Hi everyone,
Thought I’d write a little update as I’ve been pretty quiet on here, and over on social media.
Drum Clinic
The Las Vegas drum show was a big success - was great to take all my new Yamaha drums and get to play some fun tunes and a long solo. I recorded the clinic so I’ll post some video to YouTube soon.
Spud Gig
The Baked Potato gig with my band was also a lot of fun. It was a killer band featuring Luis Conte on percussion - what a blast it is to play with someone like that. His choices and taste are always just so great - the real deal. This gig was also filmed so I’ll work on getting some footage out there.
Moving On
As I write this, another chapter is quietly drawing to a close. I’m currently in the chaos of moving house and studio back to Los Angeles. I never really shared that I’d relocated, but for anyone wondering—Las Vegas has quietly been home since summer 2023. It’s been a great two years with a very different pace of life, but it’s time to go back.
Vegas is an interesting place; people tend to either love it or hate it, with very few in between. For those unfamiliar—or those who only know the Strip and can’t imagine actually living here—Vegas is a surprisingly calm and relaxed place to live. The suburbs are clean, quiet, and safe, and one can afford a much nicer quality of life here. And I actually love the chaos of the strip; it’s been so fun having world-class food & entertainment 15 mins away.
But as much as I’ve enjoyed the change, I’ve really, really missed LA. It was home for over a decade and was the backdrop to the best chapter of my life. My friends are there, my network is there, and I just miss the city ‘thing’ - the culture, weather, food & people.
There’s something about cities like LA, NYC, and London—you’re either built for them or you’re not. Rich or broke, if you can survive and build a life in one of those places, you’re a doer. They pull in the ambitious, the creative, the relentless. And I’ve missed being surrounded by that kind of energy.
So here’s to a new chapter in an old city. Very excited!
PBD
In other news, PlayBetterDrums has being chugging along as usual with new content uploaded every month. We’re now in the 11th year and have over 375 videos! Recent uploads include a two-part series on some Dennis Chambers groove vocabulary ideas, some great ‘Lick of the Month’ phrases and a guest lesson Steve Pruitt! Check it all out at playbetterdrums.com!
Hope everyone is doing well and I’ll talk to you from my new (old) LA studio in June!
Louie