The laggy beat maker and percussion enthusiast talks about his sound and his process in making music with the sensational band from Down Under.…
Mike Calabrese of Lake Street Dive
Mike wants to start a cover band that only performs songs sung by drummers. But he’s happy with his gig for now.…
Tyler Zarzeka – Home on the Road
Life on the road isn’t for everyone, but Tyler has made it his home, and way of life.…
François Comtois of Young the Giant
Comtois takes a look back at his career thus far with the successful indie rock group from SoCal…
Craig Blundell: Forever Progressing
In the middle of rural Italy, in the little town I call home, there’s a small bar run by my friend Tony. I basically grew up in that bar because we were both fanatics about music and equally ann…
Eric Kretz: Carrying the Torch
Some drumming is super brainy. Other drumming sounds like it comes from the center of a guy’s chest. Like many drummers, I appreciate mind-boggling drumming even though I often mutter, “Huh?!” to myse…
Joe McMurray – On the road with Mac Demarco
Joe reflects on his career thus far, passion projects and playing in the nude.…
Kozo Suganuma & Satoko Yumoto
Kozo and his daughter Satoko discuss in depth their careers as two of Japan’s most in-demand players…
Scott Travis – Delivering The Goods
Throughout Judas Priest’s first decade, the drummer position was always the hot seat. They had had six men behind the kit by the time Dave Holland took over for his ten-year tenure starting in 1980, b…
Eric Leiderman – Show Time
Two dreams are better than one, especially when both turn into reality and even better when both coincide. Such is the case for Late Night Television Producer and drummer Eric Leiderman. Bitten by the…
Kyle Hughes – Star Quality
Seventy miles south of the Scottish border in northeast England sits Newcastle Upon Tyne. While only roughly a quarter million people inhabit it, it’s still the largest city in the North East of Engla…
Gavin Harrison: Great Drummer, Bad Actor
Gavin Harrison should need little introduction here, having previously graced the cover as one of the trio of King Crimson drummers in 2016. But that’s just one of his many achievements. Born near Lon…
Back to Basics – Easy, at home routines to keep you in ship shape
We drummers often practice diligently for days and weeks just so the few hours we are onstage for each performance go as well as possible. We work on timing, technique, rhythms, stickings, independent…
Connection Is Key: Tying Vintage Design with Modern Performance
Sometimes when you’re searching for the right tool for the job, the solution can be found by looking into the past. As far as modern drumsticks go today, there are hundreds of great options that satis…
Designing Your Dreams: Dream Cymbals is Pushing the Envelope of Modern Cymbal Making
In an industry that’s over 400 years old, it’s hard to imagine how anyone could come along and change the game, but in 2006 Andy Morris was dreaming up ways to do just that. His desire to contribute s…
Tony Brock – Isn’t It Time
The second wave of great British drummers that followed the ‘60’s legends to The States included such great names as Ian Paice, Roger Taylor, Simon Kirke, Jerry Shirley, Bev Bevan, Topper Headon, and …
Jason McGerr – Knowing What It Takes
It’s certainly a rare thing, to see a band continue to grow their career after 20 something years of going through the motions. Death Cab For Cutie is a prime example, having maintained three of the f…
Nate Lotz – One Pass
Nate Lotz knows who he is and is just as aware of who he is not. This statement permeates his personal and professional life and is a result of considerable investigation on his part. While most music…
Six Days at Ronnie Scott’s, Six Decades of Music
Surprisingly, “Six Days At Ronnie Scott’s: Billy Cobham On Jazz Fusion and The Act Of Creation” is the first book written about Bill Cobham. The 191-page book is a fascinating insight into the life an…
Doc Sweeney Birdseye Maple Kit – Review
