April 2018 Issue – Volume 42 • Number 4
On 01st Apr 2018
Articles in April 2018
Grizzly Bear's Chris Bear
It turns out that any name similarities between Grizzly Bear and its drummer are purely coincidental. Musically, the seamless match is more like fate.
Katy Perry’s Tony Royster Jr.
He grabbed headlines as one of the most talked-about drumming prodigies in the history of the instrument, playing alongside musical icons three times his age and establishing a reputation for blistering clinic appearances. In his first MD interview in years,…
Mind Matters - The Power of “No”
Q: My lead guitarist is finding fault with the drum parts I write. When we first attempt a new tune, he often rolls his eyes, makes a face, and stops the song. He’ll either start offering suggestions or ask to…
Tim Alexander of Primus
On getting back behind the drums after suffering a heart attack. It was a lot of just Will I be able to do this? The heart attack happened in July of 2014. We had shows booked for the next month…
Karl Brazil With James Blunt
The U.K. touring and studio vet flawlessly supports the pop singer-songwriter’s flowing and dynamic set with ease on an international arena tour.
Ian Chang on Son Lux’s Brighter Wounds
A sharp drummer’s forward-thinking electronic concepts and downright dirty acoustic grooves shine on the trio’s latest release.
New Gear from CRX, Ahead, Cympad, Tama, Yamaha, Evans and REpercussion!
CRX AIR Series These low-volume cymbals are recommended for studios, schools, and practice rooms. Models include 13" and 14" hi-hats, a 20" ride, a 16" crash, and an 18" crash-ride. List prices range from $109.99 to $169.99. The AIR-SET1 includes…
Doc Sweeney - Blue Tiger Drumset
Steam-bent ash shells with a striking finish to match their big, biting tones.
Uptempo Studies - Part 1: Whole Notes and Half Notes
In this series, we’ll focus on exercises that develop flexibility and endurance when playing fast tempos (300 bpm and up). To efficiently play at these speeds, it’s essential to stay relaxed. To gain the confidence and language necessary to handle…
Yamaha Drums Fiftieth-Anniversary Celebration
The renowned manufacturer takes over Hollywood with a day of performances, gear demos, and honorary guests.
The Drum Orb
The California-based inventor, musician, and performance artist William Close brings us a unique spherical percussion instrument dubbed the Drum Orb. The work is ten feet in diameter, and during performances it’s suspended fifteen feet in the air by a steel…
Lia Braswell of A Place to Bury Strangers
The Heart of the Matter Some musicians are too cool for school. They’re unfazed by auditions, uninterested in getting close to new bandmates. They may never miss a beat, but you don’t get the feeling that they’re ever going to…
The Grateful Dead’s Europe ’72
The Grateful Dead’s traveling party on 1972’s European tour numbered fifty strong, and they took advantage of every opportunity to pull off prankster hijinx in the stodgy Old World. There are stories about band members racing cars through Parisian traffic…
Adam Nussbaum's Leadbelly Project, Matt Cameron solo album featuring Mark Guiliana, and more!
RECORDINGS Taking the Reins Photo by Dustin Carlson Kate Gentile Mannequins A strong debut of demanding originals that’s “out” but inviting. There’s no doubt that the music on Brooklyn-based drummer Kate Gentile’s debut album as a leader is difficult to…
Canopus - 6x10 and 10x14 Harvey Mason Signature Snares
A duo of top-shelf wood-shell drums to fill out the upper and lower registers of the sonic spectrum.
