OC MUSIC SHOWCASE INTERVIEW WITH WARREN MURREL- Aug 26th, 2020:

-With the current rise of COVID cases, it seems like “normal life” is a phrase you will not likely use anytime soon, or ever again. For a minute there seemed to be a chance that live music, in small doses, would begin to happen again, but as the rise in cases has increased, we are seeing the second round of statewide shutdowns. The light at the end of the tunnel is once again a mirage, and the return to live entertainment is pushed into the unforeseeable future. With so many hungry artists and musicians looking to get back out on the road we are optimistic that this might lead to a creative upsurge for the local and national music scene. We hope everyone continues to stay safe and can’t wait for the resurgence of live music. In the meantime, we will continue to check in with some of OC’s top artists and bands.

Without a doubt one of the most essential members in a band is the drummer, whether you’re in the studio or a live situation he or she dictates the foundation and groove of a given track. Not only does this role require dedication, talent and consistent rehearsal, it requires a drummer to be able to adapt and understand music at its core. This is exactly why Brandon Allen has been providing the thunderous backbeats for many bands throughout his career. Not only is he a talented drummer, he is also very proficient in percussion & orchestral techniques, teaching, and reading & writing music. With skills like these, combine with a very diverse musical background, there is no wonder why he is a go-to live and session drummer for so many Orange County and Southern California bands. I was able to catch up with Brandon to see how he’s been getting through quarantine, see what his favorite recording kit is, and chat about legendary studio session drummers. Let’s give the drummer some…

OC Update: Brandon Allen

Instrument(s): Drums/ Percussion 

Associated Acts: Daniel Bonte & The Bona Fide, Stephen Wesley, Cali Grown Gang, Orange County Music Academy 

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How have you been staying busy during quarantine? What have you been listening to, any new music recommendations?

-The downtime of quarantine has allowed me to fine tune my home studio set up and delve deeper into recording and audio engineering.  Recently, I finished tracking a 6 song EP for singer/songwriter Doug Schmude.  This is the 3rd record I have worked on with him and am excited to share the results when completed.  Also, I have been working on several singles for country artist Daniel Bonte & The Bona Fide, which are scheduled for a fall release. Considering I haven’t had to constantly be learning set lists for cover gigs, it has been a breath of fresh air to listen to music purely for enjoyment’s sake. I’ve actually been going back to bands/artists that inspired me to play music in the first place. I’ve had Van Halen II on repeat a lot, as well as Thin Lizzy’s killer “Live and Dangerous” record. Right before the quarantine started, I recorded several live, in-studio, YouTube videos with a reggae singer from Jamaica. That music always puts me in a good mood and has been a go-to over summer. I absolutely love Spotify’s Reggae Classics play list. Check it out and press shuffle, it’ll put a smile across your face.

How have you adapted to the gig-less lifestyle of the past 5 months?

-Luckily, I’m still able to maintain my teaching schedule with Orange County Music Academy, as we have switched to virtual lessons using Zoom. I truly love teaching and consider it blessing to be able to rely on that, as live concerts and gigs aren’t an option right now. I teach around 30 lessons each week, and nothing makes me happier than seeing a young student fall in love with music and grow their talents!  Also, I took my piano out of storage and set it back up. It has been a blast getting back to that instrument. You have the whole orchestra at your fingertips!  I’ve started to dabble into music production using Ableton Live and have incorporated some of that platform into my teaching program. Otherwise, I’ve been catching up on my movie watching, and get a lot of inspiration from that. I’m obsessed with vintage monster movies and anything horror related. 

What was one of your musical highlights from 2019? 

-Last summer I did a coast to coast tour with artist Stephen Wesley. It was a blast meeting new people nationwide and playing in new cities and venues.  Lots of great memories we made during that run.  Also, playing Subaru Country Freedom Fest with Daniel Bonte last October. I always relish preforming on big festival stages, and that was a special gig for the band. If anyone is interested in seeing a bit of that show, I’ve uploaded several videos of drum-cam footage on my YouTube channel.

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As a drummer who is involved with lots of different projects and artists, what do you enjoy most about getting to play different styles and genres?

 -Growing up, my parents constantly had different types of music playing in our house. Because of this, it has always felt natural to play different styles. Also, I credit the various teachers I’ve studied with, and my school’s music program for expanding my horizons at a young age. I played in jazz band, drumline, orchestra, and was taught the importance of reading and writing music. This is a skill I use virtually everyday to quickly learn songs, regardless of their genre. I truly enjoy all styles of music, and I love to mash-up elements of different genres into something new and unique. I feel my willingness to jump into any musical situation has served me well in keeping me inspired, and my schedule busy!

Who are some of your favorite studio session drummers?

 -Two key drummers for me who in many ways invented the role of being a studio musician are Jim Gordon and Jim Keltner. They played on some of my all-time favorite songs, and always managed to retain their respective signature groove and feel without sounding mechanical. I see those players as the link to a lot of the more recognized studio musicians of the 80’s and 90’s. Also, I really admire the careers of people like Kenny Aronoff and Steve Jordan. The list of high profile artists they have kept the beat for will make your jaw drop…just give them a search on Wikipedia!  In terms of the music coming out of Nashville these days, I really admire Rich Redmond who has played drums on 27 #1 hits. He has modernized the role of drums in country music and plays with so much conviction and power, but, first and foremost, always serves the song. In that genre and scene, his influence is everywhere.  

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If you could have played the drums on one album, which would it be and why?

-Thats a tough question to answer as I have been a record collector my whole life, and have so many favorites, but I’ll go with “Who’s Next,” by The Who.  ‘Won’t Get Fooled Again,’ ‘Baba O’Riley,’ ‘Behind Blue Eyes,’ ‘Bargain,’ ‘Going Mobile’…these are some of the greatest rock songs ever written!  I’ve always thought Townshend is a very underrated lyricist, and his use of the ARP synth still sounds so fresh and cutting edge. The drum break on ‘Won’t Get Fooled Again’ leading into Daltrey’s ear splitting scream before the final chorus never fails to take me straight to rock’n’roll heaven!

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What is your current preference of kit for recording drums?

 -I’ve had a lifelong love of Ludwig drums and play them exclusively live, however the sonic requirements of the studio can be very different than the stage.  Most of the tracking at my studio is done on a Yamaha Recording Custom set, which tunes up like a breeze, and the mics absolutely love. I have a solid assortment of snares, and will choose between a metal or wood drum depending on what’s needed. More often than not, I’ll reach for my Ludwig Black Beauty. It’s like a musical Swiss army knife, in that I can pull a lot of different tonal options from that drum. I love Paiste cymbals and use a mixture of their Giant Beat and Twenty series in the studio.  

When things go back to normal, what will be the main focus for you and your music?

-Most people tend to know me throughout SoCal as a live drummer because of the active gigging schedule I’ve been fortunate to maintain throughout the years. Connecting with an audience and sweeping them up in my groove is a very powerful experience, and it has been a challenge to have that aspect of my life put on hold. However, when the dust settles, and it’s safe to do so, I plan on being one of the first back out in the gigging scene!