Chris Kimmerer

Country: US

Band or Affiliations: Thomas Rhett, Sessions

Current Kit Setup:
USA Custom in Satin Ice Blue Metallic finish
8/10 Concert Toms, 12x10 TT, 16x16 FT, 22x16 BD, 20x16 GongDdrum

Influences:
"Neil Peart, Dave Grohl, Steve Gadd, Jeff Porcaro, among many other greats!"

We asked...Why Gretsch?:
"I feel like Gretsch chose me! The first kit I bought came from the drummer in the band I was joining.. an 80's jasper shell kit in 10/12/13/16/22 sizes, and I became one with the drums. From the 5 lugs on the 10 and 12 to the range of tuning options, configurations, etc. The impact that kit had on my development never left me, and Gretsch has been home since."

Advice to aspiring musicians?:
"Diversify yourself.. being good at a bunch of things is an effective and necessary way to make it in the music business!"

Bio:
"Hey, I’m Chris.. great to meet you!
2023 marked my 20 years in Nashville. Time. Has. Flown. Here’s a quick run down of how we got here.

I transferred to Belmont University in 2003 after studying jazz for a few years in Toronto. While school was important to me, I came to Nashville to play! By 2004 I was touring with CCM band sonicflood, and [poorly] juggling classes. I did my best to balance touring and school for a few years and by summer 2006 graduated from Belmont. I missed the graduation ceremony, however, for a gig in Phoenix (though I did wear the cap and gown on stage at the gig). Hey, it’s what I trained for! By 2010, after a few stints with some other CCM artists (Steven Curtis Chapman, David Phelps, Derek Webb, Mat Kearney), I was offered an audition for a new country artist, Josh Thompson.
I joined Josh’s band for the better part of 2010, but elected to leave the gig to pursue my recording studio, The Brown Owl. I met TR late in 2011 as he was opening for a band in Chicago. I played a few songs with him that night, and will never forget locking eyes- albeit through a plexiglass drum shield- as we threw down on that stage! A few months later, early 2012, I was offered to join his band. I knew we had a great musical connection the first time we played, and joining the band was something I knew I had to do.

The original 6 of us toured without a hit song for what felt like forever. We pounded the pavement. We went *back* to the van and trailer. Played Tuesday night bar gigs. We’ve tried a thousand setlists, listened to hundreds of board tapes, and built incredible tours. We’ve made hit records and seen the world together. Insane. It’s rare air to play music with some of the finest musicians, tour with the very best crew, and work for such a great boss. My journey with TR and his incredible cast and crew has been a dream come true. The 19-year old me that moved here 20 years ago would not believe all that’s happened, and the today me still pinches himself. To be considered for this award is an honor.

Since 2009, I’ve owned and operated The Owl studio (formerly The Brown Owl) in Berry Hill. When I’m not on the road you can find me there making records and doing remote tracking sessions. ck"