Ryan MacMillan

Gretsch Artist Since: 2007

Country: US

Band or Affiliations: The Push Stars, Freddy Jones Band, Matchbox 20, Pearl Aday, Philip Sayce, Tonic, Redcar, Anna Waronker

Current Kit Setup:
USA Custom in Black/Silver Duco
14x26 BD, 9x13 RT, 16x16 FT, 16x18 FT, 8x14 SD

Influences:
Stevie Wonder, Miles Davis, Bob Marley, Ringo Starr, James Brown, Clyde Stubbifield, Gary Mallabar, Ed Green, Bernard Purdie, Steve Jordon, Buddy Rich, Elvin Jones, Tony Williams, John Oreshnick

We asked...Why Gretsch?:
Gretsch drums have been around for over 130 years. They’re timeless and sound beautiful. That’s why I choose Gretsch.

Advice to aspiring musicians?:
"When people say “when they grow up they want to be rock stars” I say you can’t do both…. But seriously when you find your passion you create a path… Follow it."

Bio:
Boston alternative popsters The Push Stars are led by songwriter/vocalist/guitarist Chris Trapper, with bassist/keyboardist Dan McLoughlin and drummer Ryan MacMillan rounding out the lineup. The band debuted in 1996 with an album for the now-defunct Imago label, “Meet Me at the Fair”; from there, they self-released the 1997 EP “Tonight” and landed a spot on the soundtrack for the popular romantic comedy, “There's Something About Mary” with the song “Everything Shines.”

As the buzz grew on the band, Capitol Records signed them up, issuing their major-label debut album “After the Party” in 1999. “Opening Time” followed in spring 2001. As each member of the band approached 30, The Push Stars took complete creative control. They signed to the San Francisco imprint 33rd Street and joined producer/engineer Greg Collins (No Doubt, Matchbox Twenty, Jewel) in spring 2003 to begin recording The Push Stars' fourth album. Matchbox Twenty's Rob Thomas heard the band's work in progress and was so impressed, he brought the Push Stars on the road for Matchbox Twenty's fall tour of North America.

In March 2004, the band released “Paint The Town” to much critical acclaim and fanfare. After more than a year of touring in support of the album, the band decided to go on indefinite hiatus. Since that time, Chris Trapper has recorded and released nine albums and toured the world over as a solo acoustic performer. Dan McLoughlin currently owns a recording studio in Hoboken, NJ and is much sought after as a producer and engineer. Ryan MacMillan now works as a session drummer/drummer for hire and has toured and recorded with several high profile bands, most notably Matchbox Twenty and Tonic.

While the band never officially broke up, live performances have been few and far between in recent years. However, talk of a new album and fresh tour dates have re-energized the trio's still-passionate fan base, demonstrating the band's lasting appeal and enduring legacy.