Tim's trip away

Catalyst Festival 2013

As well as supplying drummers with Istanbul Mehmet cymbals, I am also blessed with the opportunity to play them myself, and last weekend was one of those times.

On Friday night we made the long drive down to Stoneleigh park near Coventry, the place that would be our home for the weekend. The event we were heading to was ‘Catalyst Festival 13’, the annual conference for new frontiers churches that would see 4,500 people converging on the site.

I was privileged to be playing drums in the main meetings every day with northeast singer/songwriter Ken Riley. The event was fantastic! Full of energy and passion, I met some ace people and got to play with some of the greatest friends and musicians I know.

As always, it was an eventful weekend in which I won a book for having a photo taken up a tree (free time can be dangerous), I had an incredible curry at Kenilworth’s finest seemingly French Indian restaurant (confusing) ‘Le Raj Spice’, I DIDN’T go to Cadbury’s world (devastating) and I saw a spider the size of my hand (not exaggerating… ok maybe a bit)

But I’m sure what you really want to hear about is the gear I was using.

The Kit.

Sonor Force 3005. (20×17.5, 10×9, 14×14 and 14×5.5 snare)

Though it may not be the most amazing or expensive kit, I like to think that it is proof that the right skins and tuning are far more important than the drums you own in gaining a great sound, knowledge of how an instrument works is very underrated! (It also helps if you can play of course).

The Cymbals.

17” Traditional Medium Crash. This cymbal offers a nice dirty crash sound, but not in an unappealing way, it is great for crashing on from time to time for a big chorus.

18” Radiant Sweet Crash. I used this cymbal for swells because it doesn’t have a harsh attack to it; it’s a smooth and welcome tone. It is also explosive when hit hard, it’s the cymbal I use most on big choruses.

16” Radiant Holey Crash. This cymbal is great for emphasizing accents in music. It cuts through loud situations perfectly without being overpowering.

I am still using 2 of my older cymbals, an 18” Istanbul Mehmet Agop Traditional Jazz ride and my 13” Sabian AAX fusion hi hats. But these are very much subject to change.