Yamaha Drums has added seven drummers from the performance and music-education sectors to its artist roster. All seven have distinguished themselves as drum artists in genres ranging from jazz to funk to thrash metal, fusing many of these genres along the way.
Austin D’Amond (Devildriver): A native of Southern California, D’Amond combines elements of classic thrash, punk, and rock in his bombastic and infectious style. From touring and playing festivals with other Yamaha Artists, D’Amond says he was inspired to become part of the Yamaha family by the sound of the drums as well as the strong bond between the Artists and the company. D’Amond will be playing Live Custom series drums in emerald shadow sunburst with Yamaha’s new RLS-1365 13″ x 6.5″ Recording Custom Series snare drum. Rounding out D’Amond’s kit is 800 series hardware. Devildriver’s latest album, Trust No One, is available now.
Andrew Lee (Saint Paul and the Broken Bones): Based in Birmingham, Alabama, Lee is the jazz- and funk-inspired backbone of Saint Paul and the Broken Bones. Inspired by Yamaha Artists Dave Weckl and Carter Beauford, Lee says he knew he wanted to play Yamaha drums from an early age. He will be playing Absolute Hybrid Maple series drums in gold champagne sparkle, along with 700 series hardware. The Yamaha Absolute Hybrid Maple series drums deliver the consistent clarity and smooth resonance that Lee needs live and in the studio. Lee is on tour now in support of the band’s new album, Sea of Noise.
Robert Sweet (Stryper): As Stryper’s “Visual Timekeeper” (VTK), Robert Sweet’s rock-solid and flamboyant style has inspired drummers all over the world for decades. Sweet says he needed drums and hardware that were perfect for him in terms of sound and durability; his choice was Yamaha. Sweet will be playing Live Custom Drums along with the new Yamaha RLS-1470 14″ x 7″ Recording Custom stainless steel snare. He will also be using Yamaha Mega 900 series cymbal stands.
Nate Werth (Ghost-Note): Ghost-Note’s Nate Werth joins the Yamaha DTX Electronic Drums Artist roster. His deep grooves and forward-thinking musical style make Yamaha DTX the perfect choice. Werth is performing with the DTXM12 Multi-12 Electronic Percussion Pad, KP100 Kick Tower, and HH65 Hi-Hat Controller.
Brooks Wackerman (Avenged Sevenfold): Wackerman has joined the Yamaha DTX Electronic Drums Artist roster. His intricate, hard-hitting drumming style, along with his outgoing and positive attitude, has made him one of modern rock’s most influential players. Wackerman will be using his DTXM12 Multi-12 Electronic Percussion Pad and individual XP80 pads both live and in the studio to deliver deep sonic layers to his already bombastic sound.
Keith Hall (Western Michigan University): As the Jazz Drum Set Professor for Western Michigan University, Keith Hall shares the same lifelong commitment to education as Yamaha has. A highly-respected performer, author and educator, Hall has devoted his career to bringing music to the world. Hall uses Absolute Hybrid Maple Drums, along with 600 and 700 series hardware.
Max Nudi (Independent): Max Nudi is an up-and-coming drummer. A Pennsylvania native, his playing style combines elements of jazz, fusion and rock. A fan and player of Yamaha drums for years, Nudi says he feels confident as his career marches forward that his Yamaha drums and hardware will be just as solid as his attitude and skill. He uses Stage Custom Birch Drums and 700 series hardware.
For more information on the Yamaha Artists roster, visit www.yamaha.com/artists.
Visit Yamaha Drums at yamahadrums.com.