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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.

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David Bowie’s Never Let Me Down 2018

Sadly, Bowie died before he could have another crack at the album. But some trusted Bowie associates, including Campbell TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN

by Patrick Berkery
Jan 30, 2019

New Recordings from Donald Sturge Anthony McKenzie II, Dan Weiss, and more!

RECORDINGS Taking The Reins Donald Sturge Anthony McKenzie II Silenced One drummer’s unique and bold statement on topical events. On Silenced, accomplished drummer/composer Donald Sturge Anthony McKenzie II and
an impressive cast of collaborators (including Nels Cline) navigate a series of…

Modern Drummer
Dec 27, 2018

Jawbox’s For Your Own Special Sweetheart

After emerging from Washington D.C.’s legendary late-’80s post-hardcore scene, Jawbox came of age on their 1994 major-label debut—thanks to the addition of powerhouse drummer Zach Barocas. Jawbox was under a great deal
 of scrutiny when For Your Own Special Sweetheart…

by David Jarnstrom
Dec 27, 2018

Dave Elitch’s Getting Out of Your Own Way: A Multitude of Subtleties

Dave Elitch is not happy with all the false prophets out there. And with his new, super in-depth instructional course, he’s on a mission to tell all who will listen how to really take their drumming to the next level.…

by Ilya Stemkovsky
Dec 27, 2018

Scott Quintana
 with Kacey Musgraves

“Less is more” for the tasteful Nashville touring and session pro, as he accompanies a chart-topping modern country music star around the world.

Story by Willie Rose | Photo by Catherine Powell
Dec 27, 2018
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Jack Stratton on Vulfpeck's Hill Climber

The multitalented group infuses nasty feels and refreshing sounds into a modern funk setting. Here their founding drummer sounds off on their latest killing outing. Since forming at the University of Michigan’s School of Music, Theatre, and Dance in 2011,…

Story by Willie Rose
Dec 27, 2018

Props to the Drum Shops

When was the last time you visited a music store or drum shop? If you’re like me, you’re probably spending less and less time hanging and talking shop with other local drummers and musicians while picking up a new pair…

Article by Mike Dawson
Dec 27, 2018

The Vintage Double Bass Monster

The Brooklyn-based drummer and educator David Clive, who plays with the New York groups the Nawlins Funk Band, Carla V,
and John Putnam and Used Blues, assembled this month’s featured vintage Gretsch beauty. Clive, who also teaches at the College of…

Modern Drummer
Dec 27, 2018

In Memoriam: Joel Smith

Remembering the hugely influential and multifaceted gospel drummer. Joel Smith, one of the most prolific drummers in the gospel music scene, passed away this past September 8 at the age of fifty-eight. Beginning in the mid ’70s, Smith carved out…

Modern Drummer
Dec 27, 2018

Denny Seiwell

His new, Grammy-nominated album represents a major return to his roots as a jazz artist. “That’s why we call it Boomerang,” says the drummer, whose first rock ’n’ roll recording was Paul McCartney’s hit 1971 album, Ram. “A boomerang comes…

Story by Bob Girouard
Dec 27, 2018

What’s Your Favorite Tony Williams Album?

In this month’s Jazz Drummer’s Workshop, the Brooklyn-based drummer and educator Mike Alfieri demonstrates ways to develop unique ride patterns inspired by the jazz great Tony Williams. To coincide with the piece, we asked our readers and social media followers…

Modern Drummer
Dec 27, 2018

Voices Refined

In conversation, this month’s cover artist, Arejay Hale, exudes excitement. That should come as no surprise if you’ve ever seen him play with Halestorm, the rock group he started as a youngster. But as I listened back to our conversation…

Article by Willie Rose | Photo by Dave Hill
Nov 30, 2018
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A Custom Cocktail

John Cutbill, of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, wanted a kit that was portable and had a small footprint, although he didn’t want to sacrifice the functionality and sound of a typical full-size drumset. So he sketched an initial design of…

Modern Drummer
Nov 30, 2018

The 2018 DCI World Championship Results

Some of drumming’s best young rudimental talents compete for the ultimate title.

Story and photos by Lauren Vogel Weiss
Nov 30, 2018
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