Doc Sweeney Drums is a custom drum company whose bread and butter centers around building steambent and stave drums. Their website states that they: “Specialize in building high-quality instruments us…
Provenance 1944 Rolls Royce Merlin XX V12 Snare – Review
Recently I was enjoying a night out with friends and I ordered a specialty cocktail made with a liquor ingredient which I never had before. Yes, this is a product review for a snare drum and I promise…
Yamaha Crosstown Hardware Pack – Review
Only twice in my years with Drumhead Magazine have I asked to review a product. I’m lucky in the fact that my relationship with the mag allows me the familiarity to approach them in this manner. I’m n…
John “The Baron” Von Ohlen: May 31, 1941 – October 3, 2018
There’s no question–the legacy John Von Ohlen leaves behind has inspired countless musicians and will continue to encourage growth and exploration for all who come across his name. On October 3, we lo…
Donn Carr: February 15, 1944 – October 17, 2018
There are those in our lives that not only influence and help guide us, but also leave a lasting impression and impact, and in my case, this case, an everlasting impression and life-long impact. I mus…
Louie Bellson: A Life of Persistence, Patience and Modesty
When we think of the great drummers that have walked this planet, several factors come into play when defining how greatness relates to that person. Of course, every drummer who can be referred to as …
Elvin Jones: Relax, I Got It
Few drummers have ever reached musical pinnacles and generated as much admiration as Elvin Jones did. He resides in the one-name pantheon of the greats of our instrument along with Gene, Buddy, Max, T…
Mitch Mitchell, A Man So Experienced
When we hear the name Jimi Hendrix, our thoughts are inundated with a range of images and connotations. We’re tempted to imagine a fuzzy-haired silhouette tinted blue and purple, and associate it with…
Terri Lyne Carrington, on Legends Vol. 3
PAPA JO JONES I first met Papa Jo when I was 10 or 11. My dad used to take me to a club called Sandy’s [Melody Lounge, and later, Jazz Revival] in Beverly, Massachusetts; Papa Jo would play there some…
Papa Jo Jones: High Praise
Jonathan David Samuel Jones was born on October 7, 1911, in Chicago, Illinois. The man known to so many as “Papa Jo” spent 74 years on this earth until he passed away after a valiant battle with cance…
The Drummers of Dwight Yoakam’s LSD Tour
Above: Mitch Marine (Dwight), Brad Pemberton (Steve), Kelly King (King Leg), Butch Norton (Lucinda) The summer of 2018 saw one of the most unique and satisfying summer tours in recent musical history…
A Drummer’s Dream – The JammJam featuring Kaz Rodriguez, Aaron Spears, Luke Holland, Matt Garstka, Rico Nichols, Devon Taylor, Thaddeus Dixon and more.
“This might be one of the biggest drum events of the year.” – Luke Holland Situated between Sunset and Hollywood Blvd., among bizarre Hollywood attractions and famous landmarks, is a newly minted perf…
An Educational Animated Series for Young Drummers
Jimmy Pemberton is a Boston-based artist who’s made his living playing the drums as well as teaching them. He’s already made his mark within the music community, but his newest venture has him working…
Pearl and COOP3RDRUMM3R present The Igniter Snare Drum
Truly a drummer for a new generation, Casey Cooper’s energetic YouTube performance videos have become an online favorite for over 1.5 Million avid subscribers. In celebration of his dynamic playing, P…
Pearl Introduces Aluminum Symphonic Series Snare Drums
For the first time ever, Pearl announces the release of the New Aluminum Shell Symphonic Series snare drums. The Symphonic Series Ply-Maple SYP model concert drums have been some of the most requested…
Pearl Introduces Steel Concert Series Snare Drums
Pearl announces the latest addition to the value packed Concert Series of instruments with the release of the NEW Steel Shell CRS Concert snare drums. Since 2003, the CRP Concert Series Ply-Maple drum…
Pearl Introduces New Hybrid Elite Series Congas & Bongos
