An Interview with Richie Martinez of Arch Echo
Residing in Nashville, TN, drummer Richie Martinez weaves technical mastery together with tasteful musical sensibilities to back the progressive metal outfit, Arch Echo. Richie took time out of the practice room and recording studio to answer some questions about his musical past, staying sharp during the pandemic, and getting back into the swing of touring.
BDL: How long have you been playing the drums?
RM: I started playing drums as a toddler.
BDL: What motivated you to first start drumming?
RM: Listening to music with my parents, and watching my dad play drums.
BDL: Who were some of your early influences, musical or otherwise?
RM: My earliest musical influences were Christian rock bands, and drummers like Dave Weckl, Vinnie Colaiuta, and Jojo Mayer.
BDL: Who are some of your more recent influences?
RM: My more recent influences are non musical. I am inspired by athletes like Messi, Stephen Thompson, and Israel Adesanya.
BDL: Aside from playing music, what are some of your other interests or hobbies?
RM: Hobbies include MMA training, soccer, game night with friends/family, watching tons of YouTube, and hanging out with my wife and daughters.
BDL: How would you describe your drumming style?
RM: If I had to describe my style, which I’m typically hesitant to do, I’d like to think that it’s calculated and purposeful.
BDL: Are there any concepts or styles you feel are a weak point in your drumming?
RM: I have countless weak points. Double bass is one of them.
BDL: What do you feel are some commonly overlooked elements or aspects of playing the drums?
RM: In my experience, a mass amount of drum set players do not educate themselves in proper technique, or spend serious time fixing technical errors. This extends to rudiments. Drummers learn singles, doubles, and paradiddles and then go back to playing their favorite songs in their practice room. I believe it was Jojo Mayer who said something along the lines of, “if you sound good in the practice room, you’re not practicing.” Be more purposeful in your development. Jamming is crucial, but not the only aspect of drumming.
BDL: What does a typical day on tour look like? (If such a thing exists)
RM: A solid day on tour involves arriving to the venue on time, grabbing some coffee, getting a workout in, teaching a class, doing something goofy in soundcheck, and then smashing some drums during the set.
BDL: Covid has essentially decimated the live music industry this past year. How have you kept your mind and body in good drumming condition over the course of the pandemic?
RM: During the event of 2020, I spent a lot of time with my family. Learned new skills, stayed active, and gave drumming an opportunity to breathe. This allowed me to keep from going crazy. Lots of family time and praying for patience was needed.
BDL: Describe the weirdest experience you've had on a gig.
RM: So far, I haven’t really had any weird experiences but I’ve had some lame things happen like having an asthma attack on the day of a gig and having to go to a hospital, twice.
BDL: If you had to eat one of your cymbals, which one and why?
RM: I’d eat my stack because it’s delicious, and spicy, and crunchy, and delicious, and delicious.
BDL: What are some of your personal and/or professional goals over the next few years?
RM: My goals are to raise a God honoring, and wise family.
BDL: Is there anything you'd like to see more of in the drumming community?
RM: I’d love to see drummers spending time working on their craft the same way world class athletes do. Too many drummers want the easy route to success, and that’s a recipe for disaster. I’d also love to see drummers be more honest with themselves. If you lack facility, don’t make excuses about just being a “pocket drummer”, and if you can’t groove, stop chopping out. Balance is crucial, and being real with yourself is even more crucial. Push the boundaries, inspire and be inspired, stay humble, have fun, and don’t forget to have fun. Also, have fun.
BDL: Do you have any rituals you perform before hitting the stage?
RM: Shadowboxing is my warm up. It’s my weird quirk, and it gets me loose.
BDL: If you were battling a physically identical but evil android version of yourself on top of a skyscraper during a thunderstorm and I miraculously intervened, how would I know which one to shoot?
RM: The real me would say, “paradiddles are overrated, also check this out,” and follow that up by throwing a wheel kick, into a sidekick, into a faked low kick, into a Superman punch.
BDL: Did you ever have a typical "day job?" What was it?
RM: I’ve worked at a soccer goods store, done mill work with my dad, waited tables, and taught at music schools. Do what you need to do to pay the bills. If it comes by doing music, cool, if it doesn’t, cool. Money burns away. Enjoy the journey and stay focused on your goals.
BDL: What's your favorite meal or thing to eat?
RM: I love pupusas. I’m happy when I eat pupusas.
BDL: Any general advice you'd like to give to beginner drummers or someone looking to get started?
RM: My advice for beginner drummers is simple: have fun, study the fundamentals, and never forget where you came from.
BDL: Any general advice you'd like to give to someone looking to pursue a career in music?
RM: My advice for anyone looking to pursue a career in music is simple: have fun, be good, remember that people will fail you, as you will fail them, be your hardest critic, stop focusing on motivation and start being disciplined, and never forget where you came from.
BDL: Where can your fans connect with you and find your music?
RM: @richiethedrummer on Instagram, YouTube channel, @archechoband on Instagram
Richie proudly endorses Meinl Cymbals, Mapex Drums, Drumdots, ProMark Sticks, Evans Drumheads, and 64 Audio
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