All Interviews
Ryan van Poederooyen
Ryan van Poederooyen
Posted on Jun 22, 2005
by FIZD
Ryan van Poederooyen is an well-respected musician from Vancouver, Canada. He started out getting a name with his band God Awakens Petrified. Once Gene Hoglan (Strapping Young Lad, Death, Testament, Dark Angel) decided to stop drumming on Devin Townsend’s solo albums, he introduced Ryan to Devin. And since then he’s been the the permanent skinsman for the Devin Townsend Band. I had an interview with Ryan through mail. He was kind enough to take the time and answer all of my questions, read them here below.
Hello Ryan, thanks for taking the time to answer my questions, how’s things going down in Canada?
Things are good, I'm keeping busy as usual. Today, I'm just enjoying the sunshine and the start of summer with my girlfriend, my son and my dogs. We have pretty beautiful summers here in Vancouver.
Your priority lies in the Devin Townsend Band as far as I know, but it seems like you’ve got about 20 remaining arms and legs. Devin Townsend Band, Lalu, Non Human Level….where do you take the influence from to keep coming up with new beats and tracks?
The influence for writing new drum parts comes from the music itself, that I'm recording at the time. I always get a different vibe for each style of music I record. For instance with the Devin Townsend Band on "Accelerated Evolution" it was all about big-rock drumming, so my fills and beats had a powerful yet simple approach to it...... simplicity was the answer for "Accelerated Evolution". On Lalu's "Oniric Metal" it was all about coming up with wacky beats, creative fills and using lot's of cymbals in odd time signatures . You can say I had a bit of a Mike Portnoy approach to that album except done RVP style. With New-Human Level it was all about fast kicks, fast fills and thrash beats. In a project like that alot of my influence came from the bands I've listened to over the years like Meshuggah, Pantera, Strapping Young Lad and many others. All in all, I think it helps that I've enjoyed listening to many different styles of music over the years and have appreciated all styles of drumming. The more versatile you are, the easier it is to come up with new beats and fills.
Can you tell us a little about the upcoming Devin Townsend Band record "Synchestra"? The recordings are due to late august so I’ve heard. Has Devin came up with some new trackings already for you to begin slamming on?
Yeah, we are actually going to record the whole album in pre-production form tommorrow! I've been playing all these songs for weeks now and jamming them out with Devin over the last 2 weeks. It's been a blast!
Are you going for any new styles on the new Devin Townsend Band record? The approach you took on "Accelerated Evolution" was outstanding, very groovy…do you think you’ll be going for the same thing, or just something completely different?
Devin has told me to go more progressive on this album. My whole drum setup will be totally diferent from "Accelerated Evolution". On "Accelerated Evolution" I had a 4 piece drumkit with a couple crash cymbals, hi-hats, a ride and china cymbal. For "Synchestra" I'll still be using a 4 piece drumkit but this time it will be loaded with cymbals! Devin told me to go nuts with the cymbals, so I just finished putting an order in with Sabian for some cool new splashes and effects cymbals that I can add to my 'already big' cymbal collection. On that note, the drumming on "Synchestra" will be more technical. I'm doing crazier fills, crazier beats, crazier double kick and being more creative overall on the drumkit. This album will represent my style alot more than "Accelerated Evolution" did. All the song's will still have ton's of groove but the groove will be mixed up alot more with progressive drumming.
The last Devin Townsend Band gig that happened took place in The Netherlands on the ProgPower fest last year, I happened to have witnessed this fantastic gig. It was the best one I’ve experienced so far with any Devin Townsend Band-related material…or really, just the best gig I’ve attented in a long-ass time by any band. How did you and the rest of the guys experienced this day?
It was awesome! We had such a great time in Baarlo. The fans were unbelievable, the promoters were very hospitable and all the bands were very good. As for the show, we had a great show and the fans were right into it. Baarlo itself was so beautiful, they had Flappenjacks (Apple Strudle pastry thingy) and some good green stuff there LOL! I got some great pics and cool video footage there as well. It was awesome and I would love to go back to Baarlo if we get asked again!
How is it working with Townsend? Does he demand alot of you?
