Fantastic video Mike. I truly appreciate all the details and descriptions and hard work that went into it. I gave up on editing for my tiny little fish channel, I loved seeing all the things you actually do in a day, hope your getting paid well!
love this style on content congrats on having such a full schedule seems like you love what you do which is really inspirational. All the best from England!
Absolutely insane to make a 1 month long journey in one video, the jump cuts were a bit odd considering your other vlogs are alot more flowing but still a great vlog, very happy to see this in my notification on my Lock Screen. Keep it up Mike! Love the videos. P.s days off after the previous day or two being hectic and tiring are the best feeling knowing you get to take it easy for a day.
I didn't know it at the time, but my family and I saw you play at The Lakely in Eau Claire in June 2023. We were really enjoying the music and I took a short video. I was cleaning out old photos and videos the other day, came across it and realized it was you. Hardest working drummer in Wisconsin!
@@malonedrum Thank you! If you find yourself in NorCal Wine Country (SF, Sonoma, Napa, Marin, Mendocino), please consider me a contact (at the very least, I can share where you might NOT want to go).
My son and I have a 60's Pearl MIJ Challenger that sounds huge, they are Mahogany shells which I think that was the usual but man they have some body to them. Yesterday i pulled out the 13in that has Remo Emperor batter and Remo Ambassador reso and that 13in sounds crazy good.
Your channel is great, the focus on being a legit local working drummer along with all the other subject your cover is great. I’m shocked this channel isn’t bigger. Keep up the good work!
Hello Mike, great video. “THE LIFE OF A MUSICIAN.” Good to see you are busy! Did you go to college and get a jazz degree or percussion degree? Or did you just learn on your own? I live the same kind of life as a guitarist in Houston. I have a performance degree in classical guitar. I wanted to major in both classical and jazz guitar. But the university would not let me. I had to pick one or the other. And because I have been playing and studying electric guitar most of my life and decided to study the one I knew little about. Turned out to be the best choice. Because I can play, perform, and teach a lot more instruments than I ever would have been able to. Until your next video. Take care.
Hello Mike, great video. “THE LIFE OF A MUSICIAN.” Good to see are busy! Did you go to college and get a jazz degree or percussion degree? Or did you just learn on your own? I live the same kind of life as a guitarist in Houston. I have a performance degree in classical guitar. I wanted to major in both classical and jazz guitar. But the university would not let me. I had to pick one or the other. And because I have been playing and studying electric guitar most of my life and decided to study the one I knew little about. Turned out to be the best choice. Because I can play, perform, and teach a lot more instruments than I ever would have been able to. Until your next video. Take care.
@@malonedrum Closest I've got is my Tama SLP Bubinga. UV1 on top and cranked. Great with lighter gigs, but tune it lower and it'll still pop for Punk and Rock.
Another great video Mike! It's great to see how similar it can be for busy drummers on the other side of the pond! I appreciate how much work this video would of took. Which Prius do you drive by the way? I like the way all your kit fits in the boot! All the best mate, enjoy the rest of your year.
Thanks for sharing. Great video that shows how much work goes into each performance. I have a question. The snare drums that you play at 3:34 and 33:59 have that distinct tub/honk sound. May I ask what are those snares? Thanks.
If you’re referencing the backing tracks, it’s just isolated drum tracks from a bunch of previous videos, I don’t have a catalogue of which exact one was used unfortunately.
They're made by a small company called Drum Tortillas, but if you can't afford handmade ones, there are virtually the same thing. sweetwater.sjv.io/c/5015118/937020/11319?prodsku=QuesoPack&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sweetwater.com%2Fstore%2Fdetail%2FQuesoPack--big-fat-snare-drum-quesadilla-snare-drum-topper-pack-10-inch-12-inch-14-inch-16-inch&intsrc=APIG_7338
Great video as always Mike! I was wondering if you’d be able to give some advice when it comes to booking gigs. My band always struggles when it comes to first contacting venues/bars. What should you include in an email or direct message that stands out to the booking teams? We do both longer cover sets and shorter original music sets opening for larger acts. Any advice would be appreciated Mike! Thanks.
That would be a great question for the venues honestly. My biggest piece of advice is be concise, they don't have tons of time to check you out with all the other things they do.
