EPK
Latest Release: Sun Will Follow
Djummi Records – Vinyl / CD / Digital
About the Album
Released on German label Djummi Records, Sun Will Follow is a drum-centered exploration where rhythm drives both structure and atmosphere. Across eight pieces for drum kit and synthesizer, Schoepke builds immersive soundscapes that merge experimental percussion, filmic textures, and progressive sensibilities.
- Mastered by Chris Muth (Dangerous Music)
- Artwork by Deborah Sheedy (Tool – Fear Inoculum)
- 2025 WAMI Awards: Best World/Unique Album, Best Album Artwork
Listen
Press Quotes
“Schoepke appears more concerned with transporting the listener into uncanny situations and leaving them to figure it out… The album offers a series of interconnected chambers to get lost in.” – The Wire
“Eight atmospheric pieces for drumkit and synthesizer that call to mind Bowie’s Berlin instrumentals, Ry Cooder’s film scores, and the murky post-punk of Moin.” – The Wire
“A deep, atmospheric journey where percussion leads the narrative.” – Betreutes Proggen
“Strikingly original and immersive.” – Babyblaue Seiten
Artist Bio
Milwaukee-based drummer, composer, and educator Dave Schoepke has recorded on over 50 albums during a 40+ year career. He has been the drummer for Willy Porter since 2002, toured internationally with Martin Barre (Jethro Tull), and collaborated with artists including Jeff Coffin, Roddy Chong, and Mona Tavakoli.
He is the founder of the Blank Radio project, half of the experimental duo Felsteg (2025 WAMI winners), and an author with Troy Nelson Music (Drum Set 365, Electronic Drums in 14 Days, and the forthcoming Rudiments 365).
Schoepke has received multiple awards including Best Music Educator at the 2025 WAMIs and was featured on the cover of Recording Magazine.
Contact
- Label (Europe): Djummi Records –contact@djummi-records.de
- Artist (US/Direct): info@daveschoepke.com
- www.daveschoepke.com
Past Releases
Photos
Videos
Sound on Low
Four Twenty Six
Which One ARE You?
Martin Barre Hunting Girl
Morning Blend Spotlight
Quotes
On Drums On Low, Schoepke combines composition and improvisation throughout Drums on Low. Played and recorded without overdubs, this percussive music possesses an honesty and immediacy that emphasize the full resonant tones of the drums. Each piece explores its own set of ideas and themes, developing and building a sound world while providing both continuity and diversity.
Martin Patmos – Modern Drummer
On Tessellated Resonance: I was asked what I might well tell you about this atypical album. Was it only for drummers or would it open to a wider audience. Each piece made me realize the multitude emotions that can emerge from this instrument when played with so much finesse. Forget the big solos “Boom Boom” too often played as stopgap in concert. I discovered another way to use the battery and she is magnificent.
Highlands Magazine – France
Often as mysterious as a contemporary classical record that looks to push the boundaries, this just drums along with an amazing amount of variety coming from a solo drum set.
Midwest Record
“Drums On Low is a drums-only affair that runs a spectrum from and hypnotic tribalism to mystique concrete and the avant-garde, with nods to modern jazz, rock, and orchestral moments in between. The album is not just a collection of gratuitous drum solos, many of the tracks have a distinct melodic voice highlighting the harmonic richness and depth of each drum.”
Recording Magazine
Playing out, one after another like eclectic, yet aspiring works of performance art, all the tracks on Drums On Low are a culminative journey for a drummer that fully deserves the new, front of stage spotlight.
Exclusive Magazine
ea “Dave is a wonderful musician, extremely diligent, caring and an amazing team player on and off the road. He is musical, sympathetic to others around him and…he listens!”
Martin Barre (Guitarist Jethro Tull)
Dave Schoepke is the real deal. A multi-talented musician, a respected teacher, but most importantly a truly kind person. I have worked with Dave over the years, in the studio and in live performance and his professionalism, skill, patience and delightful attitude make him undeniable!
MonaTavakoli (Drummer/Percussionist for Jason Mraz, Sara Barellies)
I’ve had the pleasure of playing, writing and recording music with Dave for many years now, He’s one of the most creative, thoughtful and soulful musicians I’ve had the good fortune to work with.
Willy Porter
Having played in bands and using him as a first call session drummer; I highly recommend Dave for any session work or live work. Top notch pro that is versatile and has a killer groove!
Jeff Hamilton – Musician, Producer, Audio Engineer (Violent Femmes, Uriah Heep, Dennis De Young)
Tessellated Resonance is an album that will especially appeal to the drummers among us whom are interested to know how they can use their drums differently than what they are used to and come up with something new and still sound very organic.
Strutter Magazine – Netherlands
Schoepke is exploring repetition, rhythm, and almost tip-tap tribal themes by way of beautifully tuned percussive ponderings that tell stories and reveal moods and emotions. This is no manic exhibition of dexterity, speed, and showmanship, with less often meaning more, and each not struck being allowed to ring out and convey its own true meaning even as the next tom skin is caressed.
Steven Reid – Sea of Tranquility
