Russ Miller
Photos from the 2021 Modern Drummer Festival For the second year in a row, the global pandemic chased the Modern Drummer Festival to an online venue. But we were unbowed. Presented by the MD team and produced by Thom Mozloom’s crew at M Network, we were able to unleash one …
Building an Empire One Brick at a Time Russ Miller is known throughout the music industry as a go-to session musician, top-level music creator, in-demand educator, and an incredibly successful businessperson. He has spent his nearly 40 years as a professional musician making smart, long-term choices that have not only …
Part 1: Where Did It Go? Individuality is defined as the unique characteristics and traits that make someone or something one of a kind. I thought a discussion about being yourself was important to bring up, and I will be presenting my thoughts over two parts. I’ve been asked many …
As I write this, we are smack dab in the middle of the COVID crisis. This pandemic has affected us all now for many months. I mention this because it’s had a massive impact on musicians working in touring and recorded entertainment. By the time you read this, hopefully many …
Russ Miller has been a staple of the Los Angeles studio…
Some of the worlds greatest drummers and industry members share their memories of what Neil Peart has meant to them.
This month I want to address a question I’ve been asked many times: “Should I learn to read music?” The answer may seem obvious, since any skill can be considered an asset. However, there’s an ongoing debate about the negative side effects of learning to play an instrument primarily through …
We spoke in a previous article about regularly redefining and evaluating yourself as a musician. I’ve been doing this for the past two decades, and it’s always a work in progress. I do a lot of sight-reading (American Idol, soundtrack sessions, etc.), and I often play shows with little or …
We need to be experts at our jobs, and knowing our tools is a part of that. I always put together my rig for tours or gigs, and then take suggestions from my tech on how to make the setup easier and smoother to recreate night after night. I like …
I get many emails about equipment issues. Some are related to what gear to choose for different gigs, some are about why I use certain pieces, and some concern tuning. I’ve been involved in the design of gear for more than twenty-five years, and in the next few articles I …
Consistency is very important in any line of work. We’ve touched on this topic before, but this month we’ll go over three points relative to developing and maintaining it.
I recently performed a gig with the great comedian Bob Newhart where I was sight-reading big band charts with him and his opening act. I’ve done shows with Bob many times over the years. They don’t have a ton of music in them, but we always have to read the …
In last month’s column, we discussed whether or not you should hire a lawyer for your business dealings. This time we dive a bit deeper into a few specific topics that you may have to deal with at some point in your career. I asked my attorney, Paul Quin, for …
This month’s column is about creating opportunity for yourself. Our quotation by the American author H. Jackson Brown Jr. describes the idea beautifully. Many drummers ask me about opportunity. Sometimes the question is “How do you get gigs?” Or it’s “How do I break in?” As we discussed in earlier …
I was recently asked to do an oral-history interview for the Percussive Arts Society. During the interview, we talked about developing business relationships and how that relates to continuing to work in the long term. As an exercise, they asked that I trace career success backward, to see how I …
Music is a team effort, and figuring out our position on the team is key. This will help us better communicate in any scenario, which leads to more contentment on the job. This month we’re going to look at the six main roles that you might play in the music …
Photo by Miguel Monroy Concepts Focus on Elimination The Key to Success by Russ Miller Here’s one of the topics I get asked about frequently by other players. It probably stems from my work in pressure situations. From sight-reading live on TV on American Idol to reading multi-page charts with …
Concepts Don’t Make It Harder Than It Has to Be Leave Your Attitude at the Door by Russ Miller Strife happens in life. It’s almost a guarantee. It happens in every business, like when somebody gets a new position in a company and brings his or her own agenda. And …
American author and clergyman Harry Emerson Fosdick makes a very important point about the acquisition of knowledge in any field. We must look back, stay current, and use inspirations to build our future. For us drummers, spending time gaining knowledge about the language of rhythm and music is crucial.
Concepts The Responsibility Is Ours Calls to Action to Combat the Current State of Affairs by Russ Miller This month I want to discuss one of the biggest concerns facing the drum world: the fact that fewer and fewer people are playing drums and supporting drumming. More important, I want …
I have the privilege of meeting players from all over the world. I also meet many people who are interested in taking up the drums but are torn about it. Many of the excuses for not starting to play are the same excuses for not working on progressing in drumming.
