“Rockstar” Q&A with Jeff Lahr…
Keeping us in-the-pocket...
Photo Credit: Josh Stolberg
Even though it is still “International ‘Guitar’ Month”, I am super stoked to share a recent Q&A with my friend, colleague, and Toxic A$$ets bandmate, Jeff Lahr (Drums and Percussion)!
We explore his life-long relationship with music and some lessons he learned along the way; lessons that offer helpful ideas and reminders for both work and life. Like a ballad, each of our lives tells a story, many of which share a common thread. As you read Jeff’s story, consider thinking about your own relationship with music (or any passion) or how music may have served as the soundtrack to your life.
Thanks for reading!
“Rockstar” Q&A
Featuring Jeff Lahr
Toxic A$$ets: Drums and Percussion
“We’re a stadium band and this ain’t a stadium…”
April 2022: Gimme Shelter - Jeff at the helm. “We’re a stadium band and this ain’t a stadium…”
Video by Josh Stolberg
Q.
What were some of the earliest songs, albums, music videos, or artists you remember?
A.
I listened to AM radio when I was a kid, especially when I was outdoors or hunting. Back then (early-to-mid-1970s), AM radio seemed to be all that was available in my area, as FM broadcasting would come around later that decade. I listened to “Top 40” hits and the mainstream music of the ‘60s and early ‘70s. Probably, the first song I remember hearing was “A Horse With No Name” by America.
Q.
Did you come from a “musical” household?
A.
No, not really. However, my grandfather was a fantastic singer and dancer.
Q.
Who was (were) your biggest, personal musical influence(s) growing up?
A.
When I was in 4th grade, my school asked if anyone was interested in band. My buddy and I signed up. He picked the trombone and I thought “Ok, I’ll do that too.” I quickly changed my mind though and decided that I wanted to play the drums; they looked cool. This was one of the first decisions that I completely made for myself. Looking back, it was a good decision.
Q.
At what age did you leave the “aural nest” of your parent(s) or family, to go forth and discover your own music?
A.
Around age 11, when I started listening to FM radio in the 6th grade.
Q.
What was the first single or album that you purchased?
A.
“Double Platinum” by Kiss, on vinyl. I played drums along to that record until it literally wore out.
Q.
What musicians/artists influence(d) you most?
A.
I was really into the music of Kiss, Van Halen, and Rush when I was teenager. As a drummer, I was greatly influenced by the late Neil Peart of Rush and the late John Bonham of Led Zeppelin. Spurred along by Neil, I started “double kick drumming” around 1980 (although I have become somewhat rusty on the double bass…).
Q.
Have you ever met any famous musicians/artists?
A.
Yes. I met and played live on one occasion with the legendary Louie Bellson at a gym in Marshalltown, Iowa. Our Jazz band director arranged this opportunity for us. He was really connected and had even sent kids on towards professional careers in music. Arguably, Louie Bellson was considered one of the best Jazz drummers in the world, perhaps second only to Buddy Rich. He pioneered the use of two bass drums and his style influenced my own playing as well. His talent and ability, specifically his “quadrupedal” or 4-way independence and limb speed, were ridiculous and really unmatched.
The late, great Louie Bellson.
Source: jazztimes.com
Q.
What were some concerts/festivals that you have attended? Is there a favorite or most memorable?
A.
Van Halen at Veterans Memorial “Vets” Auditorium in Des Moines, Iowa, sometime around 1978, maybe 1980.
Q.
Did you sing and/or play an instrument when you were a child or young adult? If so, did you take lessons or were you self-taught (or was it a mixture of both)?
A.
I started drumming (snare) in a symphonic band in the 4th grade. I started playing on my “Tupperware drum kit” in the 5th grade. In the 6th grade, my parents bought me a Rogers drum kit. I took four lessons, learning a couple of Rock beats and a Swing beat. However, I am almost entirely self-taught and learned many beats, fills, and breaks by playing along to the radio, to albums, and eventually, in some Jazz and Rock bands. Fortunately, it seems as if there are only a few songs that I have heard that I cannot play.
Q.
Did you study music theory and composition?
A.
No.
Q.
Do you like to write music, lyrics, or both?
A.
No. My artistic expression is in its performance, not its creation.
Q.
When first performing, did you experience stage fright? If so, how did you overcome it or even utilize it?
A.
Like many of us, I would experience stage fright a little. Nothing major; I used to rush the beat a bit during solos, but eventually became better and better at holding time. It probably was mostly the effects of adrenaline.
Q.
Have you ever had a song or performance professionally recorded in a studio?
A.
No.
Q.
Do you like music history, musicology, and/or trivia?
A.
Yes. I find it all quite interesting, especially music history, the stories, and even listening to early radio recordings. For example, the Carter family is one of the most famous and important lineages in Country music. While they (and their descendants) made many recordings over the years, their performances were later (and regularly) featured on “border radio” stations, emanating from Mexico. The history of border radio itself is fascinating and touched on some of the same issues we face today. Many years ago, border radio stations were welcomed and established in Mexico, as the United States and Canada had divided most of the long-range radio stations between themselves, leaving little available to Mexico. As a result, Mexican operators also broadcasted with much more power (500,000 watts versus 50,000 watts). Rock-and-Roll music and artists would later blanket much of our nation thanks in large part to border radio. Like many of us, I’ve always been an avid listener of many different musical genres and styles. Whether it’s Rap songs from The Sugarhill Gang (Yeah, I’m dating myself here, but I can still get after it…) or the newest Pop music, I enjoy it all and think there is something to receive from all of it.
Q.
Currently, what are some of your favorite musical styles or genres? Conversely, is there a style or genre that you would like to learn more about?
A.
I like all kinds of music. I have played Jazz, Rock, Country, Rockabilly; you name it, I’ve probably played it. I believe that playing such a wide variety of music makes me a very well-rounded drummer.
Q.
Is there an instrument that you would like to learn how to play?
A.
No, not really. I think playing the guitar would have been fun, but I never got around to it. Plus, I did try playing the electric bass in 7th grade and hated it.
Q.
Are there other aspects of the music industry that interest you (e.g., producing, engineering, marketing, dance and choreography, style and design, artist management, etc.)?
A.
No.
Q.
How has your relationship with music, including performing, helped you in your work life? Any applicable lessons or takeaways (e.g., more comfortable with public speaking or presenting to a large audience, stronger relationships with co-workers, etc.)?
A.
As the drummer, you really drive the band. For example, any instrument can drop off for a second or miss a note here or there, and it’s not the end of the world. The same cannot be said with the drums; if the drums drop off, it's all off. Keeping time is essential. Carrying this weight, this responsibility of keeping the band on track and together, really gave me a lot of confidence early on. Whether playing live or even speaking to a large group or business, the bigger the audience, the bigger the venue, the better; I often joke, we’re a stadium band and this ain’t a stadium…
Q.
Has music helped you achieve a better work/life balance?
A.
No. I have other hobbies, interests, and outlets for that.
Q.
Are there any other items or insights that you would like to share or discuss?
A.
None at this time.