"Take Five" Q&A with Ulysses Owens Jr.!

Q1: What's the best music gear or app purchase you've made recently?

I don’t really buy gear or apps like that, man I am honestly just trying to still learn how to play the gear I have. I will say that I just formed a relationship with RTOM, and they make “moon gels” which are helpful in tuning in the studio. I just recently acquired a bunch of them, because I am one of their artist’ now. Been producing and recording a lot lately, and I am learning how to tune the drums more effectively now for the album, not just my own personal tastes. Moongels are great, because before I was using “Gaff Tape,” which is great but moon gels give you more range and resonance options from the drums.


Q2: What's your funniest or worst gig story?

I was playing the Hollywood Bowl with Joey Alexander at the Playboy Jazz Fest. We were in the middle of digging’ into something uptempo, and I saw this bird flying near me and I got nervous, because it’s an outdoor festival. I also had on a nice pair of suede loafers, so I kept playing and looking at Joey and all of sudden I felt something warm on my shoes, and I looked at Joey, and he mouthed across the stage, “what’s wrong man?” I shouted back, “the bird just crapped on my shoe!” The whole trio started laughing and we kept making great music! Joey loves re-telling that story :)

Q3: What's one concert you've attended that has had a lasting impact on your life?

Buika, the singer transformed me. I never forget being invited to the Highline Ballroom in NYC with the artist, Abiah whom I produced and is a friend of mine. She performed with a percussionist playing Cajon, and a Flamenco Guitarist! She stood center stage for 90 minutes and just took us all through a range of beautiful emotions and never sung anything in English, but I felt I understood everything she was saying. She is one of my favorite artist’ and vocalist’ ever.

Q4: What's a specific skill/exercise/technique that has taken your playing to the next level?

Two exercises that I have been using since I started studying the drums. Practicing with Rudiments, and practicing the Jazz Ride pattern with the metronome! These two exercises never get old for me, and when I need to get things together in my playing; I just go back to those exercises. Here is a video of my regiment below.

--> Regiment Video

Q5: If you could go back in time, what advice would you give your younger self entering the music scene?

I would tell him to continue to be ambitious, but also know that what is destined for you will come to you when you are actually ready for it, not when you want it. I would also tell him to have a little more fun, and not be so serious all the time :)