An Interview with
'Nolan Richards'
The Drummer of Marco Mendoza
that took place on 19th September 2025.
Interviewed by Glenn Milligan
Glenn: Where did the interest in drums begin?
Nolan: My interest in drums started when I was six years old. I’ve been a huge KISS fan and Eric Singer’s playing on Alive III really grabbed me. That was the moment I knew I wanted to play drums.
Glenn: Who would say are your favourite drummers and why?
Nolan: Some of my favorite drummers are Eric Singer, Scott Travis, Jimmy D’Anda, Tommy Aldridge and John Bonham. Eric Singer inspires me with his feel and professionalism, Scott Travis with his precision and energy, Jimmy D’Anda with his groove and showmanship, Tommy Aldridge with his power and stage presence and John Bonham for his iconic sound and musicality. Each has influenced my playing in different ways.
Glenn: In what ways have particular drummers influenced you?
Nolan: A lot of drummers have influenced me in different ways. Eric Singer has always been a big inspiration—not just for his power and feel behind the kit, but also for the way he carries himself as a professional. Scott Travis has inspired me with his energy and technical precision, and Jimmy D’Anda influenced my sense of groove and showmanship. Each of them has given me something different that I’ve worked into my own playing.
Glenn: What was your first drumkit and how did you acquire it?
Nolan: My first drum kit was a Star Sounds set. I actually received it from one of my parent’s friends, who sadly passed away, and the kit was given to me just after he died. It was a really meaningful start for me and set me on my path as a drummer.
Glenn: What songs over the years have given you the most pleasure being the backbeat for and why?
Nolan: Over the years, there have been so many songs I’ve loved being the backbeat for. Playing KISS songs has always been a thrill because of their energy and groove. Some rock-reggae tracks with Kyle Rising were really fun to play and challenged me in a different way. More recently, performing with Marco Mendoza has been amazing, and one of my favorite moments is playing Joe Satriani’s ‘Satch Boogie’—it’s fast, technical, and such a blast behind the kit.
Glenn: What are your overall thoughts to drum solos and what makes one particular drum solo stand out against another and why regardless of length?
Nolan: I love drum solos when they tell a story and connect with the music. It’s not about length or speed—what makes a solo stand out is its feel, dynamics, and how it moves the audience.
Glenn: You are versatile in styles but if you had to pick one, which one gives you the most pleasure and why?
Nolan: I’m versatile across styles, but if I had to pick one, hard rock and classic rock give me the most pleasure. There’s something about the energy, groove and raw power in those styles that really makes playing fun and exciting.
Glenn: What would you say are the key aspects of what makes a stand-out drummer as opposed to just an adequate one?
Nolan: In my opinion, a stand-out drummer has feel, musicality, and serves the song. It’s about timing, personality, and lifting the band, not just technical skill.
Glenn: Tell us about some of your gig highlights or even low points over the years so far?
Nolan: In my opinion, the highs always outweigh the lows. Playing with Marco Mendoza, sharing the stage in LA with Michael Starr, Sean McNabb and Stevie D and performing with Howie Simon at NAMM have been major highlights, along with projects for Frontiers and collaborations with Kyle Rising and Sakshi Chopra. Of course, there have been setbacks like cancelled shows or technical issues but those moments taught me resilience and reminded me why I keep playing.
Glenn: What got you to upping sticks (scuse the pun) and moving from Switzerland to Los Angeles, California?
Nolan: In my opinion, it came down to chasing growth and opportunity. Switzerland gave me a strong foundation, but Los Angeles is where the industry lives — the energy, the musicians, the chances to connect and perform at the highest level. It felt like the natural move if I wanted to push myself further and really make a career out of music.
Glenn: How would you say the countries are both different and similar when it comes to making it in the music industry as a professional drummer?
Nolan: Switzerland has a supportive scene but it’s smaller, while LA is full of opportunities and competition. What they share is that professionalism and strong relationships are key no matter where you are.
