I recently contributed to a Pink Floyd tribute album, the second tribute project from the good folks at Halcyon Records. Their first tribute album compilation was the “Whatever… Nevermind” 20th anniversary of Nirvanas classic album. I played drums on Come As You Are – Brake.Wall, Breed – Amplitusion and Territorial Pissings – F.U.C.!

This Pink Floyd release was a similar concept, but didn’t focus on any one album. Its more of a collection of Floyd songs by an international line up of bands from a variety of genres and backgrounds. Sixteen Psychedelic classics.

Once again I contributed on three tracks here. I played on One Of These Days – The_MK:Ultra5, and once again Amplitusion with Astronomy Domine and I also joined Waylon and Brake.Wall. with the track Echoes. Good times! I’m going to be doing some more work with Brake.Wall. in the near future for some original stuff so keep an ear out for that if ya like what you hear with these covers!

You can have a listen to it all right here! http://soundcloud.com/halcyon-records/sets

Let me know what ya’ll think!!

Enjoy!

Its been a VERY hectic month. I spent 2 weeks back in Australia and for the most part I only left my drums to eat and sleep. Sometimes I even ate at the kit! It was a very productive couple of weeks though. I booked out Core Studios on the Gold Coast with my good mate/producer Nik Carpenter, whom i’ve worked with on many occasions when it comes to laying down drums and making records.  I tracked 11 original songs for my Canadian band Amplitusions 2nd album (the first album I appear on) which James Sheehan and myself had spent alot of time writing and arranging over the past 8 months here in Canada. I layed down each track twice over 2 days. On the night of day 2, I played 4 sets at the 3rd TODDFEST. This included the debut show for my Aussie band ROME (featuring ex-members of Devolved and The Berzerker), plus killer and extremely fun sets from F.U.C., Happy Camper and a special xmas in March apperance by SLEIGHER.

Week 2s tracking consisted of a Pink Floyd cover for Amplitusion (Astronomy Domine), plus brand new song for my Scottish band Man Must Die! I laid down 10 takes of the song, which is currently having the finishing touches put on it in the UK by the rest of the band with producer Scott Atkins. All reports from MMD so far on the progress have been very positive! We’re all excited to unleash this beast upon the unsuspecting world! A music video for this new single will be shot in Glasgow in the near future as well as some touring and working on the follow up album to 2009s “No Tolerance For Imperfection” record. I can’t wait to get this thing rolling full steam ahead!

I also laid down the drums for the debut album from my Aussie band ROME! We had been working hard on the songs via the internet, so when I came to Aus, we knuckled down in the jam room and really got the songs feeling and sounding great!! The internet is quite amazing, but nothing beats getting in the jam room and sweating it out to really bring the music to life! I can’t wait to do the same thing with Man Must Die soon. It’s great when everyone is motivated and has done their homework. Everything just falls into place so nicely.

My return to Canada saw Amplitusion preparing to play our biggest show in the history of the band at The Opera House in Toronto! This was the first venue I ever played in Toronto back in 2009 when The Berzerker toured here. James was at that show (and got me mega wasted after we played) supporting. It was a dream of his to play there and i’m totally stoked I could share that with him. He went nuts with promo and got alot of heads thru the door. We had a sweet moshpit and nothing but positive feedback on the performance! We put in some great rehearsals throughout the week and really CRUSHED EXTREME on the night! Good times!

This week has been a little more relaxed on the music front. I laid down some more drums for another bands Pink Floyd song, and did some work on the Amplitusion one also. Expect to see that on the Halycon Records page for FREE very soon! I’m working on Man Must Die songs and just chilling enjoying listening to and discovering new music. Plus i’ve been putting in the hours at the day job ever since I got back to Canada too. Gotta make that money.. I’ve been working on some more writing stuff as well for Sick Drummer Mag and my Halcyon Records blog “Aussie Abroard” whenever I get the chance. Check out the links page to see SDM and Halcyon!

Also check out Man Must Die and Todd Hansen Official on Facebook!

Chat soon!!

Todd.

I’m super excited to have successfully auditioned for Scottish Metal band Man Must Die. I have been searching for the right band since The Berzerker disbanded a couple of years back. Man Must Die is right up my alley style wise. The death/thrash drumming style, the song writing, the lyrics, the dedication and commitment of the members as well as the fact they’re great dudes! I’m really looking forward to creating some great heavy music with these guys. Thanks to MMD for the opportunity, and my mate Scotty Mitchell for putting me onto them. Expect to see some new stuff soon!!

