Primus Gives Update on Drummer Search: “We Aren’t Looking for a Clone”
Last time we checked in with Primus, they were searching for a new drummer following the sudden departure of their drummer Tim “Herb” Alexander in October, saying they were “taking submissions from all points in the universe.” Apparently submissions have been coming in from all over, and Primus are now giving potential candidate some updates on what they’re looking for.
In a post on their Instagram account, Primus gave the following update:
“Hello again — All you potential percussionists out there. We have been swimming in these PRIMUS drummer submissions and it is very encouraging.
“One thing we have found in this ever-evolving process is that those who submit and post on YouTube get a much better “look” as it were. Some have chosen other formats to submit and it is often a bit more challenging to view them, sometimes impossible. Also, we have found that folks around the world have become very engaged in this process and it has been exciting to see community and commentary building within the YouTube space. That being said, please submit (or resubmit if compelled) and post video to YouTube using #primusdrumaudition. That way you can rest assured your performance gets viewed and also potentially rated by the PRIMUS world community.
“Once we begin to narrow things down, we will be posting our progress along with audition performances with the band, and special celebrity drum review committee discussions on the PRIMUS YouTube channel.
“Lastly, a bit of advice for those submitting: Often players are sending in recordings playing along with PRIMUS songs, which is great, but try to include something else that also reflects your creativity and personality as a player.
“PRIMUS is a band that is hard to define but the focus is ALWAYS on rhythm, groove, and unique tactile moods. Smashy cymbals and fast metal riffs don’t impress as much as dynamics, finesse, originality, and POCKET. Be musical, not athletic.
“During our recording career, the drum throne has been held by three amazing players with three very different approaches. Avoid focusing on just one. We aren’t looking for a clone.
“Auditions will be starting in January, so keep an eye out and good luck to all who choose to partake in this amazing bit of musical mischief.
“Thanks for your time and enthusiasm.”
It seems like Primus are being straight forward and open about this process, and even helpful to those auditioning. That’s great. Remember that time in the early 2000s when Limp Bizkit held a bunch of auditions of random guitarists at Guitar Center and were accused of stealing riffs from those guitarists? Yeah, Primus seems to be not following that model. So, if you’re a drummer with “dynamics, finesse, originality, and POCKET” you should post an audition on YouTube.
