Episodes

  • Episode 17 | "HONDA got it right?!"

    Episode 17 | "HONDA got it right?!"
    Feb 5 2025
    In this episode of The Drum Lounge Podcast, hosts Jeremie Foster and Bryon reflect on their appreciation for the growing support from their audience and share personal updates, including family celebrations. They dive into the cultural significance of the Honda Battle of the Bands, emphasizing the role it plays in HBCU band culture. The conversation explores the importance of unity in drumlines, a recap of the recent Tap Off competition, and standout performances, including Piper High School's impressive showing.

    Additionally, Jeremie and Bryon discuss the art of drumline competition, highlighting key elements such as skill assessment, challenges within the percussion community, and the push for unified competition standards. They share personal experiences from their time in drumlines, offer tips for preparing for auditions, and discuss the impact of band scholarships on education. The episode also teases upcoming guests and reinforces the importance of community engagement in the music space.

    🎵 5th Quarter Picks:
    Jeremie’s Pick: Sudden Impact playing "Unity" (2016)
    Bryon’s Pick: Alabama State’s drumline playing "Millennium" (2007)

    🎧 Check out our Amazon Storefront for must-have percussion essentials: https://www.amazon.com/shop/jeremiefoster
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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • Episode 16 | "NEXUS HANDS DOWN!"

    Episode 16 | "NEXUS HANDS DOWN!"
    Jan 29 2025
    In this action-packed episode of The Drum Lounge Podcast, hosts Jeremie Foster and Bryon break down their recent experiences in the drumline community, including an intense drumline competition in South Florida, where Bryon's Faith's Place Drumline secured 1st Place. The duo highlights the vibrant percussion culture in South Florida and introduces a new initiative—Sight Reading Sundays—designed to help drummers sharpen their music reading skills.

    The conversation takes a deep dive into the Nexus drumline, a powerhouse group keeping the legacy of Morris Brown College alive. Jeremie and Bryon analyze Nexus’ showdown with Marching Thunder, discussing performance quality, judging criteria, and some of the controversies surrounding the results. They examine the strengths and weaknesses of each ensemble, focusing on snare line execution, overall showmanship, and the fine balance between cleanliness and complexity in drumline music.

    Adding a mix of humor and nostalgia, Jeremie and Bryon swap personal band stories, break down recent battles like Albany State vs. Fort Valley, and debate the significance of drumline cadences in shaping the identity of a band. They also engage in a lighthearted but competitive debate over which region boasts superior drumlines—Florida or Atlanta—all while emphasizing the importance of practice, precision, and dedication in music education.

    🔥 5th Quarter Picks 🔥

    Jeremie’s Pick: Norfolk State Drumline playing "Cookman Block" (2012)

    Bryon’s Pick: MLK Drumline playing "TikTok"

    🔗 Check out our Amazon Storefront for essential percussion gear: https://www.amazon.com/shop/jeremiefoster

    🎧 Subscribe & Tune In!
    Don’t miss this deep dive into drumline battles, judging controversies, and the evolving culture of percussion excellence. Hit play and join the conversation! 🎶🥁
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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • Episode 15 | "The REAL 'Real Feel' Drumpad (w/ Lounge & Chop #5)"

    Episode 15 | "The REAL 'Real Feel' Drumpad (w/ Lounge & Chop #5)"
    Jan 23 2025
    In this episode of The Drum Lounge Podcast, hosts Jeremie Foster and Bryon Russell celebrate the rich culture of HBCU marching bands and the art of drumming. They reminisce about their early beginnings, sharing personal stories about their first drum pads and reflecting on how tools like the Standard of Excellence book shaped their foundational skills.

    The duo spotlights recent standout performances, including FAMU’s electrifying showcase at the Florida Bands Jamboree and Mississippi Valley State’s historic moment at the inauguration parade.
    They also dive into the legacy of Don P. Roberts, the achievements of Florida’s iconic band directors, and how rivalries continue to push the boundaries of college band culture.

    In a bid to inspire the next generation, Jeremie and Bryon emphasize the importance of rhythm reading and sight-reading. As part of the Lounge & Chop segment, Bryon walks listeners through a fundamental reading exercise he created, designed to sharpen core percussion skills.

    🎵 5th Quarter Picks:

    Jeremie: "I’m Sorry" x Swell (feat. Shiloh) | BYOS | Jeremie

    Bryon: Faith’s Place Drumline playing "Chopperville" (written by Bryon Russell)

    🛒 Check Out Jeremie’s Amazon Storefront


    Tune in, grab your sticks, and join the conversation as we dive deep into the rhythm of HBCU culture!
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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • Episode 14 | "January is HONDA season!"

    Episode 14 | "January is HONDA season!"
    Jan 15 2025
    In this episode of The Drum Lounge Podcast, hosts Jeremie Foster and Bryon Russell take you on a journey down memory lane as they revisit the unforgettable Honda Battle of the Bands—an iconic celebration of HBCU band culture. From the electrifying drumline competitions to the camaraderie of band practices, Jeremie and Bryon share personal stories and reflect on how these events shaped their lives and the band community at large.

