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All Things Adam Deitch: One of America's Most Intriguing Drummers April 9, 2021 12:08
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Interview by Jordan Kirkland: Live & Listen
Photo by Dakota James Photography
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Believe it or not, we have now passed the one year anniversary of the entire world being put on pause. In March of 2020, life as we know it changed in a way that we never could have expected. As cases of COVID-19 began to sweep across America, we were suddenly given strict orders to stay at home and avoid public interaction at all costs.
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While so many industries were seriously affected from this very moment, none felt the wrath of this global pandemic more than the world of live music. When you're expected to avoid crowds and maintain a six foot distance from others at all times, concerts are nearly impossible. Music venues, bars, and restaurants were the first to be shut down, and many are still waiting to reopen their doors a year later.
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As we look on the past year, we're catching up with a number of our favorite musicians to learn more about their COVID journey. I've been a fan of both Lettuce and Break Science for at least a decade now, so it was only fitting to find a way to include virtuoso drummer Adam Deitch in this interview series. Check out the full conversation below, and make sure to follow both bands on Facebook and Instagram for all of their latest updates in 2021.
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Let's kick this off with some general background info. What initially led you towards the drum kit?
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Adam: The drum thing started because my great uncle, my father's uncle, was a big band drummer in the 30s and 40s. He played with a bunch of big bands, and he had his own gig, where he wrote and arranged all of the music for his group in New York City. He was the first drummer in my family. He inspired my dad to be a drummer. My dad went to Berklee College of Music, where he met my mom, and then they had me. That's where the drummer thing comes from.
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Very cool. So, both of your parents went to Berklee?
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Adam: Both of them went to Berklee, and they met there. They're both professional drummers, teachers, and college professors.
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Wow. That's so cool. I knew a little bit about your Dad, but I didn't realize your Mom was also a drummer. Sounds like you were thrown into it early on.
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Adam: Oh yeah. From two years old and on, it was just drum sets and having fun on the kit.
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That's amazing. So, I'm guessing once you got a little older and into your teenage years, you were on the fast track towards pursuing this as a career.
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Adam: Yeah. First, I was sitting in with their band. My dad also plays the keyboards, so they could be in a group together. They were a duo, and they played all over the tri-state area. I would sit in with them on percussion, and then later, drums. Then I was eventually old enough to play with people my own age and even older people. I was in a bunch of bands from elementary school all the way up to high school. I met the Lettuce guys when I was 16 at a summer thing at Berklee. That's really when the band started.
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Gotcha. So, I was recently listening to Eric Krasno's podcast with Joe Russo. He mentioned that you guys had the same teacher at some point as teenagers. Can you elaborate on that?
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Adam: Yep. Once I was 13 or 14, my parents couldn't really teach me anymore. I was getting headstrong, and I needed to learn outside of the house, you know? Frank was my first teacher. I had been with him for a year or two, and one day, Joe is there. We had never met, and we were both 13 or 14 years old. Our teacher felt like we should know each other, so we played a little for each other that day, and we've been friends ever since.
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That's such a cool thing that you linked up at such a young age, and here you both are leading the way so many years later.
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Adam: Thanks so much man. We've always inspired each other. I'm a big fan of his. He comes from this John Bonham type of place. He loves those big, open drums. Then he made his way into the Grateful Dead world and brought some of that raw, Bonham power into the Dead thing. That's why they're so big now. He puts that extra amount of electricity into it. In a way, he added a lot to that song book. I love Joe. He's been a great friend for a long time.
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You're absolutely right about that. You mentioned getting linked up with the other Lettuce guys when you were 16. Tell me about that project coming to life.
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Adam: At age 16, we were all unsure what we were going to do. We all really helped each other. Through that, it's the basis of our bond both as human beings and musicians. Being each other's cheerleaders and supporters. We started playing as a five piece: me, Kraz, Schmeens, Zoidis, and Jesus. It just felt right. Kraz had the background in music business. He was able to get us some dorm gigs. Then some more gigs followed. The band started getting some exposure and playing around.
