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| The Exclusive Tim "Herb" Alexander Interview! |
| Q: Tim, first of all, thank you so much for taking the time to join me here for this interview! I wanted to start off here by telling you that I was very excited to see that you are working on adrum instruction DVD right now. What is the current progress of that project? A: I have just filmed a drum clinic I did in Chicago. I am hoping to use this for the first DVD. It is not ready yet, and soon will be. I will be selling it on my site or in stores or both. Q: Just out of curiosity, I am sure that it can't be too cheap for a drummer or any musician trying to independently release his own DVD. What are the logistics of making your own DVD as far as cost and production? A: I bought a digital camera, and software to edit and I used a company to do some filming as well. I don't know how much it will cost but it will cost. Q: You have also been busy lately with a few clinics here and there as well as giving drum lessons at The Drumpad in Chicago. How many students do you currently have and are you still enrolling new students? A: I am in Venice California right now and plan to be for a while. I am thinking about doing lessons here. Q: For those who are located in the area and are serious about taking lessons with You, how and where can they do so? A: I don't know as of yet. People should check my site to find out when and where. Q: I had no idea until recently that you were actually a rotating member of the Blue Man Group in Las Vegas. Are you still doing that gig and how much do you enjoy being part of such a fun production? A: It is an amazing show and I loved being there. I am not playing with them right now and It would be cool to do some shows every now and then. Q: No doubt, you get a lot of questions about your days in Primus, so I don't want to dwell on it too much, but I did want to ask you about the band's unique sound, and really about Primus' early influences. I am assuming that Rush and King Crimson were among some of them, but were there other early influences that might be a little more subtle to pick up on? A: Led Zeppelin, Police, and many others. Q: In your opinion, looking back on Primus' impact on the music scene, do you think that Primus helped open the door for other bands who wanted to come in and play something totally off the cuff of the typical alternative or rock music, or do you think that the band will always just be considered a real oddity? A: We did influence alot of players and we just played what we did. I don't know what doors were opened by us. Q: Switching to our favorite subject here of drumming! Who were some of your early influences and at what age did you begin drumming? A: I have always banged on drums. When I was 13 I got my first set, and have been playing ever since. I was really into Rush, Zeppelin, Police, and on and on. Q: How long have you been an endorser of Tama and Zildjian? A: Zildjian has been with me for about 11 years and Tama has been with me for about 7 years. Q: I understand from your great site that you are going to be selling some of your gear soon. What is going to be up for grabs and do you know yet when the sale will begin? A: I will be selling stuff. Probably My Pork Pie set and some other stuff. I will let people know on my site and maybe on ebay. Q: Tim I want to thank you so much again for joining me here. It has been a real thrill to have you here, as you have been a very influential drummer to me for quite some time! I wanted to finish here by asking you what other projects you have in the works for the near future? A: I am in California to get things happening. I don't know what that is as of yet. Thank you very much. |
| Tim "Herb" Alexander has easily been one of the pioneering drummers of the last 15 years, offering up a tasty pastiche of drumming fare through some of music's most eclectic acts, including Primus, Laundry, Attention Deficit, and his latest vehicle for his endless talents, Born Naked. His drumming panache might conjure up thoughts of Stewart Copeland, Terry Bozzio, and Neil Peart, but Tim has most certainly made his own mark in the drumming world, inspiring a whole new generation of exciting drummers. Tim was kind enough to share his time to answer some questions about his latest endeavours right here in this great interview! |
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