The Rhythm Studio | Teachers | Chris Hodges


Chris started playing drums aged 12 after an inspirational trip to Ronnie Scott's to see New Orleans legend Dr John.  Shortly after the trip to Ronnie's he started taking drum lessons, and soon busied himself transcribing Hendrix tracks with the help of teacher Malcolm Cross.  When Chris left school he was reliably informed that if he was serious about drums there was only one person to see - Bob Armstrong.  Bob's inspirational teaching and minute attention to detail have formed the foundation of Chris' continuing efforts to improve his musicianship.

Over the last few years Chris has been lucky enough to work with many acclaimed artists and producers. Some particularly memorable studio sessions include those with Teo Miller (Blur, Placebo), Mike Chapman (Blondie), Jamie Watson (Mogwai, Snow Patrol), Premen (Bloc Party, Mystery Jets), Kenny Jones (The Smiths, Billy Bragg) and George Shilling (Primal Scream, Steve Winwood).  

Since 2005 Chris has been playing with alternative rock band Royal Treatment Plant.  RTP's critically aclaimed debut album Hope Is Not Enough was released in 2008 (NME 8/10 and album of the week on Huw Stephens' show on BBC Radio 1).  Over the last year Chris been busy recording RTP's second album and playing alongside Rod Thomas in electo act Bright Light Bright Light (Popjustice Hi-Fi).  It's been a busy live shedule, including a UK tour with Ellie Goulding, shows at Hammersmith Apollo and Koko, and a US tour with both bands culminating shows at SXSW festival in Austin. 

(The above image shows Chris onstage with Bright Light Bright Light, supporting Ellie Goulding at Leeds Academy, November 2010, photography by Danny Payne)