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Kraz joined Soulive, and the rest of us started doing freelance work for other artists. After a while, Kraz started having Lettuce open up for Soulive, which is why Soulive is so important to the Lettuce legacy. You know what I mean?
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Absolutely. That makes sense, because I was always curious about Lettuce's early years. I knew you guys got started in the early 90s, but Krasno was super active with Soulive during that time as well. It wasn't until a little later on that I was hearing as much about Lettuce. What was the band's activity level like during those early years?
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Adam: It was very minimal. We would do a few college gigs here and there. Little things like that. It was pretty minimal. It wasn't until probably 2003 or 2004 that we were like, "Wait a minute. This is a serious thing. We need to really regroup and do this." That's basically how it went down.
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Very cool. You mentioned doing some freelance work for other artists early on. Can you elaborate on that?
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Adam: My first big tour was The Average White Band. They're a very famous funk band from the 70s. They brought me around the world. I toured with them for three years. I got to open up for Earth, Wind, & Fire, Ohio Players, Stevie Wonder, Chaka Kahn, to name a few. That was a huge learning experience. From there, Kraz recommended me for John Scofield's band. He set up a dinner, and Sco wanted a drummer to take on tour. Kind of following the path of what he did with Medeski, Marin, & Wood and with Soulive. That's really where my career started to bubble.
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I can imagine. What an incredible gig. I had forgotten that you toured with Scofield.
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Adam: Yeah man. I did three years and three records with him, and we got nominated for a Grammy on the first record. It was a life changer.
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Wow. What an experience. At what point did you link up with Pretty Lights? Did that lead to the formation of Break Science?
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Adam: Break Science was going on first. Actually, it was probably around the same time. We both started around 2007-2008. Derek (Pretty Lights) and I had some mutual friends who recommended me for his thing. I thought it would be a good way for Break Science to link up with him. It all worked out, and we became his live band. We were one of the few live bands in that EDM world. That was a major thing, and it also introduced Lettuce to a whole new generation of people that had never heard of us.
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That makes sense. And this was around 2008-2009?
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Adam: It was probably 2010 when this went down.
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Gotcha. I vividly remember all of this happening as I was finishing college.
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Adam: Yeah...by the time I was playing with him in 2010-2011, he was playing really big places. It was an experience that really helped out everything I was doing in life.
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I can imagine. Well one of the main things I wanted to cover in this interview was the experience of this past year. As a professional musician, I know your life was turned upside down as the reality of a global pandemic set in last year. I was curious to know where you were when this happened, and how you and your bandmates have managed to make it through to this point.
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Adam: We were in Europe. We had just done the best tour ever. We'd been all over Europe in the tour bus. I knew when we had to skip Italy that this shit was serious. Then Trump imposed the ban on returning to the U.S., and we had to get back before it was official. We got back just in time, and then all of us just stopped in our tracks. We had to figure out what to do with our time. For me, it was just write, create Lettuce tunes, create Break Science songs, and just have an output of creativity, you know?
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Over the course of the last year, is writing what you would credit towards keeping you inspired and sane throughout the last year?
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Adam: Absolutely. The only reason I didn't lose by gourd is because I was writing almost every day. That's what kept me going, and that's what will keep me going until I'm back on the road.
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I saw that both Lettuce and Break Science recently played their first shows in quite some time, right?
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Adam: Yeah man. Lettuce and Break Science both played Cervantes in Denver just a few weeks ago. With Lettuce, we spent five days in the studio recording all of the new songs, then we streamed two shows from Cervantes. Then, a week later, I had two more shows with Break Science.
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Man...I'm sure those were an exciting couple of weeks.
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Adam: Oh yeah. I definitely cried happy tears. Absolutely.
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And we can expect a new Lettuce album coming up at some point?
