Accordo: Dave Lombardo Interview

Many know him mainly for having defined the rhythmic line from Slayer in three different periods (1981-1986, 1987-1992 and 2002-2013), but what he has given the world renowned, it's his style that made him a true person of reference in the field, to the point to recieve the name of "the Godfather of double bass". He is Dave Lombardo, we asked him a few questions in order to deepen his knowledge better.

Gabriele Bianco: How did you met drums?
Dave Lombardo: I discovered drums at the very young age of 3. My parents loved music and attended a lot of party's where cuban bands were playing. Honestly, my exposure to infectious grooves probably started in the womb.

GB: Which are your main musical sources of inspiration?
DL: Different styles and genres influence me on a daily basis, however. Right now, Punk, Funk and Latin Jazz are my main influences.

GB: Do you feel the weight to have been practically the first having used this personal approach with the double bass drum?
DL: No, I just do what feels natural and hope it's embraced by the public.

GB: Many drummers use double pedal, probably for convenience. Which is the reason why you are faithful to the double bass drum?
DL: I personally don't feel like you get the same power from one bass drum.

GB: Is it true that when you start playing with double bass drum, You start with your left foot?
DL: Yes, this is true. Because I'm left handed and I play a right handed set up.

GB: CWhat has brought you to choose Ludwig drums?
DL: The drummers I looked up to when I was young; John Bonham, Bill Ward, Ian Paice and Ginger Baker all played Ludwig.

GB: Please, can you describe your setup?
DL: It depends on which band I'm playing in; I will sometimes use a 4 piece drum set which includes: one bass drum, one tom, one floor tom and a snare. For other projects I use a 9 piece: two bass drums, four toms, two floor toms, and a snare. Obviously, a variety of cymbals are included with either set up.

GB: Those accustomed to listen to you playing powerful musical genres, remains surprised to hear you to play with the Golden State Pops Orchestra. How did you get that idea?
DL: It actually wasn't my idea.. it was the idea of the composer, Christopher Young, to bring in my drumming style to the orchestra. I was very honored to have been apart of that evening.

GB: How did you get the idea to creating "PHILM"?
DL: I felt the need to put together a band that was completely different then what I was used to, not only in musical style and sound, but drumming technique. Using a smaller kit forces me to express myself differently, it's challenging.

GB: From the first time that you've been played "Alive!" from Kiss to now, what has changed in Dave Lombardo?
DL: I love that album and played along with it all the time as a kid. I have changed drastically since; I believe for the better... in all aspects of my life.

GB: What's the relationship of your kids with your music?
DL: They have been supportive of every project I've been apart of, and I believe very proud of all that I have accomplished to date

GB: They instead, show an interest in music?
DL: My eldest son, David, is the live and studio engineer for my band, PHILM. Jeremy, my middle child, has his own band called, To Humans. He plays drums in that band, but is also a gifted bassist & pianist. My daughter, Sophie, loves music but her talent is in other creative areas; painting, theatrical make-up etc.

GB: What is your role in all of this? Do you see yourself as an inspiration, guidance or ..?
DL: If you mean with my kids, I feel I motivate them and am a form of inspiration.... but they also do the same for me, I'm definitely a fan of all three of them.

GB: Your drumming in very powerful, strong, but very accurate. What's your secret?
DL: I don't really feel there is a secret, this is just the only way I know how to play.

GB: Have you planned any particular project for the near future?
DL: There are many projects in the works. My main focus at this moment is, PHILM. The new album will be released sometime this summer. We are hoping to tour extensively following the release.

GB: Looking back, how do you see your musical journey?
DL: An exciting learning experience that I believe has made me a better drummer and an all around better musician.. a stronger person. But, this musical journey is far from over, I anticipate great things ahead.