The Downbeat Podcast - Matt Garstka (Animals As Leaders)

[@elliotjhoffman]

Dang! Thanks for that shout out ya’ll 🙌🏻 great episode!

[@devinzemba8315]

I was so happy to hear your name here

[@heavenly2k]

A drummer that doesn't know Elliot Hoffman is seriously behind haha

[@spennyt42]

Probably my favorite episode of the podcast so far. Definitely need to get you guys a private distillery tour next time you're back in Nash now.

[@dexsullivan7929]

Don’t stop what you do. Youre the Jeremy clarkson of drums and we love you

[@t3hgir]

"BLAST BEATSSS"

[@fernandogesteve8892]

the shitiest metalcore.... in the world

[@Apocaclips]

Did you just compare an international treasure to a giant turdsandwich?

[@LearningDrummerSam]

@@Apocaclips i dont even know which you think is which hahahaha

[@sbhatt1111]

Yaaassssss ... Two legends in one room

[@timothymills1351]

Chris Allison (Plini) is like Matt. He listens to neo soul,hip-hop, r&b and most of all Jazz which makes him a step up from other drummers in his genre when it comes to groove and feel.

[@revanchistz]

i'm not even a drummer but i looooove hearing nerdy shit like this between musicians; what a fantastic conversation that covered so much, two hours really flew by

[@magthecodec]

What an effing great podcast. Great job Craig.

[@sheister]

Literally the first intro to a KZbin video I’ve ever seen that didn’t annoy the fuck out of me

[@CharlieViking95]

You've absolutely been KILLING it this year. Congrats on hitting 34K subs too.

[@just.some.dud3]

Craig, I'm so fucking stoked for this interview, I bought a shirt. \m/

[@reynlord666]

appreciate you

[@just.some.dud3]

@@reynlord666 you too man! ❤️

[@elliotrichards6948]

I love Matt. Best drummer in the world.

[@lperseusl]

absolutely!

[@ErikHansenDrums]

One of the very best!

[@ECCOphonehome]

20 minutes in this is great and I can't wait to listen to the rest, but I had to pause when Matt mentioned bringing back the art of live so I could come here and confirm that he is succeeding. Seeing him play with my own eyes back in April was astonishing, I hope to be there for the next Animals As Leaders headliner. They remind me of Rush, even though their styles are obviously pretty different. Both are three-piece prog outfits committed to giving performances true to the studio recording or surpassing it, performing at the highest level in their respective eras. I said as much on Instagram after the show and some guy gave me shit because he thought I was making a 1:1 comparison without accounting for context in the 20th vs 21st centuries. What I actually mean is that the same expression of music as life-affirmation in Rush's music and lyrics is in Animals As Leaders' music. TLDR I never got to see Neil Peart but I'm glad I got to witness the Neil Peart-type anomaly that is Matt Garstka.

[@LeYoIdBeHe]

Thanks for all your transcripts Gartska 👏

[@adamgarner711]

100% agree with Craig that Matt is changing the course of history of music. Matt is on another level and truly achieves true mastery and creativity in everything he does. We’ll still be referring his work for decades to come I’m certain.

[@anniecrooners1021]

This is peak Craig Reynolds. Well done mate and cheers Matt for also being a legend. Great convo

[@acutting11]

You know what I didn't like about this interview? Nothing. Matt is a god damn treasure.

[@KyeASPIRE]

This is such a dope convo. Thanks for putting it together Craig. I could see your admiration coming through. Two bad ass drummers chatting.

[@SunshineHB]

Im glad I found your channel, man. Perfect mix of sarcasm and musicianship to be entertaining to an aging curmudgeon like myself.

[@Quake18]

just wait... soon you'll see he's respectful and empathetic

[@SunshineHB]

@@Quake18 I kind of sensed that from the few videos I watched so far.

[@226butters226]

Cum dungeon

[@Apocaclips]

@@Quake18 Yeah, pretty respectful and empathetic to harass people on social media by posting their names in screenshots of jokes he thought were clever to garner sympathy. So Empathetic. My third Eye gets pried wide open.

[@justinrensel8518]

Amen brother

[@Southboundpachyderm]

I really resonate with the idea that as artists, we "owe a debt to the people that inspired and taught us, to inspire and teach the next generation of artists". Music and art are such personal things, and I didn't get into playing drums because I wanted to impress anyone but myself. Music is how I communicate with myself because I have this thing inside me that needs to come out and be heard. It gives us our internal strength to do this shit even if we don't get famous or make a living from it. It's the love of the art itself that drives us, and I do think that we have to pay back what we have been gifted so that there's always a next generation that can take what we build and build it even better. Sorry if this is a rambly mess of a comment on a year old video, I was just listening to this and what matt said made a connection for me I hadn't thought of before. Maybe it's also because my mom is a nurse practioner and even when she didn't have to, she was taking multiple students a year because she always just told me it was the right thing to do even if the other doctors dont do it.