Devin is amazing to work with. Especially now, because we understand eachother musically alot better than when we recorded "Accelerated Evolution". He knows what I can do on the drums. He also knows that I like a challenge and Dev's always up for presenting a challenge to the musicians he works with. I don't find that he demands alot from me but I do find that he expects a certain level of musicianship, professionalism and creativity from the people he works with. I would'nt be in the Devin Townsend Band if I didn’t meet all those expectations. In the end, Dev has thing's he wants to challenge you with that can be demanding but in a good way. A way in which you can become a better musician....I like that !
Ok... on to Non Human Level. I read on the Christofer Malmström site that the album is near completion, you provided the drumtracks some time ago, and according to Christofer they sound fast, aggressive, technical and goddamn great. How do feel about them yourself?
Non-Human Level is probably the craziest thing I've ever recorded! Lalu was pretty crazy too but in a different way. With Non-Human Level, I was challenged with a style of music that I had never really recorded before....thrash metal! Tons of super fast double kick, thrash polka beats in almost every song, crazy time signatures and fast single stroke tom fills! I'm very proud of this album because I prepared for this album more then any other album I've ever done ! It definitely pushed my drumming to a new level.
I saw the video you posted of the recording online, and shit, dude…that stuff just made my jaw crack open. It seems like you’ve got a lot of different approaches in your technique. How do you actually come up with the right beats for non-drum music tracks, do you practice a lot and see what fits best, or does it just come spontaneously?
That's a good question.... Sometimes beats and fills happen spontaneously but most of the time I practice to the song and see what fit's the best. Some sessions they will give you drum machine parts, already on the recording, that they want you to learn the parts from... I usually end up changing most of the beats and fills anyway! LOL! Sometimes when you are creating a beat or fill you will spontaneously add something, that works, that is new and creative, it's very cool when that happens. For the most part, I sit down and practice my ass off to the music.
You’ve been a studio/live drummer for God Awakens Petrified. The same deal is happening with Devin Townsend Band. Do you think there’s any possibilities out there that you’ll be handling any tour duties for all and any of the projects you’ve been involved in lately?
That's really hard to see or predict. For one, the sessions I've done lately are in countries half way across the world from where I live. For two, It makes it very difficult to rehearse and set up tour dates with how much I have going on with doing new sessions and playing with the Devin Townsend Band. It would be cool to play some show's with Lalu and Non-Human Level down the road though. Both those gig's would be so fun to play live!
A Devin Townsend Band/Lalu tour would simply kick arse But I guess you need some vitamin pills to make that happen. How do you exactly prepare for each gig you play? Do you get on stage half-wasted, or totally sober and focused?
I always have 2 beers before I go on stage, just to loosen up. I don't like playing drunk at all. I like being very focused and sober when I play live. I like to be as professional as possible. It can really suck if you get up there and make an ass of yourself and your playing, from being drunk or not focused. You don't want people remembering your live show as loose and not tight. As far as a Devin Townsend Band/Lalu tour goes......that would kick ass!!!!! I'd be able to pull double duty on that tour no problem and it would be a blast!!!!
Speaking of Lalu, "Oniric Metal" was released some months back. It was welcomed with open arms by many tough critics. I believe it can turn out to be one of the top prog releases of this year. The songs are very diverse, and your drumming is taking a complete different turn again. How do you feel about the record yourself?
"Oniric Metal" is probably my overall favourite recording I've ever done ! I touched on so many styles of drumming on that album. I wanted that album to show my diversity as a drummer and I believe I did just that ! There is crazy double kick drumming, jazzy/ghost stroke drumming, progessive/odd time signature drumming, fusion like drumming and straight up groove/rock drumming. I'm very, very proud of that record and I believe that album represents my overall drumming style the best out of anything I've recorded. It show's the many styles of drumming I can do. I think the new Devin Townsend Band will be similar in many ways, maybe not as progressive though.
How did you get in contact with Vivien Lalu?
