Mike and Mike Podcast
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.
Episode 137: St. Vincent’s Matt Johnson, Reading Music Pros and Cons, Zildjian K Sweets, and More
In this episode Mike and Mike crack open the May 2018 issue and discuss cover artist Matt Johnson, who first rose to prominence backing up singer/songwriters Jeff Buckley and Rufus Wainwright and is now touring with St. Vincent. The education…
Episode 136: All Listener Questions
In this episode Mike and Mike chip away at a stack of listener questions that cover a wide range of topics, from gear selection to mental practice to getting back into drumming after an extended break. Show Notes Modern Drummer…
Episode 135: Primus's Tim Alexander, How to Compose a Drum Solo, Doc Sweeney Ash Drumset, and More
In this episode Mike and Mike discuss April 2018 featured artist Tim Alexander of alt-rock greats Primus. The education segment focuses on different approaches for composing interesting and meaningful drum solos. Up for review is a stunning Blue Tiger solid-ash…
Episode 134: Son Lux's Ian Chang, Applying Singles to the Kit, Canopus Harvey Mason Snares, and More
In this episode Mike and Mike discuss April 2018 featured artist Ian Chang, who appears on the new Son Lux album Brigher Wounds. The education segment focuses on applying the single-stroke roll to the drumset. Up for review are 6x10…
Modern Drummer Podcast Episode 133: Tony Royster Jr, Organic Odd-Time Patterns, Sabian FRX Series, and More
In this episode Mike and Mike discuss April 2018 cover artist Tony Royster Jr, who is currently the touring drummer for pop star Katy Perry. The education segment focuses on how to make odd-time patterns feel more organic and smooth.…
Episode 132: Eric Harland, When to Use (or Not to Use) Ghost Notes, Doc Sweeney Myrtle Snare, and More
In this episode Mike and Mike discuss modern jazz/fusion great Eric Harland. The education segment focuses on ghost notes, including the hosts’ thoughts on how to decide when or when not to use them. Up for review is a 5.75x14…
Episode 131: Keio Stroud, Optimizing Your Practice Time, Bucks Co. Semi-Solid Birch Kit, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike discuss drummer Keio Stroud of top country band Big & Rich. The education segment focuses on how to get the most of out of simple beats by varying the types of ghost notes being…
Episode 130: Ulysses Owens Jr, Bebop Syncopation, Dream Naughty Saucer, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike discuss rising star jazz drummer Ulysses Owens Jr. The education segment focuses on how to use the book Syncopation to play in the style of Elvin Jones. Up for review is the Naughty Saucer…
Episode 129: 2018 Readers Poll Winners, Drum Mixing Basics, Ddrum Dios Drumset, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike rundown the winners in the 2018 Modern Drummer Readers Poll. The education segment focuses on the basics of drum mixing. Up for review is the revived Dios series from Ddrum. After fielding a few…
Episode 128: Zach Danziger, Snare Depth Analysis, Sugar Percussion Snares, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike crack open the March 2018 issue and discuss cover artist Zach Danziger, whose latest experiments involve controlling video edits and audio effects in real time from a hybrid electronic/acoustic drumset. The education segment focuses…
Episode 127: Favorite Drummers on Instagram, Practicing New Ideas, DW and Vater Reviewed, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike share some of their favorite drummers on Instagram. The education segment focuses on different ways to practice new ideas to transition from technical exercises to musical applications. Up for review is the throwback Low…
Episode 126: Weak Hand Exercises, Questlove, Meinl Pure Alloy Hi-Hats, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike share some of their favorite exercises for developing strength, speed, and control with the weaker hand. The featured artist is hip-hop drumming pioneer Questlove, who’s best known for his work with the Roots and…
Episode 125: Sonny Emory, Placing the Backbeat in Odd Times, Beier Snares, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike discuss legendary pop/R&B drummer Sonny Emory (Earth Wind & Fire, Bette Midler, Steely Dan, etc.). The education segment focuses on different ways to place the backbeat in 3/4 and other odd time signatures. Up…
Episode 124: Matt Wilson, the Moeller Method, Hendrix Perfect Ply Drums, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike discuss February 2018 cover artist, modern jazz great Matt Wilson. The education segment focuses on the popular drum technique known as the “Moeller Method.” Up for review is a walnut Perfect Ply drumset by…
