Listener Questions
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 43: Carter McLean, Flowing Between Subdivisions, MD 40th Anniversary Cherry Snare, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike discuss their favorite drum clips they found online this week, and then they talk about their approach to flowing between subdivisions in solos and fills. The featured artist is Carter McLean of The Lion…
Episode 42: Teaching Beginners, Claus Hessler, Doc Sweeny Snares, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike discuss how they structure a student’s first few drum lessons, and they talk about German drummer Claus Hessler, who is featured in the June 2016 issue of Modern Drummer. In the gear review section,…
Episode 41: Groove Construction, Jimmy Branly, Masterwork Cymbals, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike discuss Cuban-born/LA-based monster drummer Jimmy Branly, who's featured in the June 2016 issue of Modern Drummer. The hosts then discuss their approach to constructing a groove to a new song. Johnston demos the Modern Drummer 40th-Anniversary…
Episode 40: Listener Questions, Peter Erskine, Kumu’s Limited Series Kits, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike discuss June Modern Drummer cover artist Peter Erskine and answer a few listener questions. In the gear review segment, the hosts share their thoughts, opinions, and experiences with Finnish drum company Kumu’s new Limited…
Episode 39: Independence Over Foot Ostinatos, Two-Mic Recording and Mixing, Modern Drummer’s 40th Anniversary snares, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike field a few listener questions, and then Johnston gives a detailed rundown of his two-mic recording and mixing process. In the education segment, the hosts discuss their thoughts and opinions on building independence over…
Episode 38: Listener Questions, Dawson’s Two-Mic Setup and Mixing Process, Paiste Signature Combo Crisp Rhythmatist Hi-Hats, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike answer more listener questions and then dig into Dawson’s two-mic setup and mixing process. The hosts then talk about which living drummer they'd like to take a lesson with and why. In the gear…
Episode 37: Paradiddle-Diddle Rudiment, NYC-Based Session Drummer Ron Thaler, Paiste Ride Cymbals, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike answer a few listener questions, discuss the paradiddle-diddle rudiment, and talk about featured artist, NYC-based session drummer Ron Thaler. Up for review are two Paiste ride cymbals, and the show concludes with the hosts'…
Episode 36: Bass Drum Mics and Miking Techniques, Abe Cunningham, Canopus Solid Brass and Harvey Mason Signature Snares, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike field some listener questions before discussing their favorite bass drum mics and miking techniques. The featured artist is Abe Cunningham of modern-rock band Deftones. In the gear review section, Dawson shares his experience with…
Episode 35: Andrés Forero, Listener Questions, “Sticking??? vs “Orchestration,??? DW’s Collector’s Series Pure Oak Drumset, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike discuss the cover artist of the May 2016 issue of Modern Drummer, Andrés Forero, who holds the drum seat in the award-winning Broadway musical Hamilton. Then the hosts field a few listener questions before…
Episode 34: Listener Questions, Living Colour's Will Calhoun, Chicago Drum 6.5x14 Maple/poplar Snare, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike field several listener questions before discussing their experience with metric modulation. The featured artist this week is Living Colour's Will Calhoun, and in the gear review section the hosts discuss and demo the Slingerland-style…
Episode 33: Listener Questions, Narada Michael Walden, Ahead Switch Kick Quick-Release Bass Drum Beater System, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike discuss fusion/pop/session great Narada Michael Walden and give their choices for which crash cymbal they would take to a gig if they could only take one. The hosts also answer several listener questions, and…
Episode 32: Listener Questions, Common Drum Terminology, Josh Dion, Ultimate Ears In-Ear Monitors, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike field listener questions, discuss some common drum terminology, and share their thoughts on relatively unknown drummer/singer Josh Dion. Johnston then gives a detailed review of the Ultimate Ears UE-4 and UE-11 custom-mold in-ear monitors.…
Episode 29: Bass Drum Beaters, Listener Questions, Systematic Practice, Gretsch USA Custom Maple Snare, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike field several listener questions before digging into their thoughts on the various types of bass drum beaters out there. Then Johnston goes into detail on his systematic and highly productive approach to practicing. In…
Episode 28: Joe Hibbs, Listener Questions, Modern Drummer 40th-Anniversary Custom Snare Drums, Rashid Williams, and more
In this episode, Mike and Mike briefly pay tribute to the late Joe Hibbs, who was an icon in artist relations in the drum industry and played a big role in elevating the profile of Mapex Drums. The hosts also…
