Primus has unveiled the latest episode in their Interstellar Drum Derby video series, showcasing drummer Nikki Glaspie. The talented Nth Power drummer was one of over 6,100 musicians who auditioned for the vacant seat in Primus, a spot ultimately filled by John Hoffman.
This new video follows previous episodes featuring drummers such as Rory Dolan, Thomas Pidgen, Mike Stone, Stan Bicknell, and Sam Groveman—who, along with Glaspie, were flown out to Los Angeles for in-person auditions with band members Les Claypool and Larry “Ler” LaLonde. Though Glaspie’s background in funk might seem like an unconventional choice for Primus, known for their outlandish alt-metal sound, her expertise in funk was exactly in line with the band’s signature style.
Claypool explained in the video that the band’s previous drummers, Bryan “Brain” Mantia and Jay Lane, both came from funk and R&B backgrounds. This influence helped shape Primus’ unique funk-metal sound. “Nikki Glaspie is pretty damn funky,” Claypool noted, a statement easily backed by anyone familiar with her extensive music career. Ler, too, was familiar with Glaspie, having worked with her on projects alongside percussionist Mike Dillon.
A sought-after session and touring drummer, Glaspie has collaborated with a wide range of artists, including Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Dumptaphunk, and George Porter Jr. Recently, she was in Europe recording an album with Snarky Puppy and the Metropole Orkest, making a quick trip to Los Angeles for the Primus audition after returning from the Netherlands.
Ahead of her audition, Glaspie shared, “I listened to Primus in high school, just to be able to come in here and play with these dudes is f–ing awesome. Literally my entire life I’ve been playing drums, so that was my preparation for this.”
The audition itself began with Glaspie trying her hand at one of Les’ basses before the trio dove into an open jam. The session quickly impressed Claypool, who declared, “You’re bad as f–k!” Despite not receiving the list of staple songs Primus had given to all drummers for their auditions, Glaspie jammed on “My Name is Mud” and “Tommy the Cat.” Although she wasn’t as familiar with the material as she would have preferred, the band didn’t view this as a deciding factor.
Claypool reflected on the past, noting that Jay Lane also hadn’t known all the songs when he joined the band. “He just came in and interpreted them his way,” Claypool explained. “He just kinda heard it and did his thing and you’re like ‘Holy f–k.’ It was amazing. And that’s what [Nikki’s audition] reminded me of.”
Although Glaspie didn’t secure the position, she expressed immense gratitude for the chance to play with some of her musical heroes. “I’m just happy coming in here talking, hanging out, and playing music,” she said.
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