Isaac Hiller

What do you teach at Loudlands?

Drums

When did you start playing drums?

2009

What's your favorite aspect of music or your instrument?

Controlling the energy of the music! All about the highs and lows. Tension and release.

Who are some of your favorite bands/musicians and why?

My first big inspiration was Chad Smith’s drumming with the Red Hot Chili Peppers. He sits in the pocket and grooves like no one else. Does a lot of flashy stuff but always tastefully. I also got very into progressive metal bands such as Animals as Leaders and Dream Theater at a young age. The idea of combining fast double bass and complex time signatures to tell a story was (and still is) intriguing to me. This music also requires a higher level of memorization than most others, and that aspect of it has always inspired and challenged me. Recently I have been getting deeper into groove drummers such as Nate Smith, as well as Steve Gadd and the various session work he has done over the years!

What are some of your current and/or past music projects?

In the past, I played in a pop rock / punk band called Paper Hearts, with whom I recorded 2 EP’s with. I have recorded an album with another emo band called The Fairview, as well as toured around the United States with them 4 times. Currently, I mostly work as a hired gun for singer songwriters in the Boston area such as Houston Bernard and Mike Nolan. The majority of my gigs are playing in an high energy Boston area wedding band called Clique, and I also sub in for other wedding bands frequently!

How would you describe your music and playing style?

I would describe my playing style as laid back and dynamic. Minimalistic at times but can get busier if the music calls for it!

Can you please describe your gear of choice?

I am not endorsed by anyone, but I prefer to play Zildjian cymbals, Sonor drums, and for hardware it’s a tossup between Tama and Yamaha.

Any general advice you'd like to give to beginner musicians or someone looking to get started?

Figure out what music you want to be able to play, and then spend as much time as possible listening to it and trying to mimic what the drummer does. Focusing on your technique for a small amount of time each practice session will also be huge at the start of your journey!

Aside from playing/making music, what are some of your other interests and hobbies?

Aside from music, I love hiking or anything involving nature, spending time with my cat, and playing Super Smash Brothers Ultimate!

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?

The android would stop working after getting rained on in the thunderstorm and become totally incoherent, obviously!