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.
Rhythm Vocabulary Development Series Part 4: Playing in 5/8
In the last installment of this series, we explored the concept of “filling the spaces” in 6/8—how understanding rhythm as spatial awareness can give your vocabulary new dimension and depth. This time, we’re venturing into slightly more angular territory with…
The 100 Year History of the Modern Drum Set
It’s difficult to imagine that the drum set of today has only been in existence for just over 100 years. The history of the modern drum set began in the late 1800’s, with a drummer being able to play the…
Out Now July 2025
Modern Drummer is spotlighting new recordings that have the drums at the center of their sound. These recordings might be drummer-led, or just include high-quality, special, or unique drumming and musical performances from the drummer and/or musicians in the band. This…
Joe Letz' Till Lindemann Touring Kit
Drums: DW Collectors Maple in Matte Red – 18×22 Kick, 18×22 Gong Drum, 14×26 Kick, 16×6 Octoban, 8×12 Rack Tom, 14×16 Floor Tom, 16×18 Floor Tom.Snares: 6.5×14 Maple Snare, 6×12 Maple Side Snare, 7×14 Brass Snare (backup.)Heads: Evans – Main Snare: Heavyweight, Side…
Remembering Al Foster
January 18, 1943 – May 28, 2025 Al Foster and I met 37 years ago, and we hit it off instantly. He became a mentor, a friend, and a huge influence on my drumming. We spent a good deal of…
DeAndre Hemby's Teddy Swims Touring Kit
Drums: SJC Drums – 16×22 Kick, 7×8, 7×10, 7×12 Rack Toms, 14×16 and 16×18 Floor Toms, 6.5×14 Brass Snare, 6.5×14 Maple Snare.Heads: Evans – EC2 and EC Reso on rack toms; EMAD and EC Reso on floor toms; HD Dry on main…
Anna Mylee: Creating Her Own Voice Behind the Drums
Anna Mylee started her musical career in her native Belgium at the age of 14 when she started touring the country with several musical projects. At the age of 18, she moved to London to study at Tech Music School…
Sam Hunt’s Josh Sales, The Best Version of Himself
Drummer Josh Sales has had an interesting up-bringing. After early exposure to a drum- oriented film, his midwestern and slightly confined Indiana roots, were turned into becoming a more “free-range” child, when his family moved to London for a short…
The Many Hats of Narada Michael Walden
In 1974, Michael Walden was given the name Narada which means “Supreme Musician” by his guru Sri Chimnoy. His career (and this interview) features him giving the knowledge of the many hats he wears as a drummer, producer, songwriter, and…
DW SONICPLY SHELLS, NEW HEADPHONES FROM BEYERDYNAMIC
Drum Workshop SonicPly Shells Drum Workshop has introduced SonicPly drum shells to the Collector’s Series, the first new shell construction since PurpleCore in 2021. Developed by DW’s “woodologist,” John Good, the latest design blends the best characteristics of wood and metal to offer a new,…
Simple Truths
It feels like a good time to state some simple truths… THE BESTS The best-recorded drum sounds (in my opinion)… Buddy Rich’s Rogers kit on the first two big band albums he recorded for Pacific Jazz. Wally Heider was the…
September 2025 – Volume 49 • Number 09
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TWO MONTHS OF COVER INSPIRATIONAND ADVICE
Modern Drummer’s last two cover interviews should act as true inspiration and advice for drummers everywhere. John Hoffman came out of nowhere to earn the gig as the new drummer for Primus. There were other drummers competing for that gig…
Sonny’s Gold Sparkle Founders Reserve Kit
This month’s Modern Drummer Kit of the Month comes to us from Sonny Flint. Sonny’s main rock kit is a hand-crafted British Drum Company Founders Reserve kit with a Gold Sparkle wrap, roundover bearing edges, and Palladium hardware. The shells are Rock…
