Music Makers and Soul Shakers with Steve Dawson

Ep. 175 - Ken Coomer

Feb 19, 2025
Ken Coomer, the original drummer for Wilco and the last drummer for Uncle Tupelo, shares his captivating journey from Nashville's punk scene to producing major albums. He discusses his role in the defining alt-country sound and the challenges of auditioning for legendary bands. Ken humorously reflects on chaotic moments during his career, including spontaneous European tour opportunities. He also dives into his successful venture in producing Spanish artists, illustrating the unexpected turns in his musical journey.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
ANECDOTE

Ken's Punk Rock Roots

  • Ken Coomer grew his early music career in Nashville's punk and alternative scene with his band Clockhammer.
  • He was known for his massive dreadlocks and a loud, intense sound that stood out locally.
ANECDOTE

How Ken Got His Dreadlocks

  • Ken formed dreadlocks after learning from a Jamaican woman that not washing hair could create them naturally.
  • He kept them for years and received both admiration and ridicule for his distinctive appearance.
ADVICE

Session Musicians' Key Advice

  • Show up and don't be a jerk if you want to break into being a session player.
  • Confidence and the ability to hang are crucial in studio work.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app