12:50 - vocalist shouting out the band, this needs to happen more often in some places. Excellent video, thanks for sharing all your experience with us, dude
Such great videos, David. Love all of the footage, including the getting on the ship, behind-the-scenes rehearsals, and the performances. Really gives a sense of the whole experience! AND great fricking PLAYING, man. Very precise but also great feel super funky grooves. Great stuff. Thanks so much for posting and for everything you're doing.
This lifestyle amazes me. I’m a high school band director and I’m always telling my students who pursue music in college to look for auditions for gigs like this.
Congrats on another paid gig. Some hints from a friend of mine who was a cruiseship keyboardist 2013-2016: 1. No bedsheets?--ALWAYS carry a thick hoodie sweatshirt and thick sweatpants. You can sleep in these in a pinch. Beats being cold in your bunk, for sure! 2. SAVE YOUR MONEY!!!! My friend came off 4 straight years at sea and bought a 3 bedroom/ 2 bathroom / 2-car garage HOUSE FOR CASH paid in full!! You can too, since you don't have to pay rent or pay for food while at sea. Make the most of it now while you're young and hungry!! Best of luck to you David.
This was a great video, thank you. Nice that you included the music reading prep, the walk down, opening of doors, the practice, the safety-training mention, even the sleepy intro. Thank you for this video, rather than being mundane it all gives a nice well rounded feel to the life. & as others have said great drumming.
Did what you're doing Waaaaay back in the early 70s. It's changed a lot. Worked for P&O Ship lines out of UK. Worked on their ships Oronsay & Arcadia. Both of which have gone to scrap by now. Then worked on the Spirit of London the P&O bought Princess cruises and the name of the ship was changed to the Sun Princess. Originally designed as an Italian car ferry, it was a flat bottomed boat that didn't handle well going North against the current going to Alaska. You're a good drummer David. Keep it up. Save money, save money, save money. Think about retirement. Yeah, I know, boring. But the glamoris life ends and you want to be prepared for that. Take care of yourself. Be healthy, stay happy.
Man.. me and my wife went on a honeymoon cruise, 2016 on carnival, and I remember the drummer being so good. Having been a drummer my whole life, I’ve wondered what it would be like having a gig on a cruise. I think it would be so incredible. I don’t know you, but I’m proud of you man. you’re a good guy, and a darn good drummer
I just have to say that you are so positive with just everything, the world needs more positivity like you give, you are doing awesome keep it up! Love it!
12:52 Never tell that to the audience if you sounds good. They don't hear difference between song after one or ten rehearsals. They don't care, just want to fun
It actually gives mad props to the band. It shows the audience how truly professional the musicians are. If you're on a cruise for a few weeks or months you really get to know the guests well and they like hearing information about the band/orchestra. I've had an insane amount of guests add me on FB and am still in contact with some of them. Being a ship musician is different than just gigging at the pub or covering a touring artist at your local theatre.
How does the gear situation work? Do you bring your own cymbals, pedals? How do you get required things like replacement heads? Great vids! Keep it up!
I know kinda what this must be like showing up to a church and playing with a whole band you have never met and having to play a servicr an hour later lol. But that's only lile 4 or 5 songs
dude...your playing so GOOD and so professional. You will be playing on broadway no doubt. This vlog is going to end up being a story of your career from cruise ships to the tony's.
It honestly seems like a pretty sweet deal. Travel to a bunch of places, and spend a bunch of your day playing music. Sometimes the music is garbage, but if you're willing to put up with living in a closet, it doesn't seem like a bad way to make your living.
@@tissuepaper9962 Yeah I'd totally be down for it. I'm currently 12, into jazz, and I love drums and guitar. I don't mind living in a crap home as long as I get a kick out of what I do for a living.
Your channel was casually recommended to me by TH-cam and I love it! Your contents, your personal character! Looking forward to seeing more good stuffs.
Great video as always, David! I found your channel just a couple months ago and was enamored with you vlogs while doing these gigs! Best of luck on the ship!
Terrific vid - turns out to be super entertaining watching a professional drummer on a cruise ship! The gopro footage is great, also good job editing it all together; it flows well
Great playing man! But is that what they give the band?? That's horrible, you deserve a suite each! I don't even see a window. And sharing a bunk, that's just so cheaply done by the company. Unreal.