Love the video, Mike! Your hustle and dedication is inspirational. Curious, what size cart are you using to haul it all? Pushing everything in 1 trip sounds like a dream haha
I've had it for like 12 years, maybe longer so I don't remember, but I think it's this one. sweetwater.sjv.io/c/5015118/937020/11319?prodsku=R2G&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sweetwater.com%2Fstore%2Fdetail%2FR2G--rock-n-roller-r2g-micro-glider-8-in-1-folding-multi-cart&intsrc=APIG_7338
Awesome work Mike! too hard indeed to do it on your own, it's time you get some help from someone else to film you while you work and create these mini movies which are fantastic! :)
Hi Mike, nice content i enjoy it, and relate to it, i live this way also, i teach, gig, sub, try to do content and everything else... you menage to do a really nice job here. I have a question, i could notice you don't mic your kits on gig, why is that, and how do you make it work? I want to connect with you if that's possible, i have a few more questions, if thats ok... Anyway you rock! 🥁😎
A lot of the gigs I play are in rooms/venues where I don't need to mic the drums. I have a kick mic for gigs where I do, very rarely would I need more than a kick mic.
@@malonedrum Good luck with career.Respect: you are good in planning/organising. I am experienced amateur with 55 gigs a year on average over 20 years. 1100 since jan 2005. 3 to 6 rehearsals a week. Lots of repertoire. 2023/2024: All kind of acoustic styles: jazz quartet, big band, several choirs, wind orchestras, accordion orchestras, percussion groups,, stage band, pop trio, boogie woogie, church event, ... Some lessons. Always a lot of work to get gigs, groups, acceptable/good condtions, etc. Have lots of gear. Lots of walking around with gear. Keep up to date as good as possible. Also small market/small region with villages and small cities. Have a nice home studio but mostly make life videos.
Wow! What do you use to manage your time? iCal? some other software? or is it all in your head!? - also would be nice to know roughly how much you made that month!? great video thanks.
I like Google Calendar, and I track of course all my gigs and lessons, but rehearsals, reminders for things on certain days. Also the reminders app on my iPhone is great for that stuff.
Mike, thank you, thank you, thank you for taking all of us along with you for an entire month. I am just blown away by the amount of work you put into 30 days. I loved the shows when you were able to put in short clips of your actual music you were playing. Are care, my busy fried and thanks again.❤️🙏👏❤️🙏👏❤️
Dear Mike, i meant to write since quite a while. I love your videos. Because they show what i call an 'everyday hero', a real working musician. No flashy drum tricks, not just opinions, nothing screaming in your face. Love your humble drumming, your storytelling, and most of all: that despite all the work it is, you seem to be enjoying what you do and seem to be able to make a decent living out of it. I am happy for you, i think you deserve it. And you convey an important message: music can be a profession, not just a hobby, you don't need to be a genius, but just be dedicated, professional and actually treat it like a profession and not like a hobby. Keep doing what you do, respect & all the best, lf you like check out some of the videos with my funk band 'Funky Cheeks'. ❤ from Munich. If you ever visit, write me and get a free city tour. Michael
@@malonedrum yeah you mentioned needing bigger spurs on the MIJ. I’m sure it’s fine now but I recently moved and have a rug on hard wood floor and it took care of the creep 100%
Man, you don't stop! Without getting into specific numbers on your income, but given that this June was such a busy gig month for your, percentage wise, how did all those gigs boost the monthly income? Again, asking for a percentage estimate, not real numbers on income. Thanks!
dude this type of vid is awesome!
Glad you liked it!
Can we get 6 more of these this year please mike 🙏
Really enjoyed seeing (and hearing!) the variety to your playing.
Thanks.
I love your videos 👍🏽 I also love how you keep your setup simple. It’s really been inspiring me to do the same
Helps make it easier to get in and out!
Fantastic video Mike. I truly appreciate all the details and descriptions and hard work that went into it. I gave up on editing for my tiny little fish channel, I loved seeing all the things you actually do in a day, hope your getting paid well!
It’s a slow growth, but stick it out man!
Love the new deck nice job. Thanks for the full month video. Would love to see a video about the mij kit. It looks cool
Maybe one day, they are vibey for sure!
So now we’re definitely gonna need July vlog too love these 🙌🏾
34:57 😂😂😂 even after you said maybe in a year 😂😂😂😂
Yeah, July 2025
Really nice presentation Mike! You are great!
Appreciate it!
This was a cool peek behind the curtain. Thanks Mike!
