[ WM ] You actually make some of your percussion instruments yourself . Can you give us an example or two of that ?
[ Mark ] As far as StikYard goes , I dream and come up with the ideas , then my very skilled buddy , Steve Hayden , takes over from there , although it ’ s a collaborative process overall . StikYard is very centered around custombuilt contraptions and instruments . One most versatile drums are the drumdrums , made from a 30 gallon barrel that is hand hammered with a 24 ” head , and strong enough to ride ( everything we have is on wheels ).
He also builds taiko drums with real cow hide , and many contraptions too numerous to mention here . We even have a moving ferris wheel of drums . Our media best tells the story .
[ WM ] What kind of gigs does StikYard do these days ?
[ Mark ] We often do big openers at churches , arenas , or convention centers for special events , such as church conferences , holiday events , and even regular church services . However , this year , we ’ re collaborating with a church in Tennessee and will perform over half of a Christmas concert . We ’ ve gradually figured out how to travel this mammoth . ( laughing )
[ WM ] Where can our readers go to stay in the loop about StikYard and to keep up with your activities ?
[ Mark ] Facebook will post activities as well as videos / pics . Full performances are best viewed on YouTube . https :// www . facebook . com / stikyard / https :// www . youtube . com /@ StikYardDrums https :// www . instagram . com / stikyard / Stikyard . com
Here ’ s a fun one for starters ...
[ WM ] Can you list two or three worship albums that inspire your own musicianship ?
[ Mark ] Well , I mostly listen to individual songs as I learn them for a weekend . I like the progression of worship music , but I find inspiration in several styles .
[ WM ] Any drum or percussion gear endorsements ?
[ Mark ] Pearl Drums , Adams Percussion , Dream Cymbals , and Innovative Percussion .
[ WM ] Words of encouragement or advice for other worship team percussionists ?
[ Mark ] Keeping time in percussion is a slightly different skill set than doing so on kit . There ’ s a lot of physicality that feels different than an attack on a drum , so have big ears ! It may be icing , but it has the power to slop it up quickly if you ’ re not careful .
Percussion is very dynamic ; some sounds poke out more than others . Executing an even mix will heighten your chances of being heard in the mix . Have a good working relationship with the sound guy and be open to their suggestions . Think about drum placement in relationship to mics , stick / mallet choice , etc .
Musically , what we choose to play is not as straight ahead as other instruments . You can think outside the box but serve the music first . And these days , you can glean from just the percussion track on MultiTracks for ideas . Or , if they are playing that in the house , then compliment that with something else .
GEAR LIST : I have lots of Pearl / Adams gear for StikYard , best seen here : https :// pearldrum . com / artist / mark-miller
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