On this week's episode of Thinkin’ and Drinkin’ Bart catches up with an old friend and world famous drum tech, Derek Benitz. Derek explains which kind of drum tech he is, catering to the drummer and they want out of the kit for each set. Derek explains his recent transitions from FGL to Sam Hunt, to working full time for Amazon during the pandemic, and finally his current band with Chris Stapleton.
Meet Derek Benitz: Derek Benitez is a touring professional from Kentucky now living in Nashville. Drum tech to the stars…and other drummers. Really touring just to see all the truck docks of all the venues around the world and have some cocktails with friends. Kentucky bourbon is the drink of choice!
I started drum teching for Joe Rickard of the band Red. Then Sean and have done short runs and one-offs with Chris Kimerer/Thomas Rhett, Ray Luzier/Jonathan Davis solo, Lester Estell, Joe Bonamassa(Greg Marrow/Anton Fig), and now Derek Mixon with Chris Stapleton.
What Bart has to say: Derek was always one of the most fun guys to see every day when he got off the bus, back with it was out with Florida Georiga Line. I always enjoyed his sense of humor. Another great guy I’ve remained friends with that to me shows the quality of people that Florida Georgia Line surrounded themselves with.
In this episode, you’ll hear
(20 mins in) Derek talks about the differences between different tours, mainly being the crowds
(30:40 in) Derek discusses how he finds each drummer’s pulse and how that helps him work with different drummers
Links to Connect: