How to Build Confidence and Elevate Performance - Conrad Doucette

In Chapter 4 of 21 in his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, musician and Takka Takka drummer Conrad Doucette answers "When Are You at Your Best?"  Doucette shares how he achieves his best when he is confident in what he undertakes or does.  He compares it to letting go, being in the moment without subconscious preparation or worrying.  He notes how it comes by practicing, rehearsing, and surrounding himself with the right elements.  Doucette is the drummer for the Brooklyn-based band Takka Takka.  He also performs with The National, Okkervil River, and Alina Simone.  When not performing, Doucette works as a copywriter, blogger, and digital media producer.  He has worked at Blender, Fuse TV, and Heavy.com.  Doucette earned his BA in History from the University of Michigan. 

Why to Play in a Band - Conrad Doucette

In Chapter 5 of 21 in his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, musician and Takka Takka drummer Conrad Doucette answers "What Do You Enjoy Most About Being in a Band?"  He begins with the second most enjoyable piece is the creative process collaborating and working with others.  His primary motivator is simply playing and the emotional and physical satisfaction that come with it.  Doucette is the drummer for the Brooklyn-based band Takka Takka.  He also performs with The National, Okkervil River, and Alina Simone.  When not performing, Doucette works as a copywriter, blogger, and digital media producer.  He has worked at Blender, Fuse TV, and Heavy.com.  Doucette earned his BA in History from the University of Michigan. 

How Practice and Rehearsal Learning Differ - Conrad Doucette

In Chapter 6 of 21 in his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, musician and Takka Takka drummer Conrad Doucette answers "As a Musician, What is the Difference Between Practice and Rehearsal?"  Doucette notes how practice is about sharpening skills both as an individual and as a collective.  Rehearsal differs in that it is specific to a performance or event.  He notes how bands often confuse the two and why they are both valuable in their respective ways.  Doucette is the drummer for the Brooklyn-based band Takka Takka.  He also performs with The National, Okkervil River, and Alina Simone.  When not performing, Doucette works as a copywriter, blogger, and digital media producer.  He has worked at Blender, Fuse TV, and Heavy.com.  Doucette earned his BA in History from the University of Michigan. 

How Drummer Learns to Practice More Effectively - Conrad Doucette

In Chapter 7 of 21 in his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, musician and Takka Takka drummer Conrad Doucette answers "How Have You Learned to Practice More Effectively as You Have Gained Drumming Experience?"  Doucette finds himself returning to the fundamentals drumming curriculum he used early in his career, including early marching band practice regiments.  After falling out of a fixed practice schedule, Doucette is introduced to a drumming book, "Stick Control", which brings him back to a regular practice routine.  Doucette is the drummer for the Brooklyn-based band Takka Takka.  He also performs with The National, Okkervil River, and Alina Simone.  When not performing, Doucette works as a copywriter, blogger, and digital media producer.  He has worked at Blender, Fuse TV, and Heavy.com.  Doucette earned his BA in History from the University of Michigan. 

How Rock Musician Cultivates Creativity - Conrad Doucette

In Chapter 8 of 21 in his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, musician and Takka Takka drummer Conrad Doucette answers "What Tools and Tricks Do You Use to Stay Creative?"  First, Doucette finds inspiration listening to and watching other artists perform.  Second, he maintains his creativity by maintaining a regimented practice schedule.  Doucette is the drummer for the Brooklyn-based band Takka Takka.  He also performs with The National, Okkervil River, and Alina Simone.  When not performing, Doucette works as a copywriter, blogger, and digital media producer.  He has worked at Blender, Fuse TV, and Heavy.com.  Doucette earned his BA in History from the University of Michigan. 

How Classical Music Listening Inspires Musician - Conrad Doucette

In Chapter 9 of 21 in his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, musician and Takka Takka drummer Conrad Doucette answers "What Do You Find Most Rewarding About Listening to Classical Music?"  After many years consuming and playing rock music, Doucette sets aside time for classical music listening after immersing himself in non-fiction works about the great composers.  He develops his interest by comparing and contrasting work by date, conductor, instrumental arrangements, and performance.  This provides him both emotional and intellectual satisfaction.  Doucette is the drummer for the Brooklyn-based band Takka Takka.  He also performs with The National, Okkervil River, and Alina Simone.  When not performing, Doucette works as a copywriter, blogger, and digital media producer.  He has worked at Blender, Fuse TV, and Heavy.com.  Doucette earned his BA in History from the University of Michigan.

