"Drum Master" Tommy Nagy Interview
www.TommyNagy.com
Interview by Roger Zee (06/12/22)
Roger Zee: Who inspired you to take up the drums? Do you sing or play any other instruments?
Tommy Nagy: You know, I couldn't really say. I've beat on things ever since I can remember. Don't recall any "Wow" moment of inspiration. When I was very young, my parents cut a fishing pole in half for me to use as sticks to bang around on buckets and cans. That I did, in a constant, morphing fashion till I turned fourteen and got my first official drum set.
Of course, over the years I listened to many greats from Buddy Rich to Neil Peart, Ian Paice, John Bonham, Ringo, etc. Too many players to list. I've been known to sing some here and there, but don't consider myself gifted in any way there. Same with other instruments -- a little guitar, piano, trumpet, etc.
RZ: Tell me about some of the musicians and groups you gigged and recorded with.
TN: Hmmm... That's a big list, and I know I'll miss someone. My apologies if you're reading this. Blanket statement: I've enjoyed working with pretty much everyone. As musicians and artists we all bring something different to the table. Our strengths and weaknesses combine to give each of us a unique musical perspective.
That being said, I gig most these days with either Green Eyed Lady or The Bar Car Band. But I played a special show with Lee Ann Lovelace this past weekend. I recorded "Dirty Water" with her recently as well. She will release the video any day now so keep an eye out for it.
The Bar Car Band's another recent recording project. You can find the EP "High on the Sunshine" available on your music app of choice. The George Lesiw Band's another, and you can find those videos on Youtube.
I also gigged and/or recorded with Jay Stollman, Matt Schofield, Debbie Davies, The Garcia Project, Matt Rae, Christopher Robin Band, Lucky Peterson, Cover Story, Still Heroes, Highland Rovers, Eddie Kirkland, Arlen Roth, Charles Neville, Rohn Lawrence... Ok, I'll stop now. I've been blessed to play with all these folks, and many more that I just can't think of at the moment. So many different energies, vibes if you will, that made them all special.
RZ: What drums/mics do you currently use?
TN: Most often you'll see me playing my Sunburst Pearl Session Series fusion kit. 10", 12", 14" toms, 20" kick. 13x6 Gretsch Mark Shulman snare, and a mix of Zildjian, Meinl, and Soultone cymbals. It's a revolving door though. I'll occasionally switch out the kit with vintage Ludwig or Slingerland that I also enjoy playing. They all come with their own specific character...
For mics, I use a mix of AKG, Shure, Sennheiser, and some other random mics I've picked up along the way.
RZ: Talk about your home studio.
TN: A work in progress, LOL! I record and mix tracks for people. Currently expanding my space to record full bands. It's another aspect of music that I enjoy. Something about putting it all together just feels so satisfying...
RZ: What and how do you practice?
TN: These days I pretty much only practice what I need to -- like working on a groove to make it feel better, or just something I don't feel comfortable with. Occasionally I will try out some free-style type stuff. Just be creative at whatever I'm feeling at the moment. It really comes down to just maximizing my time.
RZ: Do you teach music privately?
TN: I do. But I don't push it as much these days because I enjoy recording and gigging so much. When the right students come along however...
RZ: How has the Pandemic affected you? What's on the horizon?
TN: The Pandemic came on pretty brutal. I managed to keep my sanity, somehow. Like most, it kind of awakened me to put everything into perspective. My goals, where I'm at, how to move forward. I'm still digesting all that info, but making small steps forward. Thankfully the gigs have returned, so I can do what I love most.
RZ: Describe your most special and/or unusual gig.
TN: You know, that's a tough one for many reasons. So many special moments with as many amazing people. I'll share one.
In 1997 I did a tour entertaining the troops in The Middle East. I believe we played in Kuwait, about twelve miles from the Iraqi border. We set up on a flatbed truck, middle of the desert, killing time before the show. A soldier came up to us and asked if we would meet his depressed friend who didn't plan on attending the show.
They took us to a tent to visit a woman soldier. It was her one year wedding anniversary and she could not be with her husband.
We all chatted for a while and lifted her spirits enough for her to attend the show. As we played, people started coming onto the stage and diving into the crowd. They also started diving from a rather large dump truck in back of the audience. On one particular tune, one by one, each band member dove into the crowd mid song. As the last man standing and still playing a groove, I dropped my sticks and went for it... What a great show!
We're all still in touch today. She lives in Florida.
RZ: How do you see the future of the music business?
TN: Well, I try to stay optimistic. But it continually gets harder for those trying to make a living at it. We make many sacrifices to live with the meager incomes available to us. It's a passion indeed, but many stay surprised if you don't work a day job.
It's hard to believe that the regular clubs still try to use the $100 a man rule. Musicians got paid that 50 years ago! That's the guys in the trenches. There are so many aspects to the music business, that it's hard to hit it all. Hopefully artists will start getting higher percentages from royalties to help fund the future of music for all.
RZ: What advice do you give up-and-coming musicians?
TN: If it's your passion, you'll find a way to keep it going. Don't expect to become a Rock Star! We all would love that, and hopefully it happens for you, but the odds are against it. Be diverse. The more you can do within music, different instruments, styles, teaching etc., the more valuable you become. It also helps to supplement income when needed. It's hard to just work as a player these days. But love what you do, and you'll never work a day in your life...
RZ: Do you live with any animals?
TN: Yes. Ti, a Himalayan cat. He's awesome!
RZ: Anything else you'd like to add?
TN: In closing, thanks to you Roger for all that you do for music... As well as to all I've had the pleasure to play or hang out with on the music scene. If we haven't yet, hopefully soon!
YouTube - "High on the Sunshine" - Bar Car Band
YouTube - "Blue Skeleton" - George Lesiw Band
©2022 Roger Zee
Ti
