On tour with Franklin Vanderbilt

A Lenny Kravitz tour day, hosted by his drummer

September 09, 2009 | area: Amsterdam NL | source: Drummerszone.com | © musicpublishers.nl / drummerszone.com
tinyDZ: tinydz.com/n7304

Chicago born drummer Franklin Vanderbilt has a reputation of having the groove down as it is his second nature. Having played with Chaka Khan, Stevie Wonder and guitarist Richie Kotzen, since 2006 he is the drummer in Lenny Kravitz\' band. During the Let Love Rule Anniversary Tour, Drummerszone.com hooked up with the artist in Amsterdam on the day of their show in the Westerpark on July 4. Hosted by Franklin himself, you will find ten videos with insightful interviews, backstage footage, Franklin presenting his gear, live footage and much more of what you will seldom see of artists on the highest level in the industry. Prepare yourself for one of the most extensive video articles on Drummerszone.com, about and hosted by Lenny Kravitz\' drummer Franklin Vanderbilt.

click all images (17)

\"There is art in mistakes as well\"
-- Franklin Vanderbilt

Royalprince
Meeting Royalprince Franklin Vanderbilt is a special moment. With his 6,5ft in length, his personality is even bigger and more taking then his height. The drummer is truly grateful and thankful for what he has achieved so far and has learning as one of his primary goals - as well in music as in life. In the videos you will learn what it takes to be a member of one of the biggest music shows in the world. Not only will you see Franklin talking about drums and music, but also about his philosophy on music and how he maintains his level of professionality whilst his perspective remains: \"It�s all about fun and staying relaxed.\" Spending a day with Franklin proves this all. It is fun to spend time with him. Better yet, it is serious fun, without Franklin losing his perspective. The videos will show all sides of this soulful artist.

The LOCK-theory
During his years as a musician Franklin developed a concept that is just as impressive as it is simple: the LOCK-theory. It explains how to keep yourself focussed in music, and how to evolve musically. In short, his theory looks like this, in the second video below he explains it in detail.

Franklin Vanderbilt�s LOCK Theory

Listening

Observing

Control

Knowledge

The videos
Besides Franklin, you will see backstage footage, deeper interviews with Franklin out on the field, where later that day, 17,000 people will see him performing with the band. Franklin talks about everything. He is an open minded person and there is no topic he refuses to talk about. Even live footage is included in the last video in the menu. We have created an index of the videos to show you what the different episodes include.

Part I: Franklin on playing with Lenny
Franklin talks about how he got the job with Lenny and about \'making the groove\'

Part II: The LOCK Theory

Part III: Tim Doyle, the drum tech
Meet Tim Doyle \"the best of the best,\" according to Franklin. A video with uncensored fun!

Part IV: Keeping up the skills
Learn Franklin\'s perspective on improving yourself.

Part V: \"Hear the Meat\"
Franklin presenting and demonstrating his gear

Part VI: Out on the field
Deeper interviews with Franklin while walking out on the field. Franklin takes us to the front, introduces the sound guys and shows us more fun!

Part VII: The life backstage
See how professional, but relaxed and social the Kravitz Crew is.

Part VIII: ... and then.... there\'s Lenny
Franklin talks about his time with Stevie Wonder, his influences and gets interrupted by the major artist himself.

Part IX: \"Continue to push and evolve\"
Learn how to evolve from the master...

Part X: The live footage
Some edits of Franklin during the concert. Notice his laid back playing and his background vocals. Needless to say the concert was sold out and the audience was crazy for Lenny and the band.

Watch the videos below and get to know Franklin Vanderbilt closely. A unique personality and artist like no other.

video player

Photo albums
Besides the images with this article, there are also complete photo albums of Franklin and Lenny Kravitz.
� Click here for Franklin\'s photo album of the concert
� Click here for Lenny Kravitz\' photo album

Franklin Vanderbilt plays:

Paiste Cymbals

Ludwig Drums

Vic Firth drumsticks

Roland V-drums

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