Kasey Price of Haunted Boots

Full name: Kasey Price
Nickname/pseudonym: Camarofox
Age: 31
Hometown: Atlanta, GA
Where do you live now: Greenpoint, Brooklyn
Bands you are drumming in currently: Haunted Boots
What you do for a living: Music Publicist

Tom Tom Magazine: When did you start playing drums?
Kasey Price : 2004, but I didn’t form a band until last year.

Tom Tom Magazine: Reason that you started playing drums?
Kasey Price : I was tired of my boyfriends getting to have all the fun!

Tom Tom Magazine: What is your favorite drum set-up? Why?
Kasey Price : Stripped down. Bass, floor tom, snare, hi-hat, crash and a tambourine. No fills, no frills.

Listen to Hey Hot Breath

Tom Tom Magazine: What would your dream kit consist of?
Kasey Price : Something vintage and sparkly.

TTM: What do you think the role of a drummer is in a band?
KP : Well, there’s only two of us in Haunted Boots, so it’s really important for me to keep time for my bassist, Christian, and make sure the songs stay at their respective tempos.

TTM: What do you consider to be the most challenging thing about the drums?
KP: Multitasking! Doing 4, sometimes 5 things (I sing on some songs too) at once, at different tempos. Sometimes I surprise myself at my sense of rhythm and coordination. I feel like different activities I did growing up like riding horses, cheerleading and taking tap, ballet and jazz classes definitely benefit me when I’m behind the kit.

Listen to Shoes Off

TTM: What’s your favorite part about playing drums?
KP : It’s such a good stress release. When I’ve had a terrible day, beating the hell out of the drums always gives me endorphins and makes me feel better. It’s just super fun and I love writing songs, making music and getting out there and playing with and in front of friends.

TTM: Most notable show you ever played?
KP : Our very first show because it was my first time ever being in a band and playing in front of people. We weren’t planning on playing in public for another few months but then we got asked to be on a bill and we just went for it. The room was packed and so many friends came out to support us… It was really exhilarating.

TTM: Where do you shop for your drum gear?
KP : I am always playing on borrowed kits, but my sticks (I like Vic Firth 5As) and my tambourine that I use on the snare on some songs came from this little shop called Pentatonic Music down the street from our practice space in Greenpoint. I’m always looking on Craigslist too, and have found some real gems on there, but I have yet to be able to purchase my own kit!

TTM: What would you recommend to a new drummer starting off?
KP : Just play and practice every opportunity you get, take some lessons and develop your own unique style. I started out by jamming with my ex-boyfriend Lockett Pundt (Deerhunter guitarist) in his dad’s basement. Then when I moved to New York, I rented a drum room by the hour and would try to play along to my favorite songs on my ipod. Electrelane (RIP) was perfect for this.  Last year I finally took lessons from Frank Musarra (Hearts of Darknesses/Trey Told ‘Em). He was an amazing teacher and I felt really comfortable with him because he’s a friend, which is a big thing for me because for awhile I was really embarrassed to play in front of other people. But there were 2 kits and he played along with me and it was great. Other people in bands kept telling me the best way to learn to play was to just start a band, so I finally just bit the bullet and did it. Luckily my bandmate (who was also in Brass Castle and is currently in Cheeseburger) was patient enough to play with a rookie.

TTM: What are some of your other hobbies / interests?
KP : I have to be out on the scene a lot because of my job, but secretly most nights I’d rather be at home reading books, watching Netflix and snuggling with my dog! I love a good roadtrip, went to Europe for a month solo 2 summers ago and am trying to get into travel writing. I am also developing a TV show. I’m the type of person who feels unproductive if I don’t have a million things going on at once.

TTM: Who are some of your favorite lady drummers right now?
KP : Cissi from Those Dancing Days never ceases to amaze me. She is so young and talented! I also love Frankie Rose’s style. I jammed with her once and was so nervous and I totally sucked, haha. Mariam from Wildbirds and Peacedrums/a>, who sings and plays the steel drums while her husband plays the kit also blows me away. She’s so passionate!