Drumming News :
2016 Guitar Center Drum-Off Champion Tony Taylor, Jr. is behind the kit for K-Pop megastars BLACKPINK on their 2025 WORLD TOUR. The tour started on July 5th in Seoul, South Korea before hitting North America, Europe and Asia. Tony recently sat down with Drumming News Network for a “Fast Five” interview.
Q1. You’re coming from a long tradition of great drummers from Chicago. Who were some of your influences and mentors and why do you think so many great players come from that city?
A. Chicago has a lot of culture and history as far as music. Coming up we were blessed to have people who created space for many of us to grow and learn in many ways. From concerts, to drum sheds, to even showcases, the community in Chicago has so much to offer.
Many of the drummers I looked up to— and look up to to this day— are from Chicago and some of the world’s greatest, such as Calvin Rodgers, Rex Hardy Jr, Darryl “Lil Man” Howell, Quin Anderson, Varo Johnson, Teddy Campbell and many others. The list goes on for days!
Q2. What was the audition process for Blackpink? How did it differ from other artists you’ve worked with.
A. For this particular project, I sent in a video of me playing to a couple songs and then waited to hear back from Blackpink’s Musical Director and management. Most times, I would have been called directly or, if it was an audition, it would have been in person with multiple people auditioning at one time.
Q3. Describe the drums, cymbals, heads, sticks, electronics, etc. you’re using on the tour with Blackpink.
A. For this show, because it’s a stadium tour, I’m playing a slightly different role than what I’m used to. I had to shift my approach to make the show feel bigger than ever.
I designed a custom drumkit with my DW family that has the combination of punch and low-end I need. It’s got birch shells with Kurillian Brich exteriors with a Natural to Regal Blue to Royal Blue fade and black hardware. I have DW 9000 pedals, as well.
The Remo drumheads I’m using enhance the “bite with bottom” sound of the drums. I’m playing Sabian cymbals however, the way the music is arranged, I don’t use a ride. I replaced it ride with 18″ crashes as hi hats. I also have a couple regular crashes, hats and several splashes and stacks.
I’m not triggering my acoustic drums on this tour but I am using a Roland SPD-SX multi-pad and several trigger pads around the kit. For sticks, I proudly endorse DopeStickz and, because I needed a little more weight for more attack on this show, I’m using 5B’s. I also have a Gibraltar Rack to make sure my set-up is consistent and secure at every show. My other accessories include Pink Cympads and the BOOM.
Q4. This is going to be a long tour but there will be breaks between legs. What will the breaks allow you to do? Will they change your physical and mental approach?
A. The breaks will simply allow me to rest and spend time with my family. In times like these, touring can be fun but it’s also a lot of work— a lot of stress with time changes, sleepless nights, traveling via bus or plane. The process of touring is truly a job within itself so being able to spend time with my family allows me to make sure I have a safe and healthy balance between doing what I love on stage as a drummer and doing what I love at home as a husband and a father.
Q5. What is your favorite part of the Blackpink show? What should drummers in the audience be looking and listening for?
A. I honestly don’t know how to answer that because the whole show is a party! This show allows me to stretch out more than usual so be ready to have a great time!
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