Media
The Drum Coach - An interview with Paul Christophersen
by DazzColorado Music Buzz Magazine, August 2008
Let’s take a look at Paul Christophersen and appreciate the valuable knowledge that he has to offer. Currently Paul holds it down for the highly acclaimed juke joint boogie band The Informants, teaches private lessons, and accepts session work and freelance gigs when his schedule permits.
DC: When you were eight years old your parents encouraged you to take piano lessons. Tell us what caused you to switch to drums a couple of years later.
Paul: My lessons were at a music store. A bucket of sticks and a beautiful blue Rogers drum kit were on display and caught my attention. The allure intensified each time I passed by them, and one day I decided to buy a pair sticks with 50 cents that I had left over from lesson money. That’s when my parents realized that I was serious about drums and so they allowed me to make the switch.
DC: What were practice sessions like for you when you were young, and how does that compare now with such a busy work schedule?
Paul: I practiced about as much as most kids do at that age. I took lessons at school and advanced quickly. Currently it’s difficult to fit in a consistent practice regime, but I try for at least a half hour a day, although I prefer to get in a couple of hours whenever I can.
DC: Tell us about your educational experiences along the way.
Paul: When I was a teen my parents took me to a Louie Bellson drum clinic. That was a monumental moment! He left a huge impression on me as the greatest drummer in the world and became my biggest hero. I also invested in music theory, band camps, and performed in various bands, all of which helped solidify my direction. I believe that formal education holds a certain value in developing the language and keeps you grounded, but it isn’t manditory. In fact it can be overkill. I encourage all drummers to be open minded and listen to everything.
DC: You teach drums at Mojo’s Music Academy in Longmont, Colorado. Would you mind sharing some insight with our faithful CMB Drum Coach readers?
Paul: Oh, yes! I explain to my students to do all the right things. I listen to them because sometimes they are right about some things and they deserve that courtesy and validation. I want my students to learn and become better drummers than myself. My philosophy is to allow them to excel and be individual. Like parents, I reinforce the positive and correct the negative. Remember what you are-the drummer, the time keeper, the conductor. Never forget that your job is to accompany the band and keep it together. Don’t be full of yourself. Flash is okay, but never at the expense of the band. Mistakes are bound to happen, but don’t let them bother you. It means that you are relaxed and it’s good to laugh and learn from them. Play the music and do the songs but leave out the ego. Don’t make it a competition, a challenge, or a judgement. Rather, be positive, gracious, and grateful. Play with all your heart, believe in yourself, and put on a great show. It is a privilage to play for people and humility goes a long way. You need jobs and you won’t do yourself any favors by being a jerk.
DC: How about sharing a blast from the past.
Paul: When I was 11 years old I was in a rock band and thought of an idea to cut a notch half way through the shank of my sticks so that they would break off and fly into the audience at a really big moment. I executed my plan at the end of our show and the crowd loved it! That was extremely flashy, mind you, but not at the expense of the band.
Pay to Play: A Special Report, Bands Don't Always Get Their Share (Excerpt)
By Ricardo Baca, Denver Post Pop Music Critic
Denver Post, July 13, 2008
Denver's music scene may be thriving, but most musicians are figuring out how to make a living doing what they love.
"It's really about running it like a business, not sitting around thinking something will happen to you," said Paul Christophersen, the Informants' manager/drummer/ publicist/accountant. "Our band is on salary. Everybody gets paid for every gig. Excess money goes back to expenses.
"And right now we're in the process of saving for a future recording, which will happen next winter."
When Christophersen says his seven-piece blues-rock band is on salary, he's saying they get paid something every gig, no matter the payout. Of the band's recent $1,000-per- show average, he devotes approximately $350 to an account and $650 to pay the band.
Last year, he estimates, each of his bandmates made around $5,000 for their work. This year he expects that to double.
The Informants' most recent release, "Stiletto Angel," cost about $7,000 to produce, and was covered from the band's expense account.