Have you ever wondered what it’s like to live a week in the shoes of a rising music star? For Graham Sierota, the drummer of Echosmith, December 2014 was a whirlwind of incredible experiences, packed with performances that solidified their place in the music scene as a band you ought to know. From the legendary stage of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon to the vibrant energy of VH1’s “You Oughta Know” concert and the inspiring HALO Awards, Graham’s week was a testament to the exhilarating journey of a young musician on the brink of major success. Let’s dive into the diary of this talented drummer and uncover the songs and moments that made this week unforgettable.
The Whirlwind Begins: The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
The week kicked off with a jolt of adrenaline as Echosmith prepared for their debut on The Tonight Show. Imagine going from a tour bus after a late-night show in Washington, DC, straight to the heart of New York City to perform on one of the biggest late-night stages. For Graham, this was reality. The excitement was palpable, especially knowing that Jimmy Fallon himself had been playing and singing their breakthrough hit, “Cool Kids,” a Song You Ought To Know if you’re just discovering Echosmith.
Echosmith drummer Graham Sierota performing live, showcasing his energetic drumming style and vintage Ludwig drum kit for songs you ought to know.
Soundcheck at 10 am meant an early 8 am wake-up call, but the buzz of performing with The Roots’ musicians and the anticipation of playing on Fallon’s show kept everyone energized. Graham was set to play a vintage 1964 Ludwig kit, complemented by his signature Istanbul Mehmet cymbals. The combination promised a fantastic sound, ready to bring Echosmith’s music to a massive audience eager for new songs you ought to know.
“You Oughta Know” Concert: Vintage Drums and Math Homework
Immediately after the Tonight Show soundcheck, the band had to race to VH1 for their performance at the “You Oughta Know” concert. This event, spotlighting emerging artists alongside established names like Sam Smith, American Authors, and Tove Lo, was another significant platform to introduce their songs you ought to know to a wider audience. The tight schedule left little room for error, and the pressure was on to make both performances flawless.
Upon arriving at VH1, another vintage Ludwig drumset awaited Graham. He opted for his preferred 6.5×14 Black Beauty snare, tuned low for a signature sound that would resonate through the venue. The stage was enormous, adding to the pre-show jitters. Amidst sound checks and run-throughs, Graham had to find time for schoolwork, highlighting the unique balancing act of being a young musician. Math with a tutor backstage at a major concert – a truly rock-and-roll paradox!
Echosmith drummer Graham Sierota with Questlove from The Roots, highlighting a moment of connection between two drummers and the influence of iconic musicians on songs you ought to know.
Back to Fallon & A Broken Stick: Improvisation Under Pressure
Just twenty-five minutes after finishing up at VH1, Echosmith was back at The Tonight Show for the actual taping. A pre-show visit from Jimmy Fallon boosted their spirits. Fallon’s genuine enthusiasm for “Cool Kids” and Echosmith’s music was incredibly encouraging. After a quick prayer, they took the stage. Nerves were high, knowing millions would be watching.
During the bridge of their performance, Graham’s stick broke clean off as he hit the snare. Years of drumming lessons kicked in – never stop the song. He powered through, hitting harder with the remaining piece, maintaining the beat seamlessly. This moment of improvisation under pressure showcased Graham’s skill and professionalism, ensuring the song, a song you ought to know, continued flawlessly. Afterward, Jimmy Fallon praised their performance, unaware of the near-disaster.
VH1 “You Oughta Know” Live: Thousands of Fans and Sisterly Support
With no time to bask in the Tonight Show success or even meet Questlove from The Roots, who had made an appearance, Echosmith raced back to VH1. This time, it was live TV, and a crowd of thousands awaited. Nerves peaked, but the strong family bond within Echosmith provided crucial support. A hug and words of encouragement from his sister Sydney, calling him her favorite drummer, calmed Graham’s nerves.
Echosmith band members, including drummer Graham Sierota, jamming together on stage, capturing the energy of their live performances and songs you ought to know.
As the stage rotated to reveal them to the audience, the energy surged. The live performance went perfectly, a culmination of their hard work and preparation. The feeling of accomplishment was immense, followed by the chance to connect with other bands and enjoy some well-deserved food. However, the demanding schedule meant an early departure for Graham due to child labor laws, cutting the celebrations short.
HALO Awards, Ringo’s Kit, and Jamming with The Roots & Meghan Trainor
The next day brought another exciting event: rehearsals for Nickelodeon’s HALO Awards. The set at a basketball pier was visually stunning, and the drum kit was extraordinary – the exact model vintage Ludwig kit famously used by Ringo Starr of The Beatles. Playing such iconic drums was a thrill for Graham, adding to the prestige of the event.
The show itself held an even bigger surprise. Echosmith was invited to jam with The Roots and Meghan Trainor (“All About That Bass”) at the end of the show. This unexpected collaboration brought Graham full circle from his earlier disappointment of missing Questlove. Playing maracas alongside musical heroes was a surreal and joyful experience.
From Small Rooms to Sold-Out Webster Hall: A Year of Growth
Capping off this incredible week, Echosmith played a sold-out show at NYC’s Webster Hall. This milestone was particularly significant considering that just at the beginning of the year, they were playing in the smallest downstairs room as the opening act. Selling out the main room at Webster Hall marked phenomenal growth within a single year. It was a powerful and celebratory end to the craziest week of their career, a week filled with performances of songs you ought to know and moments that solidified Echosmith’s trajectory in the music world. Graham, along with his siblings, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to share their music with the world, a journey that was just beginning to reach new heights.
For more on Echosmith visit www.echosmith.com, and www.facebook.com/Echosmith. To watch the video for “Cool Kids” click here www.echosmith.com/video.
