Hey folks, it's Joe. I'm really excited to bring you a conversation with one of my favorite

drummers of all time, Ryan Rapsis. We're going to record a short bonus follow-up episode,

so if you have any questions for Ryan, email us at the trapset at gmail.com.

The trap set will always be available for free, but we rely on donations from our listeners.

Please visit our website at the trapset.net and click donate.

Subscribe to our show on iTunes, and if you enjoy what you hear, give us a review.

This is Joe Wong. Welcome to the Trap Set, where each week we explore the lives of drummers.

I want to play something for you.

I want to play something for you. You're hearing Island I'd Love to Live on by Euphone, featuring my guest Ryan Rapsis on drums.

Ryan first appeared on the experimental Chicago rock scene in the early 90s and distinguished himself

not only as one of that city's leading drummers, but as one of the greatest of his generation.

He possesses a perfect swinging groove, jaw-dropping technique, and most importantly, a startlingly unique creative voice.

A voice honed in such bands as Gage, Heroic Doses, Joan of Arc, and his sometimes solo project, Euphoan.

After enduring personal tragedy, Ryan lost his way and fell on dark times.

He still has yet to achieve the commercial success befitting someone of his monumental talent.

Now healthy and back on a productive path, there's every reason to hope he gets the recognition

he deserves.

And now our conversation with Ryan Rapses.

I came out of the womb with drumsticks in my hand.

I mean, I guess I started playing when I was around four years old.

And I had to audition for my parents because they weren't sure that I was serious about

wanting to play drums. And if I wasn't serious about playing drums, the way my family worked was that you didn't

...