Ben Sharp (Yungblud) - Interview

Ben, a massive thank you for taking the time out to do this. You’re currently touring with YUNGBLUD who is one of the hottest artists in the UK currently. Tell us how it all begin? What made you pick up the sticks and how did you find the drums?

Sure man. Year 7, brand new school, new friends - I went to one of my new buddies birthday parties and he had a drum kit set up in his room... I had a go, and, well that was that. I begged my parents for a drum kit for my up coming birthday and low and behold I had a performance percussion kit waiting for me on my birthday. I was blessed to live in a detached house with a very supportive family whom let me play as much as I wanted. (which was a lot)

Can you tell us who you are currently working with and who you have worked with in the past?

I’m currently on tour with Yungblud, prior to this I was doing sessions with Hannah Trigwell and Kelsey Gill. I also teach a lot of 1-1 and do remote sessions from my home studio.
 
 How do you approach a tour? Can you talk us through how you prep for it, what/how you programme and how you get familiar with the songs? How does a tour with YUNGBLUD work in the prep stages?

I get familiar with songs in different ways, one is literally just by listening on repeat (whilst doing everyday tasks like driving, washing up etc) This drills in the song structure. Parts wise…I always write out the drum part note for note, this helps me learn as I’m writing the parts and also means I learn the song as it was recorded (leaving myself room to embellish things if called upon. Rehearsals are booked down in London, we work with Musical Directors WFB live, these guys do the programming. We work through tracks 1 by 1, getting all the parts locked in, then focusing on specific trigger sounds for each song, then running the set.

 You’re a Roland and Meinl artist, right? What Drums are you using at the moment and what other gear completes your set up? What Sizes are your Kit? Any companies that you love dealing with?

I am indeed, big love to both companies. They’ve both been super supportive and I feel blessed to be with these two companies. I also endorse Evans drum heads.

I’m currently playing a custom built Highwood kit I had made about 14 years ago, I’m still impressed with my younger selfs decisions size and finish wise, the kit sounds and looks badass. Sizes for the Yungblud gig include, 22x18 kick, 16x14 floor, 14x12 floor, 12x8 rack. Snare is a Sonor Benny Greb signature 13x5.75.

Roland wise on this show - I'm rocking the spd sx sample pad, kt10 kick pedal, either a bt1 trigger bar or pd8 pad, and also a kick and snare trigger.

Meinl - I am using a different range of meinl byzance cymbals which are all listed on my artist profile here...

https://meinlcymbals.com/en/artists/ben-sharp-a35447.html

All hardware and pedals are DW 9000.

 The majority of your work has shifted from studio life to a live environment. How do you keep yourself in touch with the ‘normal world’ going on around you and keep yourself healthy both physically and mentally?

I tend to live in my own little bubble whether I’m at home or away tbh. I’m a big advocate of routine when I’m home, currently in the process of trying to bring that into my life whilst I'm away too. I keep in touch with my loved ones as much as poss. FaceTime my girlfriend and dog daily! I actually recently injured myself and missed out on some epic gigs, so I learned the hard way it’s very important to look after your health on tour, I take a few supplements and do morning stretches/resistance band training (if I’m in a hotel room).
 
 You’ve performed on TV numerous times. TV gigs are often different to a more common gig, especially when broadcasting to the whole country. Do you find it a surreal experience to know that the whole country could be watching whilst you play?

Quite surreal yeah, I try not to think about it too much, haha. My first yungblud performance was the radio1 live lounge which was a big bucket list for me!
 
 What’s your favourite piece of gear you own? Are you a vintage Drum lover?

That’s a tough one man, my Benny Greb snare goes everywhere with me as my number 1, so I suppose it has to be that, but I loooove my meinls.

I enjoy vintage drums but I don’t have a large collection, I own a 60’s luddy acrolite snare which gets used at home on plenty of recordings. If I had more space, I’d probably own more drums…ha.

 
 If you had any advice for your younger self what would it be?

Just keep doing you, never stop learning, keep practising whatever it is that inspires you, and don’t burn bridges.
 
 What’s next for you? Where do you see yourself in 10 years time?

I cannot reveal all, but a beautiful family and drums will certainly be at the forefront of it.
 
 Finally, can you share a quick tip or give us a small exercise you always use?

On the road, a mixture of different stickings - singles, doubles, paradiddles, 6 stroke rolls, flam taps etc etc... rudiments man, I love em.

At home - a bunch of linear exercises whilst keeping the left foot on the quarter note.

Find Ben Online:

@bensharpdrums