Prem Joseph

  • Tue, 12/01/2009 - 18:41

Adrian Schiopu: "Prem a fost si el la Drumfest; pastor din UK care a venit sa slujeasca la acest festival, si pentru mine personal a fost un exemplu extraordinar de la care avem multe de invatat. Am avut niste discutii foarte interesante si benefice cu el in saptamana 10 - 15 august si m-a incurajat in lucrarea cu tobosarii din Romania. Sper ca acest interviu sa fie o binecuvatare si pentru voi, asa cum a fost si pentru mine. Multumim Prem pentru timpul acordat."

1. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself (background, age, family, education, only what you want people to know about you)?

Hi my name is Prem Joseph. I am 35 years old. Married to a beautiful girl and we have two lovely kids. I’ve done my Bachelors in Commerce after that finished my Diploma in Theology and currently working in United Kingdom as a Pastor. I am fun loving, creative and love to help people.

2. What is your history in drumming? (Bands / artists, albums, tours, concerts, churches)

I started playing drums at the age of 5 and went on till I was 25 years old then marriage and change in work patterns made me give up my drumming. I started my Drum journey in India so all the bands and gigs I have played are mostly connected within India. I have played at well over a 100 different venues, stages and concerts. I enjoy playing drums to a small crowd of 10 as much as I have enjoyed playing the drums to crowds over 100000.

I have a good grasp of Indian percussive patterns which makes it even more exciting to play the drum kit fused with those patterns. I have drummed and programmed drums on maybe 50 to 60 albums which are all fusion of Indian and Western music. On the Christian field of music I have been part of plenty of worship tours and bands even played a bit for Ron Kenoly (Worship Leader from USA) when he visited India.

Played at all the revival crusades of Reinhardt Bonke, Benny Hinn and plenty of famous American artists. I have jammed with some American country style musicians like Le van Tripp and also was part of the production for a CD with Andre Crouch. I have played the drum kit fused with western classical with a world renowned Cellist. We did tour Singapore and Malaysia to conduct workshops. After a Gap of 10 years I have slowly started to get involved with Drumming again.

I have been part of the Psalm Drummers in UK, I write little drum pieces for Psalm Drummer performances in our town of Rochdale and also continue to program the drums/Music for albums. I also drum at different other churches in my town. I also teach drum lessons for youngster from other churches.

3. What did you or do you practice for drums / percussion

My initial practice was on my pillows! ? No seriously I practice on my HQ real feel rubber pad (paradiddles). I watch a lot of videos to know what other drummers are doing (You tube and Drummer world) and also have taught myself to read drum notations because it gives a discipline to practice exercises. I feel as a drummer we should be able to keep up with the times. To know, learn, adapt and utilize new patterns and techniques. Remember what I said earlier? ‘A drummer should also be able to create and play patterns that are fresh and new’.

I also jam a bit on percussion because I am into recording and programming I do use the wide variety of percussion instruments available in our church.

4. Is there any particular drum, percussion and cymbal brand you play with?

No! Due to rarity of Drum Kits in India in the early days we played on what ever was provided. So even today I am quite comfortable on any kit set up anyhow and anywhere because it can also spoil a drummer if he or she is too dependent on their own set up. I love the Yamaha Recording custom series and the Gretsch fusion at the moment. I love the fast crash of the Paiste signature series and the Zildjian A custom and the Sabian HHX. We use a lot of Hot Rods and Cool Rods in churches in UK.

5. How are you at this point involved in church or in any other events, ministry, bands / artists – related to your drumming?

First you have to remember that I Pastor a church so free time is rare. But just until 2 years ago I also used to play for a secular Hip Hop band until they found a decent drummer ;)) I do get invited at times to play in different churches with different bands. I plan Worship concerts, Workshops, Drum nights, Drum Warfare’s, Worship Leaders night, etc for the town. I also have a good rapport with most of the drummers in town. We plan to have at least 2 Events a year involving all the musicians and Lead worshippers. I guess that’s about it.

6. What advice would you give to young drummers who are serving or intend to serve in the worship department?

In worship scenario it is not ‘what we know to play but what to play’. It is not playing to other musicians or Drummers but playing before the King. ‘God gave us this talent so there is nothing we are going to play that will surprise Him’. I believe every person is on the path to become a great drummer so there is some element of brilliance every drummer can offer!

The place of Drums in a Worship Band in itself is a subject so big that it would not be fair to discuss it here. But I would like to say that ‘Drums’ play a very important part in Worship and Praise! So it is also important ‘to master it to play it before the Master’.

7. We all know that it takes talent and practice for a drummer to succeed (make progress). Is there anything else you want to add to that?

I prefer a cool Drummer to a Wild Drummer!
It is important first to feel the beat inside of you then know how to play it! Practice is very important because it gives you time to think and create!

8. Considering your experience, what advice would you gives to the Romanian Christian drummers (those who play in a church or in a band)?

Always make sure you are mentoring some one so that from time to time you have a break and even if you take a break the worship band or your regular band will not suffer!
It also gives you an opportunity to listen and see the band from the audience perspective.

9. Do you have any other hobby, besides drums, music? How do you like to spend your spare (free) time?

I spend my free time walking the hills and parks appreciating beauty and creativity of God. Play with my wife and children, watch a movie and sometimes if my wife is nice... Cook!

10. Any books, tapes, DVD’s you have out for sale?

I have only brought out my own first CD recently. I did sell a few copies. Again when I wanted to do something original it was all to do with a bit of Indian stuff. So far it has been appreciated.
I can send you a demo if you are interested. I also have been involved in worship workshops.

11. Lastly, any message to the Christian Romanian drummers?

Yes! Play for yourself. Don’t play to prove yourself.
What a bunch of fantastic drummers with Passion and Energy. It was great to meet a lot of fantastic drummers at the ‘Drum Fest’ who have inspired me.

I would like to see each person grow and mature into the most original, creative and coolest drummer ever not just in Romania but in the World!

Interviu luat de Adrian Schiopu in exclusivitate pentru site-ul www.tobosaricrestini.ro
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