Master Class ~ Ypsilanti, MI 5-30

I’m so exciting to be doing a Drum Clinic and Music Industry Discussion at Grove Studios in Ypsilanti, MI on Monday, June 30!

TICKETS

HOLY MOLY! This masterclass is about to BLOW YOUR MIND! We’re bringing Mark Damian – the powerhouse drummer who tours internationally with Rock and Roll Hall of Fame guitarist Jeff “Skunk” Baxter (Steely Dan/Doobie Brothers) – right here to our BEAUTIFUL Grove Studios in Ypsi!
This is INCREDIBLE, people!
Mark’s a Michigan native who made his name in LA, and now he’s coming home to share his secrets with OUR creative community! This dude doesn’t just play drums – he’s a multi-instrumentalist, producer, audio engineer, AND sound designer for major film trailers. This is absolutely INCREDIBLE!
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN (and it’s NASTY in the best way!):
🔥 PROFESSIONAL TOURING SECRETS
-How to nail those stadium-level grooves that keep legends like Skunk Baxter coming back
-The mental game of performing with music royalty
-Gear selection that’ll make your sound SING
🔥 STUDIO MASTERY
-Recording techniques from someone who’s laid down tracks with the BEST
-Production tips that’ll take your demos from bedroom to broadcast-ready
-How to make ANY drum kit sound like a million bucks
🔥 THE BUSINESS OF BEATING
-From Detroit basements to international tours – the REAL pathway to pro drumming
-Building relationships that last (and PAY)
-How to diversify your skills like a TRUE creative entrepreneur
🔥 HANDS-ON DRUM CLINIC
-Work directly with Mark on YOUR playing
-Get feedback from someone who plays with LIVING LEGENDS
-Limited spots for one-on-one coaching time!
WHY THIS MATTERS (How are ya?! We’re about to tell you!):
Look, we’ve had INCREDIBLE artists come through Grove, but Mark represents something SPECIAL. This is a guy who went from the Michigan music scene to touring the WORLD with one of the most respected guitarists in rock history. He’s proof that with the right skills, dedication, and a little Ypsi ENERGY, you can make it to the absolute TOP of this industry!
“Probably add about a key bump of this knowledge to your drumming recipe!” – because Mark’s sharing techniques you literally CAN’T get anywhere else.
EVENT DETAILS:
📅 Date: Monday, June 30th, 2025
⏰ Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Location: Grove Studios – 884 Railroad St, Suite B, Ypsilanti, MI
🎫 Tickets: $30 Early Bird / $35 Regular
👥 Capacity: LIMITED to 20 participants (this is getting INTIMATE, folks!)

NAMM 2025

Amazing time at NAMM was had. My boss, Jeff “Skunk” Baxter, hosted the TEC Awards where fellow Detroiter Jack White was the honored guest. Then we were slated to perform a short but powerful set on the Roland/DW stage. I’d like to thank the crew from Roland for making the process as smooth as it was along will all my endorsement companies Drum Workshop, LP, Sabian, Promark, 64 Audio and my friends at Remo. I can’t make these fancy noises without you!

Jeff “Skunk” Baxter Recorded Live From Analog

Recorded Live From Analog is a new series on PBS, Analog being a beautiful venue inside the Hutton Hotel in Nashville, TN. We, the Jeff “Skunk” Baxter band with special guests The Nelsons, Lauren Morrow, Slim Jim Phantom and Rome from Sublime, filmed the show over the summer. It’s slowly rolling out to different television markets across the country but it can be viewed on PBS.org or on this Youtube link.  You can also check out the official website for Recorded Live From Analog and see other performances including our friends Michael McDonald and Slash!

Is Breakfast Included?

In this episode, we chat with Mark Damian, a drummer, producer, and audio engineer whose career spans live performance, recording, and even sound design for film trailers. Mark reflects on his early years in Michigan, his journey to Los Angeles, and the challenges of carving out a place in the competitive music industry. He also shares stories about his work on PBS’s Startup, touring with Skunk Baxter, and their upcoming Rock Legends Cruise. Mark’s insights provide a look into the worlds of session drumming, sound engineering, and the evolving role of a music producer. Check it out!

Motor City Rock Talk interview

I had a really great time talking with Jimi Jive of the Motor City Rock Talk podcast. The focus is obviously on musicians with Detroit roots. We talked about my time with the moderately successful industrial group sweatysuedelips, national success with roots-rock guitar virtuoso Laith Al-Saadi and my move to Los Angeles landing drum and vocal duties, touring internationally with the living legend Jeff “Skunk” Baxter.

More Mark Damian Music!

More original material of mine is coming off the hard drive to a streaming service near you!  “Go Our Way” has a “come join our cult and receive a free hair cut” vibe and was originally written for the Alloy Tracks film trailer library I contribute to. Now it’s available on Apple Music and all other streaming sites. Enjoy!

DRUM TALK TV interview


I had the pleasure of talking with Dan Shinder on Drum Talk TV about my earliest experience as an upcoming drummer to my work with Steely Dan/Doobie Brothers guitarist, Jeff “Skunk” Baxter. We even discussed a little MLB and my excitement for the LA Dodgers! Thanks for having me, Dan!