Vivien saw me play live with the Devin Townsend Band in Paris, France when we were on our "Keep it in the Family" tour in 2003. He was blown away with my performance and liked the groove and approach I had to my drumming. He checked out my website and he listened to the MP3s on my site which had some God Awakens Petrified (my ex- technical/metal band) song's as well. That pretty much sealed the deal for Viv to get in touch with me about "Oniric Metal". So he emailed me one day and attached a couple of song's for me to listen to and waited for my response. I really dug his music and thought it would be a great oppertunity for me to show the many sides of my drumming on his album. The rest is history!
You’ve scheduled out some more projects. You’ll be playing on Russel Bergquist’s solo effort, plus you’ve got a solo album planned for yourself aswell! Do you think those two albums will be coming anything close together as in music style?
Russell's album isn’t what you all would probably expect from him. Most people will know Russ as the Bass player from Annihilator. Russ' album isn’t very heavy at all but it's very cool. Some song's almost have a Kings X vibe to them and the rest of the album is very Rock oriented. It will be a nice departure from the heavy music scene for Russ and myself.
My album on the other hand....well....let's just say it's going to be really heavy in some song's, there will be acoustic song's, there will be very progressive instrumental song's that touch on jazz/fusion-like playing and a couple straight up catchy songs. I want this album to showcase my different musical influences that I've grown to like over the years. I also want this album to show my versatility in songwriting and drumming. I'm really excited about it!
Alex Skolnick is one of the big names on your solo record, he’s considered one of the best thrash-shredders back in the day by many. How does it feel to have him performing on your album?
It's an honour not only to have Alex on my album but everyone who has agreed to play on it. This is like a dream-come-true-album for me. To play with some of the coolest players I've enjoyed listening to over the years is a really cool thing. I'm really excited and honoured to be playing with all the guest's on my upcoming album.
Ok... on to some random babble. Who’s considered to be your favorite drummer at the moment?
I'm on a huge Mike Portnoy kick right now. To be honest with you I never really started listening to Dream Theater until about 6 months ago. He's an awesome drummer and I love his approach to fills and beats that incorporate cymbals and his overall approach to drumming. Tim "Herb" Alexander from Primus is my favourite overall drummer, his style is his own, he has awesome groove to his playing and he is amazing with his cymbal work! Tim Alexander's overall approach to drumming is unique, creative and simply awesome. Another notable for me would be Gavin Harrison from Porcupine Tree for the same reasons that I like Tim Alexander and Mike Portnoy. Gavin's an awesome drummer!
What 3 albums have you been listening to most lately?
Answer - I've been listening to Dream Theater's "Train Of Thought" (I like "Train of Thought" more than their latest album "Octavarium"), Porcupine Tree's "Deadwing" and Strapping Young Lad's "Alien". Those three albums are AWESOME!
Do you got some tips for drummers who are just starting out, or who want to advance in learning a new technique/skill?
Yeah, I definitely have some advice. Always start with the basics! So many drummers want to learn how to "run" before they can "walk", if you know what I mean. Learn your rudiments, how to hold your sticks properly and how to play to a metronome and keep solid time. When I teach my drum students I always make them learn something at a very slow speed to a metronome, then when they master it slow we speed it up until they master it at a faster speed and so on. Sometimes the hardest thing for any drummer to do is to play something controlled and slow. If you can master something at a slow speed, you will be able to master it at a fast speed as well. Overall, take your time and don't skip the stuff you think is boring like rudiments for example. Learn it all and you will be happy that you did!
Okay Ryan, thanks a lot for this interview, it’s great seeing you so involved with the fans. Your site and especially the board has got a great vibe going around, and you are very interactive with it aswell. If you got some last words in closing, please don’t be shy!
Well, I just want to give a HUGE "thanks, you all RULE" to all the fans out there who have supported me in all the different projects I've done and the Devin Townsend Band. The fans are so amazing!!! The RVP Forums are a blast to hang out at and we have a great community going on there for people who are drummers or any type of musician or person ! It's such a good feeling to have such amazing fans to talk to and meet, whether I'm on the road playing shows or chatting with them in the RVP Chatroom on the Boards. Endless thanks to all of you for the support, it never goes un-noticed!!!
