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Welcome to the Trap Set, where each week we explore the lives of drummers.

I want to play something for you.

You're hearing Esperer by 1939 ensemble, featuring my guest Jose Medellis on drums.

A native of Illinois, Jose made his way to Los Angeles as a young man.

His stunning musical versatility paid off as he performed with everyone from Joey Ramon to Ben Harper.

Jose gained international exposure when he joined Kim Deal in The Breeders.

Since 2009, Jose has owned Revival Drum Shop.

Because of its meticulous curation and the community it cultivates,

many consider revival to be the greatest drum shop in the world.

Jose continues to perform and tour with 1939 ensemble.

A devoted husband and father, he lives in Portland with his family.

And now our conversation with Jose Medellis.

My dad got over here illegally and worked his way up to uh, Illinois for cheap labor. And my mom,

yeah, was just born and raised there. How did they meet?

I don't know. I have no idea. I never asked.

Are they still together? No. Now my dad split when I was, uh,

when I was around eight years old.

And so, no.

So was he involved in your life after that?

...