The next few blogs will be covering interviews with the individual members of Oposium, exclusive to this website under the title of 'Meet The Band'!
The previous interview was of the frontman, Richard McLester. Next, we interview the "tub-basher" of the band, David Waller on his experiences as a drummer and when with Oposium...
Interviewer: What made you decide to play drums rather than any other instrument?
David: To me, the drums are the most exciting instrument out there! When I was 5 maybe 6, I used to go with my Dad, a professional musician, to watch his local Big Band rehearse and I'd be completely mesmerised and just so thrilled by what the drummer was playing. From then on I'd always sit next to the drummer; it was when I first got into music, and drums opened the door for me. I think it's the fact that you play with sticks rather than your fingers, and that you get to play an instrument with so many sounds is the most exciting thing! Also it's because you feel power when sat behind them and you can control the band musically. It's great fun!
We hear you're a man of all trades but what style of music do you most like playing?
I'm big on 70's jazz-fusion! I dig anything by Billy Cobham, the Mahavishnu Orchestra, the early Jeff Beck, the late Miles Davis, Weather Report, and the Yellowjackets to name a few. I can just sit and play along to these any time. It's experimental - I really enjoy the fact it's so so different to commercial music, and every time you listen to their tracks you hear something totally new, and because it's so 'wild' I find it impossible to get bored of listening to it. Also it tends not to have many boundaries - it's such an experimental, virtuous and progressive genre; you can't be afraid to show off your technique as a player and think that you're doing too much; but it requires alot of concentration, and it must fit musically! The Miles Davis track "Bitches Brew", which is 27 minutes long, is just one to check out for pure innovation.
You use a massive kit on stage ... what equipment do you use with Oposium?
When with Oposium I use a Pearl Session Elite kit with a Pearl rack; three rack-toms, one floor tom, and bass drum. Then I have two snares and Remo Roto-toms. I use 10 Zildjian A Custom cymbals (crashes, ride, hi-hat, splashes, china, and Zil-Bel) as they really cut through the music in a live situation well, especially my 18" crash in particular which I love. They're also very versatile; I need soft sounds for "Come Awake", and brash sounds for "Not Lost Yet" and "Everything Is Now". I also use a mark-tree for effects. I would like to experiment with samplers on a kit for new sounds however - maybe that's something for future Oposium gigs?"
Yes, that sounds interesting. So what's been your most memorable Oposium moment so far?
Strangely, I think it would be the first time I heard their music. I joined just after the album had been created, and I was sent a copy to work from. Listening to the first track made me think that this was something totally new, gritty, loud, dirty, and epic but at the same time very fresh. But of course, my most proud moments include when our album was released in HMV and Amazon, myself being on the website and the gig banner, seeing the Flaming Piano set alight for the first time, being recognised on the street a couple of times, signing autographs, that kind of thing!
Great! Do you have a musician who has most inspired you?
Of course. Set-aside of drum heroes I think both musically and drumming-wise it would have to be Michael Jackson. I grew up with his music from a very, very early age. I remember I used to watch a video of a gig from his Dangerous Tour and it just took me completely aback. It was his presence, talent, and skill that made me want to play music; I found that most of his drum tracks especially for "Jam" and "Billie Jean" were just hitting me in the face telling me to play drums! His music is just so uplifting and powerful, and he has no songs that don't feel great! My main drum influences however are Billy Cobham, Paul Brodie, Jimmy Copley, Ricky Lawson, Art Blakey, Ian Paice, John Bonham, Jimmy Cobb, Terry Bozzio, and Manu Katche.
If you could compare Life Under The Sun to a type of food, what would that be?
I think it would have to be a ice-cream! With a Cornetto or Magnum in mind you've got many different, unique parts to it, and many suprising layers especially the solid chocolate in the bottom of the cone! LUTS seems to be full of suprising musical layers and so many things (either melodic or harmonic) are happening within the music at one time. Also, who would have thought to be put nuts in with ice cream, and classical music in with rock!?
And finally, one short random fact about David Waller that sets you apart from the other members of the band...
I have changed my career path more than traffic lights change colours. I'm not joking - in chronological order: in the past I have wanted to be a Michael Jackson impersonator, a Ghostbuster, a Jedi Knight, a Darth Vader, a Saxophonist, a Detective, a Fireman, a Policeman, an Actor. Then I taught myself seriously the basics of being an Astronaut, an Egyptologist, an Archaeologist, a Botanist, a Forensic Scientist, an English Teacher, and then a freelance drummer! Mad!
David Waller
Keep your eyes peeled for the next interview which will be based on the band's keyboard virtuoso, Sam Hanson.
Peace always,
The Oposium Admin Team
Labels: drums
