Behind The Kit with Arizona Drummer

About Behind The Kit with Arizona Drummer

Behind The Kit dives into the lives of today’s most inspiring drummers — from Grammy winners to rising stars. Hosted by Kyle Smith of Arizona Drummer, each episode explores the real stories behind the beats: the hustle, heart, and passion it takes to make it in music. Whether you're a drummer or just love music, you'll find powerful insights and raw conversations that go way beyond the kit. Follow, like, and subscribe to never miss a beat!

Publisher

Arizona Drummer

Category

music

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

11 Jun 2025

Latest episode

23 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

34 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   23 Oct 2026

   🥁 Behind The Kit Episode 34: Henry Go | Mapex, Sonor, Growing in the Industry, and THANOS?!

   Episode 34 of Behind The Kit features an incredible conversation with **Henry Go**, Artist Relations Manager for KHS America and the man working behind the scenes with some of the biggest names in drumming through  @MapexDrumsUSA  (https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCNVKugzNSQEbQWvu_cHJTIA) and  @SonorDrumTube  (https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCiJjwpAR3vwWKzAp5Cq5Ozg) !!!Henry brings a unique perspective to the music industry, working at the intersection of artists, brands, business, and the relationships that help careers grow. From navigating artist relations and understanding what companies look for in their artists to building a name for yourself in an incredibly competitive industry, this is a conversation packed with insight you won't want to miss.In this episode, we dive into the realities of the drum industry and what it actually takes to grow as a drummer, creator, and professional. We discuss the relationship between artists and brands, how opportunities develop, what goes into building meaningful partnerships, and why the way you approach your career can be just as important as what you can do behind the kit.We also talk about growth, standing out in a crowded industry, building relationships, creating opportunities, and understanding the bigger picture of what it means to be a professional musician today. Whether you're an aspiring artist looking to get noticed, an established drummer trying to take the next step, or a content creator building a career around your passion, there are valuable takeaways in this conversation.And of course, no episode is complete without a few unexpected turns... including **THANOS?!** 👀 Yes, we go there! This conversation covers more than just drums, endorsements, and the business of music, and you'll have to watch to find out exactly how THANOS enters the picture.Henry's experience provides a fascinating look into the industry from a perspective most drummers don't often get to hear. We get into the conversations, considerations, and relationships that happen behind the scenes—and why professionalism, authenticity, patience, and knowing how to build genuine connections can make a real difference in your journey.Whether you're a Mapex artist, a Sonor fan, an aspiring professional drummer, a music industry enthusiast, or simply someone who loves hearing the stories and perspectives of the people working behind the scenes, this episode of Behind The Kit is one you do NOT want to miss!Season 2 of Behind The Kit continues to bring together inspiring voices from across the drumming community, exploring the stories, experiences, lessons, and personalities that make this industry what it is. I'm incredibly grateful to welcome Henry Go to the Behind The Kit community for this conversation.Thank you for being here, and thank you for supporting Behind The Kit. 🥁🎧

2. 

   5 Oct 2026

   🥁 Behind The Kit Episode 33: Will Hunt | Evanescence, Black Label Society, and More

   Episode 33 of Behind The Kit features an incredible conversation with the one and only **Will Hunt**! Will is an absolutely phenomenal drummer, musician, performer, and longtime professional who has built an incredible career through relentless dedication, versatility, and an unmistakable presence behind the kit.Best known for his work with  @Evanescence  (https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCJeH7gl6PbDVV4DTldIOPOA),  @zakkwyldetv  (https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCg6Vz21ViEsKkQLxuOJgQzQ) ,  @godsmack  (https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCe9rl8k6yymUeVzzXfFGWwA) and more! Will has spent decades performing on some of the world's biggest stages and working alongside some of the most influential artists in rock and metal. His playing combines power, precision, groove, energy, and an incredible ability to serve whatever music is in front of him.In this conversation, we dive into Will's musical journey—from his early beginnings and the experiences that shaped him as a drummer to building a career as one of the most respected touring and recording drummers in the industry. We talk about his path through the music business, working with major artists, touring at the highest level, recording, preparation, and the realities of sustaining a professional career over multiple decades.We also discuss what it means to step into a band and make the music your own while still respecting the identity of the artist. Will shares his perspective on learning songs, preparing for massive tours, adapting to different musical environments, and understanding that being a great professional drummer is about far more than simply playing the parts correctly.Beyond the technical side of drumming, Will opens up about the mindset required to survive and thrive in this industry. We talk about confidence, discipline, professionalism, work ethic, creativity, longevity, and the importance of continuing to evolve as both a musician and a person. Will's career is a great example of how preparation, personality, versatility, and the ability to connect with people can create opportunities that last a lifetime.Whether you're an aspiring drummer, a seasoned professional, a fan of Evanescence, Black Label Society, Slaughter, or simply someone who enjoys hearing the stories behind the musicians you admire, this conversation with Will Hunt is packed with insight, experience, inspiration, and plenty of incredible stories from a life spent behind the kit.Season 2 of Behind The Kit continues to bring together some of the most inspiring voices in drumming, and I'm incredibly grateful to welcome Will Hunt to the Behind The Kit community.Thank you for being here, and thank you for supporting Behind The Kit. 🥁🎧

3. 

   21 Sept 2026

   🥁 Behind The Kit Episode 32: Ryan Van Poederooyen | The Devin Townsend Project, Imonolith, Educator

   Episode 32 of Behind The Kit features an incredible conversation with the one and only  @ryanvanpoederooyen  (https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UC0VFp3vVc5EcT9UTbPXC7Vw) !Ryan is an absolutely phenomenal drummer, musician, educator, and longtime professional who has built an incredible career through dedication, versatility, and a relentless commitment to his craft.Best known for his work with  @dvntownsend  (https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UC8KIhclVaK0Des9uMrJlt1w), The Devin Townsend Project, and  @Imonolith  (https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCe0WCYjudZS6WqI6DQFSjCQ) , Ryan has spent years performing on some of the world's biggest stages and recording some of the most demanding music in modern progressive metal. His playing combines power, precision, groove, creativity, and an incredible level of musicality.In this conversation, we dive into Ryan's musical journey—from his early beginnings and the experiences that helped shape him as a drummer to building a career performing and recording at the highest level. We talk about working with Devin Townsend, the demands of progressive music, touring, recording, preparation, and what it takes to stay consistent throughout a long career.We also discuss the importance of developing your own voice behind the kit, learning to serve the music, and understanding that being a professional drummer is about so much more than simply being able to play difficult things.Beyond the technical side of drumming, Ryan shares his perspective on discipline, mindset, longevity, education, creativity, and the importance of continuing to grow as both a musician and a person.Whether you're an aspiring drummer, a seasoned professional, a fan of progressive music, or simply someone who enjoys hearing the stories behind the musicians you admire, this conversation with Ryan is packed with insight, inspiration, experience, and plenty of great drumming stories.Season 2 of Behind The Kit continues to bring together some of the most inspiring voices in drumming, and I'm incredibly grateful to welcome Ryan Van Poederooyen to the Behind The Kit community.Thank you for being here, and thank you for supporting Behind The Kit. 🥁🎧

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Spotify

5.0 / 5

4 ratings

Contact Behind The Kit with Arizona Drummer

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.