I had a conversation with an employee of one of the drum companies the other day. In this conversation, he said, “Drum clinics are a waste of time and money, and they don’t work anymore.” This struck me as very sad and frustrating. I felt I had to discuss this …
Endorsement contracts with instrument companies is a hot topic. Covering the subject has been requested so much, and I’ve been asked about it so often, that I decided to do a two-part column. To get the truth out, I enlisted three of the top artist-relations directors in the drum world …
I was recently in a difficult situation with a business I was doing work for on a weekly basis. They owed me a considerable amount of money but had no intention of paying me for my services. After failing to convince them otherwise, it became clear that I needed legal representation. …
Welcome to Part 2 of our new year/new you discussion. Last month we talked about reflection. This time we’re covering the topics of imitation and experience.
We’ve discussed before how the ability to finish something is much more valuable than the ability to start something. Most people are starters, but the most successful people are the finishers.
Photo by Miguel Monroy by Russ Miller Last month we started our discussion of product endorsements with the equipment manufacturers. I encourage you to read through that article again to familiarize yourself with some of the terms we’re using this month. We’ve been joined by three of the top artist-relations …
Max Weinberg, Jay Weinberg, Michael Giles, Steve Gorman, Blake Dixon, Michael “Leroy” Bram, Obed Calvaire, Gregg Bissonette, Russ Miller, Chris Frantz, Josh Freese, E.J. Strickland, Brian Blade, Mark Zonder
Jason Bittner, Travis Barker, Nicko McBrain, Rob Morgenstein, Russ Miller, Famoudou Don Moye, Stanton Moore, Danny Gottlieb, Don Brewer, Aaron Harris, Peter Wildoer, Joey Jordison, Mike Mangini, Simin Phillips
Antonio Sanchez, Jimmy Chamberlin, Chris Wilson, Gorden Campbell, Dave Buckner, Sam Loeffler, Nathan Followill, Slim Jim Phantom, Lance Hyland Stark, Alphonse Mouzon, Steve Hubback, Chris Wilson, Ray Mosca, Jason Bittner, Billy Ward, Russ Miller
Mike Portnoy, Lil’ John Roberts, Roy Hanes, Dave Lombardo, Bobby Rondinelli, Brendan Buckley, Chad Gracey, Paul Wertico, Alan White, Andy Kubiszewski, Fabrizio Moretti, Jimmy Chamberlin, Charlie Benante, Russ Miller
Tyler Stewart, Hilary Jones, Billy Ward, Billy Mason, Chuck Sabo, Rob Ladd, Brian Burwell, Russ Miller, Mark Ambrosino, Ken Vogel, Rob Leytham, Roger Odell, Ed Breckenfeld, John Xepoleas, John Thomakos, Jeff Decker, Tim Earle, Mike Portnoy, Bill Bruford, “JR” Robinson
John Otto, Tito Puente, Nasheet Waits, Dom Famularo, Anton Fig, Ed Blackwell, Tico Torres, Samantha Maloney, Pat Mastelotto, Billy Conway, Jerome Deupree, Eric Bobo, Lou Dog, William Goldsmith, Paul Leim, Russ Miller, Tony Royster Jr.
