Gavin Harrison here!

[recordinghacks]

Gavin, thanks for the feedback. Now that you mention it, I realized while reading an interview with Steven Wilson in the new Tape Op that you were doing all your own tracking at home. I'll make a note in the Northfield interview.

I'm interested to hear more about your new mics and the way you use them, and I'm sure my readers would too. I know you're on tour, but if you have time for a couple email exchanges about it, contact me via recordinghacks.com.

Cheers!

[euphoric_anomaly]

Gavin,

I'm sure you get incredibly bored answering the same questions about odd time, but I was wondering if you could embellish upon your statement: Playing odd time is as easy as playing in groups of 2 and 3. What exactly does that mean? Take 9/8's for example, would that be a group of 3 (3/8th's)? Just a little confused by what you meant.

Thanks

Eric

[Markon]

Hi Gavin,
tell me why Porcupine Tree played only one show in Poland this year?
We want more, really. Most people have been waiting for PT here in Warsaw and Bydgoszcz. When can we expect you in Poland again?

[Luke Bonham]

Hi Gavin,
thank you for the last Porcupine Tree album, I'm really enjoying it. I especially like your drumming in "Drawing the line" , which is quite linear and easy, but very good.

Those parts at the beginning of each refrain are played with taste and mastery, you gave a great groove just with your feeling, and that's amazing.

How did you think to the drums for this track? Did you cowork in its creation or start from a Steven's idea?

[Fox622003]

I'm sure you get incredibly bored answering the same questions about odd time, but I was wondering if you could embellish upon your statement: Playing odd time is as easy as playing in groups of 2 and 3. What exactly does that mean? Take 9/8's for example, would that be a group of 3 (3/8th's)? Just a little confused by what you meant.

I believe he meant it is as easy as just grooving in 4/4 (playing groups of 2 and 3 in 4/4), literally that. If you think about it, playing 9/8 to a click track in eighths is pretty much the same as playing 4/4, there's no big problem there. It's more about perhaps focusing on the separate parts, even the separate 8ths instead of the whole thing, as you'd normally do in 4/4. More clearly, if you play 4/4 focusing on the eighths, there's not a huge difference from that to playing 9/8 or 7/8. It's even quite simple to override in quarter notes in that setting, since you're playing them every 2 eighths.
I am sure you want Gavin's opinion on this as it was his statement, all the same, that's what I picked up from it, and I hope it helps.


Fox.

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi euphoric_anomaly

I'm sure you get incredibly bored answering the same questions about odd time, but I was wondering if you could embellish upon your statement: Playing odd time is as easy as playing in groups of 2 and 3. What exactly does that mean? Take 9/8's for example, would that be a group of 3 (3/8th's)? Just a little confused by what you meant.

for instance a bar of 5/8 could be thought of as (2/8 + 3/8) or (3/8 + 2/8). A bar of 7/8 could be easily subdivided into (2/8 + 2/8 + 3/8) or variations of that. That way you're never counting groups of notes other than 2 or 3. Likewise a bar of 9/8 could be (3/8 + 3/8 + 3/8) or (2/8 + 2/8 + 2/8 + 3/8) or a few other variations of that.

Hi Markon

tell me why Porcupine Tree played only one show in Poland this year?
We want more, really. Most people have been waiting for PT here in Warsaw and Bydgoszcz. When can we expect you in Poland again?

I don't know the answers to your questions. The decisions were not mine.

Hi Luke Bonham

thank you for the last Porcupine Tree album, I'm really enjoying it. I especially like your drumming in "Drawing the line" , which is quite linear and easy, but very good.
How did you think to the drums for this track? Did you cowork in its creation or start from a Steven's idea?

It may sound easy but actually it's quite hard to play. I was presented that track with a straight 4/4 beat going through it - so I took it off and started from scratch experimenting with different drum ideas.

cheers
Gavin

[Luke Bonham]

It may sound easy but actually it's quite hard to play.

Yeah of course, noticing how much work is behind.

Sorry, I hadn't been clear: I wanted to mean that it's easy to feel.

[Liquid_Drummer]

Gavin,

Loving the new Cd. It has been a long time since I have sat still long enough to listen to a 55 minute song. I am finding no problem doing that because once the cd starts everyone in my house knows to leave me alone for a while !!

I want to ask you a question about drumming and muscle cramps. I have been playing for 25 years now and just joined a cover band playing very hard rock which requires me to beat the crap out of the drums due to guitarist with the volume knobs on their amps super glued to 11. I have given up on getting them to turn down (you know how that is) because they dont want to sacrifice their sound... Arrrghhhh...

I have been having charlie horses in my forearms and legs on occasion and only when I play. I had to play through half a song last weekend with one arm. Thankfully, it was the last song of the set and all 4/4 hi-hit, snare kick and no real tom work or fills (ac/cd). I drink tons of water, gatorade, eat bananas, sushi etc. This is concerning me. In my Pink floyd tribute this is no issue because I do not have to play no where near the same level of intensity. Have you ever had this happen to you ? Do you know what it could be ?

