In hindsight, if I could go back in time and relay a message to my younger self, I would tell him to work on his time keeping, and that the job of a drummer is not to be the one that gets noticed the most on stage, or to be the fastest, or the loudest. Above all, it is to be the timekeeper.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the importance of timekeeping over showmanship in drumming.
In this reflection, Taylor Hawkins shares his insights on the true role of a drummer, highlighting that the essence of drumming lies not in attracting attention or showcasing speed and volume, but rather in maintaining the rhythm and time for the entire band. This message serves as a metaphor for life, encouraging individuals to focus on their responsibilities and contributions rather than seeking the spotlight.
In practice
During a musical workshop, when discussing the importance of teamwork, this quote can inspire young drummers.
In the studio you can auto tune vocals, and with drums, you can put them on a grid and make them perfect. I hate that sound. When someone hands me a record and the drums are perfectly gridded and the vocals are perfectly auto tuned, I throw it out the window. I have no interest in rock music being like that.
I've worked hard, but this business can be tough, and I just consider myself incredibly lucky to have had the career that I have, and to still be having so much fun playing drums and making music.
Rock n' roll means so much more to people; it enriches the culture. Also, it inspires people; there's no half-feeling. When I first got into it, I was inspired by people who had come before me, and I found myself in the position of handing that on.
This is the thing about hip-hop music and where people get it most misconstrued: It's all hip-hop. You can't say that just what I do is hip-hop, because hip-hop is all energies. James Brown can get on the track and mumble all day. But guess what? You felt his soul on those records.
The colored folks been singing it and playing it just like I'm doin' now, man, for more years than I know. I got it from them.
Many people forget that Jazz, no matter what form it takes, must come from the heart as well as the mind.
When you break out the acoustic guitar, the words are the focal point unless you're the Jimi Hendrix of the acoustic guitar. So the words have to have meaning.
The spirit of jazz is the spirit of openness.
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