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 15: Jim Riley’s Ghost Notes, Dom Famularo, Zildjian’s new K Custom Dark Crashes, Drum Muffling, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike dig into a few of the stories in the December 2015 issue of Modern Drummer, including Jim Riley’s educational article on ghost notes, the cover story with global drumming ambassador Dom Famularo, and the…
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…
Episode 13: Groupings and Subdivisions, Robert “Sput??? Searight's GhostNote, Pearl’s Wood Fiberglass Drumset, Matt Chamberlain’s Endorsement Changes, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike talk about studio great Matt Chamberlain’s recent drum and cymbal endorsement changes, the difference between groupings and subdivisions, Snarky Puppy drummer Robert “Sput” Searight’s new project GhostNote, Pearl’s reissued Wood Fiberglass drumset, and some…
MD Podcast Episode 12: Bass Drum Speed, Brian Frasier-Moore, Coated and Clear Drumheads, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike discuss some of the things included in the November 2015 issue of Modern Drummer, including Johnston’s Rock & Jazz Clinic article on developing bass drum speed. They also talk about cover artist Brian Frasier-Moore,…
Episode 11: It’s Questionable, Chrome- vs Nickel-Plated Brass Snares, Ilan Rubin, Angel Drums, V-Classic Cymbals, and More
This week Mike and Mike pour through the October 2015 issue of Modern Drummer Magazine, talking a bit about the It’s Questionable article that defines the differences between chrome- and nickel-plated brass snares, cover artist Ilan Rubin, and the custom…
Episode 10: Gil Sharone, Paiste’s PSTX Effects Cymbals, Craviotto’s Johnny C. Series Maple Snare Drums, Play-Along Products, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike focus on the September 2015 issue of Modern Drummer Magazine, discussing cover artist Gil Sharone, who’s currently touring with Marilyn Manson, and digging deeper into Johnston’s second educational article on grooving in form. Other…
Episode 9: Antonio Sanchez, 21 Drummers Camp, Fidock 6x13 Heartbreaker Series Snare, Remo Powerstroke Heads, and More
In this episode, Johnston talks about his recent trip to Ireland to teach a drum camp with fellow drummers Mark Guiliana and Robert “Sput” Searight. Then Mike and Mike discuss August 2015 Modern Drummer cover artist, modern jazz great Antonio…
Episode 8: Daru Jones, Drum Books, Gretsch’s Renown Series Drumsets, Sugar Percussion Snares, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike talk about July 2015 Modern Drummer cover artist, Daru Jones, and dig into some of their favorite drum books. Then they talk a bit out the differences between Gretsch’s Renown series drumset with birch…
Episode 7: Benny Greb, The Art and Science of Groove, Paiste’s Masters Series Crashes and Hi-Hats, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike talk about June 2015 Modern Drummer cover artist, Benny Greb, and dig into some of the concepts in Benny’s new DVD, The Art and Science of Groove. Then they share their thoughts on the…
Episode 6: Industry News, Videotaping Yourself, Jojo Mayer, GMS’s SE Series Drumset, and More
This episode includes discussions on recent industry news, techniques and methods for videotaping yourself for online publishing, and May 2015 Modern Drummer cover artist, electronica expert and technique guru Jojo Mayer. In the gear review section, Dawson recalls his experience with…
Episode 5: Polyrhythms, Drum Shell Properties, Bernard Purdie, Sabian’s Big and Ugly Series, and More
There are two main topics in this episode: polyrhythms and drum shell properties. Mike and Mike begin their talk on how the type of wood, amount of plies, and bearing edges can affect a drum’s overall sound. The conversation then shifts…
Episode 4: Creativity, the Meinl Cymbal Factory, Touring Germany, and the DW Jazz Series Cherry/Gum Drumset
Episode 4 is dedicated to creativity, from where to find it to—more importantly—how to practice it. Johnston then shares stories from his recent clinic tour in Germany, which included a stop at the Meinl cymbal factory. This week’s gear review focuses…
Episode 3: Independence, “Odd Groupings Over the Samba,??? Two-Mic Recording, Keller’s Magnum Series Maple Shells, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike talk a ton about independence. They identify some of their favorite drummers who display amazing independence and share specific exercises that they’ve used over the years to improve their own four-way coordination. Then Johnston…
Episode 2: Practice, Dave Weckl, One-Mic Recording, Craviotto Vintage Series Drums, and More
Episode 2 begins with an extensive discussion about practice: what it means and what Mike and Mike feel are the most effective ways to go about it on the drumset. Next, they share stories about January 2015 Modern Drummer cover artist,…