I am 37 in good health, slender, eat healthy diet of mostly asian foods, lots of sushi and rice. I am at a loss and have a slight fear of it happening in the middle of a set when I wont have a break to bail me out !

[Chris Edwards]

joined a cover band playing very hard rock which requires me to beat the crap out of the drums due to guitarist with the volume knobs on their amps super glued to 11. I have given up on getting them to turn down (you know how that is) because they dont want to sacrifice their sound...

Hi,

It's a tricky situation. However, if the git-wrists are any good, they'll understand the need to play at sane volumes.

In a gig, hopefully your drums can be amplified to an appropriate level, so you don't have to try and play ridiculously loud all the time.

And watch those ears.

[Liquid_Drummer]

Hi,

It's a tricky situation. However, if the git-wrists are any good, they'll understand the need to play at sane volumes.

In a gig, hopefully your drums can be amplified to an appropriate level, so you don't have to try and play ridiculously loud all the time.

And watch those ears.

I wear attenuating ear plugs that lower the sound levels without blocking the highs. I just dont understand why I am getting muscle spasms. Bad ones too. I end up playing hard because I believe some songs demand it. Its kind of automatic really. You get in to what your doing and just dont think about how hard you are hitting. When I do become aware and lay back it feels as if I am hurting the intensity of the song. Some songs you just need to hit them hard and I do know how to hit hard without the shock getting to me. A little moeller practice helped me loosen my grip up a lot which used to be way too tight and I rim shot the snare for impact. During a "tribal" section of Drawing The Line it sounds as if Gavin is beating those Sonars to death.

[the-gablushe]

Hey Gavin

We saw you yesterday in Nuremberg. It was our first PT-concert and it was mindblowing!
Although I must admit that we originally came to see you -- live and in action, Gavin.
We were front row. In one line from your position across your 20 inch K. I wore a black and white striped pullover. You gave a brilliant performance, man. All the chops were right there. Astounding overriding. WOW ... period.

Overall you looked a little fatigued, Gavin. We hope you are fine, or get better soon, respectively.

We're looking forward to catching you in Frankfurt next year. Can't wait :)

Cheers
Your fans
Andreas & Tabea

P.S. One thing...It seemed someone took a bite out of your big left-hand China ... better go check! ...Just kiddin' ;)

[Hurlza]

G'day gavin, just quickly do you know what filter your drums went through in the songs sentimental and that flamenco section in arriving somewhere, but not here. my band has just written a song and were nearly recording and i feel it fits one of the parts perfectly, any help would be great.

Cheers from australia

[SantiBanks]

G'day gavin, just quickly do you know what filter your drums went through in the songs sentimental and that flamenco section in arriving somewhere, but not here. my band has just written a song and were nearly recording and i feel it fits one of the parts perfectly, any help would be great.

Cheers from australia

It's an equalizer (31 band graphical equalizer or a good multiband parametric will do the trick). The sound is created by using extreme settings. Just experiment. Set everything to the lowest setting and then just slide some sliders or knobs to the "0" level. Do this over a loop to hear the effect. If you just boost some random ones you can get interesting results.

The Incident has the same technique on Bonnie the (or is it tha?) cat.

A simple filter (like a lo or hi pass) can't create this effect as they cut off frequencies below (or above) a certain treshold. So its a combination of filters (which makes it an equalizer)

[SantiBanks]

I came back home and bought an extra couple of mics for my studio and I think it really helped.

cheers
Gavin
Hi Gavin,

I'm curious which ones you bought and what you use them for? And one question about some of the photos on the porcupine tree on the road weblog. I noticed the mixing desk (yamaha?)between the two risers (I know its there for the last few tours). What is it for? Is that the monitor desk and if so, don't you guys use a monitor engineer anymore?

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi Liquid_Drummer

I have been having charlie horses in my forearms and legs on occasion and only when I play. I had to play through half a song last weekend with one arm. Thankfully, it was the last song of the set and all 4/4 hi-hit, snare kick and no real tom work or fills (ac/cd). I drink tons of water, gatorade, eat bananas, sushi etc. This is concerning me. In my Pink floyd tribute this is no issue because I do not have to play no where near the same level of intensity. Have you ever had this happen to you ? Do you know what it could be ?

Yes I'm very familiar with this scenario - it's just trying to play too loud to match the levels around you. I quite often play the first song of the show a bit too hard and then feel like I have to keep that level of intensity up all night. You really have to take control of the situation and get your monitoring right.

Hi Hurlza

G'day gavin, just quickly do you know what filter your drums went through in the songs sentimental and that flamenco section in arriving somewhere, but not here. my band has just written a song and were nearly recording and i feel it fits one of the parts perfectly, any help would be great.

SantiBanks is correct - just get a graphic eq and mess around with the sliders. I think it's a kind of inverted "U" shape so that all the highs and lows are gone and the just mids are accentuated.