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Adam: Yeah, we recorded a bunch of tunes. We're feeling really good about it. It's our best work yet. It still has to be mixed. We'll probably get back in to do that in April. Then it will be mastered. We'll get it out after that.
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What can people expect from you guys moving forward this year?
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Adam: We just got our first festival gig at Suwannee Rising. He's got this great, socially distanced thing out there. I believe it's in early April. We have some other things coming in, and if management feels that they are doing it correctly with proper distancing, then we will do it. If not, we'll pass and wait for the next opportunity.
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Absolutely. I'm sure it's exciting to have some gigs on the horizon. I know the fans share in that sentiment. Y'all's music brings so much joy and happiness to so many people. It will be worth the wait. I appreciate you taking some time to chat with me. I'll be looking forward to the next opportunity to see both Lettuce and Break Science.
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Adam: I appreciate you saying that. Thanks for doing this Jordan!
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SweetWater 420 Fest Releases Final Lineup For 2017 January 18, 2017 20:07
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SweetWater 420 Festival has added 30+ performers to it's already stacked lineup, and fans of the jam scene have every reason to rejoice. Joining previously announced headliners Trey Anastasio, Widespread Panic, Ween, Slightly Stoopid, and Dirty Heads will be moe., Talib Kweli, Dopapod, Twiddle, Jackie Greene, Anders Osborne, The Werks, Break Science, SunSquabi, The Hip Abduction, Stop Light Observations, BIG Something, CBDB, Funk You, Voodoo Visionary, and many others. Previously announced performers include Dark Star Orchestra, Anders Osborne, Lettuce, The festival also unveiled a comedy lineup that includes former SNL cast member Jon Rudnitsky as well as Jake Nordwind, Joe Pettis and others.
Headliners Widespread Panic will perform two nights of the festival for a total of four sets throughout the weekend, while Anastasio will perform two sets with his solo band. Sweetwater 420 Fest will kick off April 21-23 in Atlanta’s Centennial Olympic Park. Tickets can be purchased by clicking here.
Watch the official 2017 lineup announcement video here:
Fool's Paradise Announces 2017 Lineup January 17, 2017 12:33
Photo by Keith Griner: Phierce Photo by Keith G
On March 31 & April 1, Lettuce, Purple Hat Productions, Live for Live Music, andSilver Wrapper will host the 2nd annual Fool’s Paradise, a funk-fueled destination event taking place in the heart of one of America's most historic cities: St. Augustine, Fla. Returning to the St. Augustine Amphitheatre, the two-day extravaganza will feature two explosive sets from New York funk masters Lettuce, along with premier Grateful Dead tribute band Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, electro-funk duo The Floozies, a special Manic Science set featuring Manic Focus & Break Science, contemporary funk ragers The Main Squeeze, LA-based groove masters Organ Freeman, and Dead & Company bassist Oteil Burbridge as an Artist at Large. Additional special guests will be announced soon, and several cross-collaborations amongst bands are to be expected.
With music as the main attraction, Fool’s Paradise is a premier destination event like no other. For two days under the Florida sun, there will be genre-bending music, artist-led excursions, and plenty of time for nautical activities just steps away from the ocean. A number of late night shows at the Elk’s Lodge (next door to the venue) will be announced in the coming weeks. Once in a lifetime artist-led excursions will also soon be announced, allowing you to embark on a water adventure, participate in a local activity, and immerse yourself with some of your favorite musicians in an intimate setting.
Thrown in conjunction with the organizers of some of the Southeast’s most treasured festivals, including Suwannee Hulaween, Purple Hatter’s Ball, and more, Fool’s Paradise is set to return to the St. Augustine Amphitheatre. The state-of-the-art performing arts venue is nestled in a beautiful 16-acre section of Anastasia State Park. Campgrounds and beach shores make up this perfect Florida landscape.
