It is summer 2024 and after a long hiatus from playing drums - been writing and producing my own music - I really felt I was missing what is the core of my musical personality. So I decided I was going to look for ‘the right’ band to join. That came with a number of conditions which to be honest I had real doubts I would find. The more boxes there are to tick, the less likely it will be to find what I am looking for. I had also just moved out of London to Hampshire which again in theory lessened the pool.

Then out of the blue Pete contacted me about IMC and I checked out their music. Honestly blown away by the music but also that it seemingly ticked all those boxes I had aspirationally created for myself. This seemed promising.

After a chat on the phone to answer some questions I had, Pete seemed really sound and I had received the same ‘I’m not precious about the parts’ sentiment that Lee did before. Ok just a case of learning some songs and giving them a blast at audition. Honouring the written part but free to make my own interpretations too. Learning the songs wasn’t a chore and I decided to learn 10 for the audition.

I went into the studio and meeting Pete, Lee and Dan was a pleasure, a genuinely lovely bunch of guys. I am making my excuses whilst I set up as I expect to be very rough and it will take a while to get back up to speed…although I needn’t have worried. At the end of the first song there were smiles all around and I even recall hearing an enthusiastic ‘yeah’ in the room. I think learning 10 songs that we could play through in that first session was appreciated too.

Rewind to my teens and I remember seeing a cover band around age 14 where they were playing Bill Withers’ ‘Lovely Day’ and the drummer was playing a very cool 16s groove on the hi-hat. That got me hooked. Obsessively learning not only drums but guitar too (when drums were too loud to play) I built up a musical palette and played in lots of bands over the years, all different styles and genres across rock, pop and electronica. I had a stint as a professional for a while too, gaining experience of touring with all the ups ‘n’ downs that offers.

Then I got into writing and producing my own music and of course that was addictive too. But deep inside, my heart beats with the drums, but being a writer/producer gave me valuable insight in how the drums fit in.

Coming back to it I wanted to play music with power and nuance, electronics and backing vocals, well written songs but freedom to create my own parts too.

Discussing the history of the band, their needs for their drummer, and looking at it from my perspective and what I desired musically, it seems with IMC I have found my home.

Having quite complex arrangements for a 4 piece band to play live, it naturally takes a little time…but that gives me the opportunity to bring back my chops from before. Whilst the music is filled with phat, precise basslines, luxe synths, melodic guitars and beautiful vocals, it offers me the chance to use a variety of rhythmic styles, trigger samples and loops and add my backing vocals, plus it affords the creation of space in the music, not just filled with notes all the time. A great range of expression and feel.

Building a set from the extensive back catalogue, being part of the process of creating new material, recording, making videos….we are busy and I now truly feel part of the band.

Next is getting out on the road and sharing this sound which I hope to see others enjoying as much as I do. It is an exciting time!