[@Snareric]

Craig meets his idols and is so natural around them. When I met Matt I was so astounded that everything I said made me seem like a complete dumbass.

[@Apocaclips]

Craig is never natural. He's a fake af person.

[@manuelvalera1469]

I see no natural, hes juat suckin dick

[@simmoisbest1]

Me too bro, met them all the other day and felt autistic the way I was talking haha got to tell him how much he means to me and that him, Thomas haake and John Bonham are the holy trinity and he seemed blown away by that. I was surprised that HE was surprised!! Like I expect what I said to not be an original thought and he'd be used to that kind of foreplay before a show but no he was genuinely taken back by what I said haha

[@simmoisbest1]

Matt Garstka I'm referring to, haven't seen stray from the path live yet but would love too if they're in Australia!

[@TheButcher0fBlaviken]

​@@simmoisbest1 they just toured bro. Literally the same weekend you made this comment

[@XJoeyJordison666X]

Surprised you guys didnt metnion simon phillips and protocall when talking about fusion

[@johnmcconnell474]

I was talking to Matt once and literally brought up Celestial terrestrial commuters by mahavishnu and how they use 19 and it was wild and I think maybe he was recalling our conversation at Camping with Animals. I feel special but I’m probably not the first time.

[@richxsux]

this is amazing craig thank you guys for giving this to the drumming community

[@robgas7507]

The most informative and enjoyable interview I’ve seen in years. It so good, you guys together are Zen informative. So cool

[@ErikHansenDrums]

2 absolute legends in one room... what a great pod

[@CatsofCapeAnn]

Craigs the man. Glad to see this dude meet his idols and see those turn into friendships . Such a cool genuine guy, not to mention Matt is just as chill as expected!

[@ericwoolard9777]

All these in person video episodes have absolutely rocked, great work!!!

[@okimtulal9235]

A modern monster against a modern Titan! Authentic, direct discussion from experts in the field who give you all the information on a plate! Just Keep On!

[@kaz2197]

You're right Craig; watching these is better than just listening to them. Also, never realised there was such a solid drummer community until I came across your podcasts. Every drummer should watch (or at least listen).

[@sluggdiddyyddidgguls]

Really appreciate your general level of intelligence that you bring to everything, emotional intelligence and just general intelligence. I am not into your band (craig's) so at first I bounced of your videos and podcasts... but its been these two episodes with matt that have caused me to go back through other interviews and videos, and really appreciate your opinions and the topics you bring up and the way you discuss things, from little tid bits of the science to your drum talk. Anyways, all that is to say..thanks! Also Matt brings so much out of you, you call it fanboying or whatever, but when you are generally into something, you are very compelling. Word.

[@regortex3364]

Wow, I’m so impressed with these guys exceptional taste in coffee and music. I’ll buy a ticket for sure, these are special people.

[@alexhorsewood2688]

Superb podcast. Had me smiling the whole way through and pausing every 15 minutes to sit on my practice pad.

[@Veeto]

probably my all time favorite downbeat moment is craig realizing how much matt poured in that glass and then matts response LMFAO

[@justinrensel8518]

I laughed out loud so hard. Matt keeps it real as fuck

[@noahspizza4003]

The best, interviewing the best, making the best. Love to see it, Craig!!!!

[@elmarkapp]

I had my first Zoom meeting job interview during lockdown. I'm pretty confident and articulate usually, and was well prepared for the interview. Focused, no stress my man easyyy - I foolishly thought. Hahaaa..That. Fucking. Delay...split second lag, and not knowing who's turn it is to speak and intermittent waiting, and disconnect of not being able to react to non - verbal cues, not making eye contact and nooo flow of naturally nuanced conversation. It was with two of the mangers. I was so thrown and overwhelmed by the format I could eventually only manage half - formed sentences, couple awkward jokes, and profuse sweating and dry-mouth as their demeanor and expressions visibly turned into confusion and frustration. The interview was only a procedural formality for being appointed as discussed with management prior, having had a less formal telephonic interview with one of the managers in the Zoom meeting the day before. I was not appointed. Craig mentioning similar problems triggered the repressed memory, that I'll probably fixate on and overthink sleeplessly for a few days. Thought I'd share it as a funny story. I got an even better job offer elsewhere sometime later. (I know right who gives a fuck guy. It's for my low self-esteem, I'm not a failure I promise guys okay) Love the channel, love his humour, and hope the channel sees the growth it deserves. Be safe and hope all of you reaching the end of this comment I think is lamer and lamer as I go on are doing well. Peace

[@tonybruce]

zoom meetings cannot function like normal conversation. you cant take turns you need to get out paragraphs of information not sentences.

