From sticks to drums, here’s a roundup of new artist endorsers from Vater, Doc Sweeney, Yamaha, Promark and Cympad.
Vater
Vater Percussion just finished signing metal star Roy Mayorga of Stone Sour to their roster a month ago. Now they’ve added a group of new endorsers including Lilliana de los Reyes [George Benson], Hayley Cramer [Pop Evil], Phil Lawson [Kelsea Ballerini], Matt Alger [The War & Treaty], Harold Brown [Jacob Banks], Kenny Dixon [Kane Brown], Jody Giachello [HAIM], Clark Kegley [Andrew W.K.], Andrew Hemmerling [High Valley], David Keith [Rainbow], Michael Sturd [Lindsay Ell], Graham Bechler [Russell Dickerson] and Steve Wilson [Independent].
Hayley Cramer of Pop Evil says of her new endorsement, “Extreme playing requires extreme measures and the Vater XD-5B Xtreme sticks have my back, song after song, night after night! Hard hitting with musicality. That’s my jam.”
Incidentally Mayorga and Stone Sour hit the road starting April 28th for an extensive world-wide tour that runs through the end of 2018, which includes dates with Ozzy Osbourne on the “No More Tours 2” tour.
Lance likes his new Doc Sweeney’s.
Doc Sweeney
Boutique builder Doc Sweeney Drums has announced that Lance Comer is playing the Doc’s drums. Originally from Minneapolis, Comer was a member of The New Congress, and worked with Dove Award-nominated artists Jason Gray and Sara Groves. Upon moving to New York City in 2006, he began working with many high-profile artists including Kacie Sheik, and Cassandra Kubinski. Comer is currently recording and touring with Billboard’s 2016 and 2017 Contemporary Jazz Artist of the Year, Lindsey Webster.
Steve Stecher, founder of Doc Sweeney Drums, says, “We look forward to providing drums that will enhance the sound of his extraordinary playing skills. The man can play!”
Promark
Promark has announced three new marching endorsers. Andrew Markworth is a composer, arranger, and consultant, writing wind, front ensemble and battery percussion for marching bands, indoor drumlines, and drum corps. Tim Fairbanks is director and visual designer for Rhythm X, was the WGI Percussion Independent World Class Champion in 2008, 2009, 2013, and has been the drill designer for the Bluecoats (Canton, OH) and Blue Stars (Lacrosse, WI). Additionally, he is the vice president of percussion for WGI Sport of the Arts, serving on the WGI Board of Director’s Executive Committee, in addition to membership on the WGI Percussion Advisory Board and Steering Committee. In 2018, it was announced that Fairbanks would be inducted into the WGI Hall of Fame.
Tim Jackson has joined D’Addario and the company has announced the debut of his signature tenor marching stick. Jackson has performed with Rhythm X Indoor Percussion Ensemble since its inaugural season in 2002, winning one gold, two silver, and one bronze medal within the last six seasons of WGI competition. He played his last notes as a performer after aging out in the 2007 season.
Tenor Marching Stick
According to the company, the Tim Jackson Signature Marching Tenor Stick by Promark is the first tenor implement to take full advantage of the durability of nylon by over-molding a tip that extends down the taper. This creates a unique feel and unprecedented durability along the shoulder of the stick where rim shots are played. Along the profile of the stick, nearer the rear end, a fulcrum notch allows the player’s fingers to relax comfortably and assures the stick doesn’t move in the hand while in use.
Yamaha
Conor Rayne of Brasstracks. Photo by Natalie Piserchio
Yamaha Drums has signed New York-based drummer, composer and producer Conor Rayne of the Grammy Award-winning duo Brasstracks to its artist roster.
The duo has collaborated with acclaimed artists including Anderson Paak, Khalid, GoldLink and Robert Glasper. They also earned their Grammy nod for producing Chance The Rapper’s “No Problem.” Rayne can also be heard playing drums on Kate Davis’ upcoming release, as well as performing live with bassist Chris Morrissey.
Rayne’s kit of choice is the 6-ply maple Yamaha Tour Custom with Butterscotch Satin finish with a 14″ x 5.5″ Recording Custom Aluminum snare, using 800 series hardware and the new EAD-10 electronic acoustic drum module for online videos.
“I’ve always loved the versatility of Yamaha,” said Rayne in a press release. “With the Tour Custom, I can really dig in and the drums project with power and warmth. It also catches my quieter, more dynamic moments with crystal clarity. I play a lot of different genres and these drums work for all of them!”
Cympad
Josh Baker (Mariah Carey), JR Robinson (studio legend) and Jason Bittner (Overkill, Shadows Fall)
Josh Baker [Mariah Carey], JR Robinson [studio legend] and Jason Bittner [Overkill, Shadows Fall] are among the latest drummers to endorse Cympad cellular foam cymbal washers. These players use a variety of Cympad Optimizers, Chromatics and Moderators in live and studio situations.