Spotlight: Austin "Koz"

Q&A with Our Drums Dude

1. What’s your name, your instrument, and how long have you been with Sneezy?

   Koz, drums, 12 years
   

2. How did you first end up in this band?
   Met Jack while working at a sandwich shop in Libertyville when I was 14. He pretty much took me under his wing, introduced me to Brett and Tom, we jammed a few times just for fun. Fast forward a few years to my freshman year of college, he texted me out of the blue. “Do you want to play a show with us?” I said “yes, when and where?”
   
   He said “tonight in Champaign. We’ll pick you up from ISU in a few hours.”
   
   I learned a few songs on the way to the venue, leaned on the band for some cues, and made it through my first legit gig. They kept me around ever since. And now we’re family.
   

3. Describe the Sneezy sound to someone who’s never heard us — but you can’t use the word “funky.”
   Joyful noise that invites you to move and feel with a carefree, childlike spirit.
   

4. What song in the set do you look forward to playing the most, and why?
   ”Stepping Stone.” It grooves hard, it gets weird, and Tom gets a solo.
   

5. What was your toughest gig with Sneezy?
   Hm. Probably one time at Melwood when I worked out my legs too hard earlier in the day. I could barely play the kick drum. No more hard leg days within 24 hours of a gig.
   

6. What was your favorite gig with Sneezy?
   Impossible to answer. There are a few that come to mind. But the ones that stand out are the ones filled with moments of freedom. When we’re playing for ourselves, making each other laugh, or yell “YEAH” at each other because we’re just on fire. Some nights it feels impossible to play a wrong note. It feels like flying.
   

7. Who is the artist who most inspired you to pursue music?
   Victor Wooten
   

8. What’s a skill, hobby, or obsession you have that has absolutely nothing to do with music?
   I can solve a Rubix cube. My fastest time was 36 seconds.
   

9. Who in the band would you call if you had a flat tire? Who would you call if you had an extra ticket to a show?
   Jack.
   
   Depends on the show… but probably Brett if I had to choose.
   

10. The van is gone but Boogie Nation showed up. What does that mean to you?
    Everything. Y’all are the reason we get the privilege of continuing to live our dreams. Thank you.
    
    Thank you and you and you and you. Koz keeps us grooving with rhythm, and Boogie Nation keeps us dreaming with your continued support. We’re halfway through April, and nearly halfway to our goal. Every dollar counts, every share counts. Tour is made possible by Boogies like you :)