Today we’d like to introduce you to Mark Combs.
Hi Mark, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Being a drummer has been a dream ever since I was a child, but never pursued that desire until after retirement from our welding and fabrication business. I decided to finally pursue that dream and even incorporate my history of machine work and fabrication to do a whole lot more than just play drums. My wife, Connie Combs, is an artist so she is able to contribute her eye for creativity into my passion and before we knew it, we started making one-of-a-kind drum kits, drum artwork, and even repurposing worn-out drums into furniture, purses, and more! When our son-in-law, Laurel Knopf, joined us for a friendly get together, we called a Dinner Jam with some well-known local musicians, the conversation into music, drums, and the music industry inspired him to pitch me the idea of creating a podcast. We have been running for about a year and a half, now, and we have been honored to interview some of my heroes in drumming to include Gregg Bissonette of Ringo Starr’s All-Star Band, Colin Dobbs with The Bellamy Bros., and Landon Hall – founder of The Music City Drum Show in Nashville, TN.
Teaming up with family has grown us from a drum dream into a local power-house for music. Laurel launched his own multi-media company called Bulltooth Media where he films live music, engineers in recording studios, produces events, and even makes original films. Together, we endorse The Listening Room at Laugh Out Lounge in Winter Haven FL, The Music Ranch in Lakeland FL, we officially sponsor the up-and-coming Florida Beach-Rock group Floridaze, and so much more!
Roadkill Custom Drum Co. has partnered with Deaf & Drum – a brand that manufactures gadgets and accessories for drum kits and drummers alike, Humes & Berg drum cases, and Sweetwater Music where we retail our custom and refurbished drums and hardware. Each year, we pack up our drums and our podcast, and head to Nashville to be the premiere podcast at The Music City Drum Show.
We have accomplished so much in such a short time and we are so excited to be planning a lot more things to come!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Nothing in life is ever as smooth as you would like it to be. It was a bit strange, at first. Joining a community as a total unknown is always a bit awkward at first. But, with the help of good and genuine people, we felt welcomed and encouraged. I remember the first time I was urged onto the stage at an open jam, well before I had even started the Roadkill brand. Jim and Judy Taylor ran the biggest and best open jam I had ever seen, and they were such pro’s at fostering are musicians to try it out. Learning to play with others, pushing you to grow and try new things. I have a deep respect and appreciation for them, and many others in the local music scene.
As we launched the podcast, it was another challenge to break into a new arena and prove ourselves worthy of being taken seriously. But, again, thanks to some genuine and good people, we are growing and being welcomed by so many warm and kind people. I speak for all of us when I say that we truly appreciate and have love for everyone who has helped us along the way.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
We try to restore, repair, repurpose and recycle drums and hardware and also fabricate some new. If they are good quality, we try to restore or repair them to good playing condition. If a drum cannot be elevated, perhaps its condition has deteriorated beyond restoration, we will endeavor to find a new life for that piece in a way that honors its life and legacy. Our art and customization is unique, and every project stands alone as a one-of-a-kind, whether its a full drum kit, a table or a purse, or even a set of drum sticks. Our designs implore conversation and attention. We use fractal burning, paintings and designs, even unique shapes and sizes of drums.
As for our digital side, our partnership with Bulltooth Media enables us to create unique musical experiences and a premiere podcast that truly invites viewers to sit down with musicians and have meaningful discussions, genuine laughs, and like we are right there in the room just having a good conversation.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Check us out online at RoadkillDrums.com to see our inventory, upcoming projects and events, and for the latest on our podcast! You never know whats coming up next!
Pricing:
- Fair
- Affordable
- Custom
- Friendly
- Premiere
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.Roadkilldrums.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roadkilldrums
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1b65MdkVLV/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@roadkillcustomdrumco
- Other: https://i-sml.mtrbio.com/public/smartlink/the-roadkill-podcast