Most Cruise lines are cheap when it comes to the employees. I wonder if the pay is worth it, is there some kind of scale for playing cruise ships or is it the same as session work?
It provides for a steady income, see something of the world and for a lot of musicians this is where they start. By which I don't mean they all start on a cruise ship of course.
I think your expierences can vary quite a bit on a ship. I remember signing on for a 6 month stint back in the day playing with the main house band and having to play about 5 hours a day playing a super wide variety of music. All the charts from the previous band were in another language, I think German and the charts were all in long hand so maybe 5 to 8 pages each. Lots of bop, Latin, ballads along with playing the shows for the topless ladies, That was my favorite part...and also the entertainment changed weekly so we did have regular rehearsal and in on my down time I got together with the fun band that played all reggae, so yes we smoked weed and stole each others licks.... Pay sucked but it's a great way to get your chops and reading together. Saw the Berklee vid you did a while back. Worth it or not...... My two cents. The endeavor your trying to attain in most cases in our field does not really need schooling in that form but it does take preparedness and a definite chief aim to create success along with a little luck. Boston was a blessing as far as teachers were concerned and I took full advantage ... peace. Keep up the good work and most of all have fun....
Great video! I do have a question though, when rehearsing, how long do you get to practice your drum parts before playing? Or do you just play while looking at it? Thanks,- Nathan
Great question and a cocky answer, even if it’s true. I’m schooled up the wazoo and have been a working musician since my early 20’s (almost 30 years) and I never pull the “pro” card on another musician, whether young newbie, or unschooled rock n roller. That just makes one look like a dick.
Awesome playing! I am so used to not killing the cymbals that it just makes me cringe when I see you beating them like you do. I know that it is what the music calls for but I played in church so much and always had to keep a leash on my levels. Again, awesome drumming.
I know what you mean,I have played in a 4000 seat auditorium for my Church services with a 7 piece Tama concert kit which was awesome,then years later for an 800 Seater Church,it's hard to drop your playing volume to a decent level for the smaller Church and keep it there,I ended up putting a tea towel on the snare just to keep it down.I love Davids playing,so good.
Much easier to make notes on the fly on paper. And absolutely no worries about the damn thing rebooting or decides to do some silly update in the middle of a bebop tune:)
The thing I noticed the most was the blank stares I got from fellow ship employees, from in particular the Philippines and South Korea. I got admiral quarters. Dueling pianos. We get blue man group rooms. The long contract people have the most hollow stares.
what year did you graduate from berkly?>my son is a drummer,he also draduated from there.A friend of mine teaches drum set there,I am also a drummer............enjoting watching some of your videos.....thank you
John Carcamo ya! We truck drivers don't even have the amenities of a prison cell. I've pulled about 3.5 million miles. Maybe it's time to set my sights higher. Life is about choices.
Hey,David...I think you are awesome and play really good,man...I've always wished to play in a ship but never knew how to get hooked...Keep playing and enjoying the travels bro.From one drummer to another,Peace out¡
Couple of questions here. Do you use your own equipment when you are on the ship? How long are you on the ship and is it a continual thing? How in the world did you get a gig like this?
Hi David, just wondering what ship that is? I'm gonna be the orchestra guitarist for the Celebrity Solstice in October, it's gonna be my first ship gig so these videos have been great for me.
Ricky Westrip I think you’ll be with my friend Jeff, a bass player. I’m on the Silhouette and it is basically the same as Solstice. Say hi to Brett and Broc for me in Miami 😏.
Great job, Question, have you every lost a few sheets of music or the whole set and had to fake it through a bunch of songs, and if so, Did they notice?
No. You need those charts, you can't "fake" anything. The guest ent might even stop the show if you fake it too much. Usually there are two stage techs on either side of the stage, they can help you.
Man, I'm not sure what it is, but you have the cool factor. I love your vids. I love following you. And I'm am old guy fan! Maybe I'm living vicariously through you! 😲
Dude I’ve been watching some of your videos. I don’t know how you do all the stuff that you do man I give you props I don’t think I could do that Anyways I enjoy watching your videos 😎
Dave great playing. Those shipboard cabins are good training ground for touring here in Japan where business hotel rooms are not much larger but you do get to bunk alone :-) Did you happen to study with Kenwood at Berklee I wonder?
