David Greiff
What do you teach at Loudlands?
I teach Drumset
When did you start playing drums?
I started playing the drums at age 9
What's your favorite aspect of music or your instrument?
My favorite aspect of music is improvisation. When we improvise, we are effectively creating something from nothing--a process that can be thought of as composing in real time. It is an essential tool that we use to enhance the music we play.
Who are some of your favorite bands/musicians and why?
Recently, I have been into Madison Cunningham's work. She's a great songwriter whose music blends genres. For similar reasons, I am a big fan of Lianne La Havas. I've also been an avid Radiohead fan since I was 13, and I grew up listening to a lot of '60's rock and soul music that still holds a special place in my heart. Honorable mentions from the drummer side of my brain: Childish Japes, Nate Smith, Snarky Puppy, Knower, Jacob Mann Big Band, Hiatus Kaiyote, Robert Glasper.
What are some of your current and/or past music projects?
In no particular order:
Zion Rodman
Isaiah Solares
Gold Hoax
Koko Higa
Forbidden Tropics
Oscar Hall
Thiago Wolf
I also play regularly with my own jazz trio
Past projects include:
The Do Rights
The Jewel Cases
Mike Montrey Band
Madeline Smith
Citrus
Young Puzzle
Kyler St. Phard
The Phonies
How would you describe your music and playing style?
I am largely a pocket-player with a background in funk/fusion and Afro-Latin fusion. For the last few years, I have been studying jazz which is increasingly finding its way into my playing.
Can you please describe your gear of choice?
I have a rotating setup, but you can always find me using a Ludwig Supraphonic snare drum on my gigs and a DW 9000 kick pedal. I have a Meinl 20" Sand Series ride cymbal that I love, along with a set of 14" Zildjian New Beat hi hats. The rest varies depending on the gig.
Any general advice you'd like to give to beginner musicians or someone looking to get started?
1. Don't wait until you're ready to start.
2. Perfect is the enemy of good.
3. There is a huge difference between practicing because you have to and practicing because you want to.
Aside from playing/making music, what are some of your other interests and hobbies?
A list of things I find myself doing:
Running
Yoga
Hiking
Playing sports
Playing video games
Knitting
Watching movies
Hanging out with friends
Hanging out with dogs (mine and others)
If you were battling a physically identical but evil android version of yourself on top of a skyscraper during a thunderstorm and someone miraculously intervened, how would they know which one was the real you?
I'd probably be the one making some sort of "conducting" pun because of the lightning and the android and the being a musician.
