About Drum Or Die
BRAD HARDIN
Brad Hardin is a professional drummer, podcast host, and brand visionary whose career spans live performance, large scale production, and military service. His work is rooted in discipline, adaptability, and real world experience earned both onstage and in high pressure environments.
Brad began drumming at a young age, starting in church settings where timing, dynamics, and musical restraint were essential. That early foundation led to live touring, club and festival stages, and professional production environments where consistency and reliability are non negotiable.
A U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force veteran, Brad founded and performed with the USS Ronald Reagan Ships Rock Band while deployed during Operation Enduring Freedom. The band performed throughout the combat theater, providing live music and morale support directly to deployed service members. Operating in active deployment zones required precision, adaptability, and professionalism under extreme conditions, skills that continue to define Brad’s approach as a drummer.
During his military service and beyond, Brad gained exposure to large scale production workflows, including setting up and supporting major live shows. He also shadowed professional drum technicians working with top tier touring and broadcast productions, including crews associated with Slipknot and American Idol live television events. This experience provided firsthand insight into tour level drum tech standards, gear preparation, redundancy, and performance consistency at the highest level.
Brad is currently the drummer for national touring band CloZure, while also serving as the creator and host of the Drum Or Die Podcast, an independent media platform dedicated to drummers, artists, and the culture surrounding the instrument. The podcast features in depth conversations with working musicians and industry professionals, along with short form educational and behind the kit content.
Drum Or Die functions as both a creative outlet and a professional platform, connecting drummers, brands, and audiences through authenticity rather than hype. Brad’s goal is to elevate drummers by highlighting real careers, real gear use, and real pathways in the music industry.
Musical Versatility & Experience
Brad Hardin has worked across a wide range of musical environments, from church settings to national stages, adapting his playing to serve the song and the situation.
He is currently the drummer for Clozure, performing modern hard rock and metal in high-pressure live environments. He has also performed aboard the USS Ronald Reagan, providing live music for service members while deployed, and has extensive experience in church percussion and drumset roles that demand dynamics, restraint, and consistency.
Additional live and studio experience includes work with Bolee, along with regional and national performances across multiple genres.
Brad has shared the stage with Framing Hanley, Starset, Smile Empty Soul, Alien Ant Farm, Saliva, Saving Abel, Taproot, and Mushroomhead, and has performed at major festivals including Rockfest (Wisconsin), Northwoods Rock Rally, Furnace Fest, and Shamrocks & Shenanigans.
This range of experience reflects a versatile, professional approach built on musical awareness, adaptability, and consistency.
DRUMMING
Everything starts with serving the music, locking in the groove, and supporting what the song actually needs not overplaying for the sake of chops.
Off stage matters just as much as on stage. I believe in being a good person, showing up prepared, and treating everyone with respect. The music world is small, and relationships matter.
On stage, I bring energy and commitment. I rock out, give the crowd something to feel, and make sure the band feels solid and confident behind the kit. Off stage, I network, listen, and stay connected. That balance is what keeps doors open and careers moving.
At the end of the day, it’s about consistency, professionalism, and loving the instrument.