    The duo dives deep into the evolution of band culture and offering fresh insights on drumline dynamics They also explore essential tips for drummers, including the importance of proper warm-up routines, and review drum pads that can take your practice sessions to the next level.

    Whether you’re a seasoned drummer, an HBCU band enthusiast, or just someone who loves the energy of a great performance, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical advice to keep you motivated on your musical journey.

    5th Quarter Segment Picks

    Jeremie:
    B-CU Tunnel (2017 Practice clip)

    Bryon:
    ASU Playing "Leg Shaking"
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    50 mins
  • Episode 13 | "New year, new chops!"

    Episode 13 | "New year, new chops!"
    Jan 8 2025
    Happy New Year! In this episode of the Drum Lounge Podcast, hosts Jeremie Foster and Bryon Russell discuss their New Year goals related to drumming, reflect on their Christmas experiences, and share updates about the Riverside podcast platform and its impact on their podcast. They also delve into the significance of Mississippi Valley State's invitation to perform at the presidential inauguration parade and celebrate Jackson State's recent performance at the Rose Bowl. The conversation touches on various drumming techniques, and a review of Jeff Sharpe's "Streetwise" drumsticks.

    5th Quarter Segment

    Jeremie's pick:
    JSU's War & Thunder playing "LAWS" (2024)

    Bryon's Pick:
    B-CU's Sudden Impact drumline playing in the 2005 Cadillac commercial
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    44 mins
  • Episode 12 | "Christmas Beats" (w/ Lounge & Chop #4)

    Episode 12 | "Christmas Beats" (w/ Lounge & Chop #4)
    Dec 25 2024
    In this special Christmas episode of the Drum Lounge Podcast, hosts Jeremie Foster and Bryon Russell reflect on their recent interview with percussion instructor Harvey Thompson and preview the upcoming Chops Competition 2024. They analyze standout drumlines like Faith Place and Miramar, discussing performance techniques, bass solos, and the dynamics of Florida’s competitive percussion scene.The hosts explore the roles within a drumline, challenges in judging, and the importance of audience engagement, while celebrating local talent and community growth. They also share personal anecdotes, discuss band traditions, and address leadership controversies. The episode wraps up with a festive celebration of music, a call to practice, and a joyful tribute to the season.

    5th Quarter Segment Picks:

    Jeremie
    Texas Southern University's 2024 Snare Ensemble performance "Let Them Cook"


    Bryon
    Jackson State University's Sonic Boom playing "Hype Me Up"
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    1 hr and 9 mins
  • Episode 11 | "From Brooklyn to Coldsteel" (feat. Harvey Thompson)

    Episode 11 | "From Brooklyn to Coldsteel" (feat. Harvey Thompson)
    Dec 18 2024
    In this episode of the Drum Lounge Podcast, hosts Jeremie Foster and Bryon Russell sit down with renowned percussion instructor Harvey Thompson. The conversation traces Harvey's journey from Brooklyn to becoming a key figure at North Carolina A&T, his innovative drumming techniques, and the challenges of funding drumline programs. They explore the balance between music education and performance, the evolution of drumming styles, and the creative process behind engaging cadences.

    Harvey shares insights on audience engagement, the art of call and response, and the influence of popular music and social media on drumline culture. The discussion highlights the discipline required for successful performances, the role of visual elements in marching bands, and the evolution of equipment and music arrangement.

    From the cultural significance of drumlines to the impact of rivalries and the need for creativity, the episode offers valuable advice for aspiring drummers and emphasizes the importance of practice, passion, and innovation in the drumline community.

    5th Quarter Segment picks:

    Jeremie
    NCAT Drumline playing "DefJam" (2016)

    Bryon
    NCAT Marching Band "Bad Boy Show" (Honda BOTB 2016)

    Harvey
    NCAT Drumline playing drumline feature during Honda 2015
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    1 hr and 40 mins
  • Episode 10 | "Beats win battles"

    Episode 10 | "Beats win battles"
    Dec 4 2024
    In this episode of The Drum Lounge Podcast, hosts Jeremie Foster and Bryon Russell bring humor, nostalgia, and insight to the vibrant world of drumlines and marching bands. They reflect on Thanksgiving, dive into the Alabama State-Tuskegee rivalry, and unpack the excitement of the Bayou Classic. From drumline battles to band rankings, and the impact of social media, they explore what makes band culture so dynamic.

    The duo also shares personal stories, debates the 'Band of the Year' criteria, and spotlights the new Streetwise percussion sticks by Jeffrey Sharp. With discussions on the transition from marching to concert bands, leadership roles, and favorite band moments, this episode is a must-listen for music enthusiasts and aspiring musicians alike.

    5th Quarter Segment picks:

    Jeremie
    BCU/Alabama State playing "Cake" by Rihanna (vs. clip)

    Bryon
    Southern's Human Jukebox playing "Torture"
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    1 hr and 19 mins