Current Status of DRUMANDSTAGE

[Jules]

I had high hopes for my trip to the Music City Drum Show. Some hits and some misses. The biggest thing on my agenda was to meet Jeff Mulvihill and Henry Go, in person and try to establish a better connection, particularly with Jeff. Well, that happened. In a nutshell, I made a bee-line to the Sonor booth and Jeff and I talked out some things regarding Sonor, communication and my relationship with Sonor. My second stop by the booth was a follow up to the first. We both had had time to ponder the first conversation and so the second was quite productive.

I didn't want to monopolize his time, though he was very open and welcoming. But, I had accomplished in short order a major objective and largely spent the rest of my abbreviated day there looking around and chatting with folks here and there. Jeff and I crossed paths several times looking around the show and had some fun and lighthearted exchanges in passing. In summary; I really like the guy, and I feel like I can be direct if I have a question or concern about anything related to Sonor.

I have some Sonor artists on my radar for interviews, and I think I have a better path to communication with many of them, now. The purpose of this Forum is to be a part of the network of resources I have and am planning, and I obviously, at this point the YouTube channel is and will remain the strongest of the lot. That said; I have to be aware of the peripheral things and be sure not to let them interfere with the overall objective. To just come out and say it like it is... If this Forum were to descend into a love/hate madhouse; it could be a turnoff to high profile artists who otherwise may be inclined to do an interview. Does that mean I am going to ruthlessly defend everything Sonor/KHS does and chastise anyone with a different opinion? NO! I simply want this to remain a respectful place for us all to come and share our love of Sonor drums!

Feel free to respond, if you have something to add or ask.

[DaveInNZ]

Politely, who are Jeff and Henry? I'm assuming they're related to Sonor or KHS? You got to remember to fill us in on the context a bit

(One of my personal pet peeves in the drum community is an assumption that the audience is solely American, particularly prevalent in sales ads and the like, e.g. Location: not stated, Price: $500 This completely forgetting there are 28 different currencies that use the $ symbol...

I try to do the opposite by overtly always mentioning where I am in the world, but worry it sounds like I'm a broken record.)

Anyway, sorry for the detour... If Jeff and Henry are tied to Sonor, getting lined up alongside them can't do any harm. You'd know that from your dealer days I'm sure. A distributor is always the main line of communication, whether they're good, bad or ugly - having a relationship with them is always worthwhile.

[Jules]

Sincerest apologies. I am bad about that in my videos, too. I don't mean to overlook that, so feel free to keep on me until it is a habit. Jeff Mulvihill is the KHS America Brand Manager for Sonor (and Mapex and Majestic). Henry go is the KHS America Artist Rep for Sonor (and Mapex and maybe Majestic).

[DaveInNZ]

Got you. I mean if they're good people it helps. There's a certain A&R rep in the UK for one brand who's renowned for being an absolute pain, but he's still the person with the gig you know? Gotta work with them and respect all parties mutually.

I hope for your sake and the wider community's sake, the relationship is a long and healthy one.

[Jules]

Something else I need to remember, not everyone in the States necessarily knows who the people behind the curtain are. I intend to me more diligent with this stuff going forward.