, but nobody is ever finished drilling those basic
technical elements. When I get sick of rudiments for the day,
I’ve been learning a lot from drumming along to bands in
all different genres. My most recent obsession is Led Zep-
pelin. John Bonham is an incredible player, both musically
and technically, and I use an app that lets me play back the
songs at a fraction of the speed so I can accurately hear and
transcribe what’s going on in the drum parts.
CM: You had the chance to work with Eric Ratz making
Winnipeg, California, and he’s got a pretty impressive
list of credits when it comes to Canadian rock. How
did you find the experience of working with him, and
where do you hear his influence most significantly in
your drum parts?
JD: Working with Ratz on our record was an amazing experi-
ence. He is very professional, so fun, and super creative. To
me, it was important for the drums to sound special. Ratz
was able to stylize the sound of the drums in a way that a
guitar player stylizes their guitar tone. He helped me find
a voice within the recordings that sounds super cool and
unique, but also feels very me.
CM: While you’ve welcomed other musicians into the
Mise en Scene fold over the years and had some killer
collaborators in the studio for Winnipeg, California,
how does the fact that the core songwriting duo is you
and Stef [Blondal Johnson] – a drummer and
guitarist – affect the finished product versus the more
typical “full-band” scenario?
JD: Stef and I just get each other. She is a fantastic rhythm
guitar player and songwriter. When we collaborate, the
process is so effortless and fun. I think the result of the core
duo being drums, rhythm guitar, and voice is that the song
really needs to stand on its own. It needs to be great from
the bones up and that’s what we always strive for. We love
simplicity. We never try to over-complicate things. Any
razzle-dazzle is there by choice to elevate what is already
there, not to distract from what may be lacking.
CM: Is there anything technical you’ve been working
on lately, or that you’d like to start working on in
order to further improve your playing?
JODI DUNLOP
Mise en Scene
Manitoba-based duo Mise en Scene offer a whirlwind of
delectable rock-rooted, reverb-drenched dream pop that
perfectly meshes modern vibes with vintage charm. Look no
further than their upcoming LP Winnipeg, California for an
example, available in 2020 via Light Organ Records.
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Pearl Export Series Drums
• 22-in. Kick
• 14-in. Floor Tom
• 12-in. Rack Tom
Ludwig 1968 Supraphonic Snare
Murat Diril 22-in. Renaissance Dark Ride
Sabian AAX 16-in. Crash
Sabian HHX Hi-Hats
Los Cabos Drumsticks
52 CANADIAN MUSICIAN
JD: As a drummer, I really value creativity over technicali-
ty, although having both is an amazing combo. I’m always
looking for ways to write a memorable and creative drum
part. That could mean coming up with a unique pattern
to play on the toms, simplifying a part in the chorus so
that the vocal can shine, or implementing a pause before
heading into the next verse. I’ve been listening to the Cure,
Siouxsie and the Banshees, and U2’s first record Boy a lot
lately for inspiration.