Thanks!
Dang dude, you’re working hard around town! Way to keep the grind going Mike!
Thanks man!
Awesome video mike I know it was a lot of work but it was really nice to see all the gigs you get and video them thank you for the video
Glad you enjoyed it
Thanks for the vlog, you lead an enviable life!
Glad you enjoyed it!
love this style on content congrats on having such a full schedule seems like you love what you do which is really inspirational. All the best from England!
Cheers!
Fascinating stuff Mike, thanks for the insight
For sure!
Cool video! You're a busy man and living dangerously with backline snares!!!! 🙃
When I need to get in and out quickly, it's fine, and makes it easier for whoever may have brought the kit.
Thanks for sharing. You are really getting out there and making it happen! That is good stuff. Wishing you continued success.
Appreciate it!
Absolutely insane to make a 1 month long journey in one video, the jump cuts were a bit odd considering your other vlogs are alot more flowing but still a great vlog, very happy to see this in my notification on my Lock Screen.
Keep it up Mike! Love the videos.
P.s days off after the previous day or two being hectic and tiring are the best feeling knowing you get to take it easy for a day.
Thanks
Diet and sleep are everything man. Good luck. Love the videos 🤘🏻🥁
Doing my best! Didn't highlight that sort of stuff in the video, but it's a part of my routine as well.
So cool that Janek on bass is in Steve's band! He's got a great channel too
Yeah, he sounded amazing
I didn't know it at the time, but my family and I saw you play at The Lakely in Eau Claire in June 2023. We were really enjoying the music and I took a short video. I was cleaning out old photos and videos the other day, came across it and realized it was you. Hardest working drummer in Wisconsin!
Also, of all my kits, my 60's MIJ 20 14 12 stencil kit may just be my fave. I had the bearing edges recut and they sing!
Very cool story! I love my MIJ kit!
29:58 - Pedro Navaja!!!
One of my favs!
Really enjoyed this video Mike! Thank you for sharing! I can only imagine the amount of work to not only film it, but edit and organize! 😮
Thanks dude!
Thanks for sharing, Mike. I'm a gigging musician in NorCal, but I'm new to the scene. Appreciate you sharing your experiences. Music is medicine.
Good luck!
@@malonedrum Thank you! If you find yourself in NorCal Wine Country (SF, Sonoma, Napa, Marin, Mendocino), please consider me a contact (at the very least, I can share where you might NOT want to go).
My son and I have a 60's Pearl MIJ Challenger that sounds huge, they are Mahogany shells which I think that was the usual but man they have some body to them. Yesterday i pulled out the 13in that has Remo Emperor batter and Remo Ambassador reso and that 13in sounds crazy good.
Nice!
Loved the video Mike! Would you consider doing one that documents the November/December gig season?
Hmmm, maybe!
Your channel is great, the focus on being a legit local working drummer along with all the other subject your cover is great. I’m shocked this channel isn’t bigger. Keep up the good work!
We're growing, you can say you knew me before I was a big deal lol
Hello Mike, great video. “THE LIFE OF A MUSICIAN.” Good to see you are busy! Did you go to college and get a jazz degree or percussion degree? Or did you just learn on your own? I live the same kind of life as a guitarist in Houston. I have a performance degree in classical guitar. I wanted to major in both classical and jazz guitar. But the university would not let me. I had to pick one or the other. And because I have been playing and studying electric guitar most of my life and decided to study the one I knew little about. Turned out to be the best choice. Because I can play, perform, and teach a lot more instruments than I ever would have been able to. Until your next video. Take care.
🙃
It is a blessing to wake up and do what you love every day. Thanks for the vid Mr. Malone!!
Agreed!
I give you props, I’m tired after one gig can’t imagine doing multiple in one day! As a a drummer that’s pretty tough!
It can brutal, but helps when one or two of them are shorter 1-2 hour gigs.
Same here. I’ve done it a few times where I’ve had 3 gigs in a 24 hour span. One 4 hour one and two 3 hour gigs. That was exhausting.
Hello Mike, great video. “THE LIFE OF A MUSICIAN.” Good to see are busy! Did you go to college and get a jazz degree or percussion degree? Or did you just learn on your own? I live the same kind of life as a guitarist in Houston. I have a performance degree in classical guitar. I wanted to major in both classical and jazz guitar. But the university would not let me. I had to pick one or the other. And because I have been playing and studying electric guitar most of my life and decided to study the one I knew little about. Turned out to be the best choice. Because I can play, perform, and teach a lot more instruments than I ever would have been able to. Until your next video. Take care.
