Donnie Marple: Drum-Off Champion, Drum Solo Mastery, On Tour w/ Lee Brice, Staying Present, Family & Personal Growth

Welcome Keyser, West Virginia native Donnie Marple! Donnie is best known as the full-time drummer for American country music singer and songwriter Lee Brice. He’s also the 2007 Champion of the storied Guitar Center Drum-Off.

Starting from his early love for drumming inspired by his musical family and church, Donnie describes his rise through the competitive ranks, from local area competitions to competing nationally in the Guitar Center Drum-Off and eventually performing a solo at the prestigious Buddy Rich Memorial Concert - where he would share the stage with legends like Neil Peart and Chad Smith. Donnie discusses the evolution of his career with Lee Brice, his continual efforts to improve, and his experience balancing fatherhood with a demanding touring schedule. He also reflects on his passion for golf and reading, and offers insights into overcoming overthinking and focusing on mental health. The episode wraps as Donnie emphasizes the importance of humility, gratitude, and balancing professional success with personal fulfillment. We hope you enjoy!

Chapters:
0:00 Intro
2:08 Welcome, Donnie! 
3:42 Lee Brice Audition 
18:50 Mental Health and Overcoming Challenges 
28:53 Golf and Drumming: Finding Balance 
31:55 Learning from Other Drummers 
37:14 Drum Box (Sponsor) 
37:57 Early Beginnings 
43:36 Guitar Center Drum-Off 
57:19 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor) 
58:38 Buddy Rich Memorial Concert 
1:07:10 Reflecting & Inspiring the Next Generation 
1:10:35 Drum Supply (Sponsor) 
1:18:08 Gear Talk and Endorsements 
1:24:31 Sonique Drums (Sponsor) 
1:28:43 Balancing Family and Career 
1:30:50 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 Donnie:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donnie_marple
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/donniemarple
Website: https://donniemarple.com

Music Featured in this Episode:
"Soul" - Lee Brice
"Rumor" - Lee Brice

Chapters

• 0:00 Intro
• 2:08 Welcome, Donnie!
• 3:42 Lee Brice Audition
• 18:50 Mental Health and Overcoming Challenges
• 28:53 Golf and Drumming: Finding Balance
• 31:55 Learning from Other Drummers
• 37:14 Drum Box (Sponsor)
• 37:57 Early Beginnings
• 43:36 Guitar Center Drum-Off
• 57:19 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor)
• 58:38 Buddy Rich Memorial Concert
• 1:07:10 Reflecting & Inspiring the Next Generation
• 1:10:35 Drum Supply (Sponsor)
• 1:18:08 Gear Talk and Endorsements
• 1:24:31 Sonique Drums (Sponsor)
• 1:28:43 Balancing Family and Career
• 1:30:50 Outro