At Gaffer Power, we love getting to know our customers who find clever ways to use our premium grade gaffer tape to make their lives easier! Meet James Lasley, a young and talented drummer who’s based out of a small town in NW Georgia and plays for Jerry Grant and The Corruptors. James has been playing the drums and other instruments for about 7 years after teaching himself how to play and we’re happy to have him as part of our blog community! If you’re interested in getting to know James a bit and want to find out how he uses gaffer tape as a drummer, keep on reading!
What got you interested in playing drums when you were so young?
“I’ve always enjoyed making music. Ever since I joined the school band back in middle school, I seemed to have a tendency towards music. That love for music really blossomed when I got into high-school, as I went to a performing arts school with a very technical and advanced music program.”
What’s the best advice you have for someone who wants to teach themselves how to play?
“Just start playing. Listen to anything and everything you can. Don’t worry about what other people will think. Just play, create, learn as much as you can,don’t quit, and have fun doing it.”
How did you get yourself out there and playing with two cool bands?
“Well, for the band that I play drums in (Jerry Grant and The Corruptors), I actually found them through Craigslist. I texted our frontman Jerry and asked him about his ad on Craigslist, and I auditioned for them, earlier this year, on the night before I graduated from high-school.
As for my other group, it’s kind of a work in progress. A friend of mine kinda pushed me in to play at an open mic, and they actually have a back-up band if you need. So, I ended up playing a few songs and the crowd loved it, so I decided to start my own group where I play guitar and sing.”
What’s your favorite part of performing?
“Just being able to entertain people. I love when people are enjoying themselves and having fun. The energy is absolutely amazing and there’s nothing like it.”
How do you guys use gaffer tape for your shows?
“I use y’all’s tape for a few different things. I use it to mark my drum-rug to make sure my set-up stays consistent. I also use it to dampen my drums, which reduces the overtones and gives them a low, punchy sound which works really well for blues-rock. On top of that, I use the tape for cable management. While everyone else is setting up, I’m routing and taping cables to the floor so nobody trips on them and damages either themselves or the equipment.”
Best thing about your home town?
“I live in a very wooded area and it’s beautiful year-round. That’s about it though I mean I live about a half-hour away from anything.”
Dream gig?
“My dream gig would probably be playing the main stage at Bonnaroo. It just looks like so much fun. Not to mention the crowd has to be one of the most energetic and fun-loving groups of people ever.”
Who do you look up to for musical inspiration and why?
“It’s a toss up between the bands Clutch and Periphery. Both bands blend so many different types of music, nuances, and playing styles, it’s insane. I look up to Clutch when it comes to my blues side of my playing, as they’re original enough to be interesting and keep you on your toes, but still old-school enough to interest the average listener. Periphery influences my metal/prog side as their music is unlike anything I’ve ever heard before. So much technicality, vision, work, and dedication goes into their music, and it shows.”
Learn more about Jerry Grant and The Corruptors here:
www.jerrygrantandthecorruptors.com
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