A Dirty Dozen with NESDAM – December 2024

According to a recent press release: “NESDAM (real name: Patrick Madsen, former drummer of the band Random Hero) is a man on a mission. Though he’s been making music as a drummer under other band names for well over a decade now, his debut solo album Find the Truth is out to set the record straight: he’s still only getting started. Partnering with Brian “Head” Welch’s XOVR Records, the drummer-turned-frontman has reintroduced himself to the world.” We get Nesdam to discuss new music, influences, and more…

1. Tell us a little about your latest release. What might a fan or listener not grab the first or second time they listen through? Are there any hidden nuggets you put in the material or that only diehard fans might find?

No hidden nuggets, however they might find their face melted after a full listen.

2. What got you into music and can you tell us about the moment you realized you wanted to be a musician?

Honestly, my neighbor got a drum set and let me play it one day. I haven’t been the same since… and then Creed came along. This really is a true story.

3. Building on that, is there a specific song, album, performer, or live show that guided your musical taste?

A little bit on Sum 41 mixed with The Used and a sprinkle of Nickelback. Package that and add JOURNEY’s 1984 Live in Houston (DVD) performance and we have what’s called “Obsession.”

4. If you could call in any one collaborator to do a song with, who would it be, and why?

Aaron Lewis. I love the way he writes and how he approaches vocals.

5. What is your favorite activity when out of the studio and/or not on tour? What do you like to do to unwind?

Listening to podcasts and playing basketball. I also love playing local acoustic shows.

6. How would you describe your music to someone who’d never listened to you before? What is the one comparison a reviewer or fan has made that made you cringe or you disagreed with?

I would say it’s dynamic hard rock with soaring choruses! I’m a firm realist in the idea that everyone isn’t gonna like it. Even if the perfect record was made, billions would still crap on it. It’s that whole being human thing and music being subjective. If you don’t like it, there is definitely another artist you will like and that same artist can use your support too.

7. When your band is hanging out together, who cooks, who gets the drinks in, and who is first to crack out the acoustic guitars for a singalong?

Literally all of us. It’s a fun bunch – we’re very lucky.

8. When was the last time you were starstruck and who was it?

LEBRON JAMES! At that point, I knew Space Jam was no longer fictional.

9. What is the best part of being a musician? If you could no longer be a musician for whatever reason, what would be your dream job?

The best part is playing the music, no matter what the music is always the best. If I was no longer a musician, I’d be a sports commentator.

10. What is one question you have always wanted an interviewer to ask – and what is the answer? Conversely, what question are you tired of answering?

Are you ok? To which I’ll always reply debatably…it’s just nice to be asked. I am an open book and welcome tough questions. Or tiresome questions. Bring it all on, I’m ready.

11. Looking back over your career, is there a single moment or situation you feel was a misstep or you would like to have a “do over,” even if it didn’t change your current situation?

Oh absolutely, that’s part of life though. It continually moves forward so you have to. Forgive yourself or forgive them.

12. If you could magically go back in time and be a part of the recording sessions for any one record in history, which would you choose – and what does that record mean to you?

I would love to be there for the System of a Down Hynotized album.

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Category: Articles, Interviews, Other Reviews