Conversation With a Session Drummer Ellie Daymond

Beating Her Own Path

Session drummer Ellie Daymond, this issue’s cover star, on the Drumsense programme, Access To Music and why she’s always loved Keith Moon.

What made you take up the drums as a child?

I’ve been listening to 70s rock bands since I was four: The Who, Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple and Thin Lizzy. My dad plays bass, so I had that rhythm built in. When I was about nine, I knew I wanted to start learning an instrument. My dad would say, ‘there are a million guitarists and vocalists out there,’ which stuck with me. It didn’t make sense to have two bass players in the family so I picked the drums. I wanted to be a badass like those classic rock drummers!

The Musician Summer 2019 Cover Star: Session drummer Ellie Daymond

Joseph Branston

What sort of tuition did you have? When I was nine, my parents bought my first kit, a Yamaha YD series. I had lessons with John Lyall, who taught the Drumsense programme. I learned the importance of technique, reading and different genres, as well as playing with feeling. I always perform with passion because music is something that you feel, not just listen to.

Who has been the biggest influence on your drumming style?

Keith Moon: The Who were the first band I properly got into. Keith was a very expressive performer who played with passion, which definitely inspired me.

You graduated from Access To Music (now Access Creative College) in 2016 – what difference did it make to your career?

The course gave me lots of opportunities to perform, write and understand music at a high level. One of the modules was to form an originals band, so we founded Flowerpot. If I hadn’t helped to start that band I wouldn’t be in the position that I’m in today.

How did you get into session work?

I left Flowerpot in 2017 and became a session player for electronic artist RXC. I was asked by JOANovARC to dep at one of their shows and since then I’ve worked with JOA on cruise ships, festivals and residencies abroad. Working with an established band means being able to travel the world while getting paid for the privilege. However, these positions rarely offer much creative control.

What can be done to encourage more girls to start drumming?

It’s all about exposure. Showcasing the talent of all the incredible female drummers out there means more young women will believe a career in drumming is possible.

What’s the best advice you’ve been given?

Work hard and be nice to everyone you meet; you never know where the next opportunity will come from.

When did you join the MU and why?

Paul Gray came to ATM and talked about the benefits of joining. I signed up and I’ve been a member for five years. The legal advice alone is worth the fee. The music industry can be a tough place, so it’s a great comfort to know that the MU is always backing us.

For more information about Ellie Daymond, please visit elliedaymonddrums.co.uk