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.
Whom Gods Destroy’s Bruno Valverde
From Maracatu to Metal Brazil is known for its rhythmic contributions to the music world. In music you can’t ignore the Brazilian styles of Samba, Bossa Nova, and Maracatu. But recently Brazil’s contribution to Heavy Metal drumming has been overwhelming…
New and Notable May 2024
LP 60th Anniversary Congas, Bongos, Timbales and Cajons, and “Dandy” Rodriguez Bongos Sixty years ago, it began with a simple set of bongos! Martin Cohen, founder of Latin Percussion (LP), fell in love with the infectious nature of Latin-Jazz and…
Mapex 600 Series Drum Thrones - Comfort Meets Endurance
Ask any seasoned drummer or percussionist what is the most important piece of equipment that you own, and most will resoundingly say that’s it’s the seat that they sit on. Why? Because sitting while drumming is a four-limb exercise in…
“Two Bass Hit” Transcription by Marc Atkinson
This month’s transcription delves into the timeless classic “Two Bass Hit” from the brilliant Miles Davis album, Milestones. Tony Williams once called Milestones, “The perfect jazz record.” With each instrument brimming with musicality, it’s no surprise that icons like Miles,…
Let the “Good Times Roll”
This month’s Modern Drummer Kit of the Month comes to us from Bryan Beyer. He built this 70s Slingerland kit for his Cars tribute band called Moving in Stereo. The drums are 14×24, 10×14, 14×14, 14×16, and 16×16 shells that…
Tonda’s PanAfrican Kit
This month’s Kit of the Month is Tonda Prochazka’s PanAfrican drum set. It is a vintage Gretsch Stop Sign Badge 20,12,14,16 Rosewood finished kit with two extra kpalongos, a dun dun and “banana bells” from Ghana. Tonda has been interested…
Tina Raymond - Musical Divinations and Educational Heritage
Tina Raymond is a musical force of nature. With over 20 records (as a leader and a side person) to her credit, she can play anything. Her newest record called Divinations is one of the best drummer-led records I’ve heard…
Matchbox Twenty and Liz Phair’s Neal Daniels
You may or may not have heard of pop/rock drummer Neal Daniels, but there’s a good chance you’ll be seeing a lot more of him in the future. He’s been providing the rhythmic foundation for touring artists like Rachel Platten,…
“Smells Like Teen Spirit” - Transcription by Marc Atkinson
This month’s transcription dives into the opening track from the iconic Nirvana album Nevermind, spotlighting the incredible drumming of Dave Grohl. It’s a masterclass on how to drive a band. Once the drums kick in the energy is relentless with…
Shelly and his Mannerisms
This month’s column is written by Kevin van den Elzen who hails from the Netherlands and now makes his home in Los Angeles. Kevin received his master’s degree at the Thornton School of Music at the University of Southern California…
Community, Scene
It’s a subject that comes up often in my interviews— Being part of a community or a scene, and I can’t stress its importance enough! All drummers (should) know about how supportive the drum community is for one another. It’s…
Nic Collins - From Genesis to The Effect
Nic Collins has had quite a start to his drumming career. He began by playing drums in rock bands and performing in clubs around Miami, Florida. Then he landed the gig drumming on Phil Collins’ final tour. He followed that…
Sorry Charlie…
Much like a melodic “ear worm” that works its way into your brain, the running theme of TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube drumming videos has gotten its claws into my consciousness and conscience. The idea of “certainty” is not (for me)…