Posted: August 16, 2022
Nate Morton joins the Big Drum Bonanza 2022 lineup
Self-taught from age 5, Nate’s formal drum set training began during high school with Grant Menefee in Baltimore, Maryland. He continued his education in Boston, Massachusetts as a performance major at the renowned Berklee College of Music, studying with drummers such as Ed Uribe, Ian Froman, John Ramsay and Ron …
Posted: October 4, 2021
100 Drummers “Drum Together” for WhyHunger Campaign
The mission is simple, but critical: One Beat. One Mission. End Hunger. WhyHunger—a non-profit founded in 1975 by the late Harry Chapin and radio deejay Bill Ayres to “change systems, policies, and institutions that perpetuate hunger and poverty in our world”—enlisted more than 100 drummers and percussionists to perform a …
Posted: April 20, 2020
Mapex Stay, Learn, and Play at Home Initiative
News from Mapex… In this rapidly changing, extremely challenging time in our market and society, Mapex Drums is responding to drummers who are now spending the bulk of their time at home. Touring players off the road, students home from school, weekend warriors without gigs, or hobbyists who just want …
Posted: April 10, 2020
Creedence Drummer Doug Clifford Releases "Lost" Solo Album
Creedence Clearwater Revival drummer Doug “Cosmo” Clifford’s rediscovered, 1985 home-studio album, Magic Window [CD Baby], will be released soon via streaming platforms. The single, “Just Another Girl” is out today, Friday, April 10. The full album drops on April 24—which is also Clifford’s 75th birthday. “I had an analog studio …
Posted: October 27, 2016
December 2016 Issue of Modern Drummer magazine featuring Ralph Peterson
See what’s in the December 2016 issue of Modern Drummer magazine featuring Ralph Peterson
Posted: September 30, 2016
November 2016 Issue of Modern Drummer magazine featuring Living Colour’s Will Calhoun
See what’s in the November 2016 Issue of Modern Drummer magazine featuring Living Colour’s Will Calhoun!
Posted: August 30, 2016
October 2016 Issue of Modern Drummer magazine featuring Toto’s Shannon Forrest
See what’s in the October 2016 Issue of Modern Drummermagazine featuring Toto’s Shannon Forrest!
Posted: July 29, 2016
September 2016 Issue of Modern Drummer magazine featuring Snarky Puppy’s Robert “Sput" Searight, Larnell Lewis, and Jason "JT" Thomas
See what’s in, and where to order, the September 2016 Issue of Modern Drummer magazine featuring Snarky Puppy’s Robert “Sput??? Searight, Larnell Lewis, and Jason “JT??? Thomas
Posted: July 29, 2016
September 2016 Issue of Modern Drummer magazine featuring Snarky Puppy’s Robert “Sput” Searight, Larnell Lewis, and Jason “JT” Thomas
See what’s in, and where to order, the September 2016 Issue of Modern Drummer magazine featuring Snarky Puppy’s Robert “Sput??? Searight, Larnell Lewis, and Jason “JT??? Thomas
Posted: June 30, 2016
August 2016 Issue of Modern Drummer magazine featuring Slipknot’s Jay Weinberg
(Available in print and digitally June 30, 2016) Print Copy ○ iTunes ○ Amazon ○ GooglePlay ○ Subscribe On the Cover Slipknot’s Jay Weinberg “They didn’t want a copycat, so I needed to play it in my own way. I can’t play it any other way.” Taking the place of …
Posted: June 30, 2016
August 2016 Issue of Modern Drummer magazine featuring Slipknot’s Jay Weinberg
(Available in print and digitally June 30, 2016) Print Copy ○ iTunes ○ Amazon ○ GooglePlay ○ Subscribe On the Cover Slipknot’s Jay Weinberg “They didn’t want a copycat, so I needed to play it in my own way. I can’t play it any other way.” Taking the place of …
Posted: May 31, 2016
July Modern Drummer magazine 2016 Gear of the Year Issue
See what’s in the July Modern Drummer magazine 2016 Gear of the Year Issue.
Posted: May 31, 2016
July Modern Drummer magazine 2016 Gear of the Year Issue
See what’s in the July Modern Drummer magazine 2016 Gear of the Year Issue.
