James Hester

From working with mystery Bristol trip hop duo Malakai and Portishead honcho Geoff Barrow through to the heavier sound of Gunslinger Black (with Pitchifters Mark Clayden and Matt Grundy and Earth Tone 9’s Owen Packard), via Men From Mars which featured members of Robert Plants band The Strange Sensation, Massive Attack, Portishead and Cast – James knows how important it is to have the right tools to deliver whatever job is next, whether it’s playing Brixton Academy or a BBC session at Maide Vale. His current regular gig with post hardcore band Cars On Fire (Undergroove Records) has seen a new album written as a follow up to the KKKK (Kerrang) mini album ‘Dig Your Own Grave, sessions for Red Bull, a UK tour, an album launch in Dublin and festival appearances at Sonisphere, Hevy, Guilfest and Relentless/Vans Boardmasters all in the first 3 months. As if that wasn’t enough, James also balances this with his role as Head Of Drums at B.I.M.M. Bristol and is the Technical Editor for Drummer Magazine. ‘As a kid I remember staring at pictures of Nicko’s kit and wondering what it would be like to play those cymbals! Every musical setting I’ve been in, it’s been easy to pick the right sound from Paiste. The support I have from the Paiste family is second to none – every artist to them is as important as the quality and sound of the cymbals – that’s vital! From the Signatures and Twenties to the PST and 101’s, from Benante or Jordison right across to Steve Jordan or ’ JR Robinson – Paiste has the right cymbal – they have the right sound…’