Steve Ferrone has recorded and/or toured as a drummer with numerous high profile acts, including Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers from 1994 until now, Average White Band for eight years, George Harrison, Duran Duran, Stevie Nicks, Slash, Chaka Khan, Eric Clapton, The Bee Gees, Johnny Cash, Bryan Ferry, Peter Frampton, Whitney Houston, Pat Metheny, Marcus Miller, Steve Winwood, Paul Simon, and Jaco Pastorius – and that's just some of the acts he's been with!
This was a blast of a conversation because Steve has so many great stories. He talks about his work with The Average White Band, Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, Chaka Khan, Eric Clapton, George Harrison, and Michael Jackson. He also talks about some of his favorite bass players and more!
Steve was actually a tap dancer at a young age. He was only twelve years old, and he shares how that inadvertently led to his first drumming gig. He explains how he found his sound, as a drummer, and the journey that led him to where he is today.
Despite the fact that Steve has played drums on a lot of classic hits from artists such as Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers (with whom he has worked for more than twenty-five years!), Chaka Khan, Michael Jackson, and so many others, he definitely maintains a certain level of modesty, presenting the possibility that a hit with which he was involved “was already a hit and I got to play on it.” He also discusses the advent of the drum machine and electronic drums and how they initially made some drummers panic thinking that their work would become obsolete. He shares his own feelings on electronic drums and gives examples of times when he maintained the value of organic drums over electronic ones, such as when he worked on “Earth Song” by Michael Jackson.
Andy and Steve also talk a little about the COVID-19 pandemic and how it affected musicians, with Steve detailing what his life and profession have been like ever since the breakout of the pandemic. He remains optimistic and hopeful that an end to the pandemic is in sight but also clarifies that he is grateful for that which he has been able to hold onto in his life. Having worked with so many high profile musicians, Steve definitely has a lot of great stories to share and makes for a very fascinating guest on the podcast!
Show Highlights:
[00:10] Andy gives some background information on Steve Ferrone and his career so far as a high profile drummer.
[2:06] – Steve reveals where his passion for drumming comes from and shares what some of his hobbies were as a child.
[5:00] – Steve reveals how he scored his first drumming gig.
[7:14] – We learn how Steve found his sound as a musician.
[10:19] – Steve talks about what his process is like preparing for recording in the studio.
[12:27] – Steve shares the story of having worked with Duran Duran on their “Ordinary World” song.
[15:18] – Steve reflects on how he feels about many musicians today playing their parts separately and sending them in rather than all being in the same room playing together.
[18:55] – Steve hones in on an important lesson that he learned from Arif Mardin.
[22:03] – Steve looks back on his time with The Average White Band.
[22:38] – Steve and Andy discuss Tom Petty and what it was like for Steve to work with him.
[24:34] – Steve talks about his time with Chaka Khan.
[27:40] – Steve explains how his collaboration with Eric Clapton came about.
[30:45] – We learn how Steve led a very busy life while touring with Eric Clapton because he was touring with him and with Duran Duran.
[32:45] – Andy and Steve enthuse over Phil Collins' phenomenal drumming work.
[35:38] – Steve talks about electronic drums and how they were incorporated into “I Feel for You” by Chaka Khan.
[36:42] – Steve narrates how he came to work with George Harrison.
[38:47] – Steve explains how George Harrison might hold the record for most expensive recording session ever.
[41:56] – Steve describes his experiences working with different bass players.
[44:00] – We learn that the business side of things is Steve's least favorite aspect of his job.
[44:57] – Steve describes his experience working on “Earth Song” by Michael Jackson.
[48:35] – Andy and Steve talk about what Steve is looking forward to now that we're reaching the end of the COVID-19 pandemic.
[50:25] – Steve describes an experience that he had recording a project during the pandemic.
[52:05] – Steve looks forward to the day when the pandemic is over but remains grateful for what he has in his life now even in a pandemic.
[54:22] – Steve talks a little bit about his jazz group, The Coffee Shop Trio, and how they play.
LINKS & RESOURCES
Steve Ferrone - Website
Mentioned in this Episode:
Duran Duran - “Ordinary World”
Chaka Khan - “I'm Every Woman”
Michael Jackson - “Earth Song”
Follow The Music Makers:
The Music Makers on Instagram
The Music Makers podcast theme song was written and produced by Andy Kushner with help from the rhythm section and horn players of the band, SoundConnection.
Sponsor: Kushner Entertainment
Check out Andy's Other Podcast: The Wedding Biz
Joe Galante has held several executive roles at various companies including being the youngest person to run a major country record label, RCA’s Nashville division. He later became the chairman of BMG Music Group and later of Sony Music Group. He is noted for his role in developing the careers of Dolly Parton, Waylon Jennings, Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley, Alabama, Martina McBride, Vince Gill, Clint Black, Miranda Lambert, the Judds and many, many more.
He has spent a lifetime impacting the world of country music and has so many stories to tell. From his earliest memories of listening to the Beatles to starting his own band, he’s always been influenced by music. He never thought he’d be working in the industry though.
After leaving college with degrees in marketing and finance, he connected with his first record company and has been making moves and waves in the industry ever since. One of his very first experiences with acts was with Waylon Jennings. Despite having a fantastic tour following, Waylon hadn’t had a great deal of radio play.
Joe stepped in and helped build Waylon into a country music star. Listen as we chat about his work with Dolly Parton, Clint Black, Alabama, The Judds, Vince Gil, Ronnie Milsap, The Dave Matthews Band, and more. Even better, Joe digs into how the industry has grown, changed, and evolved over the years.
Has it been for the better or worse? It’s hard to tell, but it has definitely changed and both Andy and Joe miss the time of creating true music classics. This was a fantastic interview filled with amazing insights into the past, present, and future of the music industry. Listen in to hear it all.
Read More
Kevin Antunes has served as musical director, designer, and keyboardist to some of the biggest artists and musical events in history, including Madonna, Michael Jackson, Justin Timberlake, Rhianna, Brittney Spears, Shakira, Janet Jackson and N’Sync. He’s also performed at the Grammy Awards, Academy Awards, and Super Bowl Half-Time Shows. Listen as he shares about his journey, inspiration, and experiences.
Kevin grew up in a musically-minded family. In fact, both his father and brother were and are also in the industry. Kevin always knew that he wanted music to be a part of his life for the long haul. Little did he know his career would start off with a bang.
Another thing he always knew would be a part of his life was college. He went to a prestigious music school, but while studying was presented with the opportunity to tour with New Kids on the Block. He took it and later resumed his studies.
Kevin has had some amazing experiences working with huge names in the industry. He’s sharing what it was like working with several superstars including Justin Timberlake, Rihanna, why he believes Madonna is one of the hardest working people in the industry, and the difference between a music director and designer.
His stories are fantastic and the humble and kind air with which he approaches his life and career are inspiring. Listen in to learn more about the industry from one of the greats!
Read More