Mike Johnston
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.
MD Podcast Episode 195: Spare Gig Gear, Up-Tempo Rock, Business Basics, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike dedicate the entire hour to answering a bunch of listener questions. Topics include must-have extra gear on a gig, getting comfortable with up-tempo rock grooves, and some thoughts on handling the business side of…
MD Podcast Episode 175: Interpol’s Sam Fogarino, Reggae 101, Amedia Cymbals, and More
In this episode Mike and Mike discuss February 2019 featured artist Sam Fogarino of the indie-rock band Interpol. The education segment focuses on three fundamental reggae beats: one drop, steppers, and rockers. Up for review are Jazz Legend and Vision…
MD Podcast Episode 168: Clinics Recap, Travis McNabb, Drumset Ergonomics, Tama Classic Stands, and More
In this episode Mike and Mike recap their clinic experiences at PASIC and in Europe before discussing modern country drummer Travis McNabb, who recently pulled double duty touring with Sugarland and Frankie Ballard. The education segment focuses on how to…
Modern Drummer Podcast Episode 112: Green Day’s Tré Cool, Drum Hoops, Roland GO:MIXER, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike discuss November 2017 cover artist Tré Cool of the pop-punk band Green Day. The education segment focuses on the different types of drum hoops. Up for review is the Roland GO:MIXER audio interface for…
Modern Drummer Podcast Episode 107: Preshow Rituals, Jack DeJohnette, Paiste Masters Thins, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike discuss some of the ways they prepare themselves mentally and physically for gigs and clinics. The featured artist is legendary jazz drummer Jack DeJohnette. Up for review are some sweet Masters Thin cymbals from…
Mike and Mike Podcast Episode 95: Tom Tuning, Nir Z, RTOM Black Holes, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike conclude their discussion on drum tuning with their favorite techniques for the toms. The featured artist is studio drummer Nir Z. Up for review is the RTOM Black Hole practice mute system. After fielding…
Episode 91: Michael Miley, Hi-Hat Splashes, Vic Firth MJC Sticks, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike discuss Rival Sons’ Michael Miley. In the education segment, the hosts share some of their favorite ways to incorporate left-foot splashes on the hi-hat. Up for review are Vic Firth’s new Modern Jazz Collection…
Episode 83: Matt Garstka, How to Practice Syncopation, Dixon Little Roomer, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike discuss April 2017 cover artist Matt Garstka of the progressive band Animals as Leaders. In the education segment, the hosts discuss some fun ways to interpret the written rhythms in Ted Reed’s classic book…
Episode 77: Favorite Fills, Ray Luzier, Gibraltar Beat EFX, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike catch up after attending Winter NAMM and then share two of their all-time favorite drum fills. The featured artist is Ray Luzier of the band Korn. In the gear review segment, Dawson talks about…
Episode 70: Questions, Questions, and More Questions
In this episode of the Modern Drummer Podcast, Mike and Mike dedicate the entire hour to questions submitted by listeners. Topics include how to get out of a funk, phrasing tips, choosing snare drums, and more. The show concludes with picks of…
Episode 69: Favorite Warm-Ups, Jerry Marotta, SPD-SX, and More
In this episode of the Modern Drummer Podcast, Mike and Mike share their favorite daily warm-up exercises. The featured artist is Jerry Marotta, who played with prog/pop great Peter Gabriel on several of his landmark albums in the ’80s. Up…
Episode 68: The Six-Stroke Roll, Tama Pedals, and More!
In this episode of the Modern Drummer Podcast, Mike and Mike discuss their favorite applications of the six-stroke roll. The featured artist is studio great and acclaimed clinician Russ Miller, who pens a regular Concepts column in Modern Drummer. Up…
Episode 67: Gig Bag Essentials, Michael Shrieve, Canopus Snares, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike discuss the gear and accessories they make sure to take with them to every gig. The featured artist is original Santana drummer Michael Shrieve. Up for review is a trio of workhorse snares from…
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…
