Q&A: David Hext

DH: I came from a family of keen brass players. In fact, my dad was a head of brass in Bedfordshire, my mum was a class teacher who played a brass instrument too, and my older brother plays the trombone. They tried to get me to play various brass instruments, but I kind of rebelled against it. I always wanted to play the drums – I was just fascinated by them. So eventually they gave up and let me do it, and as soon as I started learning I knew that was going to be the thing for me.

DH: Two specific teachers had a massive impact on me. The first, who is sadly no longer with us, was a military man named Fred Austin, who taught me all the basics of technique. He was so encouraging and positive, and he taught me about listening and playing along with other people, which I think is a really important element for young percussionists. The other educator that had an impact was a drum-kit teacher named Keith Brightman. I still keep in touch with him a lot, and he was a real inspiration. I remember, when I was younger, my jaw was on the ground when I saw him play, and I couldn't believe it when my dad arranged for me to have lessons with him! I have an enormous amount of gratitude towards the both of them for starting me off.