I studied classical percussion in college.
Love the vids! I've got to find one of those New Classic snares!
Mine's been a workhorse for the last 10 years.
@@malonedrum Closest I've got is my Tama SLP Bubinga. UV1 on top and cranked. Great with lighter gigs, but tune it lower and it'll still pop for Punk and Rock.
Hey, thanks for doig this, can you tell me what snare you used in the backround tracks at 8:00 and 11:00 as well as the kick at 13:00min?
It’s just a bunch of random tracks from other videos, don’t have a catalogue of them all, sorry.
Another great video Mike! It's great to see how similar it can be for busy drummers on the other side of the pond! I appreciate how much work this video would of took.
Which Prius do you drive by the way? I like the way all your kit fits in the boot!
All the best mate, enjoy the rest of your year.
It’s Prius V, they don’t make it anymore, but it’s a bit bigger than the normal ones.
Thanks for sharing. Great video that shows how much work goes into each performance. I have a question. The snare drums that you play at 3:34 and 33:59 have that distinct tub/honk sound. May I ask what are those snares? Thanks.
If you’re referencing the backing tracks, it’s just isolated drum tracks from a bunch of previous videos, I don’t have a catalogue of which exact one was used unfortunately.
Inspired. Thanks Mike!
Thanks!
Great job Mike. As a working drummer as well I know how much effort and time went into making this. Great job and enjoyed watching. 🤘🏼
Appreciate it!
love these vlogs!
Thanks!
Love the videos! What's that iPad holder for the hihat stand? I need one like that.
it's an iKlip!
Are those handkerchief head mutes you use for the low volume stuff something you made yourself or can you purchase them somewhere?
Great video!
They're made by a small company called Drum Tortillas, but if you can't afford handmade ones, there are virtually the same thing.
sweetwater.sjv.io/c/5015118/937020/11319?prodsku=QuesoPack&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sweetwater.com%2Fstore%2Fdetail%2FQuesoPack--big-fat-snare-drum-quesadilla-snare-drum-topper-pack-10-inch-12-inch-14-inch-16-inch&intsrc=APIG_7338
Love your videos man! Great job.
Appreciate it!
Great video as always Mike! I was wondering if you’d be able to give some advice when it comes to booking gigs. My band always struggles when it comes to first contacting venues/bars. What should you include in an email or direct message that stands out to the booking teams? We do both longer cover sets and shorter original music sets opening for larger acts. Any advice would be appreciated Mike! Thanks.
That would be a great question for the venues honestly. My biggest piece of advice is be concise, they don't have tons of time to check you out with all the other things they do.
Great video awesome 👏
Thanks!
Charts! If you're like me, the band(s) I'm in change set lists so often I always have to bring charts!
Most I don't need charts, but when I do, the iPad has all of it
I was hoping for another vlog style video.
Enjoy it, I'm a bit exhausted from this one to do another anytime soon.
Love the video, Mike! Your hustle and dedication is inspirational. Curious, what size cart are you using to haul it all? Pushing everything in 1 trip sounds like a dream haha
I've had it for like 12 years, maybe longer so I don't remember, but I think it's this one.
sweetwater.sjv.io/c/5015118/937020/11319?prodsku=R2G&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sweetwater.com%2Fstore%2Fdetail%2FR2G--rock-n-roller-r2g-micro-glider-8-in-1-folding-multi-cart&intsrc=APIG_7338
Awesome work Mike! too hard indeed to do it on your own, it's time you get some help from someone else to film you while you work and create these mini movies which are fantastic! :)
Ha, no budget for that.
Nice. Can I ask which flat based hardware that is? Is it the Tama Classic or something else?
I have the tama hh stand, but the cymbal stands are the DW ultralight
That Steve Smith photo bomb was the funniest thing ever 😂😂
My goal in life now: he somehow sees it from watching the vlog
Hi Mike, nice content i enjoy it, and relate to it, i live this way also, i teach, gig, sub, try to do content and everything else... you menage to do a really nice job here. I have a question, i could notice you don't mic your kits on gig, why is that, and how do you make it work? I want to connect with you if that's possible, i have a few more questions, if thats ok... Anyway you rock! 🥁😎
A lot of the gigs I play are in rooms/venues where I don't need to mic the drums. I have a kick mic for gigs where I do, very rarely would I need more than a kick mic.
