Feature Stories
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.
Bill Bruford: Our Prog Forefather
by Ken Micallef Progressive rock’s evolution from its nascent days in London’s university halls and local clubs to stadium-filling global phenomenon has its roots in the tumultuous melting pot of 1960s rock and psychedelia. Upon the release of The Beatles’…
Virgil Donati
MD recently connected with drumming great Virgil Donati to catch up on his slew of current activities, including new CD and DVD releases, international touring, and his recent MD readers poll award for best clinician. We also asked Virg for…
Prog-Rock Master Drummer Pat Mastelotto On The Whats And Whys Of His Home Studio Arsenal
This month’s Modern Drummer features a Woodshed interview with drummer/“home recording enthusiast” Pat Mastelotto, of King Crimson, KTU, Mastica, TU, Tuner– basically, an unending succession of fascinating musical projects. Here’s Pat’s first-person description of the gear he keeps in his…
Stephen Flinn
Stephen Flinn spent the ’70s gigging in hard rock bands, and the ’80s immersed in honing his jazz technique. Today he considers himself an “avant-garde-ist.” Aside from the ambient, minimal, often Asian-flavored soundscapes found on Flinn’s latest recording, Square Circle,…
Ryland Steen: Diversify And Thrive
“It’s the most demanding drumming I’ve ever done,” says drummer Ryland Steen of his current gig in the Orange County–based ska-punk act Reel Big Fish. “It’s so much fun to be able to just go off and have it be…
Artimus Pyle: Venemous After Lynyrd Skynyrd
Artimus Pyle has recently released a solo album called Artimus Venomous, the first in what he promises to be a series that will include such titles as Artimus Harmonious and Artimus Dubious. The new album features self-written songs sung by…
Josh Freese: Time Bandit
By Ken Micallef Time. Feel. Groove. Pulse. For many, these are illusive concepts with multiple meanings. Does a heavy metal drummer “feel” the pulse in the same way as a pop drummer? Does a punk drummer approach groove the same…
Morgan Rose: Resurrected
(September 2007 Issue) Morgan Rose uses the word “resurrected” when describing the current state of Sevendust, the band he co-founded over ten years ago. This time last year, the group’s then-record label disintegrated while barely into the promotional cycle for…
James Gadson: R&B Sound Legend
by Billy Amendola Most longtime readers of Modern Drummer are familiar with the soulful grooves of the great James Gadson. But for younger, up & coming players who may not know, you’re about to be introduced to one of the…
Vicki Randle: Living For The Music
(September 2007 Issue) Vicki Randle, percussionist and singer for the Tonight Show band for the past fourteen years, loves her job–partially because of the eclectic music she gets to play, but also because it’s performed live. “You have one chance…
Christian Welter from Orange County Choppers
Christian Welter is living his dream: playing music and working on motorcycles. Welter is one of the mechanics on the popular Orange County Choppers show. He’s also their band’s drummer. Welter has been drumming since he was twelve, playing music…
Erin Tate: Web Exclusive Interview
Since their debut album in 2002, Minus The Bear have staked an undeniably unique place on the music map. The band’s brand-new third studio album, Planet Of Ice, sees their formidable mix of imaginative odd-time manipulation and mega-precise performances scaling…
Sam Loeffler of Chevelle
When bassist Joe Loeffler left Chevelle in 2005, brothers Pete (guitar, vocals) and Sam (drums) kept the group’s family vibe by inviting their brother-in-law Dean Bernardini to join them. According to Sam, the change in lineup made a world of…
Shawn Glyde
Shawn Glyde’s Alternate Rhythm CD combines complex arrangements, rhythmic displacement, and technical expertise to create a brilliant, time-tumbling debut. Glyde initially wrote songs as basic drum tracks, then emailed the files to Yellowjackets bassist Jimmy Haslip, who added low end…
