Sick Drummer Magazine

 

Keep up with Josh here:

www.myspace.com/akeldema777

www.myspace.com/akeldemadrummer

 

 

 

 

My name is Josh O'Donnell and I have been playing for 4-5 years.  My mom actually got me into drums when I was 13 because she thought I'd be good with timing and everything that comes with the responsibility of drumming, as Robert Sweet puts it "Visual Timekeeper".  Anyway when I was really young maybe a year old or so I used to slam my head against my crib when music was playing.  Now whether or not that was a sign of my ability to keep time or maybe that was my attempt to make myself mentally retarded, I guess that's up for you to decide.

I got into the metal scene slowly at first and then I was hooked.  I was listening to stuff like 12 Stones but nothing that satisfied my hunger for "go out and punch somebody in the face metal".  Some people I know are kind of offended I guess at first when they hear deep throat grinding
screams and growls but I loved it at first and wanted to mimic it.  Then I started listening to stuff like Zao and Norma Jean.  It just got harder from there on out.  Now I just love playing it.  There's a feeling I get that I can't describe but I always leave practice feeling accomplished.

 

 

Josh O'Donnell Interview:

 

SD.com: How old were you when you started playing?

Josh: Probably around 13 years old.

 

 

SD.com: Did you play in a school band or any drum corps?

Josh: No, I was never into that cause I go to a private school and they have individual drums but never anything more.  I was just never into playing one drum at a time.  I do respect the guys that do that stuff but it was just never my thing.

 

 

SD.com: Ever take any lessons?

Josh: Kind of. I don't know, the guy (Joe Schultz) was from my church and he showed how to hold the sticks and a basic 4 count beat. But then he went off to the war in Iraq and that about stopped the lessons.  Except for one guy, I forget his name, but he showed the same stuff Joe showed me and that was it after one lesson.  So yeah I guess they count as lessons but nothing real in depth.

 

 

SD.com: Who are your top 5 influences?

Josh: There are so many. Jordan Mancino- basic beats, Chris Adler-technicality , Ted Kirkpatrick- Just because, Jonathas Carlos- blast beats, and Steve Robinson- just the way he goes off on his own during breakdowns and stuff

 

 

 

 

SD.com: Assuming that influences doesn't mean favorites, who are your favorites?

Josh: Yeah uh, definitely Neil Peart, Robert Sweet, Jason Bittner, Rickard Gustaffson and all the guys I listed above.

 

 

SD.com: Let us know 5 CD's that are in your current rotation

Josh: Akeldema- Field of Blood (its not out yet but I get to liten to it cause I made it.  You can get a peak at our myspace.

Killswitch Engage- End of Heartache
All Shall Perish- Hate Malice Revenge
As I Lay Dying- Shadows Are Security
Divine Symphony- Reject Darkness

 

 

SD.com: Can you remember a night you think was your best playing ever? If yes, when and where?

Josh: No not really. I try to play consistently all the time.  If I change a beat or miss a roll while we're practicing I'll get mad at myself. I won't show it but I'll make sure I don't do it again.

 

 

SD.com: Do you have a favorite brand of drums or cymbals?

Josh: Yeah Sabian cymbals are by far the best brand in my mind. Camber bells are pretty intense too. As of right now I have a hybrid kit so with drums there is really no preference as of yet.

 

 

 

 

SD.com: Do you have any pre-show rituals?

Josh: Praying, Warming up my hands. Calming nerves cause when I get excited sometimes I'll blast too fast for the riff or my feet won't be in tune with what the guitars are playing.

 

 

SD.com: If you could give one piece of advice to younger drummers, it would be...

Josh: Practice everyday. God has blessed me so if I'm away from my set for let's say a week (I have no idea how that could happen. Vacation?) I really don't notice a difference but if it has been longer I notice I'm not as quick or precise and at this level those things are crucial.

 

 

SD.com: Who gave the best live performance you've ever seen?

Josh: Robert Sweet. Cause he just beats himself up while he's playing and I don't think I could whack myself in the head with sticks repeatedly and still play to an impressive level of skill.

 

 

SD.com: If you had to stop drumming, what would you want to do with your life?

Josh: Probably State police or Swat or anything physical that would involve fighting or beating the crap out of people. Maybe UFC or Marines, if I got bigger.