Connor Denis plays “FREE” by Beartooth | The Gretsch Nashville Sessions Vol. 1

“Free” by Beartooth gives Connor Denis plenty of room to show what powerful, groove-driven rock drumming is all about. The Gretsch Nashville Sessions: We went to the beautiful Ivy Hall Studios in Nashville, gathered some friends and recorded a lot of great music. Volume 1 included: Van Romaine, Keith Carlock, Connor Denis, Peter Varnado and Zach Dubay. Featured drummer in this episode: Connor Denis ‪@connordenis‬ ‪@BEARTOOTHband‬ Connor Denis is an American rock drummer from South Florida and the drummer for the hard rock band Beartooth, known for his powerful, hard-hitting style and deep sense of groove. His playing blends the raw intensity of rock and metal with influences ranging from hip-hop and Latin music to classic rock, giving him a distinctive and dynamic voice behind the kit. “Free” is an emotionally charged and energetic hard rock track that captures the tension between fear and freedom while marking a bold new chapter for Beartooth. Connor’s drumming gives the song a powerful foundation, balancing sheer force with the precision and feel that keep everything moving forward. Drums played in this video: Gretsch Brooklyn Series in Antique Oyster finish 9x13, 16x16, 16x18, 14x24 6.5x14 USA Custom Bell Brass Snare Studio - Ivy Hall Studios, Nashville TN Microphones by DPA ‪@DPAmicrophones‬ “Free” Produced by Caleb Shomo & Jordan Fish Written by Caleb Shomo & Jordan Fish Mixed by Caleb Shomo Mastered by Caleb Shomo Engineered by Caleb Shomo & Jake Rene Drums Performed by Connor Denis Drum Technician: Matt Sirtori Guitar Technician: Stephen Wegman #thatgretschgreatsound #gretschdrums #nashvillesessions #connordenis #beartooth Connor Denis puts the Gretsch Brooklyn right at home in a hard-hitting setting. With a USA Custom Bell Brass snare at the center of the kit, every groove and accent comes through with power, depth, and unmistakable presence. Heavy metal to bebop and everything in between—it’s all part of That Great Gretsch Sound. Gretsch Drums has been shaping the sound of modern music for more than 140 years, with its roots firmly planted in American drum making.  But what truly defines Gretsch is not a single sound—it’s the remarkable range of voices the drums can deliver. From the warm, woody punch and controlled resonance that have become synonymous with jazz, to the powerful attack and projection demanded by rock, pop, funk, blues, and contemporary studio work, Gretsch drums adapt naturally to almost any musical setting.  The brand’s legendary sound has been heard in the hands of jazz greats such as Art Blakey, Elvin Jones, and Tony Williams, while rock and pop drummers including Taylor Hawkins, Charlie Watts, Steve Ferrone, and Vinnie Colaiuta have made Gretsch part of some of the most recognizable recordings and performances in music history.  Today, artists such as Mark Guiliana, Cindy Blackman-Santana, Ash Soan, Eric Moore, and Keith Carlock continue to demonstrate just how far that sonic versatility can reach—from intimate jazz and sophisticated pop music to hard-hitting rock, metal, and beyond.  Whether you are looking for warmth, articulation, depth, punch, or effortless musical response, Gretsch offers a voice that can become distinctly your own.