In demand Drummer

Valuable Insight From Jeff Friedl

I had the opportunity to meet one of the busiest, in demand drummers in the music industry. That my friends is Jeff Friedl. Some of his past and present gigs include Puscifer, A Perfect Circle, Ashes Divide, Devo, Eagles of Death Metal, Filter, etc. I was looking forward to meeting Jeff as he has played in some of my favorite bands. It’s not everyday you get the opportunity to gain insight from someone like Jeff.

I did however approach with caution. I didn’t know how Jeff would be. Would he be the stereotypical “ Glam Rocker”, with a giant ego that’s to cool for school? Perhaps, rightfully so I suppose. Whatever the case, I was going to find out. Within a minute of meeting Jeff, every preconceived notion I had went out the window. Jeff was just another dude with a strong passion for drums.

We talked a lot about industry stuff and how he ended up where he is today. I assumed like in many things in life, he just knew the “right people”. Typical to assume there had to be a simple explanation for his success. But it wasn’t as easy as knowing the “right people”.  Jeff worked on his craft for many years, playing unfavorable gigs like a lot of us do. He put the time in. No short cuts. Building relationships, getting his name out there by putting boots on ground.

Trials and tribulations just like the rest of us. Not getting a gig or getting strung along, his journey was no different. A lot of what he said I could relate to, which was the most inspiring part. Sometimes the answer isn’t simple. In this case, it kinda was.  Hard work. That’s it. Putting the time in, there is no short cut. You never know when you’ll get your shot. Regardless of when that might be, the question will remain. Will you be ready?

Check out Jeff Friedl currently on tour with Puscifer.

Photo by:Yuliya Peshkova

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