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KENNY ARONOFF
BEATING UP THE BIG GUYS
started a fusion band called Streamwinner. I played with them for three years. We lived in a band house and rehearsed there also. All I did was practice, rehearse and do shows. After three years I decided to move to NYC. 2 weeks before I moved, I heard that this artist Johnny Cougar was looking for a new drummer. I auditioned and got the gig, so I never left Bloomington. That was my first big break. The band grew and grew and eventually Johnny Cougar went back to his original name John Mellencamp. I played on many hit records and went on many tours with John for 17 years. I also became a very successful session drummer in Los Angeles, NYC and Nashville. I developed a drum clinic program and also taught privately and eventually became an Associate Professor at Indiana University School of Music where I went to school. For more details go to www.kennyaronoff.com Who are you touring with in 2012? KA: I am touring with John Fogerty and also Chickenfoot in 2012.
Do you prefer performing live in front of a crowd or recording in the studio? KA: I love and need to do both. Describe your setup at the moment (kits, cymbals, heads, etc). Does it differ for live performance/recording etc,? Is there anything in particular about your setup that lends itself to your unique style of playing? KA: I use Tama Bubinga drums with Chickenfoot. 24" x 16" kick, 12" rack, 14" and 16" floor toms with legs. I use my 5 x 14" Kenny Aronoff track master signature snare drum with a die cast hoop. All Zildjian cymbals. 2 - 19" a custom crashes, 1 - 19" k crash, 21" a custom ride, 14" master sound hats on my left and 15" new beats on my right on a cable hihat stand. I have a 20" china also. I use Iron Cobra powerglide double bass drum pedals with big wooden beaters. Remo heads. Ambassador X coated on top of toms, clear Ambassador on the bottom. Emperor X drum head without the black bot on snare and kick is a power
stroke 3 clear on beater side. I play with my Kenny Aronoff signature sticks. For John Fogerty I use a Starclassic Maple kit because he loves that sound. Same sizes except he likes the 22 x 18 kick with a fiber skin 3 head on it. I do not use a china. I use a Yamaha DTX pad and multi pad set up for some samples. Do you have any advice/tips to offer young /up and coming drummers? KA: Practice as much as possible and never give up. The music business has changed a lot. Your passion for drums and music combined with hard work and education will help make you the best drummer you can be where ever you are and possibly some success. There are no guarrentees. Anything else that you want to mention? KA: I was just in Australia and it's one of my most favorite places I have ever been in the world for many many reasons.