On the Beat
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.
Boxwave’s Brad Ellsworth
On a recent episode of The Late Show, host David Letterman jokingly tells his musical guest at the conclusion of his performance, “You’re doing pretty well now, buy an actual drum!” Dave was referring to the talented percussionist Mona Tavakoli,…
Steve Johnson of Alabama Shakes
My name is Steve Johnson and I play drums in a band from Athens, Alabama, called Alabama Shakes. I appreciate the opportunity to take part in the Modern Drummer blog. I was first introduced to Modern Drummer when I was…
Sam Scranton of volcano!
Hello. I’m Sam Scranton. I play drums in the band volcano! I’m here to tell you about our upcoming album, Piñata (to be released on June 12 via the Leaf Label), and to discuss a tension central to percussion performance…
Joe Bergamini on Subbing With Jesus Christ Superstar
On March 30, I did my first show at Jesus Christ Superstar on Broadway. The current revival opened in New York on March 22, with New York/Broadway veteran (and fantastic player) Clint DeGanon on drums. Subbing on Broadway is always…
Jason Heiser of Charm City Devils
Hello, Modern Drummer family! My name is Jason Heiser, and I’m the drummer for Charm City Devils. I feel honored and privileged to be writing a blog for this magazine that I have been reading for many years. It’s been…
Dusty Saxton with Brandon Rhyder
Hello, Modern Drummer readers! My name is Dusty Saxton, and I’m a touring and session drummer from Austin, Texas. I’m currently on the road with country artist Brandon Rhyder. I’ve toured with many different artists over the last five years,…
Tim “Yogi??? Watts of Demon Hunter
Hi, everyone. I’m Tim “Yogi” Watts, drummer for the metal band Demon Hunter. I’ve been reading Modern Drummer since I was a kid, and I am so honored to get the chance to share a little bit about myself with…
TJ Courtney
Hey, MD readers, I’m TJ Courtney, and I’m a drummer turned lead singer. Don’t get me wrong, I love the kit, but at live shows I overcompensated with Tommy-Lee like antics and was frequently accused of trying to upstage bandmates.…
Phil “NaturalPhil??? Johnson
I’ve been playing the drums since I can remember. My mom was a drummer and my main inspiration. I got my first paid gig at the age of eleven for a local church and began studying other drummers such as…
Shai Hulud’s Matt Covey
Hey guys, this is Matt Covey of Shai Hulud, the Suicide Dolls, and the Flaming Tsunamis. And the Hempsteadys. And the Franklin Brothers...and Young Pandas (aaand I’m out of breath). I’m having a hard time believing that I’m writing a…
Brad Hargreaves of Third Eye Blind
Hey there! A quick update on things in my world. I’m currently working on Third Eye Blind’s fifth record, cutting drums in London; we started on my mom’s birthday, March 11. Happy birthday, Mom! Over the last five years I…
Harland Burkhart of Wild Hunt
As an MD subscriber back in the ’90s, I was like a deer caught in headlights, leafing through the latest issue that showed up at my doorstep. Looking at these jazz fusion guys’ kits with seemingly flawless arrangement, reading over…
Devin Gray
Hello, everybody! My name is Devin Gray. I am a drummer, composer, and improviser living in Brooklyn, New York. (Six years going strong!) I’m glad to have this opportunity to share some thoughts through this great MD blog. It’s been…
Reptar’s Andrew McFarland
Andrew McFarland from the Athens, Georgia–based synth pop group Reptar speaking. Greetings from the Internet all you MD-ers out there in concrete reality! What an honor to be addressing so many MD-ers at once! Thanks, MD! Preemptively nipping your curiosity…
