In this episode, we get into what it really takes to prepare to record, and why “jamming to a song” and tracking a song for an artist are two totally different worlds. Eddy shares how he practices and preps parts (often without writing anything down), why e-kits can be a secret weapon for learning technical material, and how to identify the non-negotiables in a drum part when a demo already has programmed drums.

We also talk about fighting muscle memory, why simple pop parts can be harder than complex chops, the “less is more” mindset, listening back with ruthless honesty, and the ultimate litmus test: did your drumming make the song better, or did it pull the listener out of it? Plus: the courage to “dare to suck” during the process… because that’s where the magic shows up.

Enjoy - Mike J

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In this episode, Eddy and I realized that without physical drum magazines sitting around our studios, we’ve totally lost touch with what the major brands, besides our endorsements, are doing. So, we decided to fix that by taking a deep dive into companies that we are not sponsored by, starting with Pearl Drums!

We answer the internet's most googled questions about the brand (Is Pearl actually good? Pearl vs. Tama?), and then—with an unlimited imaginary budget—we build our absolute dream Pearl kits from scratch.

In this episode, we cover:

• The Dream Builds: I go with a Reference One and the Matt Halpern Signature Snare, while Eddy leans into nostalgia with a Maple/Gum kit and the Joey Jordison Signature Snare.
• The "Magazine Problem": Why it’s so much harder to understand gear specs and innovation in the age of Instagram reels.
• Studio Update: I share the unfortunate news that my studio flooded on Christmas Day and that renovations are currently underway.

Mentioned in this Episode:

• Pearl Reference One Series
• Pearl Masters Maple/Gum
• Matt Halpern Signature Snare
• Joey Jordison Signature Snare

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Happy Monday, EVERYONE! This week, Eddy and I are geeking out on one of our favorite topics: drum fills. But we aren’t just talking about the fastest or choppiest fills; we’re talking about the ones that involve PRO-level choices. We break down some absolute genius moments from Aaron Sterling, The RH Factor, Paramore, and Mark Guiliana to figure out exactly why those specific choices elevated the music so perfectly.

We also decided to put ourselves in the hot seat. We each brought in a track from our own discographies. Eddy with a Busted track and me with a vintage Simon Says track, to analyze our own decision-making processes in the studio. We realized that whether it’s a simple snare hit or a complex linear chop, the best drum fills are rarely about the drumming; they’re about the choices. Hope you guys enjoy this deep dive!

Enjoy - Mike J

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Every year, Eddy and I do a Christmas episode, but this one turned into something way bigger than we expected. We ended up going deep on what we’re calling our grail gear. The sticks, cymbals, snares, and full drum kits that shaped us, inspired us, and flat-out made us fall in love with the drums in the first place. From Joey Jordison's blood-red sticks and Dave Weckl hero worship, to wild discontinued cymbals, one-of-a-kind snares, and the drum kits that literally made us want to play, this episode is pure nostalgia mixed with real perspective on how gear influences creativity.

Along the way, we talk about why change feels uncomfortable (even when it’s good), how our brains resist new ideas, and why, when it’s healthy, obsession often pushes us to practice more, play more, and grow. This episode is for anyone who remembers staring at drum catalogs, trusting the drum shop guy, saving every dollar, and dreaming big. It’s a Christmas special, a gear episode, and a reminder of why we started doing this in the first place. A Merry Happy Christmas to you all - Mike J

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What makes the drumming community so special? In this episode, Eddy and I sit down with our good friend Kim Lee from Music Workshop in Bath, England, to talk about building communities—and why drummers seem to do it better than anyone else.

We share stories about our first music communities, from my early days printing Simon Says merch on thrift store shirts to Eddy's touring experiences and Kim's unexpected journey through rave culture. We get into why shared struggles bond us more than shared wins, and how the best communities aren't built on purpose—they happen when you genuinely care about making people feel less alone.

If you've ever felt like an outcast but found your people through drumming, this conversation is for you. Plus, we somehow manage to talk about eggs, sweets, and why there's no UK Saxophone Show, yet :)

Support this podcast
https://www.patreon.com/drumwithmikeandeddy

Support the show

Support this podcast
https://www.patreon.com/drumwithmikeandeddy

In episode 205, Eddy and I chat about our experiences with private lessons, both as students and as teachers. We discuss the importance of teaching drums not as a means to showcase what students can'tt do, but rather to identify and address the barriers preventing them from achieving their drumming goals. We throw a tad bit of shade at the rare instance when teachers try to establish dominance by showcasing their skills, and instead advocate for a more empowering approach that focuses on student needs and growth. Basically, don't be a jerk. LOL.

We hope you enjoy this episode!

Mike & Eddy

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Support this podcast
https://www.patreon.com/drumwithmikeandeddy

In this episode, Eddy and I explore the complex relationship between effort and reward in creative endeavors and where routine fits into it all. We chat about the emotional struggles artists face when their hard work does not yield the recognition or success they expected. Basically, you'll hear us, in real time, struggle with what it's like to care deeply about our craft while facing the reality of unpredictable rewards.

- Mike J

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Support this podcast
https://www.patreon.com/drumwithmikeandeddy

Creating a drum fill that connects with everyone, not just drummers, is tough. Creating a signature fill that becomes iconic for an entire generation? That’s damn near impossible.

In this week’s episode, Eddy and I break down how to think about the song first instead of worrying about what other drummers might think. We talk about musical responsibility, writing “hooks” on the drums, and how to craft fills that actually elevate the music instead of cluttering it.

And yes… somewhere along the way we also dive into the global matcha shortage (because, of course we do). LOL.

Enjoy - Mike J

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