Does the ship supply you with instruments, and if a passenger comes by when your on break and says, I’m a guitar player too, can I play a song with you, do you let them?
The hype man at 13:50 before the finale was great sign of showmanship. I do weird art music, and even though the audience is very different, being aware of the audience's experience is just as important.
Hi David, I'm a big fan of you work and drumming.. I've been interested in apply for being a drummer, and I would like to know if you're able to share those sheets and audios just to study and practice. Again, huge fan! Hugs :)
Hi David, sorry but i've see this only now! You do a very fantastic job! Can i ask you something: Did you play the exact same fill that was write on sheet music or just improvise !? thank you, keep it goin'! :D
I was smiling for you when the "md" complimented you lol. When you're playing those crazy chops at the end of a song, is it just rudiments being played really fast. If so, what rudiments do you mostly use?
Steven R it looks like mostly singles around the toms. Most drummers use either that or six stroke rolls played very open to sound like singles, like RLLRRL
A lot of times, especially with big rooms, what you hear behind the kit is completely different than what the audience hears. So Tom has the kit tuned for the room.
@@CymbALcase Still an overstep and horrible first impression in my opinion. Not appropriate for FOH to dictate to musicians what to do with their instrument regardless of room conditions or any other variables. Suggestions, yes, always. But no insisting.
Yo David I know this is an older video and your at home and stuff now but if you plan on boarding another ship some time in the future you should definitely bring like a ps4 with fallout 4 or skyrim 😂😂. Plug that into the TV and you'll never be bored. ❤️ Love the vids man!
12:50 - vocalist shouting out the band, this needs to happen more often in some places. Excellent video, thanks for sharing all your experience with us, dude
You´re a freakin beast, man...awesome playing. Take care
Such great videos, David. Love all of the footage, including the getting on the ship, behind-the-scenes rehearsals, and the performances. Really gives a sense of the whole experience! AND great fricking PLAYING, man. Very precise but also great feel super funky grooves. Great stuff. Thanks so much for posting and for everything you're doing.
Benjamin Bidlack This means everything Benjamin! I’m doing my best 😅. Lots to learn, but I greatly appreciate the kind words friend!
This lifestyle amazes me. I’m a high school band director and I’m always telling my students who pursue music in college to look for auditions for gigs like this.
Congrats on another paid gig. Some hints from a friend of mine who was a cruiseship keyboardist 2013-2016:
1. No bedsheets?--ALWAYS carry a thick hoodie sweatshirt and thick sweatpants. You can sleep in these in a pinch. Beats being cold in your bunk, for sure!
2. SAVE YOUR MONEY!!!! My friend came off 4 straight years at sea and bought a 3 bedroom/ 2 bathroom / 2-car garage HOUSE FOR CASH paid in full!! You can too, since you don't have to pay rent or pay for food while at sea. Make the most of it now while you're young and hungry!! Best of luck to you David.
SAROJA Band where did he buy a house??? How much do they get paid?
4 years straight? Damn
This was a great video, thank you. Nice that you included the music reading prep, the walk down, opening of doors, the practice, the safety-training mention, even the sleepy intro. Thank you for this video, rather than being mundane it all gives a nice well rounded feel to the life. & as others have said great drumming.
“You absolutely nailed it, literally”
Quality, quality drummer.
Did what you're doing Waaaaay back in the early 70s. It's changed a lot. Worked for P&O Ship lines out of UK. Worked on their ships Oronsay & Arcadia. Both of which have gone to scrap by now. Then worked on the Spirit of London the P&O bought Princess cruises and the name of the ship was changed to the Sun Princess. Originally designed as an Italian car ferry, it was a flat bottomed boat that didn't handle well going North against the current going to Alaska. You're a good drummer David. Keep it up. Save money, save money, save money. Think about retirement. Yeah, I know, boring. But the glamoris life ends and you want to be prepared for that. Take care of yourself. Be healthy, stay happy.
Man.. me and my wife went on a honeymoon cruise, 2016 on carnival, and I remember the drummer being so good. Having been a drummer my whole life, I’ve wondered what it would be like having a gig on a cruise. I think it would be so incredible. I don’t know you, but I’m proud of you man. you’re a good guy, and a darn good drummer
That snare sounds heavenly bro 🔥✊🏾
Larry Martin thought the same!
