151 - Eric Darken :: The Virtues of Being Teachable, Flexible and Open Minded

His recording credits read like a “who’s who” including Taylor Swift, BonJovi, Jewel, Luke Bryan, Darius Rucker, Carrie Underwood, The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir and new artists James Bay and Moon Taxi. The award-winning percussionist has traveled around the world and throughout the United States performing with artists such as Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Faith Hill, Take 6 and Bob Seger. He currently tours with Jimmy Buffett and The Coral Reefer Band.   An accomplished composer and producer, Eric has written original underscores for TV and film. These shows include Dateline NBC, 20/20, Fox Sports, the Discovery Channel, The NFL Network, National Geographic and the film, The Fantastic Four – Rise of the Silver Surfer. Other projects include A Drummer Boy’s Christmas and Sunday Drive.   Inspired by his grandfather who was a musician and band leader, Eric has long felt at home in the world of drums and percussion. Grounded in the fundamentals of both classical and non-classical percussion, Eric’s versatility helps artists hone their sound and distinctly clarify their vision. He is known for creating unique tones and parts as well as one of a kind drum and percussion loops for projects. Never satisfied with the status quo, Eric’s passion for what he does is always evolving. Motivated by a love of learning, he is always willing to embrace new projects that allow him to exceed previous achievements.       Things That Came Up:   -Musical Grandfather   -Started on drums and transitioned to percussion in high school   -Playing on TV Show in College   -Classical Percussion in Nashville   -Chimes on Lonestar record and Sings on a Reba record   -Letter Charts Vs. Number Charts   -Jimmy Buffet Recording turns to live chair   -Flashing Light Clicks with Bob Seger   -Don Brewer playing the exact same fills every night   -The beauty of Ralph MacDonald   -Working out everyday and eating right   -Being teachable, flexible, open minded and easy to work with   -What do you bring to the table?   -Be Honest with yourself and talent   -Trying to improve everyday   -Playing on that first Taylor Swift record   -Maren Morris, Art Garfunkel, Willie Nelson, a love of great songwriters   -Tuning congas to the key   -Back hernia and recovery       Follow:       www.ericdarken.com   Instagram: @ericdarken     The Rich Redmond Show is about all things music, motivation and success. Candid conversations with musicians, actors, comedians, authors and thought leaders about their lives and the stories that shaped them. Rich Redmond is the longtime drummer with Jason Aldean and many other veteran musicians and artists. Rich is also an actor, speaker, author, producer and educator. Rich has been heard on thousands of songs, over 25 of which have been #1 hits!       Rich can also be seen in several films and TV shows and has also written an Amazon Best-Selling book, "CRASH! Course for Success: 5 Ways to Supercharge Your Personal and Professional Life" currently available at:       https://www.amazon.com/CRASH-Course-Success-Supercharge-Professional/dp/B07YTCG5DS/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=crash+redmond&qid=1576602865&sr=8-1       One Book: Three Ways to consume....Physical (delivered to your front door, Digital (download to your kindle, ipad or e-reader), or Audio (read to you by me on your device...on the go)!       Buy Rich’s exact gear at www.lessonsquad.com/rich-redmond       Follow Rich:   @richredmond   www.richredmond.com       Jim McCarthy is the quintessential Blue Collar Voice Guy. Honing his craft since 1996 with radio stations in Illinois, South Carolina, Connecticut, New York, Las Vegas and Nashville, Jim has voiced well over 10,000 pieces since and garnered an ear for audio production which he now uses for various podcasts, commercials and promos. Jim is also an accomplished video producer, content creator, writer and overall entrepreneur.       Follow Jim:   @jimmccarthy   www.jimmccarthyvoiceovers.com