Thomas Pridgen is a firebrand, and a controversial figure. He speaks his mind, and doesn’t sugarcoat or apologize for his opinions. He speaks like he plays, and it’s no mystery why he’s cut a path that’s hewed closely to those of his peers, but which is distinct and individual. If it takes gumption to walk at 90 degrees to the road everybody else takes, it takes real gumption to walk the road at 15 degrees.
Throughout my conversation with Thomas, you’ll hear me digging for that motivation - how important is it to differentiate yourself, how do you chart a creative path and take influence from others without “copying them”. How do you manifest the discipline necessary to become world-class on this instrument, and still have a rebellious, whimsical personality. (Answer, as nearly as I can calculate - be fueled by something.)
Thomas is also not shy in his opinions about today’s “online” culture of drums. It’s sometimes difficult to figure out where people draw the line: is it ok to have an instagram if you also play gigs in real life? What if you mostly make videos but your heart is only 15% “clout-chasey”, and 85% pure? Our mutual lack of fear at digging in our heels about our roles fueled maybe the most interesting exchange I’ve ever had with a guest - one in which I tee up the opportunity to take me down as an avatar for that “online drumming”, and Thomas declines acerbically, saying “I wouldn’t tell you anything.”
But what’s impressive about Thomas is his lack of desire to impress. In any situation, social or musical, you’re going to get the same Thomas - one who doesn’t pull punches, isn’t afraid to push his technically impressive playing to the breaking point for a musical goal, and relishes being in “deep water”, as he was in the Zildjian Live, in which he was learning the music on-the-fly.
Bottom line - Thomas is maybe the best muse I’ve yet encountered. Most useful person to picture if I’m feeling “meh” about practicing. When he looks you dead in the eye and says “I always needed to make sure noone could f@#$ with me on these drums”, you start thinking “am I really giving this my all?”
I wager you’ll feel the same way after listening to this interview.