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.
Joe Farnsworth: Playing from the Past, and for the Future
Photo by William Brown I tell drum students this all of the time. If you become a music major in college, pay as much attention to your peers as you do to your teachers. You can learn as much (and…
Godsmack’s Shannon Larkin Mountain vs. Machine
Photo by Mike DeMillia As you walk in drummer Shannon Larkin’s house there are no pictures of himself, or Gold or Platinum records on the wall. The only thing that would clue you into the fact that you are in…
Vince Wilburn Jr. and M.E.B. - Going to Miles Davis University
For everyone who might not know, Vince Wilburn Jr. is Miles Davis’ nephew and he recorded and toured with Miles for several years. He played drums on the recordings Man with the Horn, You’re Under Arrest, the new box set…
Jonathan “Ginger” Hamilton: The Thrill of Expression
It all started in a Southeast London church for Jonathan “Ginger” Hamilton. As a pastor’s kid, Jonathan grew up idolizing expressive gospel drummers, developing his chops at a young age, and working his way through the UK gospel scene. Of…
Jimmy Chamberlin: The Why of Drumming
Neither Jimmy Chamberlin nor the Smashing Pumpkins need an introduction. They are both creative and intelligent entities with a limitless scope, and the Pumpkins’ ambitious new release Atum, proves this yet again. Jimmy’s creative enthusiasm for all things drumming is…
Neil Peart's musical travelogue
A new DVD puts us right on stage with the Rush rhythmatist, for a detailed throne-side look at drumming masterpieces from his fruitful career.
Tucker Rule: Bringing the songs of L.S. Dunes to Life
These days everyone wants to put music in a box, everything has to be compartmentalized, and then along comes a group like L. S. Dunes, and their new record Past Lives. Originally put together by the drummer from the band…
Clem Burke: Drummer, Band Member, Session Man, Medical Researcher
Finding a drummer that has led several cool bands and recorded several high-quality rock records with those bands might not be that hard. Finding a drummer that has done dozens of sessions with people like Pete Townsend, Iggy Pop, Nancy…
The Groove of Sarah Jones
For Sarah Jones, playing drums and grooving is a lifelong commitment. Her most recent gig has her rubbing shoulders with music royalty — whether it’s working out vocal parts with Stevie Nicks for a special version of “The Chain,” grooving…
Mike Portnoy The Winery Dogs and the Power of III
Mike Portnoy must be the busiest drummer in the business. He is an active touring and recording member of no less than ten different bands, and he does some sideman work. In the 12 years since he left Dream Theater…
Mark Pusey Ed Sheeran’s Rhythmic Conscience
If there was a singular word that could describe Mark Pusey it would be “hungry.” His appetite for drums and those who play them is nothing short of immense. Moreover, his ability to articulate the aspects of contemporary drumming in…
Joe McCarthy The New York Afro Bop Alliance Big Band The Pan American Nutcracker Suite
What’s a Connecticut Yankee doing residing in Little Havana (Miami, Florida)? Most likely teaching, winning Grammys, and leading an innovative, ground-breaking ensemble called New York Afro Bop Alliance Big Band. Like many, Joe McCarthy sought refuge from NYC due to…
Sigtryggur Baldursson: Sugarcube Drumming, Innovative Dialog
Some drummers don’t need an introduction, and some might. Let me introduce everyone to Sigtryggur Baldursson. In the late 70s, 80s and into the early 90s there was some extremely creative pop music being made. Bands like Jellyfish, XTC, Siouxsie…
Inside Scorpion Percussion
Modern Drummer had a chance to sit down and talk about Scorpion Immortal Series sticks with owner Doug “Smitty” Smith and one of Scorpion’s endorsers Pepe Magaña of the LA-based metal band, Kyng. We talked about the stick business and…
