Money Beats with Rich Redmond

They don’t call it the “money beat” for nothing

Even if you’ve never heard of the term, you know what it is. “Money beats” are the basic drumbeats that keep us grooving in pop, rock, country, dance hit after hit after hit. Rich Redmond is a guy who knows a thing or to about hits, because he’s been the drummer on 26 #1 hits. He knows a thing or two about money beats, too. After all, he’s been the drummer on 26 #1 hits.

Where the money is

In this video Rich Redmond demonstrates 5 basic money beats that will enable you to rock your way into countless tunes. As Rich explains, “Learn these 5 basic money beat patterns and you’ll be playing everything from ABBA to Zappa.”

On the money

Rich Redmond is an award-winning recording and touring drummer based in Nashville and Los Angeles. As an in-demand artist, Rich has recorded/toured/performed with: Jason Aldean, Ludacris, Kelly Clarkson, Bryan Adams, Bob Seger, Joe Perry, Garth Brooks, Chris Stapleton, Jewel, Miranda Lambert, Luke Bryan, Thompson Square, Eric Church, Deana Carter, Montgomery Gentry, Alabama, John Anderson, Trace Adkins, Keith Urban, Travis Tritt, Emily West, Chris Cornell, Kelsea Ballerini and many others.

In addition to being one of the world’s busiest drummers, Rich Redmond is also an accomplished actor, speaker and author. And of course with the onset of online technology, Rich gives lessons online via videos on YouTube, and via one-one-one live video chat lessons.

[ See Rich Redmond in the studio for alive interview with MakingMusicMag at Subcat Studios. ]

A chat with Rich Redmond

Chuck Schiele: You don’t just love drums. You are drums. How did that happen?

Rich Redmond: I think it just choose me, like a calling in life. I started taking lessons in 1976 in Milford, Connecticut. I learned how to hold the sticks and how to read music and play rudiments. That led to playing the full Drumset, and joining bands and on and on and on. What a ride!

CS: You have found a certain freedom through discipline. How does that work for you?

Rich Redmond: When you work your craft through methodical repetition, it becomes second nature. This allows you to “let go” and express yourself “in the moment” with other musicians. Music is about communication and you can’t fully express yourself without having a strong foundation; which is developed through discipline and study.

CS: Please share a bit on the skill of “listening?”

Rich Redmond: Listening is the key to making music. Music is a team sport. Drummers that work all the time are the ones that understand how to listen and create something that is appropriate at that moment for that song or musical situation. Musicianship and tastefulness will never go out of style and will always be celebrated. If you are truly listening, the music will tell you what to play.

CS: What are your three best non-musical practices that positively affect you as a musician.

Rich Redmond: I try to have a balanced life. My life was unbalanced for many decades. Ha! I like surrounding myself with friends, family, getting exercise, reading, watching great films, trying new meals. I like to practice gratitude as a lifestyle. In recent years, I expanded my creative outlets to authoring, speaking and acting. I work hard at these crafts, so when it’s time to make music, I’m fresh and not burnt out.

CS: What are three musical practices that positively affect you as a person.

Rich Redmond: I like to revisit recordings of my favorite artists and bands. I like to discover new music and I like to support friends and go see live music. This feeds my soul and inspires me. Teaching also keeps me fresh and allows me to stay tapped into what the “crazy kids” are doing these days. Ha!

CS: What do you think about the evolution in our planet’s music culture that is ushering in the now-future of being able to play together from different locations?

Rich Redmond: It’s fun. It’s fine. I’ll embrace it, of course….but…I’ll always yearn for and prefer people making music in the same room or on the same stage at the same time.

CS: Number one drumming tip that comes to mind for Rich Redmond is…?

Practice, Practice, Practice. Do it when you are young if you can. Life gets complicated and very busy after age 22.  Listen to tons of different kinds of music. Soak it all up. Keep learning, growing and evolving as a creative. Have FUN!

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