Top 5 Modern Drummers
5 Must-Know Drummers of Today
Familiarizing yourself with the drummers who are making waves in today’s music scene is a great way to spark your creativity. In this article, we spotlight five modern drummers every aspiring musician should know.
Coming from diverse backgrounds and spanning various genres, each of these artists brings a unique perspective to drumming – whether through impressive technique, innovative grooves, a unique feel, or a strong focus on serving the song.
Thomas Pridgen
Coming from the gospel tradition, Thomas Pridgen developed a powerful and dynamic drumming style that places him among the most technically skilled drummers of his generation. While his incredible speed and exceptional foot technique stand out, it’s his raw, relentless energy that truly makes him unique.
Pridgen’s breakthrough came with the progressive rock band The Mars Volta. Today, besides touring with Residente, he’s the drummer for Trash Talk, Fever 333, and his own project, The Memorials.
Ash Soan
Ash Soan is a British session drummer who has worked with some of the biggest names in contemporary pop music, including Adele, John Legend, Tori Amos, Robbie Williams, and James Blunt. What sets him apart is his unmistakable feel, blending the organic sound of acoustic drums with modern grooves often inspired by electronic music. His focus is less on rapid-fire technique and more on crafting rhythms that uniquely serve the song.
El Estepario Siberiano
El Estepario Siberiano, also known as The Groovefather, is one of the most influential online drummers, boasting millions of followers across his social networks. He gained popularity through his drum covers on YouTube, where he showcases his highly unconventional playing style and unworldly technical abilities. Coming from a metal background, he is known for playing extremely fast and complex drum parts, often with one hand while sipping coffee with the other.
Benny Greb
Benny Greb is a German drummer known for his fresh approach to drumming. With a background in jazz, Greb’s ability to play complex rhythms with groove and ease has earned him recognition worldwide. In addition to leading his own projects and being an in-demand sideman, he is best known for his popular drumming DVDs and work as a clinician. His educational contributions have made him an influential figure in the drumming community.
Danny Carey
Danny Carey is widely regarded as one of the most innovative drummers in modern rock and metal. Best known for his work with the progressive metal band Tool, Carey’s drumming is characterized by complex time signatures, polyrhythms, and a deep understanding of musical dynamics. Carey’s approach is not only about precision and technique but also about creating a mood and texture that complements the music – and that’s what truly sets him apart from many other prog or metal drummers.