Modern Drummer

Modern Drummer
Title	Modern Drummer
Frequency	Monthly
Category	Music magazine
Firstdate	1977
Country	United States
Language	English

Modern Drummer is a monthly American trade magazine covering drumming, percussion, and drummers across rock, jazz, metal, pop, country, and world music. The magazine features instrument reviews, technique lessons, artist interviews, and industry news and has served as a resource for professional drummers, educators, and hobbyists. It has documented performances, recording sessions, and touring activities involving prominent musicians and ensembles.

History

Founded in 1977, the magazine emerged during a period of heightened visibility for percussionists associated with acts like Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, Miles Davis, John Bonham, and Ginger Baker. Early issues chronicled developments tied to studios such as Sun Studio and Electric Lady Studios and featured instructional content reflecting approaches popularized by figures like Buddy Rich, Gene Krupa, Tony Williams (drummer), Ringo Starr, and Neil Peart. Over decades the publication covered shifts in popular music involving artists from David Bowie and Prince to Metallica, Nirvana, and Radiohead, while tracing technology trends linked to manufacturers like Ludwig Drums, Zildjian, Paiste, DW Drums, and Remo. The magazine adapted to the rise of digital media and streaming platforms including YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, and SoundCloud.

Editorial Content and Features

Content includes gear reviews, technique columns, studio reports, and transcriptions, often referencing drummers associated with bands such as The Rolling Stones, AC/DC, Foo Fighters, Pearl Jam, The Who, and Genesis. Regular columns spotlight methodology from educators connected to institutions like Berklee College of Music, Juilliard School, Curtis Institute of Music, and Royal Academy of Music. The publication evaluates equipment from companies such as Vater Percussion, Evans Drumheads, Sabian, and Vic Firth and discusses signal chains involving brands like Shure, AKG (company), Neumann, and Universal Audio. Studio features have documented sessions at locations like Abbey Road Studios, Ocean Way Recording, and Capitol Studios, and have delved into recording techniques used by producers including Rick Rubin, Nigel Godrich, Phil Spector, Steve Albini, and Quincy Jones.

Notable Contributors and Interviews

Contributors have included authors and educators who collaborated with percussion luminaries such as Lars Ulrich, Dave Grohl, Carter Beauford, Danny Carey, Stewart Copeland, Anton Fig, Sheila E., Billy Cobham, Max Roach, and Vinnie Colaiuta. Interviews have featured cross-genre figures like Paul McCartney, Elton John, Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Kendrick Lamar, John Mayer, and Bruno Mars, situating drummers within broader musical contexts. The magazine has run artist profiles on session players connected to studios and orchestras such as New York Philharmonic, Los Angeles Philharmonic, London Symphony Orchestra, and touring acts affiliated with promoters like Live Nation and AEG Presents.

Awards and Recognitions

The publication has administered reader-driven polls and awards recognizing drummers, educators, technicians, and manufacturers, highlighting performers across categories represented by nominees like Stevie Wonder collaborators, James Brown sidemen, and chart-topping acts on Billboard Hot 100. Annual honors have placed drummers within lists alongside recipients of mainstream awards such as the Grammy Awards, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees, and recipients of accolades from institutions like the MusiCares foundation.

Events, Clinics, and Education

Modern Drummer has promoted and organized clinics, workshops, and trade-show appearances connected to events like NAMM Show, Drummer’s Collective sessions, and festival stages at Glastonbury Festival, Coachella, Montreux Jazz Festival, and South by Southwest. The publication has partnered with educational programs at universities and conservatories for masterclasses led by artists affiliated with labels such as Columbia Records, Warner Records, Universal Music Group, and Sony Music Entertainment. These activities have featured collaborations with percussion instructors from entities like Vic Firth Education Resource and pedagogues who authored method books published by houses including Hal Leonard Corporation.

Publication and Distribution

Published monthly in the United States, the magazine reaches readers via print subscriptions, newsstand distribution, and digital platforms, adapting content for websites, apps, and social-media networks like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. Distribution networks and retail partners have included national chains and specialty music retailers such as Guitar Center, Sam Ash Music Stores, and independent stores that stock periodicals. The editorial operation has interfaced with advertising from manufacturers including DW Drums, Zildjian, Sabian, Yamaha Corporation, and Pearl Corporation.

Influence and Reception

The magazine has influenced drum pedagogy, gear design, and musician careers by amplifying voices tied to influential recordings by acts such as Steely Dan, Rush, Yes (band), Rush (band), King Crimson, and Led Zeppelin session players. Critics, educators, and industry executives at entities like Rolling Stone (magazine), Billboard (magazine), Pitchfork, and AllMusic have referenced the magazine’s interviews and reviews when assessing drummers’ impacts on recording and live performance practice. Musicians cited in the magazine have gone on to receive honors from bodies such as the Kennedy Center and national arts councils, while manufacturers have used editorial feedback to refine products offered to touring professionals and educators.

Category:Music magazines Category:Percussion