Trevor Lawrence Jr.: We want to know about how to manipulate sound of the drums, man. And it's like, when you don't do that or you don't have that kind of philosophy, it just becomes... Welcome back to the TrevBeats Show. Today we have a true rhythmic architect in the building. This man's groove is undeniable. His pocket is legendary, and his signature style bridges the gap between raw hip-hop breakbeats and stadium-shaking rock and roll. From laying down the pulse for Jack White to producing incredible records on his own imprint, Rusic Records — he is a true student and master of the game. Welcome the one and only Daru Jones. Daru Jones: My brother, how’s it going? It’s an honor, man. Thank you. Trevor: You’ve been so visible across genres and inspiring so many people—not just through drums, but your full artistic presentation. Your fashion, your setup, your whole identity—it’s consistent and authentic. Daru: Thank you. I want to give a shout out to hip-hop. That’s been the architect of my journey. Trevor: You took that and morphed it into something futuristic but still rooted. And crossing genres—that’s the real test. Daru: I was inspired by cats like Steve Gadd and Vinnie. What stood out was they weren’t stuck in one genre—they had identity no matter where they played. [SECTION: DRUM SETUP ORIGIN] Trevor: Let’s talk about your setup. I heard you used to play a “regular” kit? Daru: Yeah—this evolution really started around 2005–2006 when I began working with Slum Village. I was inspired by standard kits at first, but also by drummers experimenting—Peter Erskine, Jack DeJohnette. I tried different setups in church. Then I saw Questlove. That changed everything. Trevor: Right—minimal kit. Daru: Exactly. He was emulating breakbeats. So I downsized. But in hip-hop culture—don’t bite. So I said: how do I make this mine? That’s when I started experimenting with angles, inspired by marching drums and traditional grip. I sloped the drums—and had to relearn how to play. [SECTION: SOUND & TONE] Trevor: You were also one of the first pushing tone correctly for hip-hop live. Daru: That came from producing. I was in studios young, learning samplers, watching engineers. We were using tape, cloth—anything to shape sound. Now companies sell those tools, but we were experimenting. Trevor: And the cheat code? Daru: Dynamics. You don’t have to hit hard. [SECTION: FEEL & TIMING] Trevor: Your time feel—this push/pull thing—where did that come from? Daru: You are what you eat. I listened to Dilla, Premier, Pete Rock. That feel just comes out. It’s not calculated—it’s felt. Trevor: Exactly. People try to analyze it too much. It’s not math—it’s instinct. [SECTION: JACK WHITE / SNL MOMENT] Trevor: Then you switch into rock—and that SNL performance… Daru: That came from being present. Jack gave us freedom. We were creating in real time. That moment—people from everywhere were reaching out. It was surreal. [SECTION: GEAR & BRANDING] Daru: I’ve got signature kits with PDP—the New Yorker series. Also cymbals with Paiste, sticks with Ahead, a sub mic with Solomon, and collaborations like Junk Hat. Branding has always been intentional for me. [SECTION: STUDIO APPROACH] Trevor: How do you approach sessions? Daru: It depends. Sometimes I trust the engineer. Other times I guide. But I always try to make their job easier—play in a way that mixes well. [SECTION: AI DISCUSSION] Trevor: Let’s talk AI. Daru: It’s bittersweet. I love stems and hybrid possibilities—but some soul is lost. Things feel too perfect. Trevor: I look at it as workflow enhancement—not replacement. Daru: Exactly. It’s how you use it. [SECTION: CLOSING THOUGHTS] Trevor: You’ve been pushing the culture forward, man. Daru: It’s about reinvention. Taking inspiration but finding your own voice. I’ve always gone against the grain. Trevor: That’s what keeps you here. Daru: Exactly. Trevor (Outro): Once again—Daru Jones on the TrevBeats Show. Go be great.