Thanks!
Thanks for watching
@@malonedrum Good luck with career.Respect: you are good in planning/organising. I am experienced amateur with 55 gigs a year on average over 20 years. 1100 since jan 2005. 3 to 6 rehearsals a week. Lots of repertoire. 2023/2024: All kind of acoustic styles: jazz quartet, big band, several choirs, wind orchestras, accordion orchestras, percussion groups,, stage band, pop trio, boogie woogie, church event, ... Some lessons. Always a lot of work to get gigs, groups, acceptable/good condtions, etc. Have lots of gear. Lots of walking around with gear. Keep up to date as good as possible. Also small market/small region with villages and small cities. Have a nice home studio but mostly make life videos.
How do u get the word out that you are a drummer in a small town?
Be present in the music community.
Can you tell us what software you use for your iPad to write out drum charts?
I typically write drum charts by hand and then scan them in, but if I'm writing charts for a band (lead sheets or full) I use Finale.
@malonedrum thank you very much! I am starting to get busy with 2 or 3 groups and yellow paper pads are tough to negotiate
Would love to hear some FOH from the gigs. Clips that are short enough for monetization.
Considering the video came out 16 minutes ago, I'd guess you haven't finished it.
You are correct. My bad. 😂
Wow! What do you use to manage your time? iCal? some other software? or is it all in your head!? - also would be nice to know roughly how much you made that month!? great video thanks.
I like Google Calendar, and I track of course all my gigs and lessons, but rehearsals, reminders for things on certain days. Also the reminders app on my iPhone is great for that stuff.
Now I’m questioning why I use drum bags😅. But what if it’s raining really really hard?
Move faster
Pedro Navaja 😎
You know it!
Question. Why not grab a behringer p16m for when places use the x32 boards?
Because the app is way easier IMO
Is that the x32 app?
@@Miloshe71 there’s a number of apps for doing headphone mixes on the behringer mixers.
@@malonedrumdo you use a mono send from the board?
@@Miloshe71 Yes
Mike, thank you, thank you, thank you for taking all of us along with you for an entire month. I am just blown away by the amount of work you put into 30 days.
I loved the shows when you were able to put in short clips of your actual music you were playing.
Are care, my busy fried and thanks again.❤️🙏👏❤️🙏👏❤️
Thanks
Dear Mike, i meant to write since quite a while. I love your videos. Because they show what i call an 'everyday hero', a real working musician. No flashy drum tricks, not just opinions, nothing screaming in your face. Love your humble drumming, your storytelling, and most of all: that despite all the work it is, you seem to be enjoying what you do and seem to be able to make a decent living out of it. I am happy for you, i think you deserve it. And you convey an important message: music can be a profession, not just a hobby, you don't need to be a genius, but just be dedicated, professional and actually treat it like a profession and not like a hobby. Keep doing what you do, respect & all the best, lf you like check out some of the videos with my funk band 'Funky Cheeks'. ❤ from Munich. If you ever visit, write me and get a free city tour. Michael
Appreciate it!
What is the app you are using to chart your gigs?
ForScore mainly
Hustlin', hustlin', hustl- hustlin', hustlin' (WHOO!)
Everyday he hustlin'.
Er-Everyday he hustlin'.
He got them rare drums. Rickit-rickit- rare drums. 😆😆😆😆😆
🤣
Da Fuk?! Steve Smith was in Oshkosh!
He comes here regularly on tour.
Mike we gotta get you a KickBloc
See some bass drum creep?
@@malonedrum yeah you mentioned needing bigger spurs on the MIJ. I’m sure it’s fine now but I recently moved and have a rug on hard wood floor and it took care of the creep 100%
Man, you don't stop! Without getting into specific numbers on your income, but given that this June was such a busy gig month for your, percentage wise, how did all those gigs boost the monthly income? Again, asking for a percentage estimate, not real numbers on income. Thanks!
A month like this probably doubles or more than doubles a month like January - April
@@malonedrum well you work hard for it, no doubt about that.
@@SonofWatts-c9t Absolutely!
"Unbearably humid...when it's not humid it's raining." Did you move to Florida?! Feel your pain there, sir!
It's been brutal lately, but that's everywhere it seems.