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 7: Exploring 13/8
For many drummers, 13/8 is a meter that sits at the outer edges of what most players encounter regularly, yet its internal structure—like 7/8, 9/8, and 11/8 before it—invites creativity, balance, and deeper rhythmic understanding. When you learn to feel…
Early Drummer's Traps, Chinese Toms, and Sound Effects
In the early 1900’s the proper term for a professional working drummer was a “Trap Drummer,” this was short for “contraption drummer.” These musicians were much more than simple timekeepers. They provided live musical accompaniment and sound effects for vaudeville…
Out Now November 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…
John Lennon & Yoko Ono, John/Yoko Plastic Ono Band
Power to the People, with Elephant’s Memory and Special Guests Box Set Capitol Records’ new Power to the People, with Elephant’s Memory and Special Guests Box Set is an amazing set for any music fan, but it’s an absolute treat…
Alvin Ford Jr.'s Jon Batiste’s Touring Kit
Drums: Pearl Masters Maple/Gum in Satin Rose finish – Rack Toms: 7×8, 7×10, 8×12, Floor Tom: 16×16, Bass Drum: 14×20. Snares: 6.5×14 Matching Maple/Gum Snare (Main snare), 6.5×13 Matching Maple/Gum Snare (Left Snare), 6.5×14 Hybrid Exotic (Kapur/Fiberglass – Right snare…
Special LP Edition for National Record Store Day 11-28-25
National Record Store Day has become a major event for music lovers, musicians, and record stores everywhere. Some of today’s greatest drummers grew up and got an education working in, and hanging out in, record stores. Many still do. A…
Reimagining and the Three C's
It’s fantastic to be featuring Todd Sucherman, Stan Lynch, Kassa Overall and Evgeny Novikov this month. All four drummers have done quite a bit of reimagining within their musical careers. Reimagining anything takes the Three C’s: Creativity, Commitment, and Courage.…
Watch Out Terry Bozzio, Here Comes Zar Sukoi
It’s clear that drummer Zar Sukoi’s early influences are The Professor Neil Peart, Billy Cobham, Simon Phillips, and Terry Bozzio. However, since his band needed more than the essentials, he altered his kit to accommodate RotoToms. After a good deal…
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Scene: The dining room table of the Erskine home where Peter and his wife are enjoying a quiet dinner. Out of the blue, two words come to Peter while he’s sipping cold water from a glass. “Drumming Anonymity.” Hmmm. Okay.…
New Slingerland Drums and Parts, News from Porter & Davies
SLINGERLAND LAUNCHES RADIO KING AND STUDIO KING OUTFITS, PLUS SPARE PARTS The first outfit of Radio King in decades continues the rich tonal legacy of its predecessors and benefits from both modern precision craftsmanship and build. The U.S.A.-built 3-ply shells are constructed…
Techra Drumsticks Hammer of the Gods, X Carb, and Colossus 5A
Techra, an Italian drumstick manufacturer, sent Modern Drummer a few more pairs of their carbon fiber drumsticks to bang around. In our last review of Techra sticks (MD 2023), we looked at the Black Diamond series, 5A, and 2B sizes.…
5 Core 7-Piece Drum Mic Kit
While walking the aisles of the 2025 Music City Drum Show in Nashville, a set of drum microphones immediately stood out. They had a brushed copper finish, with a vintage, almost steampunk aesthetic. The company was 5 Core, and I…
Ascending to New Rhythmic Heights
Todd Sucherman has carved out an extraordinary career as one of today’s most respected drummers, renowned for his versatility, technical mastery, and dynamic presence behind the kit. Rising from a musically gifted Chicago family, he played paid gigs at age…
Kassa Overall: What If… Jazz meets Rap meets Hip-Hop
Kassa Overall is a Grammy-nominated musician, emcee, singer, producer, and drummer who melds avant-garde experimentation and hip-hop production techniques. He is taking the intersection of jazz and hip-hop into unchartered territories. At the beginning of his drumming career, Overall earned…
