Drummers
Modern Drummer is the world’s most widely read drum magazine, is dedicated entirely to the art of drumming and caters to the needs of amateur, semi-pro, and professional drummers.
James Gadson: R&B Sound Legend
by Billy Amendola Most longtime readers of Modern Drummer are familiar with the soulful grooves of the great James Gadson. But for younger, up & coming players who may not know, you’re about to be introduced to one of the…
Vicki Randle: Living For The Music
(September 2007 Issue) Vicki Randle, percussionist and singer for the Tonight Show band for the past fourteen years, loves her job–partially because of the eclectic music she gets to play, but also because it’s performed live. “You have one chance…
Christian Welter from Orange County Choppers
Christian Welter is living his dream: playing music and working on motorcycles. Welter is one of the mechanics on the popular Orange County Choppers show. He’s also their band’s drummer. Welter has been drumming since he was twelve, playing music…
Erin Tate: Web Exclusive Interview
Since their debut album in 2002, Minus The Bear have staked an undeniably unique place on the music map. The band’s brand-new third studio album, Planet Of Ice, sees their formidable mix of imaginative odd-time manipulation and mega-precise performances scaling…
Sam Loeffler of Chevelle
When bassist Joe Loeffler left Chevelle in 2005, brothers Pete (guitar, vocals) and Sam (drums) kept the group’s family vibe by inviting their brother-in-law Dean Bernardini to join them. According to Sam, the change in lineup made a world of…
Shawn Glyde
Shawn Glyde’s Alternate Rhythm CD combines complex arrangements, rhythmic displacement, and technical expertise to create a brilliant, time-tumbling debut. Glyde initially wrote songs as basic drum tracks, then emailed the files to Yellowjackets bassist Jimmy Haslip, who added low end…
Glenn Kotche: Painting The Sky Blue Sky
From the August 2007 Issue of Modern Drummer magazine. This past winter, the duality of rock drummer / experimental percussionist Glenn Kotche’s eclectic career reached an all-time high as he juggled writing/recording sessions for Grammy award–winning rock band Wilco’s latest…
Seven Antonopoulos with Opiate For The Masses
The programming-heavy hard rock of L.A.’s Opiate For The Masses often draws aural comparisons to industrial stalwarts like KMFDM and Nine Inch Nails. But drummer Seven Antonopoulos resists pigeonholing his band as “industrial metal.” “Those kinds of bands often lack…
Greg Saunier of Deerhoof
by Mike Parillo Deerhoof may be flirting more than ever with mainstream success, but its loose-limbed timekeeper isn’t about to start planning things now. “When I’m playing, I feel like I’m speaking,” says Deerhoof drummer Greg Saunier. “I want to…
Derek O'Brien
Social Distortion, Agent Orange, D.I.–these are just some of the pivotal acts that helped shape the Southern California punk rock scene. And it’s drummer Derek O’Brien who has manned the throne at some point in time over the past three…
Ian Matthews
When Ian Matthews got his first drumkit at age four, he was lucky that his babysitter was also a professional drummer. “He’d teach me a few rudiments and how to read a bit,” Ian remembers. “That got me into jazz…
Chuck Tilley
Chuck Tilley is thrilled these days to be occupying the drum seat for popular TV show Nashville Star. “The coolest thing about the gig is that it covers every musical style,” he enthuses, “from hard rock and blues to traditional…
Jeff Ballard
Fresh Perspectives On Jazz Drumming by T. Bruce Wittet This much is unanimously agreed upon: In the hierarchy of jazz drummers, Jeff Ballard has climbed so high he can clearly see the summit. What’s more, he’s making edgy, contemporary music…
Rob Bourdon: Midnight Confessions
by Ken Micallef Back in 1999, Rob Bourdon was just another drummer in LA, playing with his band Linkin Park, doing the rounds of clubs, and working on his loops, beats, and pieces. Fast forward eight years: Bourdon is now…