I just have to say that you are so positive with just everything, the world needs more positivity like you give, you are doing awesome keep it up! Love it!
You’re living the dream, man.
Respect.
Cool real world info. Please keep posting. You're an excellent drummer.
12:52 Never tell that to the audience if you sounds good. They don't hear difference between song after one or ten rehearsals. They don't care, just want to fun
Sometimes I just want to fun too
It sounds like the singers had really bad experiences in the past.
I would certainly appreciate a shout out like that even if the audience dont care.
It actually gives mad props to the band. It shows the audience how truly professional the musicians are. If you're on a cruise for a few weeks or months you really get to know the guests well and they like hearing information about the band/orchestra. I've had an insane amount of guests add me on FB and am still in contact with some of them. Being a ship musician is different than just gigging at the pub or covering a touring artist at your local theatre.
How does the gear situation work? Do you bring your own cymbals, pedals? How do you get required things like replacement heads? Great vids! Keep it up!
Very interesting. In all my long career I've never done a cruise ship gig. You're a solid drummer.
I know kinda what this must be like showing up to a church and playing with a whole band you have never met and having to play a servicr an hour later lol. But that's only lile 4 or 5 songs
Solid as in a banger....no finesse!
dude...your playing so GOOD and so professional. You will be playing on broadway no doubt. This vlog is going to end up being a story of your career from cruise ships to the tony's.
I imagine 100's of kids going "I wanna be him when I grow up!"
It honestly seems like a pretty sweet deal. Travel to a bunch of places, and spend a bunch of your day playing music.
Sometimes the music is garbage, but if you're willing to put up with living in a closet, it doesn't seem like a bad way to make your living.
@@tissuepaper9962 Yeah I'd totally be down for it. I'm currently 12, into jazz, and I love drums and guitar. I don't mind living in a crap home as long as I get a kick out of what I do for a living.
Im one of those 😊
Perfect gig when your young.. Under 50.. Lol 😂
That me
man I don't even know why I can't stop watching these videos. I dont even play drums! Keep up the content man. appreciate ya
Your channel was casually recommended to me by TH-cam and I love it! Your contents, your personal character! Looking forward to seeing more good stuffs.
Great video as always, David! I found your channel just a couple months ago and was enamored with you vlogs while doing these gigs! Best of luck on the ship!
Terrific vid - turns out to be super entertaining watching a professional drummer on a cruise ship! The gopro footage is great, also good job editing it all together; it flows well
This is a true professional. Just another day at the office.
Thanks so much for sharing your unique insight of what you do.
Why did my recommendations bring me here?!? But I will say I am enjoying what I’m seeing
That outro killed me man. hahahaha
"Would you like to hear it?"
*"NO!"*
I recognized the end of the song 'Spirit Of The Radio' 10:37 to 10:53. Neil Peart would have been proud.
The song doesnt end with the main riff but i can see where your coming from
Great playing man! But is that what they give the band?? That's horrible, you deserve a suite each! I don't even see a window. And sharing a bunk, that's just so cheaply done by the company. Unreal.
Just one of the crew.
Most Cruise lines are cheap when it comes to the employees. I wonder if the pay is worth it, is there some kind of scale for playing cruise ships or is it the same as session work?
It provides for a steady income, see something of the world and for a lot of musicians this is where they start. By which I don't mean they all start on a cruise ship of course.
@@narvul Well, these performers are educated and experienced professionals. They certainly did not start here.
@Brian Sørensen well probably one of their first steady gigs. I mean in "paying the bills" gigs.
I think your expierences can vary quite a bit on a ship. I remember signing on for a 6 month stint back in the day playing with the main house band and having to play about 5 hours a day playing a super wide variety of music. All the charts from the previous band were in another language, I think German and the charts were all in long hand so maybe 5 to 8 pages each. Lots of bop, Latin, ballads along with playing the shows for the topless ladies, That was my favorite part...and also the entertainment changed weekly so we did have regular rehearsal and in on my down time I got together with the fun band that played all reggae, so yes we smoked weed and stole each others licks.... Pay sucked but it's a great way to get your chops and reading together. Saw the Berklee vid you did a while back. Worth it or not...... My two cents. The endeavor your trying to attain in most cases in our field does not really need schooling in that form but it does take preparedness and a definite chief aim to create success along with a little luck. Boston was a blessing as far as teachers were concerned and I took full advantage ... peace. Keep up the good work and most of all have fun....