[@elmarkapp]

@@tonybruce Exactly like you're saying. I mean it was obvious that they were experiencing the same disconnect, so both parties were struggling with this, but was more pronounced on my side being the one interviewed and detrimental towards my reactions with all the added pressure now as they remained adamant on the back and forth style, forcing me to apologise unnecessarily for interjections or asking to repeat certain core words, and have unnatural pauses between following up on an answer. Live and learn I guess

[@mateuscortianoschwarz7276]

just found out your channel. what a great interview. I have no words for Matt. he might be one of the coolest people alive.

[@JohnMarshall6]

Amazing podcast and video - thanks for doing this, Craig and bringing it to the people

[@sauzeeee]

i rarely listen to podcasts, but when i do, yours is one.

[@kaz2197]

Also, John McLaughlin, Herbie Hancock & Weather Report; Matt Garstka, I love your love of Jazz! Such an interesting episode.

[@VladProkhorovDrums]

DUDE WHAT, I had no idea you had a podcast, AND MATT! this is perfect.

[@jonashellborg8320]

Really enjoyed this chat! Felt very informal and full of cool thoughts, stories etc and the two hours flew by!

[@hawneyman]

I love that Craig is basically like"f the dream festival ending, tell me more about you Matt 😍" Great episode and discussions

[@AaronSmithDrums]

let’s goooo kings

[@ins1demanwhitaker527]

Mate this was amazing. Found myself nodding to what you guys were saying. I'm old school. Your contents helped me get to grips with how things are now. Keep doing what your doing 💪

[@wilson9d71]

Dam these two could do entire series and wouldn’t get boring. Awesome content!!

[@illuminatiCorgi]

Phawww Matt Garstka, lets go man 🔥

[@JakeDenning]

In what world does anyone complain about the sound on this episode. This sounds GREAT.

[@js6527]

Endlessly interesting chat! I’ll be watching this one again.

[@Max_Payn3]

Matt is a fascinating enigma. He seems like a completely proficient human being in everything he tries to do.

[@mattbdrums_3171]

I can’t wait to listen to this. Thank you so much

[@nicholascrockettfilms]

You've blessed us, Craig. Good shit.

[@KyleMcGrail]

This is it. So much packed into this one.👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@SOMNIPHOBIA666]

I love the idea of a VIP jam sessions after festivals. It's better than sitting on the bus or van when you got all that energy afterwards you have thst option to just jam the fugg out take some Lucy/caps and jam. That would be so sick.

[@dummbobqqqqq]

I think that creativity is the recombination of known assets, so if we feed the Ai enough small, little pieces I feel it could really end up doing something original, beyond boundries of genres and conventions etc.

[@pawz007]

Best drummer in the world and hes down to Earth. So glad to see this. Nothin worse than narcissists.

[@daviddeesz]

I'm a simple man, I see Matt Garstka in the thumbnail, I click

[@fernandogesteve1942]

Someone get this man a 35k subscribers plate

[@blackcoffeemetaltunes7513]

This is incredible. Thanks for the look into the process, too sick.

[@Strellock]

Great conversation, thank you gents!

[@tobymcguinness6478]

This year at fajtfest I was tripping and went to get some of my stuff that I forgot backstage and there were a bunch of festival staff and band members jamming on backline gear

[@salilverma9996]

YES MAN, LOVE THIS EPISODE. you guys are greatest

[@jordy4054]

The fact both you guys are still working on universal function makes me feel better about continuing to still work on universal function lol. Inspiring.

[@matthewmalphrus2906]

Birds of Fire by mahavisnu* I get it mixed up too Matt

[@t3hgir]

random idea... Meshuggah/AAL collab. AAL do a track with Tomas on drums, and Meshuggah a track with Matt.

[@dancollins3298]

Honestly just a great vibe! Love it.

[@just.some.dud3]

FUCK YES! I'm so stoked for this. :)

[@nel-tu9214]

Thank you for this 🖤

[@sploof931]

Really looking forward to this one!