Since the inception of Pearl Percussion’s Elite Series of Congas and Bongos, the drums have been offered with 100% aged Thai Oak or Fiberglass shells. Now the Elite Series offers a combination of the …
Pearl expands Decade Maple drums with new Faded Glory Lacquer Finish
A stunning value for the emerging power drummer or gigging player, Pearl’s Decade Maple Series finish options are being expanded to include new Faded Glory lacquer (#221) for 2018. The color inspirati…
BAE/UK Sound FET Compressors, 1073 Preamps and Equalizers
UK Sound, a manufacturer of high-quality vintage-inspired hardware, announced the debut of the 176 and 276 FET compressors, and a new line of four products based on the industry-defining 1073 preamp a…
Spaun Announces Designer Series
Brian Spaun, President and CEO of Spaun Drums and Scymtek Cymbals has introduced their new Designer Series drum kits and snare drums. Key features of the new series allows the customer to choose from …
Joe X. Dube – Shooting for the Starz and Beyond
If you were lucky enough to be around and going to concerts in the ’70s, you got to see some legendary hard rock bands that had varying degrees of commercial success, from one-hit-wonders to ban…
Paiste’s New Masters Models
Paiste announces the launch of the new Masters models Extra Thin & Dark Splash, plus the Dark Crash Ride in the new 22” size. Physically and acoustically, the 18”, 19” and 20” Extra Thins are char…
Paiste Announces PSTX Models
Paiste announces the launch of the PSTX models 10”/8” and 12”/10” Splash Stacks as well as the 20” Swiss Medium Crash. Small, sharp and nasty: the 10”/8” and 12”/10” Splash Stacks enrich the sound ars…
Paiste’s New Dry and Extra Dry Masters Models
Paiste announces the launch of the Masters models Dry Ride & Extra Dry Ride. The new models fulfill the desire of many drummers for ride cymbals with absolute control that preserve full musical so…
Sabian Introduces the Max Protect
The Max Protect, a tour-grade ABS plastic case that takes cymbals from gig to gig quickly, easily, and safely. From the smallest splash up to a 22” ride, nearly any cymbal fits safely inside the Max P…
Roland Announces the TR-8S Rhythm Performer
An innovative new instrument that fuses Roland’s renowned rhythm machine legacy with modern sound design features tuned for live performance. The TR-8S is filled with the most iconic TR drum sounds of…
New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Fest – A Preview, and a Look Back
The 50th anniversary of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival is scheduled for April 25-28 and May 2-5, 2019. Featuring many historic artists who’ve helped shape the musical landscape of …
David Garibaldi – Fifty Years of Funk
It was some time in 1972, either a birthday or Christmas, as I sat on my bedroom floor excitedly stripping the plastic wrap off a three-album set I’d gotten as a present. It was called, Fillmore: The …
Mark Kelso – How Does It Feel?
While I was getting ready for this interview with Canadian drummer Mark Kelso, I listened quite extensively to his latest record Elementals with his own band The Jazz Exiles. One thing that struck me …
Nick Mason – Saucerful of Secrets Tour
With nearly 25 years off the road, it feels like Mason never stopped as his drum skills haven’t changed a bit…In 2019 Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets came to North America kicking off the tour…
Ted Poor – When the Music is Calling…
Ted Poor has become skilled in balancing the many spinning plates of which call for his unique blend of musical seasoning. Along with touring and recording with artists like Chris Thile and Andrew Bir…
Tamir Barzilay – Originality at Play
For musicians, there is no direct path to success, and sometimes success is just what you make of it. Tamir Barzilay, 37, didn’t choose to become a musician to be a rock star. For him, success is bein…
Amhed Mitchel: An Open Mind Guided by Cuban Tradition
Grace. Complexity. Nuance. Amhed Mitchel is a drummer’s drummer. He’s inside baseball. He’s a special talent that’s beginning to bubble to the surface.…
IK Multimedia unveils UNO Drum analog/PCM drum machine