Lastly, keep your eyes open for the brand new Devin Townsend Band record titled "Synchestra" coming out in early 2006, it's going to be a killer!!! I will also have my solo album coming out in early 2006 as well, I promise to make it as cool as possible. For all the info on all the projects I'm involved with just go to my website at Ryan Van Poederooyen website and you can also interact with me and read the latest and greatest news about me on my Forums at RVP Drums forums. Otherwise, I'll see ya' on the road!
Thanks for the interview! Take care and All the best!
Things are good, I'm keeping busy as usual. Today, I'm just enjoying the sunshine and the start of summer with my girlfriend, my son and my dogs. We have pretty beautiful summers here in Vancouver.
Your priority lies in the Devin Townsend Band as far as I know, but it seems like you’ve got about 20 remaining arms and legs. Devin Townsend Band, Lalu, Non Human Level….where do you take the influence from to keep coming up with new beats and tracks?
The influence for writing new drum parts comes from the music itself, that I'm recording at the time. I always get a different vibe for each style of music I record. For instance with the Devin Townsend Band on "Accelerated Evolution" it was all about big-rock drumming, so my fills and beats had a powerful yet simple approach to it...... simplicity was the answer for "Accelerated Evolution". On Lalu's "Oniric Metal" it was all about coming up with wacky beats, creative fills and using lot's of cymbals in odd time signatures . You can say I had a bit of a Mike Portnoy approach to that album except done RVP style. With New-Human Level it was all about fast kicks, fast fills and thrash beats. In a project like that alot of my influence came from the bands I've listened to over the years like Meshuggah, Pantera, Strapping Young Lad and many others. All in all, I think it helps that I've enjoyed listening to many different styles of music over the years and have appreciated all styles of drumming. The more versatile you are, the easier it is to come up with new beats and fills.
Can you tell us a little about the upcoming Devin Townsend Band record "Synchestra"? The recordings are due to late august so I’ve heard. Has Devin came up with some new trackings already for you to begin slamming on?
Yeah, we are actually going to record the whole album in pre-production form tommorrow! I've been playing all these songs for weeks now and jamming them out with Devin over the last 2 weeks. It's been a blast!
Are you going for any new styles on the new Devin Townsend Band record? The approach you took on "Accelerated Evolution" was outstanding, very groovy…do you think you’ll be going for the same thing, or just something completely different?
Devin has told me to go more progressive on this album. My whole drum setup will be totally diferent from "Accelerated Evolution". On "Accelerated Evolution" I had a 4 piece drumkit with a couple crash cymbals, hi-hats, a ride and china cymbal. For "Synchestra" I'll still be using a 4 piece drumkit but this time it will be loaded with cymbals! Devin told me to go nuts with the cymbals, so I just finished putting an order in with Sabian for some cool new splashes and effects cymbals that I can add to my 'already big' cymbal collection. On that note, the drumming on "Synchestra" will be more technical. I'm doing crazier fills, crazier beats, crazier double kick and being more creative overall on the drumkit. This album will represent my style alot more than "Accelerated Evolution" did. All the song's will still have ton's of groove but the groove will be mixed up alot more with progressive drumming.
The last Devin Townsend Band gig that happened took place in The Netherlands on the ProgPower fest last year, I happened to have witnessed this fantastic gig. It was the best one I’ve experienced so far with any Devin Townsend Band-related material…or really, just the best gig I’ve attented in a long-ass time by any band. How did you and the rest of the guys experienced this day?
It was awesome! We had such a great time in Baarlo. The fans were unbelievable, the promoters were very hospitable and all the bands were very good. As for the show, we had a great show and the fans were right into it. Baarlo itself was so beautiful, they had Flappenjacks (Apple Strudle pastry thingy) and some good green stuff there LOL! I got some great pics and cool video footage there as well. It was awesome and I would love to go back to Baarlo if we get asked again!
How is it working with Townsend? Does he demand alot of you?
Devin is amazing to work with. Especially now, because we understand eachother musically alot better than when we recorded "Accelerated Evolution". He knows what I can do on the drums. He also knows that I like a challenge and Dev's always up for presenting a challenge to the musicians he works with. I don't find that he demands alot from me but I do find that he expects a certain level of musicianship, professionalism and creativity from the people he works with. I would'nt be in the Devin Townsend Band if I didn’t meet all those expectations. In the end, Dev has thing's he wants to challenge you with that can be demanding but in a good way. A way in which you can become a better musician....I like that !