[@joecampbell8599]

Two drummers talking about drums 😊 priceless

[@justinunger3526]

@19:00 love infant annihilator, drums are programmed, they’ve never denied it.

[@volpe_sol]

Awesome interview!!

[@wizardseizure]

I like this buff and bearded Matt. His look matches his drumming now lol

[@UnderStanding_Matters]

Thank you bot for such a real conversation. Have you, Craig, tried interviewing Adam Marko?

[@Apocaclips]

bot is about right LMAO

[@GRADYGTHOMAS]

I didn't think bourbon would be your drink. I pictured you as more a lemon spritzer kinda guy.

[@InfluencersGoneMild69]

On the musicians enjoying strong tastes thing, I think it’s because we like to have an opportunity to think in detail about taste in the same way that we think in detail about the audio we consume - we find joy in nuance and detail

[@pettson3816]

I was gonna watch a bit of this, like ten minutes, but i ended up watching the whole fucking thing back to back lol.

[@KuylersUsername]

This camera angle is making me think of the IASIP episode where Dennis and Mac live together in the suburbs lmao

[@reynlord666]

sure is a hot one today huh

[@ricardojr.arcenal6373]

man, i like fusion music... check out Billy Childs album, I've Known Rivers and Twilight Is Upon Us

[@dario6253]

What an amazing drummer he is.

[@OfficialSmartStyle]

Is the psycho hoodie and the Downbeat Live T-Shirt being restocked in L/XL anytime soon?

[@quadblaster69420]

Bro. Congrats. Keep doing what you do. You're entertaining and we get to see things we don't normally see out of these folks doing big interviews with the big 'zines and all that other standard fare.

[@macklehnertmusic]

Not one of the best. THE Best. Great work, dude!

[@SionedWillicombe]

apparently that paramore snare sound/ sample is the vinnie paul sig snare

[@adriancollins9771]

I am not done listening but ! I agree with Matt about getting your videos takes in one shot. Let the audience feel and see the work in takes mentality and physically to transition from one part to the next and even during some of those long sections of 15/16

[@tonybruce]

Fuck yes loved it!!! Suggestion guest - Matt Unsworth Dyscarnate :D

[@pitpride1220]

I'm not a serious musician. I was for a time. But I agree that top tier artists like top tier things for the reason your described. But I don't think you have to be a top tier artist to have this chip. It's something that's true of any high level worker of any kind. Sometimes it doesn't apply to everything. Sometimes it's just high level music, or food, art, conversation or films individually. It's a trait people have that shoot for excellence. That seek it out of other disciplines and endeavors. It's not elitism, that's a different chip. It's also not consumerism, that's different. People like this also often geek out on the craft side of the discipline they are consuming. Even if it's not their discipline. Example would be a top tier actor learning everything about food and studying top tier chefs for fun. Just because of interest and respect. I'm one of these people.

[@Tremis77]

This is fascinating and I have no knowledge of drumming.

[@cymbalmonke]

Gartska with the big homie welcome! Whiskey with a nice coffee chaser!

[@coryhofing-drummer7441]

I am dying of thirst on a train watching this and just want that glass of whisky so bad!!!

[@fructosecoma]

there's a place near me that does sound baths but theyre so expensive, seems really interesting though

[@ClihtYeastwood]

$150 an hour? considering this is fuking matt we're talking about, sounds rather reasonable!

[@KOOLEE88]

Fucking wicked guys, lots of fun

[@anjoniewohner2329]

It's not like I can decide, but well this is simply the TRUTH. I feel 99% of the words, but I prefer black coffee.

[@TheDrummerKick2]

Thank you That ending

[@MartinBellamyMBDrums]

Loved this one and the talk about playing full out songs. Not spliced, not sampled to shit, yada yada yada. Natty or nothin! But honestly the rest was great to listen to as well

[@empiresSR]

I’ve never related to anything more than the comment about Matt’s drum tech lol

[@brettcrawford4215]

2 of the coolest mofo's join forces! I like it!

[@kaz2197]

PS: the Dream Festival bit is a fave.

[@jarrod.ives92]

i just wanna say I watched this episode while i was home with my daughter (10 months old) so it took me about 4 hours to get all the way through it. i’d say there was easily 20 ads i went through after i finally made it through. Hope you get some coins for this one 🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼 my favorite episode yet tbh and that’s saying something tbh. haha

[@jeffcarter1563]

Dude, I remember watching Matt from The Joy of Motion days.... It's like he all of a sudden took one of those power-ups from the old Altered Beast game, I mean what in the world!... are roids like.