PERCUSSION
BY MARK SHELTON
INTERVIEW WITH TODD BRAGG
After I moved to Houston to finish school,
Many of the instruments make sounds inspired
I began playing drums at Second Baptist
by digital samples and I search out ways to
where I met Cliff Young, who was starting
create those organically. For example, bells
Caedmon’s Call. I played drum kit with
and metal objects that have a long sustain can
Caedmon’s for 18 years along with Garett
simulate a modular synth sound. Bass drums,
Buell on percussion. We approached the
various shakers, and caxixis when played
songs in Caedmon’s as if there was just
together become my version of a filtered drum
one rhythm part that was needed instead
kit loop. At least, that’s what is in my head.
of a drum kit part with a percussion part on
top. It sounds simple, but this expanded the
WM: What goes into creating your percussion
way that I thought about drums as well as
parts in Crowder?
providing a platform to explore ideas.
TODD: There is usually an overall tone or theme
WM: Your arsenal of instruments is quite
that we are trying to articulate musically. The
eclectic. What influences your choices?
“front porch/bluegrass” influence with Crowder
makes me think of folks getting together and
With a taste for exotic instruments, an
enthusiastic spirit, and an appropriate beard,
Todd Bragg seems born for his role as
percussionist with Crowder.
TODD: I really enjoy finding interesting
making music with whatever instruments they
sounds and modifying my instruments. I love
have or can find and just having fun! It’s very
to restore vintage drums and experiment
celebratory, not polished or perfect, just simple
with old or broken instruments. The idea of
and relational. I hit the antique stores, garage
bringing something back to life is a practical or
sales, and vintage music shops to build up a
tangible way to live out redemption. That is so
library of sounds--which explains my old metal
inspiring to me!
gas can “drum!”
The guest lineup for the recent Gateway Men’s
Summit included Crowder leading worship in
a midday slot. Inbetween my duties playing
percussion with Gateway Worship at that
event, I had the pleasure of meeting Todd and
setting up this short interview.
WORSHIP MUSICIAN: What’s the Todd
Bragg percussion story?
TODD BRAGG: I started playing drums when
I was six years old on a toy drum set with paper
heads. My first real drum set came a few years
later. I began to get serious about playing when
I was around 13 and started taking private
lessons. Playing in an orchestral setting at
church taught me to think more musically as a
whole and not only about the drums. In college,
I took some percussion classes and played in
the jazz ensemble. My degree in drafting and
design led me to designing furniture for a few
years before going into music full time.
40
Jul Aug 2016
WorshipMusician.com