Women who drum: Lauren Hess of Agent Ribbons

[the_future_modernes]

West Coast Women: An Exclusive Interview with Drummer Lauren Hess of Agent Ribbons (Sacramento, CA)

Sweet and inspiring, Lauren, 27, took some time out to chat with Tom Tom Mag about accentual drumming, “the Meg White effect” and her first drum set (“Shitty Shitty Bang Bang”) via e-mail:

Tell me a little bit about your drumming history. Didn’t you start out playing guitar in a different band? Why did you decide to pick up the drums?
Yes, I started out playing guitar when I was 12 and played guitar and bass in a few bands before Agent Ribbons. I bought a drum set from my high school band-mate Jennifer around 2000 and only played it occasionally because of space constraints. It was nicknamed “Shitty Shitty Bang Bang” and I still have a few of the pieces in my parents’ garage. I had them set up in my living room when Natalie came over and noticed the set. She asked me if I played them and I told her I most certainly did, even though I barely played at that time. But, in typical Lauren fashion, I just jumped right in without over-thinking the scenario and began playing that week!

What do you love best about the drums?
To me, drums are heavy and calculated, which are two very appealing sensibilities. I love the deep resonance drums provide as a musical instrument. The tiny bit of OCD I have is math and pattern-related, so drums fit right in with that!

You have the cutest drum set, by the way. Explain your “kit aesthetic.” (What kind of kit do you use, etc.)
Thank you! The kit is a vintage Ludwig, I don’t know much more technical info than that! The snare is a borrowed metal one because I somehow lost my other nice piccolo snare in San Francisco. The pattern on the drums reminds me of the Tiger Eye stone, all brown and gold swirl. On the kick drum, Natalie and I glued a piece of light blue lace on the front, which is now ripping and looks pretty haggard!

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