Love the behind the scenes type of video! Nice playing!
Great video! I do have a question though, when rehearsing, how long do you get to practice your drum parts before playing? Or do you just play while looking at it? Thanks,- Nathan
For thr most part he's sight reading on the fly. Thats what separates a 'drummer' from a 'professional musician'!!
Great question and a great answer.
Great question and a cocky answer, even if it’s true. I’m schooled up the wazoo and have been a working musician since my early 20’s (almost 30 years) and I never pull the “pro” card on another musician, whether young newbie, or unschooled rock n roller. That just makes one look like a dick.
I’ll just live vicariously through you. 🤘🏻
Awesome playing! I am so used to not killing the cymbals that it just makes me cringe when I see you beating them like you do. I know that it is what the music calls for but I played in church so much and always had to keep a leash on my levels. Again, awesome drumming.
I know what you mean,I have played in a 4000 seat auditorium for my Church services with a 7 piece Tama concert kit which was awesome,then years later for an 800 Seater Church,it's hard to drop your playing volume to a decent level for the smaller Church and keep it there,I ended up putting a tea towel on the snare just to keep it down.I love Davids playing,so good.
Solid player..not a bad gig at all..safe travels
i've really enjoyed watching a few of your videos. keep it up man you are awesome at the drums.
Your snare work is so on point
Having a job with your fashion is ♥️.
U r such an amaaaaazing drummer, keep on drumming!!!!
music stands with music on paper? Are you on the Titanic? Great videos!
Should be an iPad yeah.
There's absolutely nothing wrong with paper.
Nothing wrong with an iPad either.
Much easier to make notes on the fly on paper. And absolutely no worries about the damn thing rebooting or decides to do some silly update in the middle of a bebop tune:)
If an iPad is too difficult to manage, stay away from it Jesper.
Good stuff, David. Thanks for posting this.
Big Mike is a RCL legend!
The thing I noticed the most was the blank stares I got from fellow ship employees, from in particular the Philippines and South Korea. I got admiral quarters. Dueling pianos. We get blue man group rooms. The long contract people have the most hollow stares.
Very interesting I must say. Frequencymonster approved!! dig your channel
what year did you graduate from berkly?>my son is a drummer,he also draduated from there.A friend of mine teaches drum set there,I am also a drummer............enjoting watching some of your videos.....thank you
Sue, the Cruise Director in the clip at 11:38 is great....which ship is this?
Zombie-Tog haha yup! This was on the Silhouette! And she is still on there now!
more space than a truck driver.
John Carcamo ya! We truck drivers don't even have the amenities of a prison cell. I've pulled about 3.5 million miles. Maybe it's time to set my sights higher. Life is about choices.
Hey,David...I think you are awesome and play really good,man...I've always wished to play in a ship but never knew how to get hooked...Keep playing and enjoying the travels bro.From one drummer to another,Peace out¡
Sounds great! Would you be able to get what is being sent to your in-ears in the video so we can hear?
Total enjoyment- Great vid.
Love your videos and plz keep making them your a beast my brother I play the drums to
Couple of questions here. Do you use your own equipment when you are on the ship? How long are you on the ship and is it a continual thing? How in the world did you get a gig like this?
Hi David, just wondering what ship that is? I'm gonna be the orchestra guitarist for the Celebrity Solstice in October, it's gonna be my first ship gig so these videos have been great for me.
Ricky Westrip I think you’ll be with my friend Jeff, a bass player. I’m on the Silhouette and it is basically the same as Solstice. Say hi to Brett and Broc for me in Miami 😏.
Great job, Question, have you every lost a few sheets of music or the whole set and had to fake it through a bunch of songs, and if so, Did they notice?
No. You need those charts, you can't "fake" anything. The guest ent might even stop the show if you fake it too much. Usually there are two stage techs on either side of the stage, they can help you.
Great video .. really enjoy your playing too
Great drumming! Professional!
