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.
How to Prepare for a Subbing Gig on Short Notice
Having so little time to prepare for a gig is like going into battle. Anything can happen.
Billy Martin
It’s tough to know where the MMW drummer’s wide-ranging interests end and his singular rhythmic creations begin.
Trey Anastasio Band’s Russ Lawton
A pair of late-2012 releases—one crackling with live energy, the other conjuring plenty of studio magic—shows two sides of one crafty drummer. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
Mark Egan
Mark Egan is one of the most highly regarded bassists in the history of electric jazz. Performing and recording with many of the prominent drummers of our time—a short list would include Steve Gadd, Jack DeJohnette, Vinnie Colaiuta, Jeff “Tain”…
Jim White - White's Noise
Jim White, drummer for the noted Australian cult band the Dirty Three, explores the gray areas of instrumental indie rock with an ounce of subtlety and pounds of invention. Do you think that people project meaning…
Papa Jo Jones: The Bridge
Simply put, jazz drumming eras could arguably be viewed as pre-Papa and post- Papa. Such was the immeasurable contribution of Jo Jones, whose elegant touch, feel, and sound marked a connecting bridge to our modern sense of jazz swing. …
Smashing Pumpkins' Mike Byrne - Working On Instinct
Billy Corgan Hired Him Based On A Gut Reaction—The same measure he wants the drummer to use when coming up with his own parts. Mike Byrne turns twenty-three this February 6, and three words associated with birthdays prove helpful in…
Korey Horn
The ska and reggae vet may be exploring new musical paths, but he remains true to his rhythmic roots. As an aspiring drummer, reggae and ska stalwart Korey Horn received a piece of advice from his father, jazz singer…
The Killers' Ronnie Vannucci
An American original, Ronnie Vannucci has rethought the drumkit for rock, infusing the Killers’ music with hard-charging rolls, goliath fills, tom-thumping war cries, and 2-and-4 backbeats. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
Mike Porcaro
August 5, 2012, was the twentieth anniversary of revered studio and stage drummer Jeff Porcaro’s untimely passing.
The Evolution of the Drumset
The drumset is unique among contemporary instruments. It’s a truly global invention, with most of its individual parts originating many thousands of years ago, in the far corners of the globe.Yet its current familiar form didn’t really exist until well…
Vinnie Colaiuta - Just Being Himself
Heroes are hard to find. And they're often tougher to pin down. Vinnie Colaiuta, for one, refuses to bend to expectations—and he doesn't think you should either. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
Daniel Glass: Examining the Drumset’s Century-Long Tale of Change
Across two ambitious DVD sets, the performer and educator captures the fascinating development of our beloved “contraption,” providing historical and practical knowledge that every modern drummer can apply. Will Romano reports. Just prior to the dawn of the…
