MasterMind Drummer
Newsletter #55 (1st of 25′!)
Jan 6th, 2025
The Rest Is Still Unwritten…
I hope you’ve had a solid start to 2025. We’re a few days in now, and it’s crazy to think how fast things seem to already be moving!
I just got back from a whirlwind 2-weeks of shows all over New Zealand, Australia, and even over on the gorgeous (but remote) Great Barrier Island. This was all with the mighty Black Comet, and also, with none other than Natasha Bedingfield.
I’ll be honest, this schedule was absolutely hectic, but in summary, I am pleased to report that all went off without a hitch. That’s why we do the prep, right?
In terms of Natasha specifically, it was an incredible experience sharing the stage with her. She’s a true professional and an absolute powerhouse of an artist in all respects. And vocally, she’s easily one of the strongest singers I’ve worked with.
Oh, and yeah… if you’re wondering, her tune “Unwritten” absolutely KILLS it live. Sooooo much fun to play!
Here’s the mighty Yamaha setup I was rocking…
What a kit, right? More on that soon…
Natasha and the team took a chance hiring someone locally, even with the recommendation, but honestly, the shows couldn’t have gone better. Not only did it work out, but she’s already talking about building more dates and shows around having me onboard moving forward – a fantastic result to say the least.
Honestly, as a session drummer, that’s all I could ever ask for – to leave the artist on cloud 9, completely happy with the work I put in.
Natasha’s guitarist – who also plays for Beyoncé and Rihanna, just to name a few – was incredible to work with and equally as happy. At one point, he said, “I usually keep the drummers I work with very low in my in-ear mix and just listen to the click, but with you, I cranked the drums and just played along to you as you buried the click!”
The whole experience felt seamless and rewarding.
With ‘Unwritten’, I don’t know about you, but every time I hear that song, it hits differently. The line “The rest is still unwritten” really stood out to me this past week, especially with everything going on.
It’s such a simple lyric, but man, there’s so much weight to it.
It’s such a true statement, and if you really think about it, it’s a reminder that no matter where you are in life, the next chapter hasn’t been decided yet. It’s completely blank.
It’s telling us that the future is ours to curate how we see fit. And the way I see it, the only way to shape it the way you want is to show up now – staying focused, disciplined, and locked in on your craft, and pushing yourself as a person, too.
Remember it’s the work we do on AND off the kit that really makes the difference.
I’ve always believed that progress is self-determined. The work you put in today, that’s what dictates how things unfold tomorrow. It’s not about waiting for the right moment or hoping things fall into place. It’s about making things happen by putting in the reps now.
For me, this whole idea of the future being unwritten has been staring me right in the face the past couple of weeks…
As most of you know by now, I’m gearing up for my audition with PRIMUS later this month.
I’ll be honest – it’s all a bit surreal. I mean, the thing is, I grew up listening to Primus. Their music is very much a part of my personal soundtrack, and in just two weeks I’ll be in a room with Les and Ler, in the flesh, jamming with them, and seeing where things go…
Madness!
When I look back at the work I’ve done—on and off the kit—over the past few years, in a weird way, it really feels like everything has been leading towards this moment.
I’m not saying that guarantees anything, not at all, because whether or not I land the gig, that is completely up to them. But, what I do know is, I’m 100% supposed to be there in that room with them. I’m certain. I truly believe every choice I’ve made in the past couple of years – every hour I’ve put in on and off the kit, has led me here, to this very moment.
So, now that I’m finally home, for the next two weeks, my focus is ultra-dialed! I’ll be fine-tuning my setup, my approach, and ultimately making sure that when I walk into that audition, I’m bringing the absolute best version of myself. Because at the end of the day, that’s all I can really do…. Just be the best version of myself.
I have an incredibly steady and calm feeling about all this, which is even surprising me, and I think that is because
A. I know I am there for a reason, &
B. At the end of the day, all I can do is me, and somehow, that is actually quite reassuring.
I’m in this weird headspace where I know I’m perfect for the gig, but at the same time, if I don’t get it, I genuinely don’t mind, as I really love my life here in NZ. Honestly, I’m just grateful for the experience and the chance to shake their hands and have a jam with them.
While I don’t know how things are going to play out, I do know one thing, that’s for sure… That I’ll have done everything I possibly could. And whatever happens after that? Well…
The Rest Is Still Unwritten…
If you’re reading this and there’s something you’ve been putting off – something you’ve been wanting to pursue but keep waiting for the “right time”… consider this your sign. The time to act is now.
Pull your socks up, commit, and start putting the work in. Do ‘future you’ a massive favour, and start getting those reps in now. Not the ‘average Joe’ reps – everyone does that. I mean the reps that truly make a difference. The reps that really matter. The reps that move the needle. Start writing your next chapter yourself, and on your terms.
Don’t forget, you’re in control here, whether you realise it or not.
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Let’s leave it there this week.
As always, thanks for reading these, and thanks for all your feedback, too. I really appreciate it.
If you have any thoughts, please send them through – I read them all. 🙂
Don’t forget… Stay hungry (and stay healthy!)
Let’s make 2025 one for the books!
See you next week.
Stan
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