Below is a transcript of an interview that I conducted with Nate Robinson, the drummer for Lecrae.
Chris Bellamy: Hi Nate how are you?
Nate Robinson: I’m great!!
CB: Thank you so much for taking time to do this interview.
NR: You’re welcome.
CB: How long have you been playing drums and when did you get your first kit?
NR: I won’t say how long, it’s starting to sound like a BIG number. Let’s just say since I was 3 years old. I got my first kit at 3. Muppet babies kit!!
CB: Have you taken any formal lessons and were you ever in marching band?
NR: I took about 2 months total of lessons, but I did get a great rudimentary education in the marching band. High school and college.
CB: How long have you been playing for Lecrae and how did you start playing with him?
NR: I’ve been playing with him for 5 years now. It was just a gift from God, through a mutual friend. It was literally just a referral and it was a perfect fit.
CB: How do you prepare each night before you take the stage?
NR: I warm up on my practice kit. I have some quiet time and I chat with God to align my ambition.
CB: How do you come up with the parts you play live?
NR: First I study the records. Then I try things. I also study the recordings of our rehearsals and YouTube clips from the shows. Then I tweak.
CB: What is your favorite song to play live with Lecrae?
NR: My favorite song to play live is Welcome to America. It’s a challenge in independent coordination.
CB: How do you balance family life with being on tour?
NR: First off, by having an amazing wife who understands and supports me. Then, I just focus on prioritizing my life. At the end of it all, my family comes first. They will be there after the music.
CB: Tell us about your kit? What kind of drums / cymbals / hardware / heads are you currently using live?
NR: I proudly play AJP custom drums and Zion cymbals. I use DW hardware and Remo heads.
CB: What’s your favorite snare?
NR: My new signature AJP snare. It’s made after the classic Ludwig that was so popular in the 50’s and 60’s. I call it the “James Brown” snare.
CB: Are you using any triggers or samples live?
NR: Yes. I trigger drum samples.
CB: Are you controlling the tracks / stems?
NR: No. It’s controlled off stage.
CB: What IEM’s are you using?
NR: I use Alclair Audio custom in-ears
CB: Do you do drum clinics or offer online lessons?
NR: I do clinics, workshops, and masterclasses. I really enjoy that. I hope to do a lot more in the near future!
CB: Do you play at a church when you’re not on the road?
NR: I do. I love it. I play in the Northpoint Church system pastored by Andy Stanley.
CB: Tell us about your ministry Get a Music Life.
NR: We are passionate about providing music education to kids who otherwise wouldn’t be afforded that opportunity. We are building this, and pray that it will outlive me.
CB: What artists are you listening to right now?
NR: I’m in the recording process now, so I don’t listen to much. I don’t want to convolute my mind. It’s funny how it works. Whatever you take in, comes out. You are what you eat.
CB: How can people follow you on social media?
NR: My instagram and twitter handle are both @116beatbreaker. My website is thebeatbreaker.com.
CB: Thanks for taking time to chat Nate. Have a great day.
NR: Thank you Chris, you too.
Willing Submission