Ok... on to Non Human Level. I read on the Christofer Malmström site that the album is near completion, you provided the drumtracks some time ago, and according to Christofer they sound fast, aggressive, technical and goddamn great. How do feel about them yourself?
Non-Human Level is probably the craziest thing I've ever recorded! Lalu was pretty crazy too but in a different way. With Non-Human Level, I was challenged with a style of music that I had never really recorded before....thrash metal! Tons of super fast double kick, thrash polka beats in almost every song, crazy time signatures and fast single stroke tom fills! I'm very proud of this album because I prepared for this album more then any other album I've ever done ! It definitely pushed my drumming to a new level.
I saw the video you posted of the recording online, and shit, dude…that stuff just made my jaw crack open. It seems like you’ve got a lot of different approaches in your technique. How do you actually come up with the right beats for non-drum music tracks, do you practice a lot and see what fits best, or does it just come spontaneously?
That's a good question.... Sometimes beats and fills happen spontaneously but most of the time I practice to the song and see what fit's the best. Some sessions they will give you drum machine parts, already on the recording, that they want you to learn the parts from... I usually end up changing most of the beats and fills anyway! LOL! Sometimes when you are creating a beat or fill you will spontaneously add something, that works, that is new and creative, it's very cool when that happens. For the most part, I sit down and practice my ass off to the music.
You’ve been a studio/live drummer for God Awakens Petrified. The same deal is happening with Devin Townsend Band. Do you think there’s any possibilities out there that you’ll be handling any tour duties for all and any of the projects you’ve been involved in lately?
That's really hard to see or predict. For one, the sessions I've done lately are in countries half way across the world from where I live. For two, It makes it very difficult to rehearse and set up tour dates with how much I have going on with doing new sessions and playing with the Devin Townsend Band. It would be cool to play some show's with Lalu and Non-Human Level down the road though. Both those gig's would be so fun to play live!
A Devin Townsend Band/Lalu tour would simply kick arse But I guess you need some vitamin pills to make that happen. How do you exactly prepare for each gig you play? Do you get on stage half-wasted, or totally sober and focused?
I always have 2 beers before I go on stage, just to loosen up. I don't like playing drunk at all. I like being very focused and sober when I play live. I like to be as professional as possible. It can really suck if you get up there and make an ass of yourself and your playing, from being drunk or not focused. You don't want people remembering your live show as loose and not tight. As far as a Devin Townsend Band/Lalu tour goes......that would kick ass!!!!! I'd be able to pull double duty on that tour no problem and it would be a blast!!!!
Speaking of Lalu, "Oniric Metal" was released some months back. It was welcomed with open arms by many tough critics. I believe it can turn out to be one of the top prog releases of this year. The songs are very diverse, and your drumming is taking a complete different turn again. How do you feel about the record yourself?
"Oniric Metal" is probably my overall favourite recording I've ever done ! I touched on so many styles of drumming on that album. I wanted that album to show my diversity as a drummer and I believe I did just that ! There is crazy double kick drumming, jazzy/ghost stroke drumming, progessive/odd time signature drumming, fusion like drumming and straight up groove/rock drumming. I'm very, very proud of that record and I believe that album represents my overall drumming style the best out of anything I've recorded. It show's the many styles of drumming I can do. I think the new Devin Townsend Band will be similar in many ways, maybe not as progressive though.
How did you get in contact with Vivien Lalu?
Vivien saw me play live with the Devin Townsend Band in Paris, France when we were on our "Keep it in the Family" tour in 2003. He was blown away with my performance and liked the groove and approach I had to my drumming. He checked out my website and he listened to the MP3s on my site which had some God Awakens Petrified (my ex- technical/metal band) song's as well. That pretty much sealed the deal for Viv to get in touch with me about "Oniric Metal". So he emailed me one day and attached a couple of song's for me to listen to and waited for my response. I really dug his music and thought it would be a great oppertunity for me to show the many sides of my drumming on his album. The rest is history!
