He grabbed headlines as one of the most talked-about drumming prodigies in the history of the instrument, playing alongside musical icons three times his age and establishing a reputation for blistering clinic appearances. In his first MD interview in years, the drummer, who’s currently on an international tour with superstar Katy Perry, opens up about finding his unique place on the musical landscape, well outside of the box that some of his early chops-obsessed fans would prefer he stay in.

April 2018 Issue