mikeslessons.com
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 234: Virgil Donati, Real Vs. Sampled Tracks, Dream Earz DB-10X IEMs, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike dive deep into the extensive discography of modern prog-fusion master Virgil Donati. The education segment focuses on comparing real versus sampled drum tracks in pop music. Up for review is a pair of ten-driver…
MD Podcast Episode 233: Dry Vs. Washy Rides, Sepultura’s Eloy Casagrande, Meinl Stacks, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike discuss heavy metal drummer Eloy Casagrande of legendary Brazilian band Sepultura. The education segment focuses on the differences between dry and washy ride cymbals. Up for review are the Meinl Super Stack and Crasher…
MD Podcast Episode 232: Wilco’s Glenn Kotche, Playing Over the Barline, INDe RESoArmor Drumset, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike crack open the April issue and discuss cover artist Glenn Kotche of Americana alt-rock band Wilco. The education segment focuses on playing over the barline. Up for review is a classy all-maple drumset by…
MD Podcast Episode 231: 6/8 Vs. 3/4, Chris Johnson, Gretsch Brooklyn Standard Snare, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike discuss the relationship between 6/8 and 3/4 time and how they teach them. The featured artist is pop/R&B drummer Chris Johnson, who is featured in the March 2020 issue of Modern Drummer. Up for…
MD Podcast Episode 230: Gear Hacks, Nate Wood, Zildjian K Cluster Crashes, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike share some of different hacks they’ve learned over the years to get their gear to sound and perform better. The featured artist is modern jazz innovator Nate Wood, who is featured in the March…
MD Podcast Episode 229: World Rhythms 101, Ilan Rubin, Tama S.L.P. New-Vintage Hickory Drumset, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike share some of their favorite rhythms from around the globe that they feel are essential study for working drummers. The featured artist is Ilan Rubin, who most recently toured with Angels & Airwaves and…
MD Podcast Episode 228: Drum Sounds Through the Years, Dialtune Snare, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike share what they consider to be the definitive drum sounds of each decade, from the 1950s to today. Up for review is an innovative new snare drum by Dialtune that incorporates a sophisticated cable…
MD Podcast Episode 227: NAMM Show Recap, Maximizing Stickings, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike recap their experience at the NAMM Show, with special attention paid to their personal gear highlights. The education segment focuses on ways to get the most out of sticking patterns when applied to the…
MD Podcast Episode 226: Neil Peart Tribute, NAMM Preview, Mapex Versatus Kit, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike pay special tribute to legendary progressive rock drummer Neil Peart, who passed away on January 7 from brain cancer. Up for review is a stunning Mapex Black Panther Versatus drumset, which is designed to…
MD Podcast Episode 225: Darryl Howell, Sabian HHX Complex Series, the Herta, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike discuss February issue featured artist Darryl “Lil Man” Howell, who has been manning the drum chair with gospel signer Jonathan McReynolds, rapper Nicki Minaj, and R&B artist Maxwell for a handful of years. The…
MD Podcast Episode 224: Eric Harland, 2020 Goals, Modern Vs. Vintage Snares, ddrum Dios additions, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike Dawson kick off the New Year by first outlining some personal and professional drum goals for 2020. The featured artist is modern jazz great Eric Harland, who graces the cover of the February issue…
MD Podcast Episode 223: Year-End Wrap-Up, 2020 Predictions, Shopping Lists, Gunnar Olsen, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike look back at some highlights of 2019 and take a shot at predicting what could be trending in 2020. They also offer suggestions on how to spend holiday cash on some much-needed drum gear.…
MD Podcast Episode 221: Listener Questions Galore
In this episode, Mike and Mike catch up while Johnston is on location in Los Angeles to film a ton of educational and promotional content for Gretsch and Vic Firth. The entire hour is dedicated to answering questions submitted by…
MD Podcast Episode 220: Readers Poll Voting, Creative Practice, British Drum Company Snares, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike crack open the January 2020 issue, which includes information on how to vote in this year’s Readers Poll. The education segment focuses on the Teacher’s Forum column in this issue, which discusses author Marc…
