Branndon Center: Behind the Lens | Video Content at Meinl Cymbals, Nashville's Metal Scene, Developing Groove and Feel, the Future of Music, Gardening Tomatoes

Today we welcome to the show talented drummer, videographer, and Nashville-native, Branndon Center. Starting in the warehouse at Meinl Cymbals, Branndon would soon move into the Artist Relations / Media & Content Producer role, a position he's held for over 7 years. Branndon gives us a peek 'behind the lens' into his day-to-day where he's running professional video shoots with some of the biggest names in drumming across the Meinl roster. In addition to production and drum content, we cover some really interesting topics including the future of music in the AI era and the globalization of drum education. We learn of Brandon's extensive experience in drum corps and his practice of 'un-learning' to adapt as a modern player, and his current gig as the drummer for Nashville metal group, Yugen. Branndon discusses the nuances of maintaining a balanced life amidst a high-pressure job, the challenges and opportunities in Nashville's evolving music scene and communities, and his love for gardening. We hope you enjoy!

Chapters:
0:00 Intro 
1:52 Welcome, Branndon! 
3:06 Video Production for Meinl Cymbals 
22:51 Drum Box (Sponsor) 
23:33 The Overhead Shot, Drum Content & Social Media 
28:10 The Future of Music and AI 
34:50 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor) 
35:32 Branndon's Upbringing 
41:43 High School Band Experience 
48:04 College and Drum Corps 
50:08 Developing Groove and Feel 
1:02:49 Groove MPL (Sponsor) 
1:04:02 Joining Yugen and Nashville's Metal Scene 
1:11:12 Drum Supply (Sponsor) 
1:12:12 Nashville's Venues, Changing Landscape 
1:28:50 Sonique Drums (Sponsor) 
1:29:30 Gardening and Tomato Season 
1:32:58 Favorite Food and Coffee Spots in Nashville 
1:38:41 Outro

Thank you to our Episode Sponsors:

Drum Box
https://drumbox.space

Drum Supply
https://www.drumsupply.com

Low Boy Beaters
https://lowboybeaters.com

Groove MPL
https://www.groovempl.com

Sonique Drums
https://soniquedrums.com


Connect with Branndon:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branndoncenter

Music Featured in this Episode:
"STAY" - Yugen
"PAN" - Yugen

------
Interview by: Dan Ainspan, Nathan Sletner
Recorded April 2025 in Nashville, TN

Chapters

• 0:00 Intro
• 1:52 Welcome, Branndon!
• 3:06 Video Production for Meinl Cymbals
• 22:51 Drum Box (Sponsor)
• 23:33 The Overhead Shot, Drum Content & Social Media
• 28:10 The Future of Music and AI
• 34:50 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor)
• 35:32 Branndon's Upbringing
• 41:43 High School Band Experience
• 48:04 College and Drum Corps
• 50:08 Developing Groove and Feel
• 1:02:49 Groove MPL (Sponsor)
• 1:04:02 Joining Yugen and Nashville's Metal Scene
• 1:11:12 Drum Supply (Sponsor)
• 1:12:12 Nashville's Venues, Changing Landscape
• 1:28:50 Sonique Drums (Sponsor)
• 1:29:30 Gardening and Tomato Season
• 1:32:58 Favorite Food and Coffee Spots in Nashville
• 1:38:41 Outro