Posted: April 28, 2016
June 2016 Issue of Modern Drummer magazine featuring Peter Erskine
See what’s in the June 2016 Issue of Modern Drummer magazine featuring Peter Erskine…
Posted: April 28, 2016
June 2016 Issue of Modern Drummer magazine featuring Peter Erskine
See what’s in the June 2016 Issue of Modern Drummer magazine featuring Peter Erskine…
Posted: March 31, 2016
May 2016 Issue of Modern Drummer featuring Andrés Forero of Hamilton
(Available digitally March 31, 2016; in print April 1, 2016) Print Copy ○ iTunes ○ Amazon ○ GooglePlay ○ Subscribe On the Cover Andrés Forero “Andrés Forero is one of the most creative and versatile players of our time, and his participation in Hamilton solidifies his stature as one of …
Posted: March 31, 2016
May 2016 Issue of Modern Drummer featuring Andrés Forero of Hamilton
(Available digitally March 31, 2016; in print April 1, 2016) Print Copy ○ iTunes ○ Amazon ○ GooglePlay ○ Subscribe On the Cover Andrés Forero “Andrés Forero is one of the most creative and versatile players of our time, and his participation in Hamilton solidifies his stature as one of …
Posted: February 26, 2016
April 2016 Issue of Modern Drummer featuring Joe Saylor
(Available digitally February 26, 2016; in print February 2, 2016) Print Copy ○ iTunes ○ Amazon ○ GooglePlay ○ Subscribe On the Cover Joe Saylor “The place you really learn how to play is on the bandstand. And it helps learning with people who …
Posted: February 26, 2016
April 2016 Issue of Modern Drummer featuring Joe Saylor
(Available digitally February 26, 2016; in print February 2, 2016) Print Copy ○ iTunes ○ Amazon ○ GooglePlay ○ Subscribe On the Cover Joe Saylor “The place you really learn how to play is on the bandstand. And it helps learning with people who …
Posted: January 29, 2016
March 2016 Issue of Modern Drummer featuring Barry Kerch
See what’s in the March 2016 Issue of Modern Drummer magazine featuring Barry Kerch.
Posted: January 29, 2016
Pete Lockett: The “Long-Term Student??? Clears Pathways to a Credible East-West Percussive Combination
Pete Lockett By Claudia Hansen by Mike Haid From Britain to Bombay, Pete Lockett is recognized as an international ambassador of world percussion. Lockett’s mastery of North and South Indian styles has earned him accolades and respect from the Indian masters of rhythm, and he’s collaborated with many …
Posted: January 29, 2016
March 2016 Issue of Modern Drummer featuring Barry Kerch
See what’s in the March 2016 Issue of Modern Drummer magazine featuring Barry Kerch.
Posted: December 30, 2015
February 2016 Issue of Modern Drummer featuring Adam Deitch
See what’s in the February 2016 Issue of Modern Drummer magazine featuring Adam Deitch and how to get it.
Posted: December 30, 2015
February 2016 Issue of Modern Drummer featuring Adam Deitch
See what’s in the February 2016 Issue of Modern Drummer magazine featuring Adam Deitch and how to get it.
Posted: November 25, 2015
January 2016 Issue of Modern Drummer featuring Neil Peart
See what’s in this special 40th anniversary edition of Modern Drummer magazine featuring Neil Peart…
Posted: November 25, 2015
January 2016 Issue of Modern Drummer featuring Neil Peart
See what’s in this special 40th anniversary edition of Modern Drummer magazine featuring Neil Peart…
Posted: November 2, 2015
Dom Famularo’s Teachers List
Over the course of his forty-year career traveling the globe to teach, perform, and conduct clinics, Dom Famularo has interacted with some of the finest drummers and drum instructors in the world. The following list contains many of those names, organized by country/continent. If you’re looking for top-notch drum instruction, …
Posted: October 30, 2015
December 2015 Issue of Modern Drummer featuring Dom Famularo
See what’s in the December 2015 issue of Modern Drummer magazine featuring Dom Famularo!
Posted: October 1, 2015
November 2015 Issue of Modern Drummer featuring Brian Frasier-Moore
See what’s in the pages of the October 2015 issue of Modern Drummer magazine featuring Brian Frasier-Moore and where you can get it….
Posted: August 27, 2015
October 2015 Issue of Modern Drummer featuring Ilan Rubin
See what’s in the October issue of Modern Drummer magazine featuring Ilan Rubin!
Posted: June 30, 2015
August 2015 Issue of Modern Drummer featuring Antonio Sanchez
See what’s in the pages, and where to order, the August 2015 Issue of Modern Drummer magazine featuring Antonio Sanchez!
Posted: May 28, 2015
July 2015 Issue of Modern Drummer featuring Daru Jones
See what’s in the pages of the July 2015 issue of Modern Drummer magazine featuring Daru Jones!
