Hello Douglas,
Thank you, thank you, thank you for the awesome reply and for your honesty!
As an artist there are times when you experiment with certain things. Sometimes they hit and sometimes they miss. I've been recently inspired by a number of Jazz/Neo Soul DJ's so the drums were my attempt to emulate some of the things I've enjoyed in their work. The "fader riding" was also inspired from the same sources.
These stylist techniques may or may not work in the context of what I'm reaching for which is exactly why I appreciate your comments. It's always interesting to get someones initial reaction to hearing something that I've listened to a hundred times.
Thanks also for your kind words of my playing and composition. The Stick is such an amazing instrument but also such uncharted territory. It's challenging yet exciting.
Again, thank you so much Douglas, I appreciate you.
Kevin