“Say yes and figure it out later!” — Alex Moody
**This blog post and episode were written & recorded prior to the major outbreak of Coronavirus Covid-19 in the UK, therefore some of the events mentioned in this article and the podcast itself may be cancelled or rearranged**
Sitting down with Alex Moody (@amoodydrummer) is joy! From his stories about coming up through the music industry to his candid views on the struggles of starting a business this interview has a little bit of something for everyone!
Alex is the drummer in ska & reggae group The Dualers and alongside the band he has achieved a notable level of musical success including a top 20 UK album in 2019 with Palm Trees & 80 Degrees peaking at number 11 in the charts and their 2020 tour due to end with a landmark performance at Londons Wembley Arena in November.
As well as his musical success Alex has recently ventured beyond the stage and set up a Drum School in Lewes, England, where he aims to inspire the next generation of drummers with his unique and powerful take on teaching.
In this interview we cover a wide range of topics from how Alex got started in music, his top tips for up and coming musicians and the challenges he's facing as a new business owner!
So, without further ado please enjoy this wide ranging interview with the wonderful Alex Moody.
Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Breaker, PocketCasts, Google Podcasts, or on your favourite podcast platform.
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This episode is bought to you by Whittingham Marketing & Consultancy. If your business is in need of expert marketing help then these are the guys you need. From website design to social media management they are a one-stop-shop for all manner of online marketing and ensuring your company succeeds. Contact them today and discuss how to make your business thrive by contacting them here - https://www.whittinghammarketing.co.uk/
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This episode is also brought to you by Al’s Drum School. Based in Lewes, England, Al’s Drum School is the go to place for you to learn how to master the drums in a fun and effective way. With free taster sessions available and prices ranging from only £15 Al’s Drum School allows everyone to discover the joy of the drums! To find out more simply visit the website and request a taster session - https://www.alsdrumschool.co.uk/
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What was your favourite quote or lesson from this episode? Let me know in the comments, or let me know on my personal Twitter & Instagram pages.
SCROLL BELOW FOR SELECT LINKS AND SHOW NOTES:
The Dualers & their latest album Palm Trees & 80 Degrees [01:35]
drummerworld.com [06:02]
Passion outlasts talent [09:30]
Comfort is the enemy and the benefits of being uncomfortable [11:44]
Growing up fast and curbing immaturity [13:40]
Finishing a school day and heading to gigs [15:30]
Preparing to not feel the pressure of large gigs [19:37]
Asking questions and not being afraid to say "I don't understand" [20:50]
Playing in the Lloyd Yates band [25:23}
Having a 'real job' whilst trying to make it as a drummer [28:12]
The importance of Facebook forums for aspiring musicians [32:09]
Tinderflint Production Agency & the importance of video showreels [32:33]
Cold calling record agencies and how to overcome the fears of doing so [36:07]
Time allocation & not wasting your time with Netflix! [39:06]
'Jam nights' and why Alex doesn't think these are the necessarily best outlet for young musicians [40:13]
Not believing everything you see or hear on social media & why it's important to show your real self [46:30]
Say yes & figure it out afterwards [49:50]
Ash Soan [52:11]
If you want to be a musician, know what you're signing up for! [54:21]
Sting, pick up the phone! [55:15]
Doing business on the toilet! [57:20]
Applying to join The Dualers [57:48]
We lost audio! Quick explanation and then back into the recording for part 2 [1:02:02]
Why start a Drum School? [1:03:15]
The longevity of the touring musicians lifestyle [1:04:55]
The importance of visualisation & daydreaming and how Alex uses it to drive himself [1:08:00]
Focus on having the right problems [1:15:14]
Rudiment of the week [1:26:25]
Shutting out the noise & negative comments [1:35:30]
Morning & daily routines / habits [1:45:38]
Living in your success every day [1:51:10]
Flow: The Psychology of Happiness by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi [1:55:06]
Love Yourself Like Your Life Depends On It by Kamal Ravikant (Alex recommends the audio version) [1:55:29]
We pay in cash, time, or stress so choose carefully [1:56:15]
Thank you for listening, we hope you continue to enjoy the If We Can Do It podcast.