Podcasts
Host John DeChristopher goes in-depth with the biggest names in drumming
Episode 91: Michael Miley, Hi-Hat Splashes, Vic Firth MJC Sticks, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike discuss Rival Sons’ Michael Miley. In the education segment, the hosts share some of their favorite ways to incorporate left-foot splashes on the hi-hat. Up for review are Vic Firth’s new Modern Jazz Collection…
Episode 90: Anika Nilles, Playing Melodically, Zildjian K Custom Special Dry Series, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike discuss June cover artist, German drum star Anika Nilles. In the education segment, the hosts share some thoughts on how to play melodically on the drumset. Up for review is the K Custom Special…
Episode 89: Brann Dailor, Developing Finger Control, Gibraltar Stealth G-Drive pedals, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike discuss powerhouse drummer Brann Dailor of modern metal band Mastodon. In the education segment, the hosts share some of their favorite exercises for developing finger control. Up for review is the G Drive series…
Episode 88: Steve Gadd, Incorporating Flams, Sensory Percussion, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike discuss some of their favorite performances by legendary pop/jazz drummer Steve Gadd. Then they share some of different ways to incorporate flams into beats and fills. Up for review is the innovative Sensory Percussion…
Episode 87: 2017 Readers Poll Winners, Practicing Transcriptions, Evans UV1 Drumheads, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike discuss some of their favorite ways to use transcriptions to develop vocabulary and to create new ideas. The hosts then discuss the various winners in the 2017 Modern Drummer Readers Poll. Up for review…
Episode 86: Practicing Polyrhythms, Carter Beauford, Sabian Artisan Elites, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike discuss some of the ways they learned to play polyrhythms. The featured artist is legendary Dave Matthews Band drummer Carter Beauford. Up for review is a set of Artisan Elite rides and hi-hats from…
Episode 85: Essential Grooves, Matt Chamberlain, Provenance Snare, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike discuss the grooves that they feel are most important for working drummers to have at their disposal. The featured artist is session great Matt Chamberlain. Up for review is a one-of-a-kind Provenance snare made…
Episode 84: Stickings That Rock, Dale Crover, Tama Stands, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike discuss legendary alt-rock drummer Dale Crover of the Melvins, who has a new project, Crystal Fairy, featuring Mars Volta’s Omar Rodriguez-Lopez. The education segment focuses on favorite sticking patterns for creating interesting rock grooves.…
Episode 83: Matt Garstka, How to Practice Syncopation, Dixon Little Roomer, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike discuss April 2017 cover artist Matt Garstka of the progressive band Animals as Leaders. In the education segment, the hosts discuss some fun ways to interpret the written rhythms in Ted Reed’s classic book…
Episode 82: Clyde Stubblefield, Improving the Double-Stroke Roll, Istanbul Mehmet X-Ray Series, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike pay tribute to the late/great funk innovator Clyde Stubblefield. In the education segment, the hosts share some of their favorite exercises for improving the clarity and speed of the double-stroke roll. Up for review…
Episode 81: Dave Weckl, Conquering Stage Fright, ddrum Max kit, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike discuss jazz/fusion legend Dave Weckl, who recently reunited with Chick Corea Elektric Band for a string of shows. The educational segment focuses on how to overcome stage fright. Up for review is ddrum’s alder/maple…
Episode 80: Listener Questions, A&F Rude Boy Snare, and More
In this special eightieth episode, Mike and Mike tackle a pile of listener questions that cover a wide range of topics, from snare drum recommendations to stick grip suggestions, transitioning from marching band to drumset, breaking through barriers, and more.…
Episode 79: Classic ’80s Tracks, Brian Dunne, DW Beaters, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike discuss some of their favorite jazz and fusion recordings from the ’80s. The featured artist is Brian Dunne of the TV show Live From Daryl’s House. In the gear review segment, Dawson discusses his…
Episode 78: Drum Fills, Kenny Aronoff, Noble & Cooley Snares, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike discuss their thoughts on when and why to play drum fills. The featured drummer is March 2017 Modern Drummer cover artist Kenny Aronoff. Up for review is a trio of sweet snares from legendary…