Formed in 1998 by vocalist Benjamin Burnley and drummer Jeremy Hummel, Breaking Benjamin has quickly moved from a strong local following in their home state of Pennsylvania to national recognition. The band is currently signed to Hollywood records on a five record deal and they achieved their first number 1 single in 2007 with the track "Breath" off their third album Phobia. I had the great opportunity to chat with Chad Szeliga the current drummer for the band, who joined in 2005, and who has been thrilling audiences ever since. As a professional drummer, he is sponsored by Yamaha Drums, Remo, Zildjian Cymbals, Vater Drumsticks and Vestal. He recorded with Breaking Benjamin on their 2006 album Phobia, which was released August 8, 2006. Let’s begin!
AAM: First things first, let’s pretend this is a first date with All Access and it’s that point where you explain who you are… tell us about your work with Breaking Benjamin? Give us a brief overview of why you started playing drums? And then how you ended up becoming the performer you are today?
Chad Szeliga: I started to play the drums at a very early age, I’m talking 2 years old... My grandfather was a band director, my mother played flute and my dad was a drummer too... So as I grew up I was musically influenced by all different instruments. But at the age of two years old I knew that was my passion. I knew I wanted to be a performer as I got older , I was quite the entertainer when I was younger , and my family knew one day I would be a great performer. And through all the hard times and dedication I became the performer I am today.
AAM: Quite a lot of bands use programmed or at least triggered drums on their albums. As a performer what are your thoughts on using a drum computer?
CS: Hopefully this will answer your question... Yes, I have used samples on our record; it gives a consistent sound for the drums... In my opinion, there are not many drummers out there that can make the drums sound precise. So that is why we use samples so the drums sound clear. It does change a drummer’s feel but over time hopefully they can fix that problem and have a true sound that drummers create.....
AAM: You must get asked about your thoughts about drum theory, playing tips and equipment? If so, how do you approach these types of questions? Or better yet, mind telling our readers the answers??
CS: I try to answer questions to the best of my knowledge about equipment, theory and tips... For instance, a question I get all the time is “How do you make drumming look so easy"?? And I tell them that there is so many different ways to understand your instrument, meaning, spending and sacrificing your time to make the best out of yourself. Then you could be answering the same questions…
AAM: If you were going to give one piece of advice to drummers (and musicians in general) looking to start up a band, with aspirations of doing extensive touring, what would it be?
CS: To musicians I could offer this bit of advice to an upcoming band, or bands looking for musicians, play as much as you possibly can. Try as many different styles, practice on your own time, and when you get to rehearsal be very serious. It’s not a game. Its hard work, and if you give 110%, you can see opportunities coming towards you. Last but not least network as much as you can for yourself and your band mates...
AAM: Fame and fortune may seem to be the primary motivators for some… for you? What factors have kept you motivated for all of these years, and actively developing your craft as both, performer and composer?
CS: Fame and Fortune... That wasn't the case for me, what I wanted out of the deal was respect as a drummer for all the hard work I put into it. To be a motivator, and a role model to all the people who pursue music... or just anybody in general who appreciates my music. I want to help people to achieve goals because I am living proof that you can be what you dream to be if you put your mind and heart into it.
AAM: What goals do you still have with your career, and what type of artistic legacy do you hope to preserve as an artist?
CS: The goals I still have for my career is to hopefully go down as one of the best drummers, and the most educational in the world... I want to be known for being very humble, and setting examples for other drummers... I’m not sure where this ride is going to take me in the future but I pray not to ever have to get off the ride anytime soon... but I'm excited to see what my career has in store for me.
AAM: What current projects do you have in development?
CS: I’m also in the studio working on the new and upcoming album of Breaking Benjamin and hopefully a lot more work in the future... Usually if I’m not doing session work I teach drum lessons right out of my house in PA for a lot of aspiring students. If there is anyone reading this that is interested for lessons or other work shoot me an email ChadSzeliga@gmail.com... Also, I am working with this awesome band.
AAM: Let me guess? In a 2 degrees of separation moment, word is you are playing drums on Forever Oeuvre's upcoming CD? What was that experience like?
CS: Well that’s kind of funny that I mentioned it, but the Forever Oeuvre project was and is always going to be a moment in my life that challenged my style and made me think differently on drumming. Thanks to Ronnie the guitarist, they made me feel very welcome in their family for a short and brief amount of time. I am very proud of the band and Kato (a producer from the studio, House of Loud), for making their creativity to compliment my drumming as well...
AAM: What are you doing when you're not playing drums (except giving interviews)?
CS: Playing Drums, Playing Drums, and Playing Drums... Ha, ha ha I usually love to be home with my fiancé, friends and the family, and teaching drums... but seriously playing drums, Playing Drums oh yeah and, Playing Drums...
AAM: Do you have any upcoming tours/releases/DVDs that you'd like to plug?
CS: Hopefully in the near future I am going to release an instructional Drum DVD, and also I want to play on as many records, with many different bands as much as I possibly can...The new Breaking Benjamin CD release early 2009... and we are trying to tour in September of 2008... I want to take this time out to thank you and All Access Magazine so much for your interest in my career... If you ever need anything else I am just an email away... Thank you for your time and patience...