How Musician Develops Artistic Style - Conrad Doucette

In Chapter 10 of 21 in his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, musician and Takka Takka drummer Conrad Doucette answers "As a Musician, How Have You Grown into Having Your Own Artistic Style?"  Noting how the experience differs from artist to artist, Doucette defines it as getting to a point where he understands how to play with a group of people.  Writing music with this band, Takka Takka, Doucette alters his drum routine, experimenting with back beat sounds and rhythms, putting in the preparation that ultimately becomes useful in recording sessions.  Doucette is the drummer for the Brooklyn-based band Takka Takka.  He also performs with The National, Okkervil River, and Alina Simone.  When not performing, Doucette works as a copywriter, blogger, and digital media producer.  He has worked at Blender, Fuse TV, and Heavy.com.  Doucette earned his BA in History from the University of Michigan.

How Drummer Defines and Measures Success - Conrad Doucette

In Chapter 11 of 21 in his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, musician and Takka Takka drummer Conrad Doucette answers "How Do You Define and Measure Success in What You Do?"  First, he must be able to perform well with other musicians. This goes for playing with his band, Takka Takka, as well as sitting in with other bands such as The National.  There, Doucette puts himself in the place of the listener, looking for ways to fit into the ensemble and add to the song.  Doucette is the drummer for the Brooklyn-based band Takka Takka.  He also performs with The National, Okkervil River, and Alina Simone.  When not performing, Doucette works as a copywriter, blogger, and digital media producer.  He has worked at Blender, Fuse TV, and Heavy.com.  Doucette earned his BA in History from the University of Michigan. 

How Band Develops a Songwriting Creative Process - Conrad Doucette

In Chapter 12 of 21 in his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, musician and Takka Takka drummer Conrad Doucette answers "How Do You Balance Independence and Teamwork Playing in a Band?"  Doucette notes how this process differs from musician to musician and band to band.  For him, he writes out parts and rhythms.  In his band Takka Takka, songs often begin with a drumbeat.  This individual contribution complements the collective process defining and refining songs in long hours spent inside the studio.  Doucette is the drummer for the Brooklyn-based band Takka Takka.  He also performs with The National, Okkervil River, and Alina Simone.  When not performing, Doucette works as a copywriter, blogger, and digital media producer.  He has worked at Blender, Fuse TV, and Heavy.com.  Doucette earned his BA in History from the University of Michigan.

Learning Relationship Trust Playing in a Band - Conrad Doucette

In Chapter 13 of 21 in his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, musician and Takka Takka drummer Conrad Doucette answers "How Has Being in a Band Informed Your Approach to Establishing Trust With Others?"  He notes how trusting yourself allows you to trust others and, ultimately, trust as a collective.  Each level provides for creative space that allows the band to thrive.  Doucette is the drummer for the Brooklyn-based band Takka Takka.  He also performs with The National, Okkervil River, and Alina Simone.  When not performing, Doucette works as a copywriter, blogger, and digital media producer.  He has worked at Blender, Fuse TV, and Heavy.com.  Doucette earned his BA in History from the University of Michigan.

How to Improve a Band Audition - Conrad Doucette

In Chapter 14 of 21 in his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, musician and Takka Takka drummer Conrad Doucette answers "How Has Auditioning New Band Members Taught You to Be a More Effective Interviewer?"  Doucette learns to lower prejudices and stay open-minded through the process.  The process must meet two needs - finding someone that individually and also collectively fits into the band chemistry.  He notes how establishing a sense of trust helps facilitate the auditioning and interviewing process.  Doucette is the drummer for the Brooklyn-based band Takka Takka.  He also performs with The National, Okkervil River, and Alina Simone.  When not performing, Doucette works as a copywriter, blogger, and digital media producer.  He has worked at Blender, Fuse TV, and Heavy.com.  Doucette earned his BA in History from the University of Michigan. 

How to Make a Living Playing Music in a Band - Conrad Doucette

In Chapter 15 of 21 in his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, musician and Takka Takka drummer Conrad Doucette answers "What Advice Do You Have for Aspiring Bands Looking to Make a Living Playing Music?"  Doucette notes that his band Takka Takka is not yet able to play music full time.  The band prioritizes maintaining full artistic control so must remain patient as it develops experience and material over time.  He notes how musicians must always be aware of the trade offs between financial freedom and artistic control.  Doucette is the drummer for the Brooklyn-based band Takka Takka.  He also performs with The National, Okkervil River, and Alina Simone.  When not performing, Doucette works as a copywriter, blogger, and digital media producer.  He has worked at Blender, Fuse TV, and Heavy.com.  Doucette earned his BA in History from the University of Michigan. 

