Photo credit: Kris Engelhart @shutter16magazine

Cheney Brannon of Like Machines Shares Tips for Touring as a Drummer

Like Machines have just started out on a month-long tour with Crobot and Aeges that will take the band to the West Coast for the first time. One of the challenges of touring, especially for a drummer, is making sure your equipment is ready to travel and you’ve got an efficient method for setting up in one venue after the other.

Cheney Brannon, drummer for Like Machines, has plenty of experience on the road. Before joining up with Andrew and Tanner, he’s traveled with multiple other bands, including a four-year stint with Collective Soul. Here Cheney shares some of his tips for drummers going on tour.

Q: What equipment do you bring with you when heading out for a long road tour?

A: The simple answer -- everything. I like to bring things just in case I need them. For instance, once on tour we did an acoustic show for a promotion on a radio show, and you’ll need to be prepared for that. I bring shakers, tambourines, my Cajon. If you don’t have it and need it, you’ll end up buying it, so it’s better to be prepared. I also have extra cymbals in case you crack one on tour. You don’t want to have to send off for a replacement that could take days.

Q: What do you suggest for protecting your drums during travel?

A: For long tours I use flight cases, these are made of wood/metal and usually have wheels for easy loading. These also can be compartmentalized so packing up takes way less time.

For gigs around town, I look for cases that are easy to get in and out, your standard hard plastic cases. If you prefer to go with a bag, I suggest something with a rigidness to it, to make it easier to pack your drums away.

Q: What tips can you give new artists for setting up and breaking down efficiently?

A: Sometimes on the road you’re having to set up in a limited time, if you’re part of a show with a couple of different bands performing in one night. It’s important to be able to get your stuff set up without stressing out. I tell people the first and most important thing is to really get to know your drum set. Sit down and get comfortable, knowing where you put your feet and where you set the drums up. Get a good piece of carpet, something durable, about 8x8 feet, for underneath the drum set. Then mark your carpet with either gaffers tape or the new drum markers that are numbered and Velcro right onto the carpet. If you don’t have your carpet marked, you’re going to be guessing where things go and it will be different every time. I want my set up exactly the same so I don’t have any surprises during a show.

Q: What are you looking forward to most about going on tour with Like Machines?

A: I’m really excited to gain new fans. This tour takes us to a part of the country we haven’t played before, and it will be great to share our music with a whole new audience.

Cheney plays Ludwig Drums and is endorsed by Paiste, Vater Drumsticks, Evans Drumheads, Porter & Davies drum thrones, Randall May International, Big Fat Snare Drum, and Wornstar Clothing.

Like Machines tour dates can be found here.