St. Augustine is roughly one hour from Jacksonville, one hour from Gainesville, andtwo hours from Orlando. The oldest city in the United States and fabled home to the Fountain of Youth, St. Augustine’s unique scenery and historical presence sets the city apart from any other in the country. With over 42 miles of beaches, incredible restaurants and bars, oceanic activities, and historical adventures galore, attendees will have plenty to explore during their stay.
The entire venue is General Admission, with the exception of minimal reserved seating. VIP packages will include reserved seating in front of the soundboard, priority access to the pit area, artist happy hour, discount alcoholic beverages, event poster and t-shirt, and a ticket to the late night concerts at Elk’s Lodge. Hotel packages include lodging, transportation, and VIP tickets to the event.
If guests are craving the ultimate outdoor experience, there are two nearby campsites with availabilities at Anastasia State Park and KOA Campgrounds. The city also offers a variety of lodging options.
For tickets and more information, visit www.FoolsParadiseFL.com
Watch the official 2016 Fool's Paradise aftermovie here:
Five Reasons You Don't Want To Miss SliceFest 2016 June 10, 2016 09:50
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Photo by Jordan Kirkland: Live & Listen
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SliceFest, Birmingham’s biggest music and food and block party returns this weekend, featuring sounds from all over the South with it's 2016 lineup. This year's event will feature The Revivalists, The Soul Rebels, Keller Williams, The Weeks, Vallejo, Break Science, Muddy Magnolias, Riley Green, and Bailey Ingle on Saturday, June 11th. SliceFest is held in the Lakeview District on 29th Street South, with the stage in the street towards Slice Pizza & Brewhouse and Moe's Original BBQ.
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“We are excited to be celebrating with the great Lakeview and Birmingham communities as we bring you year five of SliceFest,” stated Jason Bajalieh, co-owner & bro-founder of Slice Pizza & Brewhouse. “The lineup is a solid collaboration of festival to funk and we will top it all off with a grand fireworks show at the end of the night.”
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While we are looking forward to everything that SliceFest has to offer on Saturday, we've narrowed that list down to five reasons that you don't want to miss out on our favorite annual block party.
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1. SliceFest 2016 delivers fun family activities for all ages from 1pm to 4pm, followed by a full lineup of musical artists playing sets throughout the evening. A few of this year’s family-friendly activities include giant connect four and chess, face painting, balloon art and the chance to hang out and be photographed with the Marvel Superheroes. Children ages 12 and under are admitted for free.
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Community is what SliceFest is all about, not just a celebration of those that support Slice Pizza & Brewhouse, but a way to give back to the community. SliceFest has donated over $30,000 to Birmingham-based non-profits. This year SliceFest is partnering with The Suki Foundation, a not-for-profit organization created by Brian & Marie Bateh, in honor of their daughter Sarah Katherine Bateh, affectionately known as Suki, following her diagnosis of Rett Syndrome at age two. In efforts to raise awareness and assist children in reaching their potential through early intervention services, SUKI Foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of those affected with Rett Syndrome and other neurological disorders. With early detection and diagnosis, the life of a child with Rett Syndrome can greatly be improved. We are obviously big believers in the concept of making a difference through the power of music. Anytime we can support other groups who believe in this concept, we're all about it.
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3. The Revivalists, one of the hottest bands to surface out of the Southeast in years, is the headlining act. This is a band we have had the privilege of watching grow for several years now. Last November, The Revivalists headlined one of our events, The Blueberry Jam at Weeks Bay Plantation, and they blew us away (in 30 degree weather).
In rock ‘n’ roll, you’ve got to walk the well-trodden path of the genre’s forefathers one step at a time. Each gig under your belt makes for another fan, while every record serves as the next totem for your legacy. It’s a proverbial rite of passage, and there’s no skipping to the end. The Revivalists didn’t take any shortcuts. You may have read their recent feature in Rolling Stone magazine, or maybe you saw them perform live on The Today Show. This band brings an energy and passion like no other, and you'll see it for yourself on Saturday night.