You’ve scheduled out some more projects. You’ll be playing on Russel Bergquist’s solo effort, plus you’ve got a solo album planned for yourself aswell! Do you think those two albums will be coming anything close together as in music style?
Russell's album isn’t what you all would probably expect from him. Most people will know Russ as the Bass player from Annihilator. Russ' album isn’t very heavy at all but it's very cool. Some song's almost have a Kings X vibe to them and the rest of the album is very Rock oriented. It will be a nice departure from the heavy music scene for Russ and myself.
My album on the other hand....well....let's just say it's going to be really heavy in some song's, there will be acoustic song's, there will be very progressive instrumental song's that touch on jazz/fusion-like playing and a couple straight up catchy songs. I want this album to showcase my different musical influences that I've grown to like over the years. I also want this album to show my versatility in songwriting and drumming. I'm really excited about it!
Alex Skolnick is one of the big names on your solo record, he’s considered one of the best thrash-shredders back in the day by many. How does it feel to have him performing on your album?
It's an honour not only to have Alex on my album but everyone who has agreed to play on it. This is like a dream-come-true-album for me. To play with some of the coolest players I've enjoyed listening to over the years is a really cool thing. I'm really excited and honoured to be playing with all the guest's on my upcoming album.
Ok... on to some random babble. Who’s considered to be your favorite drummer at the moment?
I'm on a huge Mike Portnoy kick right now. To be honest with you I never really started listening to Dream Theater until about 6 months ago. He's an awesome drummer and I love his approach to fills and beats that incorporate cymbals and his overall approach to drumming. Tim "Herb" Alexander from Primus is my favourite overall drummer, his style is his own, he has awesome groove to his playing and he is amazing with his cymbal work! Tim Alexander's overall approach to drumming is unique, creative and simply awesome. Another notable for me would be Gavin Harrison from Porcupine Tree for the same reasons that I like Tim Alexander and Mike Portnoy. Gavin's an awesome drummer!
What 3 albums have you been listening to most lately?
Answer - I've been listening to Dream Theater's "Train Of Thought" (I like "Train of Thought" more than their latest album "Octavarium"), Porcupine Tree's "Deadwing" and Strapping Young Lad's "Alien". Those three albums are AWESOME!
Do you got some tips for drummers who are just starting out, or who want to advance in learning a new technique/skill?
Yeah, I definitely have some advice. Always start with the basics! So many drummers want to learn how to "run" before they can "walk", if you know what I mean. Learn your rudiments, how to hold your sticks properly and how to play to a metronome and keep solid time. When I teach my drum students I always make them learn something at a very slow speed to a metronome, then when they master it slow we speed it up until they master it at a faster speed and so on. Sometimes the hardest thing for any drummer to do is to play something controlled and slow. If you can master something at a slow speed, you will be able to master it at a fast speed as well. Overall, take your time and don't skip the stuff you think is boring like rudiments for example. Learn it all and you will be happy that you did!
Okay Ryan, thanks a lot for this interview, it’s great seeing you so involved with the fans. Your site and especially the board has got a great vibe going around, and you are very interactive with it aswell. If you got some last words in closing, please don’t be shy!
Well, I just want to give a HUGE "thanks, you all RULE" to all the fans out there who have supported me in all the different projects I've done and the Devin Townsend Band. The fans are so amazing!!! The RVP Forums are a blast to hang out at and we have a great community going on there for people who are drummers or any type of musician or person ! It's such a good feeling to have such amazing fans to talk to and meet, whether I'm on the road playing shows or chatting with them in the RVP Chatroom on the Boards. Endless thanks to all of you for the support, it never goes un-noticed!!!
Lastly, keep your eyes open for the brand new Devin Townsend Band record titled "Synchestra" coming out in early 2006, it's going to be a killer!!! I will also have my solo album coming out in early 2006 as well, I promise to make it as cool as possible. For all the info on all the projects I'm involved with just go to my website at Ryan Van Poederooyen website and you can also interact with me and read the latest and greatest news about me on my Forums at RVP Drums forums. Otherwise, I'll see ya' on the road!
Thanks for the interview! Take care and All the best!
Back
All content Copyright 1999-2006 Nocturnalhorde.com. Powered By...
