Hello, Modern Drummer family! My name is Jason Heiser, and I’m the drummer for Charm City Devils. I feel honored and privileged to be writing a blog for this magazine that I have been reading for many years.

It’s been a while since I’ve checked in with you all. Isn’t it great to be able to do something we all love?! Recently I’ve had the opportunity to record in an awesome studio called Skidd Co, which is part of the Sound Kitchen in Nashville. We recorded our second album, Sins, there with Grammy-award-winning producer Skidd Mills. I find that in the studio, sometimes a “less is more” approach works best. I try to be very consistent in hitting the drums at the same velocity and try to hit in the same spot on the drum each time. The live approach is pretty much the same, with a lot less thought and more vibe and energy that I feed off of the crowd. I can’t think of anything better than a great live performance where afterwards you feel like, “Man, I really nailed it tonight…doesn’t happen that often.” Ha ha! Most of the time you beat yourself up and think, “I could have done better,” but that’s how you keep improving.

I’ve really been blessed with opportunities of a lifetime, such as opening the main stage on Cruefest2 alongside Mötley Crüe, Godsmack, Theory of a Deadman, and Drowning Pool. That allowed me to be seen by thousands of people! We are about to do a U.S. tour in support of Sins, and I’m getting excited to get out there again and bring it! Advertisement

I currently endorse Vic Firth sticks. They’re the best family to be a part of! I use their 5B Extreme wood-tips, which have a slightly longer reach. I also endorse Ludwig, a great American tradition. I use a 26″ kick, a 14″ rack, and an 18″ floor for a big bombastic sound!

Check us out at charmcitydevils.com, and like us on Facebook please! See you out in the trenches, my friends. Keep on drummin’.

 

Photo by Tim McCrum.