Modern Drummer Magazine

Catching Up With… Dave King Hot on the heels of two 2014 albums by the Bad Plus, The Rite of Spring and Inevitable Western, the drummer returns with something completely different. by Michael Parillo Have you ever brought a pair of antlers to use as sticks on a Little Caesars commercial session? Have you blown […]

Catching Up With… Steve Smith Is there a harder-working man in the business? Following a world tour with tabla master Zakir Hussain, he’s got two new albums out and a third on its way. by Ken Micallef Featuring bassist Baron Browne, guitarist Vinny Valentino, alto saxophonist Andy Fusco, and keyboardist Mark Soskin, Vital Information NYC […]

Catching Up With… George “Funky” Brown Five decades on, the legendary dance band Kool & the Gang was recently honored with a Soul Train Legend Award and given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. One drummer has been there from the start. by Bob Girouard Kool & the Gang has sold 70 million […]

Features Dirk Verbeuren He describes himself as meticulous. Anyone who’s a fan of his remarkably detailed drumming with Soilwork or the Devin Townsend Project—and there are many of you—will find no surprise there. But what you might not know is how happily he courts imperfection. Could this be the secret to the metal master’s success? […]

Features Aaron Sterling In an era when the concept of the studio drummer is constantly being redefined—and even questioned—the player who’s tracked for artists including Taylor Swift, Sara Bareilles, the Civil Wars, and John Mayer has made no bones about embracing the role one hundred percent. (Okay, maybe with the rare exception…) Story by Robin […]

What Do You Know About…? Barry de Souza He was ubiquitous in British studios during the ’70s, a favorite of producers and artists for his elegance and efficiency—and occasionally for his ability to navigate some weird and wonderfully ambitious art-rock tracks. Will Romano investigates the life and work of a quiet giant of classic rock. […]

Features Jamie Miller …And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead is a drummer’s dream gig, largely defined by tribal tom pounding, unexpected rhythmic devices, and a sense of drama unrivaled in modern rock. Judging from his previous recordings, the band’s recent main man at the kit has been working up to the […]