February 2018 Issue – Volume 42 • Number 2
Articles in February 2018
Tailor-Made Top Hat
Chuck Riebling of Ellicott City, Maryland, started putting this kit together in 2004 after purchasing four blank maple Keller shells. He then brought the drums—a 10-ply 7x13 snare, 6-ply 8x12 and 14x14 toms, and a 10-ply 14x20 bass drum—to vintage…
Elizabeth Goodfellow With Iron & Wine
The drummer, percussionist, and vocalist invigorates a seasoned indie artist’s new album and extensive back catalog.
Dare to Drum
A recently released documentary shows what happens when an esteemed percussion ensemble, a famous rock drummer, a world-class symphony orchestra, and a somewhat cranky Mother Nature come together for a unique musical event.
James Cassells on Asking Alexandria’s Asking Alexandria
A little more than a year after reuniting with original lead singer Danny Worsnop, the genre-straddling heavy rock group Asking Alexandria released its fifth studio album this past December 15. Partly inspired by the reunion with Worsnop, the rested and…
Matt Wilson - The Ambassador of Unvention
An experienced pursuer of the unfamiliar, and a compassionate leader who’s unafraid to unleash, the eternally curious drummer carves a unique way along his journey of musical discovery—all the while bringing as many of us along as he can. During…
Sonny Emory
On the advantage of formal study. Formal study is paramount for any drummer who’s looking to be versatile enough to sustain a career. Unless you happen to be lucky enough to be in a band that’s already successful. But being…
Jim Eno of Spoon
For three consecutive nights during the 2017 South by Southwest conference, the Austin punk rock mecca Emo’s was temporarily christened Eno’s in honor of the headlining band’s drummer.
Can Feel Be Taught, or Is It a Gift?
Can Feel Be Taught, or Is It a Gift? Unlike certain aspects of drumming, suchas timing, technique, and dynamics, developing a drummer’s sense of groove or feel can be somewhat of an ambiguous task. Even more obscuring is the debate…
Tony Newman
A true survivor, this swashbuckling British drummer brings tales from the golden age of rock ’n’ roll excess—and some of the heaviest performances of the era.
Yamaha Drums Celebrates Fiftieth Anniversary, Tyshawn Sorey Receives MacArthur Foundation Fellowship, Sabian Appoints New Director of Research and Product Development, and more!
Tommy Aldridge Yamaha Drums Celebrates Fiftieth Anniversary This past September 30, Yamaha Drums celebrated its fiftieth anniversary at the Musicians Institute in Hollywood, California. More than 400 guests attended the event, which featured an interactive exhibit of current and legacy…
Italian Vintage Drums and Cymbals
Vintage drum expert Luca Luciano’s book is a fascinating introduction to some of the most unusual drums you’ll likely never see.
Steve Nisbett of the Iconic Reggae Band Steel Pulse
Steel Pulse, featuring Steve “Grizzly” Nisbett, second from right This story originally ran in the August 2012 issue of Modern Drummer. He barely knew what to do with a reggae groove when he started his climb to the…
Pearl Jam/Soundgarden Drummer Matt Cameron Enlists David Bowie’s Blackstar Drummer, Mark Guiliana, for His Latest Solo Album
Photo by Danny Clinch Matt Cameron may be widely known as the drummer with two iconic bands, Pearl Jam and Soundgarden, but those who’ve followed his career closely know he’s also a multi-instrumentalist who occasionally releases music as a leader.…
Vater - Acorn Tip and Player’s Design Drumstick Additions
Uniquely shaped signature models and a classic-shaped bead for the most popular sizes.
Booker Stardrum
The drummer, who grew up in a household steeped in top-level twentieth-century classical music performance, has built up an impressive résumé featuring some of the most compelling experimental pop and rock groups of the past decade. He’s also released an…