Hey guys,

I’m writing a regular Blog which can be read on the Halcyon Records website. Its basically about anything and everything! I’ve already started my next one, so go and read the first one and give me some feedback!

http://halcyonrecords.ca/aussie-abroad-1/

Well I gotta say. The 2012 NAMM Show was one of the most awesome musical experiences i’ve had on my musical journey, right up there with the Sick Drummer Camp. It was such an awesome networking opportunity on all levels.

I got to meet a bunch of awesome people!! I was lucky enough to share a room with my mate Ian Macdonald (Owner of Sick Drummer Magazine) who is a seasoned NAMM show attendee and knows absolutely EVERYONE in the drumming and metal world. I was able to check out the best events and parties each night,  and hang out and make friends with so many killer drummers and musicians alike! So thanks again Ian, you’re a legend mate!

I also got to finally meet in person alot of the guys from Trick Percussion Co who were really cool. They have some fantastic new products on the market! I’ve just ordered myself the new Detonator Triggers for my Pro 1-V Bigfoot pedals. Its a Laser triggering system which is built onto the pedals which means, no more mistriggering for me. EVER!! I also got to meet a bunch more of my fellow TRX Cymbals artists as well as catch up with the guys I’d already met. TRX have a new series of cymbals called the NRG Range, which are specifically made for Metal, Rock and Hardcore players. The bells are amazing and each cymbal minus the chinas, has a working bell! They have a heavier sound which cuts through alot more. And the Dark/Icon effects cymbals were very cool also! Check these guys out on my links page!

My highlights were most definitely the drummer circle we had going at the Meshuggah Listening party, and the drummer posse we had cruising around the Hilton and the NAMM show floor on the Saturday afternoon. Plus the Sabian Party, Testament and Filter shows were awesome! Who am I kidding. The WHOLE weekend was a highlight!! I hope I get to go back next year!

So my next move…. After events like this I’m more motivated than ever to keep the ball rolling. I’m going through all of the business cards I received and touching base with the friends I haven’t found online yet, and the companies I met. Contacts are great!! Especially in this business. I’m going to try and get some more endorsements, mostly focusing on Sticks, Drums and Heads. I met and spoke with a number of endorsee’s and endorser’s so hopefully something will come of it.

I’m also working hard on my musical ventures. I’m going to write more for Sick Drummer Magazine as well as for the Halcyon Records page. And of course my regular blogs on here. When I go back to Australia for a couple of weeks, I’m going to track drums for the new Amplitusion album, the debut ROME album, some SUPERFUNHAPPYTIME surf songs, plus a few tracks from various solo projects I’ve been (slowly) working on. I’ll be doing all of these with my good mate Nik Carpenter of Core Studios on the Gold Coast and also the ROME frontman. I’ve done alot of work with him over the years and always get fantastic results. I’m also always learning songs for various bands whether its making an audition video or learning a full set to perform live sessions. I love to keep busy doing what I love!! 2012 is gonna be a year of awesomeness for all!! I’m EXCITED!

I’ve been lucky enough to be invited to the 2012 edition of The NAMM Show, thanks to my AWESOME Cymbal company TRX Cymbals! Today was the first day and CRIKEY it was an overwhelming experience! Met a bunch of fellow TRX and Trick artists as well as many more dudes (including Gene Hoglan)!!!

Tonight I’ve been lucky enough to get tix to the Messhuggah listening party! Gotta run!

Hey everyone! Hope your weekend is fantastic so far! Just wanted to let you guys know that James and I are doing a radio interview for Amplitusion in Hamilton tonight! Check us out TONIGHT on the air with The Rev & Go Radio Show 101.5fm between 6-9pm. You can also stream it online at www.IndiFM.Ca guys! So tune in between 6-9pm and have a listen!!

Hi guys, welcome to my official website! This page will act as a hub for everything I do with my drumming and music! Come and check it out whenever you feel like it. I’ll be doing regular blogs, posting videos and links and all the other fun stuff that comes with having a website!

I can also be contacted via this page for session work, be it studio, live or tours, and for any general questions you guys may have. Just hit me up on the contact page!! And for general discussions on all things, you can check out the links page and go to my official Facebook page. This was made as a forum for this site, rather than having to sign up to a new forum page, as most people have a facebook page these days!

Anyway, I hope you enjoy my page and become a regular visitor!

Cheers guys, Todd.