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.
What You Need to Know About...Drumheads
Originally published in the November/December 2010 issue of Drum Business. by Fran Azzarto Drumheads (or “skins,” as they’re sometimes called) have a history as old as the drum itself, although for thousands of years that history went pretty much…
Terri Lyne Carrington Performs “Mosaic Triad??? at the Tokyo Jazz Festival
Watch Terri Lyne Carrington and her band, featuring Esperanza Spalding, Ingrid Jensen, Helen Sung, and Tineke Postma, perform “Mosaic Triad” at the Tokyo Jazz Festival. Terri will be among the twelve world-renowned drummers on Modern Drummer’s prestigious Pro Panel for…
In Memoriam: Willie “Big Eyes??? Smith
Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, one of the great practitioners of a true American art form, was lost to blues fans around the world when he passed on September 16, 2011. The harmonica player, drummer, singer, and composer, who gained international…
Shawn Cameron of Carnifex
Until I Feel Nothing, Carnifex’s fourth record, was released on October 24. A lot of people have asked me if I’m happy with it, and the answer is, Yes, I am! It has some of the best songs we’ve ever…
Black Swamp Pro10 Studio Line Expands
These 10x14 ($932) and 12x15 ($998) models feature 6-ply maple shells in red mahogany finish and come with 2.3 mm hoops. blackswamppercussion.com
Jayson Brinkworth of the Regina Drum Festival
Hi, everyone! It’s Jayson Brinkworth here, from the Regina Drum Festival in Saskatchewan, Canada. Our first annual event wrapped up on September 17 and went down as a huge success.Our Friday night local showcase featured amazing performances by the Kyle…
Tommy Harden with Reba McEntire
Hi, fellow modern drummers! Life has been incredibly busy in Nashville lately, so I’ll try to give a short version of what’s going on in the “hamster wheel.” First, session work has been crazy! August was record month; I was…
Kurt Reil of the Grip Weeds
Greetings from New Jersey! I sing and play drums for the Grip Weeds, and last year we released the double CD Strange Change Machine. We’ve received many great reviews and notices for it, along with lots of back-slapping from our fans,…
International Art & Sound Shakkaritas
Shakkaritas are spherical rattles handmade by a group of artisans in Nicaragua. The rattles are made from the hard seedpods of jicaro trees. Shakkaritas measure 2.5" to 3.5" in diameter and offer an organic medium-loud sound. They are available in…
Navene Koperweis and Animals as Leaders launch second in-the-studio video exclusively on moderndrummer.com (UPDATED).
The January 2012 issue of Modern Drummer magazine will feature an interview with Navene Koperweis, drummer of the progressive instrumental band Animals as Leaders. AAL is gearing up for the release of their Koperweis-produced second album, Weightless, which hits shelves…
October Web Update News
Congratulations to drummer/percussionist Richard Bravo for his eight nominations for the 12th Annual Latin Grammy Awards, to be held in November in Las Vegas. Read Bravo’s archived MD blog here. Kris Myers and Andy Farag are on Umphrey’s McGee’s latest,…
John Robinson The Time Machine
DVD LEVEL: ALL $24.95 It’s been a good number of years since JR’s last instructional video, but this project is well worth the wait. Robinson is widely regarded as the world’s most recorded drummer, playing on records that have…
Gene Markiewicz
Hello, MD! It is a great honor to tell you that I will be inducted into the Indianapolis Jazz Foundation Hall of Fame. I am truly humbled. There are so many people to thank, especially my mother. That’s right, mom!…
Nia Lovelis of Cherri Bomb
When I was really young my parents took me horseback riding, and the sound and feel of the rhythm got stuck in my head. It was then I knew I wanted to play drums. I come from a musical family:…
