ADAM JARVIS (Misery Index) – BLAST

Adam Jarvis tok over stikkene i Misery Index i 2004 og har siden den gang gitt bandet en stabilitet musikalsk samtidig som han har vært stødigheten selv der bak. Han forteller her at det var Igor Cavalera (ex-Sepultura) og albumet "Beneath the Remains" som var årsaken til at Adam begynte med trommer og metal i det store og hele. Han skulle ønske han kunne øve mer, men innser også at det er godt å legge bort stikkene i visse perioder. Les mer om Adam Jarvis fra Misery Index og hans bidrag til The Blast Beast Series.

You are playing in a genre where both technique and speed, together with groove, are important ingredients. What do you think is the most important of these?

Technique and Groove are the most important. You being fast is cool as well, but if you don’t have good technique then you’ll eventually injure yourself. Groove is also a very important ingredient in drumming, that’s what separates a lot of drummers apart from one another.

Which drummer has inspired you the most throughout the years, and what would you have said to him/her if you had the chance to meet him/her in person?

Igor Cavalera from Sepultura. He’s the one that really got me into metal drumming and paved the path for me. I’d let him know that he’s the man and the "Beneath The Remains" is my favourite album of all time, and to get Sepultura back together and play this album from start to finish!!!! HAHA

Which is best while rehearsing alone: systematic progress or full improvisation?

Being a drummer you always want to progress, well with any instrument you want to progress. With drumming there is so much to learn. Once you think you know it all, think again cause there’s some dude out there that is doing something you’ve never thought of and kicking your ass at it!

Do you have any "core rehearsal tips" that have given you a lot of progress in your drumming?

Mainly just playing along with a metronome and staying consistent in your playing. Practice rudiments on a pillow, it’s a great workout for your wrists and forearms.

What is important for you while rehearsing new songs/riffs with your band? Is there something in particular you do or listen for?

Since I take a huge part in writing, I like to have the song mostly composed with just the guitar track. I dissect that and really think of how to bring that riff to life. Basically the goal is to make you want to smash someone’s face in with our music.

What is, in your opinion, the biggest challenges for extreme drummers (or, generally speaking, drummers), and what can you do to work them out?

Staying fit and in shape. Especially on the road. Metal drumming and any drumming is like being an athlete and you have to take care of your body, make sure you stretch, eat right, and get plenty of rest before a gig.

Wrists or fingers? Heel up or down? Why?

Wrists cause you get more power, and Heels up cause that’s the way I’ve always played.

You must have rehearsed for an insane amount of hours to be as good a drummer as you are. Do you think it is worth it, and have you ever thought about quitting?

I wish I could rehearse more actually. We tour so much, sometimes I get home and don’t want to touch the drums for a week!! But that’s good sometimes to take a break and come back fresh and try different things out that you picked up from the road. I like having the time by myself behind the kit, cause you’re not trying to impress anyone and you just go with the flow and play what you wanna play, not what you have to.

While playing at a concert: are you 100 % concentrated about what you are doing, or do you notice some of the mood and energy among the audience?

I definitely feed off the crowd, but still remain focused with my playing. The best is when the crowd is right in your face and it’s more of a party vibe. Then everyone has a good time. I hate the barriers and the artist/fan separation a lot of the times. It’s harder to get into it.

Is it expensive to become a drummer, and what does it take outside all that can be bought for money to become a clever and good drummer in extreme metal?

Endorsements!!! HAHA

No, it’s better to buy equipment that is durable and reliable, cause you want it to serve its purpose for years to come and get your money’s worth.

And then some about your equipment:

Currently I’m using Ddrum drums, Meinl cymbals, Axis Pedals, Regal Tip 5Bx sticks, and DB drumshoes (which I wouldn’t play without)

Which snare drum and configuration do you like the best? 12", 13" or 14"? And which material? Wood, steel, brass or bronze?

I’ve always played on a 14" snare, as far as the material I’m more for the metal snare. Currently I’m using a Ddrum hand-hammered bronze snare which ripps!!

What kind of pedal(s) do you use? And which "settings" fits your style the best?

I’m using the same Axis pedals I’ve had for about 10 years now. I prefer medium tention and the Marksman beaters.

As always, we are rounding off with you picking the next drummer in these series. Pick a drummer, and explain why he/she deserves (!) to be one of our Blast Beasts.

Dave from Psycroptic!!! He’s a sick amazing drummer, love his style and power. Badass band to!!

Cheers and Beers and as always BLAST!!!!!!!!

http://www.myspace.com/miseryindex
http://www.relapse.com/