Posted: April 30, 2015
June 2015 issue of Modern Drummer featuring Benny Greb
See what’s in the pages of the June 2015 issue of Modern Drummer magazine and find out where to pick it up.
Posted: March 31, 2015
May 2015 Issue of Modern Drummer featuring Jojo Mayer
See what’s in the May 2015 issue of Modern Drummer magazine, available now…
Posted: February 26, 2015
April 2015 Issue of Modern Drummer featuring Bernard “Pretty??? Purdie
See what’s in, and where to order, the April 2015 issue of Modern Drummer magazine featuring Bernard Purdie.
Posted: January 29, 2015
March 2015 Issue of Modern Drummer featuring Animals as Leaders’ Matt Garstka
See what’s in the March 2015 Issue of Modern Drummer featuring Animals as Leaders’ Matt Garstka and where to get it!
Posted: December 30, 2014
February 2015 Issue of Modern Drummer featuring King Crimson’s Pat Mastelotto, Gavin Harrison, and Bill Rieflin
See what’s in the February 2015 Issue of Modern Drummer featuring King Crimson’s Pat Mastelotto, Gavin Harrison, and Bill Rieflin.
Posted: December 1, 2014
News: KHS America Set to Unveil NFUZD Audio at Winter NAMM
In cooperation with its corporate parent, KHS Musical Instrument Company, KHS America will be unveiling NFUZD Audio, a new brand of electronic musical instruments and performance tools designed to respond to the creative potential of its users, at Winter NAMM this coming January….
Posted: November 25, 2014
January 2015 Issue of Modern Drummer featuring Dave Weckl
See what’s in the January 2015 Issue of Modern Drummer featuring Dave Weckl and where to get it….
Posted: October 28, 2014
December 2014 Issue of Modern Drummer featuring Gregg Bissonette
See what’s in the pages of the December 2014 issue of Modern Drummer magazine featuring Gregg Bissonette!
Posted: September 30, 2014
November 2014 Issue of
Modern Drummer featuring
Mark Guiliana
See what’s in the pages on of the November 2014 issue of Modern Drummer magazine featuring Mark Guiliana!
Posted: September 2, 2014
October 2014 Issue of
Modern Drummer featuring
Ian Paice of Deep Purple!
See what’s in the page of the October 2014 Issue of Modern Drummer magazine Featuring Ian Paice of Deep Purple!
Posted: August 29, 2014
Mapex “Over the Edge Tour??? With Russ Miller and Rashid Williams
Mapex artists and staff members will be stopping in fifteen cities across the USA for the Mapex SONIClear “Over the Edge Tour.??? The tour is designed to allow players to experience first-hand the award-winning SONIClear bearing edge and the sound of Armory and Mars drumsets and Armory snare drums….
Posted: July 29, 2014
September 2014 Issue of Modern Drummer featuring Rob Bourdon of Linkin Park
See what’s in the September 2014 Issue of Modern Drummer featuring Rob Bourdon of Linkin Park!
Posted: March 21, 2014
Drum Daze 2014 Columbus, Ohio
On Sunday, March 30th, some of the biggest names in drumming will come together for an afternoon you won’t forget. Russ Miller joins Ray Luzier, Mike Johnston, Greg Hutchinson and John Riley for the Drum Daze line-up.
Posted: December 25, 2013
Jason Aldean’s Rich Redmond
Hello MD readers! It has been some time since we last visited here. I am still enjoying life in Nashville, juggling touring, recording, producing, writing, and teaching. I love this life we live as modern drummers!
Posted: October 4, 2013
Thirteenth-Annual DrummerFest Taking Place October 19
Milwaukee music store Cascio Interstate Music, located at 13819 W. National Ave. in the Milwaukee suburb of New Berlin, will hold its thirteenth annual DrummerFest on Saturday, October 19, starting at 10 am and ending at 6 pm. This free event is open to the public….
Posted: September 4, 2013
Midas Fate’s Drummer to Perform on London Drum Show
Aquiles Priester, who recently was announced as Midas Fate’s drummer, will be performing at London Drum Show on October 13….
