Hybrid Theory: Josh Manuel with Kane Brown
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Hybrid Theory: Josh Manuel with Kane Brown

Josh Manuel discusses hybrid drumming and how he uses Roland electronic gear to enhance his performances with Kane Brown. Header photo by Alex Alvga

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Hybrid drumming fuses the traditional acoustic drum set with the latest digital percussion technology, enabling players to perform with the electronic sounds and processed textures that drive modern music styles. Since 2003, Roland sampling pads and acoustic triggers have revolutionized this style, and they’re regularly used everywhere from indie gigs to arena stages.  

Instruments like the SPD-SX PRO make powerful partners for hybrid drummers, allowing them to incorporate loops, one-shot sounds, and melodic phrases into their musical universes. Every drummer has a unique story about their approach to blending traditional and electronic elements. After his first year touring with Kane Brown, Josh Manuel discusses his background, current setup, the power of hybrid drumming, and how he uses Roland electronic gear to enhance his performances.   

The Backbeat

Where does your story begin?

“I started playing drums when I was two years old. My mom is a classical guitarist and vocalist and was heavily involved in church. With her being so supportive, I got my first drum kit at age four. I was also in church all the time, so drums were always available.

When I was growing up, music was constantly around me. I played a bit of snare drum in middle and high school, but I always wanted to be behind the drum kit. Loganville, Georgia, had a good alternative music scene at the time, so I naturally ended up playing in heavier bands. By the end of high school, I was doing weekend tours with gospel groups and getting my feet wet with the touring scene.  

I was never interested in sticking within one genre, so I did sessions for a bunch of different artists early in my professional career. That led to me joining Issues, and eventually Kane Brown.”      

The Mashup

What does hybrid drumming mean to you?

“Hybrid drumming is the future. There’s no question about it. Switching snare drums between each song would never be possible on stage, but hybrid drumming allows that with triggers and samples.

When you listen to a record, every snare tone is crafted specifically for each song. Why wouldn’t we treat a live show that way? Roland enables us to do that, and I think most bands are pressing into that. It’s also cleaner to have the electronic sounds you hear on a record. 808 kicks and snaps are essential. Having a Roland SPD-SX makes it easy to play those sounds.   

I also love how hybrid drumming allows me to play certain drum parts that would otherwise come through the speakers on tracks. Instead of just sitting there, I can play those things and add energy on stage.”     

Spotlight: SPD-SX PRO

How does the instrument shape your hybrid style?

“It enables me to be more dynamic and expressive. With big round shells and large metal cymbals, drums can be a bit one-dimensional. It just makes sense to me to have pads and samples that can add an extra dimension to songs.

My drumming and vocabulary behind the kit are still very much the same, but having the SPD-SX PRO available adds a whole new level of possibility. While playing one-shots on it works well, the idea of running loops and samples really makes it powerful.

The SPD-SX also allows me to act as a sort of musical director from behind the kit. I don’t run the show with Kane Brown, but I used it like that a lot when playing with Issues.”       

Hitlist Highlights

When do you use the SPD-SX PRO in the show?

“With Kane Brown, we run everything through Ableton. Keith Pai is the man in charge of playback. Big shout out to him, as he’s such a sick guy. He sets me up with all the sounds needed to come through the SPD-SX.

Regarding the show, I’d say it’s about fifty-fifty through the set. I’ll play the sounds you hear from his records, but there’ll still be plenty of acoustic drumming throughout most songs.

Kane goes through such a range of musical styles throughout the show that it wouldn’t be possible to create the best sounds without the SPD-SX. I have triggers that connect to it, and that’s how the drum sounds can be changed with each track we play.”       

Forward Motion

What does the future hold?

“The future for me is definitely playing with Kane full-time. However, the cool thing about Kane’s schedule is that we’re not constantly on tour throughout the year. When it makes sense, I can do other shows and sessions.

We’ve been wrapping up with Issues coming to an end and doing a few final shows. Kane Brown’s touring schedule has allowed me to do that, which is awesome.

I’m a guy who likes to stay busy and creative, so having different musical outlets is important to me. I do quite a bit of online session work at home. I heavily utilize a Roland TD-27KV for that.”      

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Brett Clur

Brett has been drumming for over 20 years. His passion is writing, and he loves helping other drummers choose the best gear for their needs. He's worked with several popular drum and music websites.

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