I asked ChatGPT to interview me. I didn’t tell it what to ask or prompt it in any other way than to just do a podcast like interview. This is how it went:
Q: For people hearing about Radius Drums for the first time, how would you describe what you do and why you do it?
Kenny: Radius Drums builds boutique snare drums. I got started building stave and segmented shells, and just recently we began offering 8-ply shells as well. All our stave and segmented drums are built in-house. For the ply shells, I source raw tubes from Nordic — in my opinion, they make the best ply shells in the country. I cut them down, add reinforcement rings, apply my treatments, and really make them my own.
What sets Radius apart is our use of laser-engraved artwork on the shells. That’s really become a signature feature.
I do this because I’ve always loved drums and I’ve always loved building things. I needed to find a way to make my mark on the drumming world — and this is it. I want cool drummers to have cool drums made by me.
Q: What drew you to stave and segmented construction in the beginning?
Kenny: Honestly, it felt like the most realistic entry point into building drums. With my woodworking background, I already had the tools and the know-how. Making a mold for ply construction and the learning curve that goes with that — it’s a bigger itime investment. Stave made more sense. Plus, the process is straightforward, and you can get creative with layout and wood combinations right away.
Q: Now that you’re offering ply shells, how do you decide whether to go stave, segmented, or ply for a build?
Kenny: It’s mostly based on the customer. I love building stave and segmented shells, but at trade shows, one of the most common questions I get is: “How many plies is this?” That tells me most drummers still expect ply shells. So instead of forcing my favorite method on people, I started offering ply shells too. That way, I can meet drummers where they’re at while still making each drum visually unique with my engraving process.
Q: When someone plays a Radius snare, what do you want them to feel or experience?
Kenny: I don’t shoot for one specific sound or vibe. Some drummers like big, fat tones. Others want something tight, responsive, and snappy. Personally, I prefer that latter category — something that almost plays you back. But my goal isn’t to push one sound; it’s to help people find their sound. Custom means custom — not just how it looks, but how it plays.
Q: Let’s talk about those laser engravings. What inspires the designs?
Kenny: A lot of them come from my own head — I treat the drum like a canvas. I know it sounds a little woo-woo, but I let the drum tell me what it wants to be. Of course, when a customer comes in with something specific — like a beach scene, or a theme — I’ll build around that. But when it’s just me building a new drum, I start with an idea and see how far I can push it.
Q: What’s your process like from idea to finished snare?
Kenny: It always starts with wood choice. For ply shells, it’s usually one species throughout — All maple or all birch, etc. But with stave construction, I love mixing woods and playing with contrast. For example, I did a shell out of lacewood and cut out circles to inlay maple disks, then only engraved the maple parts. That one turned out amazing.
Once the shell is prepped, I move on to reinforcement rings and internal treatments — like dyeing the inside red, which makes the rings pop. Then I start laying out the engravings, one image per panel between the lugs. I’ll either create the artwork myself using AI or work with customer-supplied graphics. It’s a mix of craftsmanship and experimentation.
Q: Is there a particular drum that really stuck with you?
Kenny: Yeah — the Spaceman snare. It’s the first ply shell that’s leaving the shop. I dyed it with a purple-to-red fade and filled it with laser-engraved astronauts, rockets, and planets. One of the images shows a spaceman holding Earth, and I lined it up so the air vent grommet is what he’s actually holding. That one turned out super cool. I’m a little bummed to part with it, honestly, but that’s the point: I’m here to get these drums out into the world.
Q: Do you ever build with a certain kind of player or genre in mind?
Kenny: Not really. I mean, I’m a hard rock/metal guy, but I don’t want to pigeonhole Radius into one sound or scene. If someone connects with the drum, that’s what matters. The only time I tailor things to a specific style is when a customer is ordering something and gives me a vibe or sound they’re chasing. Then I dig in and help them dial it in sonically and visually.
Q: You’ve mentioned using Midjourney for artwork. How has AI played a role in your creative process?
Kenny: It’s been huge. I know some people might not agree with it, but here’s the thing: I’m the one coming up with the ideas. Midjourney helps me generate visual representations of those ideas — fast, cheap, and effectively. If I had to hire an artist for every single image, it wouldn’t be financially feasible.
I’ve had some collaborations with real artists, like Nancy Spurlock, who’s hand-painted some incredible wraps for me. But in general, AI allows me to create art without underpaying anyone. It’s a tool, and I think it’s here to stay. Same with ChatGPT — this interview, for example. I use it as a personal assistant, a brainstorming partner. It helps me move faster and stay inspired. And I don’t think it diminishes the authenticity of what I do one bit.
Q: Trade shows seem to be a big part of your outreach. What are they like for you?
Kenny: They’re huge. I’ve done the Las Vegas Drum Show four years in a row and Music City Drum Show in Nashville. I wish I could do more. You meet drummers, get real-time feedback, and let people experience your drums. That’s where they come alive — you can’t always capture that online.
Yeah, I’d love to sell more at the shows, but honestly, it’s more about networking and visibility. And some people hit a Radius and say, “Wow, I need this.” Others say, “I wish I could afford it.” Both are wins. I learn a lot from those conversations — even the picky ones who tell me I should use different wires or switch to Remo heads.😂
I’m planning to keep alternating: Vegas one year, then a new show the next — Nashville, Chicago, PASIC, Delaware, Kansas City. It’s about showing up and being part of the scene.
Q: For drummers who haven’t seen your work in person, what’s something they’re missing?
Kenny: Honestly? The sound. A phone mic just doesn’t do them justice. I have some solid recordings on the site, but a lot of the reels and videos are from phones. And there’s a feel to these drums that you can’t capture digitally.
That Purpleheart+Maple 13″ snare I made — it sings. You hit it and there’s this angelic overtone. It’s so responsive it plays you back. That doesn’t come through unless you’re behind the kit.
Q: So where do you want Radius Drums to be five years from now?
Kenny: Bigger reach. More big-name drummers owning Radius snares. I want people who play my drums to be so excited they tell all their drummer friends. I want that word-of-mouth fire.
I’m expanding the shop soon. Moving our personal kits out into a new space to open up the workspace. My son is about to graduate high school, and I’d love to bring him in — he’s already been helping with tuning and hardware. My daughter might get involved too, especially on the organizational and financial side. She’s got a great mind for that. Eventually, I want a bigger shop, a small team, and more room to keep saying yes to new opportunities.
Q: Last question — if you could tell every drummer out there why they should own a Radius snare, what would you say?
Kenny: Every drum that leaves this shop is a one-of-one. Even if I built two shells exactly the same, the engravings, the dyes, the little details would make each drum unique.
If you want a drum that’s truly yours — or if you’ve got something wild in your head and want help making it real — that’s what Radius is about. I take ideas from my mind and manifest them into the real world. And I can do that for your ideas too. That creative process? That might be my favorite thing ever.
We’re not making just another drum, we’re making your drum.
An incredible snare drum is waiting for you! Contact Radius Drums to find it.