Features

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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Janet Jackson’s Jerrod “J-Rod” Sullivan

Growing up in Georgia, 45 minutes outside of Atlanta, Jerrod “J-Rod” Sullivan is the epitome of chill, but his drumming is anything but chill, it’s all about power. Coming out of the R&B Neo-soul scene of suburban Atlanta in the…

By Mark Griffith
Apr 1, 2025

Billy Hart Drumming from the Past and Present, and Looking Towards the Future

When you walk into a concert hall or a jazz club and see a five-piece set of Pearl drums with an 18” bass drum, 10” and 12” power toms, a 14” floor tom, and a series of overlapping Zildjian cymbals…

By Mark Griffith
Apr 1, 2025

Rufus Taylor of The Darkness

After several early gigs and tours with Queen related bands like the Queen Musical, Brian May, Queen (themselves,) and the great Jeff Beck; Rufus Taylor has been playing with The Darkness for 10 years and four records. With their new…

By Mark Griffith
Mar 1, 2025

Jonathan Barber: Leading With Conviction

Since Jonathan Barber won Modern Drummer’s Best Up and Coming Drummer in 2018, he has become one of the busiest drummers in jazz. He has been playing with Terence Blanchard, Christian McBride, Nicholas Payton, Jeremy Pelt, Jimmy Greene, and Pat…

By Mark Griffith
Mar 1, 2025

Nate Morton: The Driving Beat Behind The Voice

It’s been 26 seasons for the NBC hit show, The Voice and Nate Morton has been the driving beat behind every one of them. Self-taught from age five, Nate’s formal drumset training began during middle school with Grant Menefee in…

By John Glozek, Jr.
Mar 1, 2025
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The Versatile Virtuoso: Joe Dyson’s Journey Through Jazz

Joe Dyson is a name that resonates deeply within the jazz community, even if he doesn’t have one particular band to call home. Instead, Joe has built his reputation playing with a veritable who’s who of jazz greats, moving seamlessly…

By Herman Jackson
Feb 1, 2025

HOW MARK SCHULMAN OVERCAME HEARING LOSS TO REDEFINE HIS CAREER

If you like music and you haven’t seen Mark Schulman play live by now, I don’t know who you have been watching. Mark Schulman has been a road warrior drummer for 32 years, touring with P!nk, Billy Idol, Foreigner, Stevie…

By Mark Griffith
Feb 1, 2025

Steven Doar, Holly Madge, Aicha Djidjelli, Aleksandra Suklar, Buzz Allan Recording Dune Part 2 and Taking Hans Zimmer Live to the Next Level

This month Modern Drummer is honored for the opportunity to interview the entire Hans Zimmer Live touring percussion section of Steven Doar, Holly Madge, Aicha Djidjelli, and Aleksandra Suklar. Who with Buzz Allan, (who does not tour with the percussion…

By Mark Griffith
Feb 1, 2025

The Gumbo Groove Herlin Riley: Playin’ the Street He’s On!

A few months ago, Modern Drummer started a series of feature interviews called the Gumbo Groove with Mark Griffith’s interview with Johnny Vidacovich. For this next part in the series, we feature a conversation between drummer and Professor of Percussion…

By Herman Jackson
Jan 1, 2025

Punk Rock Drumming Roundtable: NOFX’s Erik Sandin, Bad Religion’s Jamie Miller, and Authority Zero’s Chris Dalley

Punk Rock drumming has become an established drumming tradition, and it has deep roots that go way back. The opportunity to sit down with three of today’s most respected and popular punk rock drummers, was an opportunity that Modern Drummer…

By Mark Griffith
Jan 1, 2025

Eloy Casagrande: From São Paulo to Slipknot

The Journey of a Drumming Phenomenon Stepping off the plane in Amsterdam, I could feel the excitement building. I was about to meet Eloy Casagrande the drumming powerhouse recently announced as Slipknot’s newest member. Known for his relentless precision, jaw-dropping…

By Danny “Ziggy” Laverde Photos by Felipe Laverde
Jan 1, 2025

Neil Peart Spirit of Drumming Scholarship Recipient Announcement

The Neil Peart Spirit of Drumming Scholarship, presented by Modern Drummer, is a tribute to the extraordinary legacy of Neil Peart, the legendary drummer of the iconic band Rush. Renowned for his technical precision, creative expression, profound lyrics, and long-lasting impact…

Modern Drummer
Dec 1, 2024
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A Year In Rundowns

2024 featured 47 episodes of Modern Drummer’s popular “Tour Kit Rundown” YouTube series, highlighting some of the best professional drummers in the game and the gear they use on the road, performing for thousands of fans. Pictured throughout this gallery…

Modern Drummer
Dec 1, 2024

A Year in Podcasts

The Modern Drummer Podcast has featured many of the best drummers and artists in the game. Don’t sleep on it in 2025—subscribe on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts!

Modern Drummer
Dec 1, 2024
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