Posted: January 28, 2013
NAMM 2013 in Photos
It’s that time of year again, when the makers of dreams—or at least the equipment that helps them come true—show off the latest and greatest gear that will be available in the upcoming months. What’s the catch? Not everyone is invited! Never fear, the Modern Drummer editors have it covered. …
Posted: March 22, 2012
March Web Update News
News on and from the drumming community for March 2012.
Posted: March 2, 2012
Russ Miller to be Drummer for “American Idol” Season 11 “Mentor” Sessions
Now that the finalists have been chosen for the American Idol Season 11 Hollywood, Ca. eliminations, the “Mentoring” sessions will begin. Starting on 3.2.12 the finalists will be “Mentored” by a music superstar, in preparation for their next weeks performances. These sessions are held at Interscope record’s studios in Santa …
Posted: January 23, 2012
Jan Web Update News
Ringo Starr’s seventeenth solo studio record, Ringo 2012, will be released on January 31 in the United States and January 30 internationally. The album, which was produced by Starr, was recorded in L.A. and mixed in England by Ringo and Bruce Sugar. For more, visit www.ringostarr.com. Kenny Aronoff is still …
Posted: January 18, 2012
Souhail Kaspar to Teach at the Mendocino Folklore Camp
Souhail Kaspar has been invited to teach drum and rhythm & movement with the Ziva Emtiyaz at this year’s Mendocino Folklore Camp.
Posted: September 1, 2011
Web Update News
The latest and greatest news from the drumming industry. This edition features updates on Chad Sexton, John Tempesta, Jon Wysocki, Will Hunt, Brian Young and more.
Posted: August 1, 2011
Los Angeles Drummer/Drum Tech Tod T. Burr
Tod T. Burr checking in. For those of you new to my crazy life, here’s a quick recap…
Posted: August 20, 2009
Remembering Jim Chapin
The venerable drum teacher passed away this July 4, leaving behind thousands of acolytes–and a million great stories. In this companion to the In Memoriam in the October issue of MD, we hear from some of Chapin’s many friends and drumming disciples.
Posted: April 17, 2007
Brian Young of Founatins Of Wayne
If at any point in 2003 you were situated near an FM radio or MTV-equipped television, chances are you heard Brian Young’s drumming. That’s because the mega-hit song “Stacy’s Mom,??? from power-pop rockers Fountains Of Wayne grasped the airwaves with infectious hooks and sing-along melodies that were seemingly unavoidable….
Posted: March 31, 2022
Episode 64: John DeChristopher Live From My Drum Room With Russ Miller
John DeChristopher has had a fun and informative discussion with his old friend Russ Miller. They talked about how Russ got his start in Miami, how they met in 1990, and his move to Los Angeles, where after paying his dues, he established himself as a top session musician. They …
Posted: June 29, 2018
Episode 149: Simon Phillips, “Do I Need a Fallback Plan?”, Soundbrenner Pulse Metronome, and More
In this episode Mike and Mike discuss legendary pop, jazz, fusion drummer Simon Phillips. The education segment focuses on an article in the July 2018 issue by Russ Miller, titled “Do I Need a Fallback Plan?”.
Posted: April 6, 2018
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.
Posted: June 16, 2017
Episode 97: Building Confidence, Mutemath's Darren King, Remo P3 Felt Tones, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike discuss their thoughts on building confidence behind the kit. The featured artist is Darren King of the alt-pop band Mutemath.
Posted: November 18, 2016
Episode 68: The Six-Stroke Roll, Tama Pedals, and More!
In this episode of the Modern Drummer Podcast, Mike and Mike discuss their favorite applications of the six-stroke roll. The featured artist is studio great and acclaimed clinician Russ Miller, who pens a regular Concepts column in Modern Drummer. Up for review are the new Iron Cobra and Speed Cobra …
Posted: October 30, 2015
Episode 14: Drumming Apps, Russ Miller’s Latest Concepts Column, Myths of Soundproofing, Audio-Technica Condenser Mics, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike highlight a few of their favorite drumming apps, and they talk a bit about session great Russ Miller’s latest Concepts column in Modern Drummer before doing their best to dispel some of the myths of soundproofing a drum room. In the gear review section, …
