This section will have ideas from Mark for both drummers and other musicians. Even though the ideas will be coming from a drummer's point of view, these will hopefully be valuable to all musicians. In addition, Mark will be accepting questions from the fans and posting the answers in this section as well. If you would like to submit a question to Mark for possible inclusion on the site, please click here to send us your question.
"Try using different drums, cymbals and whatever else you plan to use, to fit the music. Do not be afraid to experiment and try different ideas. Sometimes the wildest ideas work out the best."
Question: Did you do anything different for this Fates album?
Mark Zonder: "I actually changed around some of the cymbals for this album. The drum kit was my usual GMS 4 piece with a larger kick, 22x18. This was not intentional, just what the drum company sent to the studio.
But since this album was a bit more groove oriented and not as complex as far as intricate quick drum parts, I chose to use a variety of different cymbals.
First I used Zildjian 14" hi hats instead of my usual 12" pair. This gave a much fatter, washed out sound. Since there was more space in these songs, this was a great choice.
Also I used a Zildjian Crash-Ride cymbal. This was absolutely amazing. It gave me that big washed out ride sound that added a serious heaviness to the music. Very reminiscent of the heavy metal sound of the 1970's. Instead of using the hi hats opened up a bit, to give a sloshy sound, I used the Crash-Ride at times and it really sounds great.
Question: I cant believe it I found this site you are a god on drums. I been drumming for like 7 years now I had lessons for some time. I notice my drum techniques progressing with time my first question is what is your best way to have a nice crack on your snare do you have it fairly tight or mid way. when what skin do you prefer how tight are your springs do you leave them lose.I used and Evans g2 dry for live shows and I see how loud it can be somtimes a powerstroke 3 with dot.but I notice its mutch damper for live shows I dont really know if I shud stick with them or what.I use pinstripes clear for my toms and they sound good. anyway I would like to know how you have that nise crisp crack on your snare. and what skins do you recomend what are your favoret skins?
Mark Zonder: "I have used coated Remo Ambassadors on all of my drums for quite awhile. Clear Ambassadors on the bottom. I learned this from Dave Weckl. It is the theory of having all of your drums have the same heads to create a uniformed sound. I always thought it was funny to have different heads on all of the drums. I have noticed with all of the heads the same, the fills between the drums and the kicks seem to be smoother and the kick doesn't jump out in a fill like something that doesn't belong.
As far as crack on the snare, it is a few things. First usually it has to be a pretty tight head, and not a very thick one as well. Then it depends on the size of the snare. Uusally the smaller the more crack as there is not as much body to the sound. This is why picollo's have nice crack. Also it depends on the player. I have trained myself to be able to play every hit in the rim to create the explosion of sound. I also use a GMS 14x5 1/2 white ash snare. This is the wood that they make baseball bats out of and it has great dynamics as well."
Question:mark--big fan, bought a gms kit because of it. are you saying the next fates tour will be your last, or that you
are already done touring with them?
Mark Zonder: "I will not be doing the next tour for the upcoming album. I leave on Sat. the 24th to start recording."
Question: Mark,
It is a pleasure hearing what you add to the music in Fates, your
playing is an integral part of what makes the band so unique and so great. My
question is relating to the Album "Disconnected" and the track "One". You are
playing a very interesting groove,It seems as though the ride cymbal accent is
part of a linear pattern that is a sequence. Can you explain how you came up
with that or what type of interval/pattern is repeating? Thanks!
P.S.(missed you on the last tour,it's just not the same without you)?
Mark Zonder: "You are right, it is part of the pattern. The easiest way to come up with this kind of stuff is to start with a basic
pattern and then start adding or subtracting things. I spend alot of time with these kind of patterns
and it does take quite a bit of time, but the results are worth it. You need to spend some time
listening to the music and picking out accents and places where the pattern should go."
Question: What are your goals now, and what were they while you were developing as a drummer?
Mark Zonder: "I just wanted to improve and play like my heros. I really enjoy taking bits and pieces of different styles of music and incoorporating them into my style and the various music projects that I am involved with."
Question: What do you hope to accomplish in the future, both personally and with Fates Warning?
Mark Zonder: "Actually after this recording of the new Fates album, I will not be touring with them anymore. I am not sure about recordings in the future either with them. There are many things happening right now: The Montrose stuff, Joacim Cans solo that I will be playing some festivals in Europe, as well as Glenn Snelwar's album that will be out in a few months. I am still working with Gary and DC in ALFA-DOG. The future is pretty wide open. I would love to do some clinics, but we will see."
Question: What advice would you offer to someone interested in learning about using electronics in their drumming?
Mark Zonder: "Things really have changed and electronic drum stuff is all over the place. You can buy pretty basic kits these days from Roland and other manufactures. You really need to get a basic understanding of midi as well."
Question: How do you tune your kit? Any muffling?
Mark Zonder: "My GMS drums sort of tune themselves as there is only really one tuning that sounds the best. I use some muffling on both sides of the kick heads. Just a rolled up towel on the bottom."
Question: Did you ever have days when you didn’t feel like practicing? If so, what did you do
to motivate yourself?
Mark Zonder: "This is when I work on the simple aspects of drumming. Playing real slow simple grooves to a click etc.... Something that does not involve the mental part so much."
Question: How did you develop discipline?
Mark Zonder: "You either have it or you don't. It is a matter of loving what you do. As I said I wasted a lot of time as a kid. I think it is a mature thing that you either grow into or not. If you don't like what you are doing, it does not matter how much disipline you have."
Question: What things are you currently working on?
Mark Zonder: "I am learning a bunch of Montrose songs as I am playing with Ronnie in Dallas at the Dallas Guitar Show. We will be playing a bunch of old Montrose songs. One of my favorite all time bands. Denny Carmassi was a big influence and I always loved his playing. I saw them love several times as I was growing up. Also getting ready to record the new Fates record at the end of April."
Question: Any outside hobbies?
Mark Zonder: "I love cycling and ride 4-5 days a week trying to get between 30-40 miles per day. Can't wait for the Tour de France this year!!"
Question: What was your practice regimen when you began playing?
Mark Zonder:
"I wasn't a big practice guy when I was young. I certainly regret it as I lost a lot of time that can't be made up. I was never forced to practice as a kid, but if I didn't the lessons were taken away."
Question: What is your practice regimen now?
Mark Zonder:
"I try and play everyday. I am either working on specific songs for recording or coming up with drum ideas. I love to start very early as my family starts the day early and playing has always been good for me in the morning. I will play for awhile, go do something else, then come back and play more. I try to play as much as I can as I simply enjoy it. I really enjoy seeing the progress that only comes from putting in the hours."
