Drummer Spotlight - Ashlyn Shanafelt
The Full Circle Co. community is made up of amazing people and Ashlyn Shanafelt is no exception. In our drummer spotlight, we highlight a community member who also happens to be an incredible drummer.
Full Circle Co. turns broken drum cymbals into jewelry, bottle openers and drum keys. Interested in learning more? Just check out fullcirclecompany.co and you can even use Ashlyn's discount code to get 15% off your order - just enter ASH15 at checkout.
Ashlyn, tell us a little bit about yourself
I’m Ashlyn! I’m a full-time drummer in Austin, TX. I’ve been playing drums most of my life. I’m a lefty on a “righty” kit - it’s still a conversation starter. I try not to take life too seriously, so you’ll most likely see me acting goofy or trying to make you laugh.
Where are you originally from?
I’m from a small town called Levelland, just outside of Lubbock, TX.
What did you dream about doing for a living when you were growing up?
Being a musician! It’s the only thing that ever made sense to me.
What was your first CD/cassette tape?
This is a little embarrassing.. I got a Hanson VHS tape when I was about 5. I would plug it in and sit in front of the TV with a little “First Act” drum set I got for Christmas one year, playing to all their songs.
What's the first drumkit you ever owned?
I got a Ludwig Accent when I was 10. I played that thing for about 12 years until I got another kit. I think I still have it back home in storage.
Tell us about the gear you currently play
I have an 18” Gretsch Catalina and a 22” DW Collectors. I play all Meinl Byzance cymbals, a 5.5x14” Cherry Hill snare, Vater drumsticks, Aquarian Drumheads., and Tyler’s Butt Wax.
What's the biggest gig you've ever played?
I played a festival for a couple thousand people in Dallas a couple years ago. We opened up for Gary Allen. Gotta love those Texas Country gigs!
What's your most memorable musical experience?
Last year I went on a midwest tour for a month with Dustin Schaefer. It was during the summer so the weather was PERFECT! It definitely beat that Texas heat for sure. I got to hike, kayak, wake up and drink coffee by a river in each state we were in, and play on stage with some beautiful mountain views behind us! It was a pretty peaceful tour.
What are you practicing right now?
Right now I am practicing independence and applying rudiments to the kit.
How did you hear about Full Circle Co?
I met Liz at NAMM 2019 and she told me about Full Circle!
What do you like most about Full Circle Co?
I love that the jewelry is great quality and just straight up looks cool! Anyone can wear it and automatically rank up some dope style points!
Favorite Full Circle Co. piece?
I love the Dark Full Circle necklace and the bracelet.…and the downbeat. Come on, you’re really going to make me pick ONE?!
What's your favorite food?
I’m a sucker for Italian and Mexican food!
What's your favorite movie?
Can’t pick just one, but I love comedies and 90’s movies!
Coffee or Tea?
Coffee will always have a place in my heart, but I’ve been on a tea binge and I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon.
What are some other things we should know about you (interests, awards, etc)?
I love making funny videos and taking pictures! It’s definitely one of my favorite hobbies. I love doing impersonations, even if I’m not that great at them. I quote movies on the reg! I love to sing super loud in my car (but who doesn’t am I right?). I love the idea of eating healthy and working out a lot..but let’s be honest, I love food and Netflix way more!
Be sure to follow Ashlyn on Instagram (@shanafeltmydrums) and check out some of her drumming below!
This is a video shoot I did with Sheridan Reed a few months back! So much fun working with him! (And a little shoutout to my girl Ruby Dice on bass):
A video I did at Mike Johnston’s drum camp in 2018: