I saw Doug Fellenbaum's band, Ace Augustine last summer at Purple Door, in PA.
They were one of my favorite bands that played, and some of the nicest guys I have met! I am so happy that I had a chance to interview the drummer Doug.
Here's how our interview went down:
How long have you been playing the drums?
What started out as being a drummer in the middle school marching band became a reality at 12 years old when I was given my first kit for my birthday. It was an amazing experience and the thrill still carries with me being 19 years old.
What drummers are your biggest inspirations?
Before I listened to any "heavy" music, I was introduced to a lot of Metallica during my youth growing up with my Dad. After school I would go downstairs and drum to "Enter Sandman" or "One" for hours, trying to perfect the songs crafted by Lars Ulrich. But as my music taste matured and I became more involved in bands including Ace Augustine, I started to study the catchy fills and patterns of Matt Greiner from August Burns Red, who ironically is a good friend of mine to this day.
What equipment do you use?
I currently drum for Dark Horse Percussion based out of northern New Jersey. My preferred cymbals are Zildjian A Customs with a combination of Vater drum sticks.
What CD's are in your current listening rotation?
Lately, I have been listening strictly Hip Hop like Flo Rida, Rihanna, Eminem, and Wiz Khalifa. There's a lot to be said about the different styles you can grab from these artist even though they aren't the same genre. For example, the word pattern of Eminem during the chorus of his new song "No Love" is like a main part of a rock song that you typically play the same pattern throughout the track. But when he freestyles, this pattern changes (yet still stays on time) which can be turned into an off time pattern on the drums or a different hi hat progression.
Have you been in any bands other than Ace Augustine?
Ace Augustine was the second band that I have been in. My first band I was in took up my Freshman and Sophomore year of High School. From my Junior year in 2008 to this present day, I have been drumming for Ace.
What has been your favorite venue so far? And what is your dream venue?
If I had to pick one venue that is my favorite, I would have to go with the Warehouse54 which is located in my hometown since it's always a fun time and seems to be a crowd favorite. Aside from that, I don't have a specific venue I would like to play, but I always since I was a kid wanted to play the Vans Warped Tour.
What is the one band you would like to play with most?
If I had to pick a band to tour with most, it would totally be Underoath since they were one of the first hardcore bands that I ever listened to that still knows how to put out an incredible album after all these years.
Do you tune your drums any differently live, then when in the studio?
Absolutely not, I try to have my drums tuned the same for every show as they would be in the studio. I'm pretty OCD about the way my drums sound believe it or not!
Any advice to beginning drummers?
I'm frequently asked this question a lot. Anyone that's a beginner should be proud of themselves reguardless if they stuggle or if they are gifted. The fact of the matter is that the drums are a hard thing to overcome. If you can stick with it, listen to your favorite bands and try to perfect their songs, you will discover a great passion for drumming that will carry with you for a lifetime. For me, I taught myself refusing any lessons and I tell a lot of first time drummers that this is sometimes the best route to take in that you can teach yourself from your own mistakes!
And lastly, what do you enjoy more than playing the drums?
Most people that know me can get a laugh out of this because it's totally true, but the one thing I truly love to do is eat. Seafood is a plus, Taco Bell/ Spanish food is to die for, wings are a weakness (that's actually were I am going for dinner after I type finish this interview), Pizza with Jalapeno peppers rule, and a good old red steak from Outback Steakhouse will always satisfy.
Check out Doug's band Ace Augustine!
♥ABIGAILE
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