Trevor Lawrence Jr.: I ask all my guests this—everybody has a different take. You’re already deep into electronics, producing, writing… how do you feel about AI these days? J-Rod Sullivan: I use it. I understand both sides, but for me it’s a tool. I don’t agree with creating full songs and just releasing them without human input. But using AI for inspiration, workflow, or getting past writer’s block—I think that’s valid. Trevor: Let’s go back. You started posting drum covers around 2006, and now you’re touring with artists like Janet Jackson. What was the biggest mental shift? J-Rod: Looking back now, everything I was doing prepared me—even when I didn’t realize it. I was buying gear, learning things without a specific opportunity in front of me. Then when the opportunity came, I was ready. The biggest shift now is executing live. Retaining information, switching patches, knowing your gear, being professional—it’s putting everything into action. Trevor: And now the tech demands are higher than ever. J-Rod: Exactly. You’re not just playing anymore. You’re managing triggers, patches, transitions—everything. It requires serious mental focus. On a gig like Janet, you can’t drift mentally. If you lose focus for even a second, you miss something. Trevor: So troubleshooting becomes part of the job. J-Rod: Absolutely. You have to know how to fix problems under pressure. If something goes wrong, I’d rather be the one responsible because I understand it. Drummers today need to know their tech just as much as their playing. Trevor: Let’s talk about your journey. You were one of the early drummers to grow on social media and transition into real industry work. J-Rod: Yeah, my goal was never to be a content creator. I just wanted to get noticed and create opportunities. I did some trendy content, but I always focused on musicianship. I wanted respect from my peers. My mindset was: if I stay musical, the right people will hear it. Trevor: That led into your brand—Got Pocket. J-Rod: That came from a fan asking if I had merch. I didn’t. So I created something universal that musicians could connect with. “Pocket pays the bills”—that idea stuck with me. It became the foundation of the brand. Trevor: Your band Four Corners has a strong identity too. J-Rod: That’s Clarence’s vision. The influence is Dave Weckl and the Chick Corea Electric Band, but we blend that with gospel and R&B roots. We rehearsed every week for years. That’s where I really developed my sound—just experimenting and growing. Trevor: Let’s talk about the road. How do you stay healthy? J-Rod: If I can’t work out, I lock in my diet—lean foods, no carbs, water, fruits, vegetables. If I don’t stay disciplined, I feel it immediately in my playing. Energy, stamina—it all connects. Trevor: Content creation—you’re consistent even on tour. J-Rod: I keep it simple. iPhone, good angle, decent lighting. Sometimes I use an iRig for audio, sometimes just the phone. Editing is all CapCut now. It’s fast and efficient. Trevor: Where do you see the next five years? J-Rod: More education. I just launched a drum course, and the response has been incredible. I want to keep touring, building my brand, but also give back—teach what I’ve learned. Trevor: That’s powerful. Man, thank you for coming through. J-Rod: Appreciate you having me.