Ultra-portable, easily programmable drum machine expands the UNO line…
Nate Wood – fOUR & More
To hear Nate play drums is nothing short of spectacular, and if that’s all there was to it, most would think that was enough. Equally so, if you ever caught him on bass or guitar with a number o…
Jazz Fest Recap
475,000 Fans Celebrate Jazz Fest’s 50th Anniversary 51st Annual Festival Set for April 23 through May 3, 2020 New Orleans, LA (May 9, 2019)—The recently completed 50th New Orleans Jazz & Her…
Caught in the Act: Drummers of Jazz Fest ’19
Photos by: Alex Kluft…
Gregory Clifford – White Denim’s New Beat Guy
White Denim’s newest drummer talks about how he got the gig and what it took to get up to speed.…
Pearl New Masters Maple/Gum Series Drums
Introduced in 2017, Pearl’s Sonic Select Shell Recipes gave a performance-formula focus to the boutique-level Masterworks series. Though each sonically-tested option represents the very best in form a…
Pearl Introduces New Primero Guiro Cowbell
Pearl’s new 8” Guiro Cowbell features sturdy steel construct designed to take a beating. When played as a cowbell, the ribbed side products a dryer tone and the opposite side produces a traditional op…
Pearl’s ICON Support System Expands to Celebrate 35 Years of the Drum Rack
Developed in 1983 with legendary Toto drummer Jeff Porcaro, Pearl’s original DR-1 Drum Rack was the first free-standing, frame-based drum support system available. Today, in celebration of 35 years of…
Pearl Introduces New Finishes for Bobby Allende and Richie Flores Signature Models
Pearl Corporation announces new finishes for the Bobby Allende and Richie Flores signature series of congas and bongos. “Bobby and Richie are two of the corner stones of the Pearl Percussion artist ro…
Pearl Announces 3 New Elite Series Conga and Bongo Finish
Pearl’s Elite Series of congas and bongos offers the highest quality heads with polished Contour Crown rims and a choice of shell materials that include 100% Thai Oak, seamless Fiberglass or a blend o…
RADIUS PASSIVE CYMBALS Reduced Volume Without Reduced Performance
Muzzio Drums releases Radius Passive series metal cymbals for low-volume playing situations. These cymbals allow drummers and percussionist to remain expressive while performing at low volume gigs, at…
GrooveTech Drum Multi-Tool
MSRP: $18.95 Drums take a beating. Literally. Such abuse means ongoing adjustment and repair – even during a performance, so we updated our already formidable GrooveTech Drum Multi-Tool for 2019…
DW Crafts First-Ever Pure Almond™ Drumsets
Drum Workshop Inc. recently announced the introduction of a new wood choice to their award-winning Collector’s Series® line. Pure Almond™ is the hardest wood currently offered in the California Custom…
DW Pays Tribute To Its Original 5000 Pedal
Drum Workshop Inc. is pleased to add a Single Chain Pedal (AH4) to their classic 5000 Series hardware line. This new addition to the 5000 series gives drummers more choice than ever before and is avai…
Gretsch Debuts USA Custom Limited Edition Exotic
For over 6 decades, USA Custom has defined “That Great Gretsch Sound” and is considered to be one of the most recorded brands in music history. The highly acclaimed shell which combines a hybrid formu…
ZILDJIAN EXTENDS K FAMILY CYMBALS WITH NEW SIZES AND TONAL COLORS
The Avedis Zildjian Company is pleased to announce the extension of the iconic K family of cymbals, with the introduction of the new K Cluster Crashes and the addition of the new 14” K Sweet Hi Hats, …
ZILDJIAN LAUNCHES FIRST METALLIC PAINTED DRUMSTICKS
The Avedis Zildjian Company is pleased to introduce the first-ever, metallic painted drumsticks in the market, the Zildjian Chroma Series drumsticks. This new series builds on the success of Zildjian’…
ZILDJIAN LAUNCHES NEW PROFESSIONAL IN-EAR MONITORS
The Avedis Zildjian Company is pleased to introduce the Zildjian professional in-ear monitor. The monitors are designed to deliver high quality sound for musicians on stage, in the studio, or practic…
VIC FIRTH LAUNCHES NEW, VERSATILE, FREESTYLE SERIES DRUMSTICKS
