Mike Dawson
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 66: Ash Soan, Gretsch Hammered Steel Snare, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike discuss Wilco drummer Glenn Kotche’s solo drum composition "Monkey Chant." Then they share some ideas for how to apply the exercises from the classic book Stick Control to the drumset. The featured artist is…
Episode 56: Learning Licks, Jimmy Chamberlin, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike go through their strategies for learning and internalizing new licks on the drumset. The featured artist is Smashing Pumpkins’ Jimmy Chamberlin, and the gear review section focuses on Beier’s unique 6.5x15 steel snare. After…
Episode 55: Charting Songs, Alex Rudinger, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike discuss various ways to chart songs for gigs, sessions, and lessons, and then they talk about up-and-coming progressive metal drummer Alex Rüdinger. In the gear review section, Dawson goes over the limited edition Modern…
Episode 54: Developing a Drum Solo, Zildjian S Family, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike discuss several techniques for developing a musical drum solo. The featured artist is former Violent Femmes drummer Victor DeLorenzo, who is currently leading a creative duo called Nineteen Thirteen. The gear review section focuses…
Episode 53: Larnell Lewis, Tama Superstar Classic, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike ways to be more creative on the drumset, and then discussion Modern Drummer cover artist Larnell Lewis of the fusion/R&B band Snarky Puppy. In the gear review section, Dawson shares his experience with the…
Episode 52: Building Hand Speed, Twenty One Pilots’ Josh Dun, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike discuss their favorite exercises for developing hand speed. This week's featured artist is Josh Dun of the popular rock/pop duo Twenty One Pilots. In the gear review section, Dawson discusses the Porter & Davies…
Episode 51: Johnny Craviotto, Learning Grooves, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike pay tribute to legendary drum builder Johnny Craviotto, and then discuss their approaches to learning new grooves. This week’s featured artist is jazz great Carl Allen. In the gear review section, Dawson shares his…
Episode 50: All Listener Questions
The Modern Drummer Podcast With Mike and Mike Episode 50: All Listener Questions In this special fiftieth episode, Mike and Mike take a break from the usual format and spend the entire hour fielding questions from their loyal listeners. The…
Episode 49: Ostinatos, Craig Blundell, Sabian Vanguards, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike define what an ostinato is and how they've practiced them on the drumset. The featured artist is UK-based drummer Craig Blundell, who's currently touring with Steve Wilson of Porcupine Tree fame. In the gear…
Episode 48: Jay Weinberg, Adding Textures, Ddrum Reflex Kit, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike crack open the August 2016 issue of Modern Drummer and discuss cover artist Jay Weinberg of the legendary metal band Slipknot. In the education segment, the hosts discuss their thoughts on adding different textures…
Episode 47: Practicing on Pillows, Derico Watson, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike discuss the benefits of practicing on different surfaces. The featured artist is fusion/jazz/R&B great Deric Watson. In the gear review section, Johnston shares his experience with the affordable Audio-Technical AE3000 microphone. After fielding a…
Episode 46: Notation Basics, Jost Nickel, Bone Essence Kit, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike go over some basics of drum notation and discuss how they use it with their students. The featured artist this week is the great German drummer Jost Nickel. In the gear review section, Dawson…
Episode 45: Learning Songs, Paiste Big Beats, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike talk about some of the songs they've transcribed note for note and discuss the benefits of such practice. Then they dig into their processes for making drum videos and synching audio. The featured artist…
Episode 44: Compression, Dunnett Snares, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike discuss compression and how it's used on drums for recording. The featured artist is producer/drummer/songwriter Greg Wells, who's interviewed in the July 2016 issue of Modern Drummer. In the gear review segment, the hosts…