Glenn: What things have you had to do as a profession in order to survive in Los Angeles as I know its so expensive to live there and can be extremely cut throat keeping it together as a human being, let alone being in the music business?
Nolan: In my opinion, surviving in LA takes focus and persistence. I’ve kept busy with live shows, studio sessions, and collaborations — anything that keeps me growing as a musician and staying connected. At the same time, it’s important to stay disciplined, manage the pressure and never lose sight of why I came here.
Glenn: Feel free to tell us about the various artists you have had the opportunity to work with while in Los Angeles, how the opportunities came to be and what stood out while being in their presence with regard to in the studio, on stage or socially?
Nolan: Since moving to LA, I’ve worked with artists like Kyle Rising, Ari Kamin (Steven Adler’s Band), Kieran Robertson (Faster Pussycat), Sean McNabb (Great White) and more. Whether in the studio, on stage or just hanging out. What stands out is how talented, fun and down-to-earth everyone is.
Glenn: What are your favourite recording studios and live venues in and around the USA and for what reasons?
Nolan: Some of my favorite spots are Capricorn Studio in San Diego for recording — it’s got an amazing vibe and great sound — and live venues like the Tiki Bar in San Diego and The Mint in LA. I love places that have character, great energy, and make every session or show feel special.
Glenn: Tell us about your current endorsements and how they came to be?
Nolan: I’m currently endorsed by Sawtooth Music Instruments and Chromacast. These partnerships came together naturally — through meeting great people, putting my work out there, and just showing up with passion, professionalism and a bit of stick-swinging energy. It’s been awesome to connect with brands that genuinely support what I do.
Glenn: What record companies have had the joy of working with and on what particular projects?
Nolan: I’ve had the pleasure of working with Temple Dao Records, playing percussion on Abbey Castor’s new EP. It was a blast getting creative in the studio, experimenting with rhythms and adding some extra flavor to the tracks alongside an amazing team of musicians.
Glenn: What would you say makes you stand out from other drummers around at present?
Nolan: I try to be versatile, adaptable, and focused on serving the music rather than showing off. I also put a lot of effort into being reliable, professional and easy to work with — qualities that I think make a big difference when you’re playing with different artists in the studio or on stage.
Glenn: You are currently the drummer for Marco Mendoza on his current UK / European Tour. What lead you to getting this gig and what are you enjoying so far working alongside and for Mr. Mendoza?
Nolan: I landed the gig with Marco Mendoza through a mix of networking, past collaborations, and just being ready when the opportunity popped up. So far, it’s been a blast — Marco is not only an incredible musician but also super down-to-earth. Every show is full of energy, laughs and great music. It’s just awesome getting to be part of it all.
Glenn: What are you most looking forward to on the tour with regard to playing certain venues or countries overall?
Nolan: I’m really looking forward to experiencing new audiences and the vibe each venue brings. Playing iconic stages in the UK and Europe is always exciting, but honestly, it’s the energy from the crowd and the chance to connect with fans that I’m most excited about. Every city has its own flavour!
Glenn: What would you say are your ultimate goals as a professional drummer?
Nolan: My ultimate goals as a drummer are to keep growing, play with inspiring artists, and be part of projects that excite both me and the audience. I want to keep performing, creating and sharing music for years to come.
Glenn: What have been the most 'Spinal Tap' moments so far in your career?
Nolan: Some of the most 'Spinal Tap' moments in my career have been the classic live disasters — snapping sticks mid-song, cables dying at the worst possible moment, or gear refusing to cooperate just as the crowd’s getting into it. At the time, you want to crawl under the drum kit, but later you just laugh and tell the story over and over — it’s all part of the chaos of live music!
Glenn: What would we find in your CV/Resume when it comes to other hobbies and interests?
Nolan: Outside of music, I’ve always been into wrestling — big WWE fan growing up, probably spent more time watching moves than doing homework. I also enjoy staying active, checking out live shows and anything that keeps me moving and curious.
Big thanks to Nolan for such an enlightening and in-depth Interview. Special thanks got to Claudio Pesavento for setting it up.