How Musicians Learn From Peers - Conrad Doucette

In Chapter 16 of 21 in his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, musician and Takka Takka drummer Conrad Doucette answers "What Questions Do You Get From Local Musicians When Asking About Your Career?"  Doucette always gets asked where he and his band practices.  He also gets asked and also asks about songwriting inspiration and arrangement.  He inquires about voice development, instrument selection, and an array of musical questions.  He also notes how the drumming community is very supportive of one another.  Doucette is the drummer for the Brooklyn-based band Takka Takka.  He also performs with The National, Okkervil River, and Alina Simone.  When not performing, Doucette works as a copywriter, blogger, and digital media producer.  He has worked at Blender, Fuse TV, and Heavy.com.  Doucette earned his BA in History from the University of Michigan. 

Why American Indie Bands Should Tour Europe - Conrad Doucette

In Chapter 17 of 21 in his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, musician and Takka Takka drummer Conrad Doucette answers "Why Should More Independent American Bands Should Tour Europe?"  Doucette notes how premier bands - those at the top - are treated like royalty across the world.  However, Doucette notes how up and coming bands - the mid-level - are treated very well across Europe.  Touring Europe with his band Takka Takka in late 2010, he finds it a wonderful lift professionally, finding himself translating the appreciation into more inspired performance.  Doucette is the drummer for the Brooklyn-based band Takka Takka.  He also performs with The National, Okkervil River, and Alina Simone.  When not performing, Doucette works as a copywriter, blogger, and digital media producer.  He has worked at Blender, Fuse TV, and Heavy.com.  Doucette earned his BA in History from the University of Michigan.

How Brooklyn Musicians Provide Peer Motivation - Conrad Doucette

In Chapter 18 of 21 in his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, musician and Takka Takka drummer Conrad Doucette answers "How Do Your Musician Peers Motivate You and How is This Changing as Your Career Evolves?"  Doucette finds motivation watching friends in the band "The National" reap the rewards of practice and hard work.  This gets him excited to play, practice, and write.  This approach carries over to other Brooklyn peer relationships as well as new contacts he meets.  Each provides gratification, inspiration, and insight Doucette applies in his own professional development.  Doucette is the drummer for the Brooklyn-based band Takka Takka.  He also performs with The National, Okkervil River, and Alina Simone.  When not performing, Doucette works as a copywriter, blogger, and digital media producer.  He has worked at Blender, Fuse TV, and Heavy.com.  Doucette earned his BA in History from the University of Michigan. 

What Musician Learns Playing With the National - Conrad Doucette

In Chapter 19 of 21 in his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, musician and Takka Takka drummer Conrad Doucette answers "How Has Playing Drums with the Band 'The National' Given Your More Confidence as a Musician?"  Doucette shares how his experience sitting in with the band gives him broader percussive experiences - playing to add color and texture - playing alongside the band and its drummer, Bryan Devendorf.  As an ensemble member, Doucette gets a new experience he brings back into his work with his band, Takka Takka.  Doucette is the drummer for the Brooklyn-based band Takka Takka.  He also performs with The National, Okkervil River, and Alina Simone.  When not performing, Doucette works as a copywriter, blogger, and digital media producer.  He has worked at Blender, Fuse TV, and Heavy.com.  Doucette earned his BA in History from the University of Michigan. 

How Band Chooses Album Producer - Conrad Doucette

In Chapter 20 of 21 in his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, musician and Takka Takka drummer Conrad Doucette answers "What Factors Should a Band Consider When Choosing a Producer?"  Doucette shares experiences from choosing producers for recording two Takka Takka albums.  His band finds comfort working with friends and chooses to work with producers it knows.  The band also values working with a producer that can bring new experience, ideas, and perspectives to the recording process.  Doucette notes other artists choose wo work with producers they admire but do not know.  Doucette is the drummer for the Brooklyn-based band Takka Takka.  He also performs with The National, Okkervil River, and Alina Simone.  When not performing, Doucette works as a copywriter, blogger, and digital media producer.  He has worked at Blender, Fuse TV, and Heavy.com.  Doucette earned his BA in History from the University of Michigan. 

How to Record a Better Album - Conrad Doucette

In Chapter 21 of 21 in his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, musician and Takka Takka drummer Conrad Doucette answers "What Do You Find Most Challenging About Recording an Album?"  One unique challenge Doucette finds recording an album is knowing when to stop.  He notes that great artists know when to stop and leave some space for the listener to use his or her imagination.  Doucette is the drummer for the Brooklyn-based band Takka Takka.  He also performs with The National, Okkervil River, and Alina Simone.  When not performing, Doucette works as a copywriter, blogger, and digital media producer.  He has worked at Blender, Fuse TV, and Heavy.com.  Doucette earned his BA in History from the University of Michigan.