The Avedis Zildjian Company, parent company of Vic Firth, is pleased to introduce the new Vic Firth Freestyle series of drumsticks in 2019. The Freestyle series offers an enhanced experience for drumm…
ZILDJIAN RELAUNCHES FX LINE WITHTHE UNVEILING OF FX STACKS AND A NEW 22” CRASH OF DOOM
The Avedis Zildjian Company is pleased to announce the relaunch of the Zildjian fx line with the unveiling of fx Stacks and the 22” fx Oriental Crash of Doom. The new fx cymbals have been crafted to …
Export Lacquer drums get a classic finish treatment with new Transparent Satin Brown
Still the best-selling drum set of all time, Export Lacquer is crafted to give the adancing student an exceptional set-up at an unbeatable price. New for 2019, Transparent Satin Brown (#220) finish is…
Pearl Introduces Varsity Black-To-Color Sparkle Finishes
Pearl is proud to introduce new Black-To-Color wrap finishes with the Varsity Finish program for Championship Marching Series products. As an expansion of Pearl’s popular Varsity Series finishes, ens…
Gretsch Drum Introduces the USA-made Brooklyn Micro Kit
“That Great Gretsch Sound” Delivered in a Portable Package…
LP Celebrates 55th Anniversary with Limited Edition Instruments
Latin Percussion commemorates more than half a century as the largest hand percussion brand in the world with the release of Limited Edition 55th Anniversary Quinto, Conga and Tumba set with matching …
Chris Heuer: One Man is An Island
A deep delve into man behind the master craftsman Chris Heuer.…
Vinnie Paul: March 11, 1964 – June 22, 2018
Vinnie Paul, the heavy-hitting drummer for Pantera, one of the more popular heavy metal bands of the 1990s, who witnessed his brother killed onstage by a fan in 2004 during a show they were performing…
The History of Electronic Drums Pt. II
2000’s – New Millennia, PC Based Tools In the post-grunge arena, music shifted as always to include more polished sounds, rock was bands like Creed, Nickelback, Incubus and Foo Fighters. Pop was…
Steven Wolf: Getting with the Program
Cover Story: Steven Wolf’s beats–both acoustic and electric, analog and digital–dominate the charts with a wide variety of the world’s top pop artists–Alicia Keys, Katy Perry, Beyoncé, Miley Cyr…
John “Jab’o” Starks: October 26, 1938 – May 1, 2018
John “Jab’o” Starks, the drummer who laid down the rhythmic foundation for some of James Brown’s biggest hits, passed away on May 1, 2018, after battling leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes. He was…
What is Mindset? Mindset is What?
Your mindset is the subconscious filter through which you receive and process all new information. It is the center of your emotional, spiritual and mental universe. All your thoughts, beliefs, decisi…
Track-By-Track: Life Is A Killer by Finally George
Todd Sucherman is your tour guide on this track-by-tracy journey through Finally George’s Life is a Killer.…
Jeremy Hummel: The Man Behind the Name
Evan Pollack discovers the drive that motivates extraordinary musician Jeremy Hummel toward his calling to teach.…
Gregg Potter: Windy City to Hot Seat
A deep delve into man behind the master craftsman Chris Heuer.…
Gene Stone: August 19, 1937 – May 19, 2018
Last month we lost a legendary jazz drummer and musician, a “hep cat” named Mr. Gene Stone. He recorded and played with many greats such as The Don Randi Trio, Claire Fischer, Don Ellis and the Prince…
Jon Hiseman: June 21, 1944 – June 12, 2018
At 3.55 a.m. on June 12, British drummer/composer/ bandleader Jon Hiseman passed away as a result of complications following surgery to remove a brain tumor. Born Philip John Albert Hiseman on June 21…
D.J. Fontana: March 15, 1931 – June 13, 2018
Longtime Elvis Presley drummer D.J. Fontana passed away in Nashville on June 13; he was 87. Born in 1931, Dominic Joseph Fontana began playing drums in the high school marching and by his early 20s, w…
Nick Knox: March 26, 1958 – June 15, 2018
Longtime drummer for the influential punk band the Cramps, Nick “Nicky” Knox passed away on June 15 in Cleveland, Ohio; he was 60. Born Nicholas George Stephanoff, Knox first hit the scene as drummer …