452 - Brian Doherty: Drumming For They Might Be Giants, Pre-Social Media “Networking”, Cymbal Hacks for the Studio
Jan 18, 2024•2 hr 34 min•Ep 452•Transcript available on Metacast Episode description
Brian Doherty is best known as a drummer for groups like They Might Be Giants, RCA Recording artists, The Silos, XTC, Freedy Johnston, and Ben Folds
In the early 90s, Brian was recruited by They Might Be Giants. For three years Brian and TMBG recorded albums, wrote songs, and relentlessly toured the world.
In 2001, Brian went back to graduate school and became a New York City school teacher as part of the New York City Teaching Fellows program. As well as teaching, he remains professionally active as a drummer recording in the studio and performing on a variety of gigs that includes Broadway shows. On Broadway, Brian has performed in productions of RENT, Hairspray, The Times They Are A Changin’, Waitress and Little Shop of Horrors.
In this episode, Brian talks about:
Growing up close to NYC and it’s musical influence
Early professional experiences
Pre-social media “networking” that still works
One gig leading to another, leading to another and so on
Cymbal hacks for the studio
Touring and recording with They Might Be Giants
Transitioning to public school teaching and drumming on Broadway in New York