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Watch The Revivalists perform "Wish I Knew You" at Tipitina's here:
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4. Keller Williams is coming to the party. If you're familiar with the man they call "K-Dub", that's really all you need to know. Keller has been bringing his "acoustic dance music" to venues and festivals across the United States since the mid-90's, performing on stage with bands such as The String Cheese Incident.
Williams' music combines elements of bluegrass, folk, alternative rock, reggae, electronica/dance, jazz, funk, and other assorted genres. He is often described as a 'one-man jam-band' due to his frequent use of live phrase looping with multiple instruments. Look out for a Grateful Dead cover on Saturday, as it's a rare occasion when Keller doesn't dig up something from the Dead catalog.
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Watch Keller Williams perform "Freeker By The Speaker" here:
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5. There's going to be a late night Break Science set. Break Science features one of the baddest drummers on the planet, Adam Deitch, with acclaimed producer Borahm Lee. Some may know Deitch as the drummer of funk powerhouse Lettuce. This duo creates a refreshingly original take on electronic music. The live show transcends expectations with Lee's seasoned trip-hop/dub/jazz vibes on keyboards and Ableton Live and Deitch's thunderous breakbeat style on drums.
Last Summer,
Break Science electrified the festival circuit with packed dates across the country, including huge plays at Bonnaroo, Summer Set, Pemberton, Summercamp, Wakarusa, & Sonic Bloom Music Festivals. Lee and Deitch also brought their captivating style to Red Rocks Amphitheater in Colorado 5/31 (w/ Bassnectar). Those looking to party on Saturday night definitely want to stick around after The Revivalists and the fireworks show.
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Watch Break Science's performance at Toad's Place (New Haven, CT) from December 2015 here:
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SliceFest To Feature The Revivalists, The Soul Rebels, Keller Williams, Break Science, + More May 18, 2016 11:39
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Photo by Jordan Kirkland: Live & Listen
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SliceFest, Birmingham’s biggest music and food block party returns for year five featuring sounds from all over the South with it's 2016 lineup. This year's event will feature The Revivalists, The Soul Rebels, Keller Williams, The Weeks, Vallejo, Break Science, Muddy Magnolias, Riley Green, and Bailey Ingle on Saturday, June 11th. SliceFest is held in the Lakeview District on 29th Street South, with the stage in the street towards Slice Pizza & Brewhouse and Moe's Original BBQ.
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“We are excited to be celebrating with the great Lakeview and Birmingham communities as we bring you year five of SliceFest,” stated Jason Bajalieh, co-owner & bro-founder of Slice Pizza & Brewhouse. “The lineup is a solid collaboration of festival to funk and we will top it all off with a grand fireworks show at the end of the night.”
SliceFest 2016 delivers fun family activities for all ages from 1pm to 4pm, followed by a full lineup of musical artists playing sets throughout the evening. A few of this year’s family-friendly activities include giant connect four and chess, face painting, balloon art and the chance to hang out and be photographed with the Marvel Superheroes!
SliceFest 2016 delivers fun family activities for all ages from 1pm to 4pm, followed by a full lineup of musical artists playing sets throughout the evening. A few of this year’s family-friendly activities include giant connect four and chess, face painting, balloon art and the chance to hang out and be photographed with the Marvel Superheroes!
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SliceFest 2016 celebrates its fifth anniversary on Saturday, June 11 as Birmingham's largest food & music block party hosted by Slice Pizza & Brewhouse. Over the past four years, the event has grown into a full-blown festival bringing in local and regional music talent paired with local craft beer and specialty pizzas. Slice Pizza & Brewhouse hosts the event to celebrate the restaurant’s anniversary and thank the Birmingham community for their continuous support. As with previous years, SliceFest is expected to welcome a SOLD OUT crowd on this fifth anniversary with patrons from Birmingham and across the Southeast. Community is what SliceFest is all about, not just a celebration of those that support Slice Pizza & Brewhouse, but a way to give back to the community. SliceFest has donated over $30,000 to Birmingham-based non-profits.
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