3:30 lmao I got a charmin ultra strong toilet paper commercial at this part.
As always, great playing man!! Do you do lessons? It would be super cool. Thanks
Great video ! Any tips on how to improve my timing ?
You get the sheet music hours before the first practice session and are supposed to nail it...What a pressure cooker.
The Billie Jean cover reminds me of the version Chris Cornell played at MSN with full band.
Great chops David!
Is that Sue Denning doing the original introduction and ending?
Man, I'm not sure what it is, but you have the cool factor. I love your vids. I love following you. And I'm am old guy fan! Maybe I'm living vicariously through you! 😲
Dude I’ve been watching some of your videos. I don’t know how you do all the stuff that you do man I give you props I don’t think I could do that
Anyways I enjoy watching your videos 😎
Dave great playing. Those shipboard cabins are good training ground for touring here in Japan where business hotel rooms are not much larger but you do get to bunk alone :-) Did you happen to study with Kenwood at Berklee I wonder?
When drummer misses a stick, the most important thing, is to check that everybody safe)
“Home sweet home” hahhaha love it😂😂😂
Does the ship supply you with instruments, and if a passenger comes by when your on break and says, I’m a guitar player too, can I play a song with you, do you let them?
Haha good questions.
You seem like a true professional. Bravo!
The hype man at 13:50 before the finale was great sign of showmanship. I do weird art music, and even though the audience is very different, being aware of the audience's experience is just as important.
Hi David, I'm a big fan of you work and drumming.. I've been interested in apply for being a drummer, and I would like to know if you're able to share those sheets and audios just to study and practice.
Again, huge fan! Hugs :)
I am on celebrity silhouette next September 2019 as a guest was that coral introducing the band?
Love you fellow drummer!
I played this show last year on the Summit.
awesome playing !!...do you have to follow a click track 100% of the time??
hey, Love love your videos. Can i ask what IEM's do you use for the shows ?
Oh, and your favorite song to drum of all time is ???
for all musicians head to 7:50
Hi David, sorry but i've see this only now! You do a very fantastic job! Can i ask you something: Did you play the exact same fill that was write on sheet music or just improvise !? thank you, keep it goin'! :D
Pretty shitty conditions for band and crew but that would still be better than digging ditches, This is very entertaining man, Thank you.
Your so good man! Love the videos.
Very nice video, thanks.
Great playing!
0:02 jesus where's the fucking wind blowing from homie?
I was smiling for you when the "md" complimented you lol. When you're playing those crazy chops at the end of a song, is it just rudiments being played really fast. If so, what rudiments do you mostly use?
Steven R it looks like mostly singles around the toms. Most drummers use either that or six stroke rolls played very open to sound like singles, like RLLRRL
Everything a drummer plays are rudiments
I have to know what the deal was with Tom and the drum tuning. hahaha Crazy!
A lot of times, especially with big rooms, what you hear behind the kit is completely different than what the audience hears. So Tom has the kit tuned for the room.
@@CymbALcase Still an overstep and horrible first impression in my opinion. Not appropriate for FOH to dictate to musicians what to do with their instrument regardless of room conditions or any other variables. Suggestions, yes, always. But no insisting.
Good old Raegar. Love that show!
your room is like a 2x2 house in the sims lol
how hard is it to get on a ship? like assuming you have your shit together, is there still an element of luck/ not enough demand?
Yo David I know this is an older video and your at home and stuff now but if you plan on boarding another ship some time in the future you should definitely bring like a ps4 with fallout 4 or skyrim 😂😂. Plug that into the TV and you'll never be bored. ❤️ Love the vids man!
sound is great man! which camera type you recording with? ı need that type of camera
Did you play the Jefferson Airplane version of “Somebody to Love” in that set??
2:38 what are u doing with a mate in the front of the security box... LOL
I swear i see this video like a million times on my recommended and each time i'm like "No way AGAIN?"
Turnaround day!
A good drummer makes the band
And I sing and play guitar ..
wish I could do more on drums than just keep a beat
Thats not much of a room - very cramped. Not so much a room as a cell !
Your a heck of a drummer btw
I've been on many cruises and thats about half of a regular room for 4. so its not terrible.
Great playing
I have a question! Are you able to play around with the sheet music, do you have any freedom to freestyle?