Interview: A Conversation with RJTempo (Session Writing, Drum Solos, and More)

The Interview 

Late last year, I visited Ryan Thieke of RJTempo at his home studio where he graciously let me sit in on some new footage for his channel. Two new improvised drum solos were recorded, both able to capture different shades of his abilities behind the kit. The precision and almost weightlessness in his hands let the softer solo Ember dance around the drums, whereas Inferno flares with energy and blazes through notes with ease. Behind it all, I believe, is the utmost passion brimming from the face of Ryan that brings it all together.

Afterwards, we were able to sit down and talk about the start of his drumming, making RJTempo, and the many things he's been able to accomplish since then. Session writing, crafting drum solos and knowing what songs he'll cover are explored, along with the countless connections and people that have helped and supported him along the way.  For some added context, I've known Ryan since high school, and can vividly remember going to my first hardcore show where his band Stealing Skies opened at The Troc, a historic Philadelphia venue that has since been closed. Years later, as I began cementing my ideas for writing again, I found his YouTube channel where tons of different covers, solos, and more were featured. I was delighted, not only to check in on an old friend, but to see that the joy of drumming was alive and well through what he presented. 

Please enjoy the full video interview below where all of this and more is discussed, including our top albums of 2025, other drummers in the creator space, and our love for the Garden State as the sky slowly turns to dusk amongst the New York City skyline. I again wanted to send a huge thanks to Ryan for taking the time and yet again crafting something special with this interview, along with Reg Mason who framed and shot the wonderful backdrop for our chat, and Chris and Sam for help producing. If anyone is interested in using RJTempo for session work, gigs, or lessons, you can contact him on his website.

Crafting Ember and Inferno 

When I discussed doing an interview with Ryan, we were able to set up a time where I'd be able to sit in on some new drum solos that were being recorded. It was the first time he'd been able to utilize moving cameras for his videos, capturing the movement and velocity the performances had to offer. Drum solos can mean many different things these days, and we've both talked about our love for Mario Duplantier’s scripted solos that display as much songwriting capability as improv. Ember and Inferno exist somewhere between that, with a clear thought behind the foundation of the solo and where it might be going, but allowing improvisation and natural momentum take precedence. 

Both culminate in an unexpected end due to the loose nature of the concept, yet somehow still feel tethered to each other and offer a formidable whole. These solos mark not only a new creative feat for the channel, but present exactly why I enjoy what Ryan is posting in the drummer creator space. The enjoyment is felt as much as it is seen through his videos, because there's intrinsic motivation to make it. There are a lot of the same things being seen in the drummer creator space, unfortunately, but I understand why anyone would go for a wider audience as well. Regardless, people connect with artists and creators largely in part because of the person making it these days, and I believe many will come to enjoy Ryan’s videos for the same reasons I do when they discover them.

A Final Note 

I thought I'd end this piece on why I wanted to have this conversation to begin with. I think from the outset of creating Burning Better, I've wanted to find a way to support the people growing their passion and feeding the world with their art. Through reflection, we were able to discuss the many ways RJTempo has grown and shaped Ryan's life and community around him. It is not often we can take the time to look back and reflect, and I hope this interview and article shows why that's important. Please check out more of Ryan's links below and feel free to reach out if you'd like to be featured on Burning Better. 

RJTempo

Website | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok

RJTempo Presents - A playlist covering the songs where he’s featured as a session drummer

Written by Evan Lurie