Stephen O’ Brien – Drummer with DECCA Artist Brian Deady

Stephen O’ Brien has rapidly become one of Irelands most in demand drummers. He plays on a full time basis with DECCA Artist Brian Deady, he regularly performs with Voiceworks Studio (Vocal Tuition Centre) as part of their house band, Wedding band The Stars, Soul Driven, Ian O’ Doherty and was the drummer for well known original funk outfit Jericho + many more.

He has played at many of Ireland’s leading music festivals including Electric Picnic, Longitude, Forbidden Fruit Festival, Body and Soul and Mitchelstown Indiependence and has played support to Chic, The Rubber Bandits, Billy Ocean, Omar, José James, Beardyman and Ham Sandwich to name a few. Steve has also shared the stage with Artists such as Kendrick Lamar, The Lumineers, Kodaline, Picture This and Walking On Cars. Steve has played on many national radio stations including RTE Radio 1, NewsTalk, 2 FM, Today FM, Red FM and 96 FM and has made TV appearances including RTE’s The Late Late Show. He is due to tour Europe with BRIAN DEADY in 2017, one of the dates being the well known Eurosonic Noorderslag festival.

Who are your drumming influences?
My drumming Influences include , JR Robinson, James Gadson, Benny Greb, Chris Dave, Ash Soan and Chris Coleman to name a few. But all drummers influence me to be honest, these guys named had the biggest impact on me though.

What drum gear do you prefer?
My Gear, Sticks are Vic Firth Steve Jordan signature stick, Cymbals are and always have been Meinl, mostly the Byzance series, Drumheads are Evans, different variations. Kick Pedal, DW 9000XF single pedal. Mixed bag of hardware. Drums mixed, Vintage REMO kickdrum 20×14, 2 snares 14×6.5 Yamaha Stage Custom and 14×7 Pearl Masters Custom Extra Maple snare. Gretsch toms 10×8 rack and 14×14 floor. Electronics, Roland SPD-SX and RT30 triggers.