Hi SantiBanks

I'm curious which ones you bought and what you use them for? And one question about some of the photos on the porcupine tree on the road weblog. I noticed the mixing desk (yamaha?)between the two risers (I know its there for the last few tours). What is it for? Is that the monitor desk and if so, don't you guys use a monitor engineer anymore?

The mics I bought recently are both for the bass drum. One is a Sennheiser MKH 40 which does a very similar job to a Neumann U47 when it's very close to the front head. The other is a DPA mic but I don't know the name of it as I'm away from my studio right now.

Yes the Yamaha in the photos is our monitor desk. O2R96 - and we never use a monitor engineer. Sometimes my tech can tweak things for me - but it's very rare that I ever change anything.

cheers
Gavin

[ChrisGau]

Hi Gavin,

I also attended yesterdays's PT concert in Nuremberg. It was the first time that I saw PT live since I discovered the band probably a year ago. First of all: thanks to you and the band for 2 hours of great, mindblowing, intense an haunting music. As with all great live bands, I enjoyed the live music even more than listening to the CD's. I usually visit between 3-5 concerts per year but I must say that it´s a very long time ago and that music grabbed me the way you did yesterday. I find it difficult to list all the reasons why the whole experience was so intense but upon the things I recognized was great dynmic range and perfect band timing. Even my wife - who is not a PT fan actually - got hit and grooved along the whole evening.

Even though - I agree with "the-gablushe" - you looked tired and exhausted, which is of course difficult to tell from a distance of 10-15mtrs, your drumming was awe-inspiring. I found it impressive how relaxed you seemed to stay in the middle of complex drumming arrangements. Unfortunately you were pretty good hidden behind your set. By the way... nice finish but I prefer your golden madrone set - however the metallic look fit better to the stage design.

The first half of the show was really impressive. I am sure it´s quite challenging to play a 50mins song, fully synchronized with video material and involving multiple sound and instrument changes. I think the audience liked the new material pretty much and so did I. However, the three moments I enjoyed most were in the second part:

Anesthetize: the rhythmic design of this song is live even more impressive than on CD. I especially love the thundering section before the last chorus in the middle part (in the CD Version it starts at about 11:17). I think you once mentioned here that it sounds more difficult than it is (for you) but I can tell you... this thunderstorm rolled through my whole body. Great fun.
Sound of Muzak: This is my current all-time favourite - the best song I know of. It´s a great piece of music and to me it seemed that everybody - audience and the band - had fun with it yesterday. Read an interview Steve in which he mentioned that he began to fully appreciate "In Absentia" only recently. Very good I thought because it was my first PT album and I still like it most.
Trains: being on the audience side, clapping this Flamenco like guitar interlude is great fun and I thought that the we pretty much got it without loosing the tempo ;-). Again... the dynamics of this song is something that I like very much. Lot of interaction between band and audience... nice.


For erverybody who is interested: the setlist (http://www.setlist.fm/setlist/porcupine-tree/2009/lowensaal-nuremberg-germany-13d7c9d9.html).

Funny stuff: the roady that was hoovering the stage before the main act. I guess Steve must have made some bad experiences. Did he every step into something that hurt him during the show?

Finally I have a few questions if you don't mind:

What was the laptop on your left side for?
I am not sure but I think I saw some new sticks you used - they seemes to be partially colored red. Signature Sticks?
Is there a click for the whole first half of the show to sync with the video?
How do you select the old material for the second half of the show? Is it the band's mood at the particular evening?
You guys are nearly playing every evening. My imagination tells me that this must be very exhausting. Is that something pro's like you are used to and that´s why it´s not that bad? How do you relate to that type of touring.
The appreciation that PT - but also yourself - enjoy... is that something that compensates you for the touring stress?

Many thanks. I wish you a nice and successful remaining tour.

[SantiBanks]

The mics I bought recently are both for the bass drum. One is a Sennheiser MKH 40 which does a very similar job to a Neumann U47 when it's very close to the front head. The other is a DPA mic but I don't know the name of it as I'm away from my studio right now.

Yes the Yamaha in the photos is our monitor desk. O2R96 - and we never use a monitor engineer. Sometimes my tech can tweak things for me - but it's very rare that I ever change anything.

cheers
Gavin

Hi Gavin,
That Sennheiser looks very nice and promising! I was listening to Nil Recurring last night with my headphones (sony mdr-v6, I love those!) and I was amazed by the sound of your kick. Its very deep and low but also very punchy and controlled. I never heard something like that before to be honest. I really dig it. Did you use the neumann and the audix for that?

As the monitordesk is concerned. Why no monitor engineer in the first place? Is it because you guys want to have everything in control (like you once told me that clicktracks should be in your own control rather then with a monitor engineer)?
And in case you know, how is the desk feeded? Are all instruments first send to the FOH and do they give submixes back to the monitor mixer or is everything split at the side of the stage and send to the FOH and the monitor desk?

Thanks for your time. I appreciate it a lot. It's crazy to know you are on tour and see you post at 2 AM in the morning, answering all our questions.


Funny stuff: the roady that was hoovering the stage before the main act. I guess Steve must have made some bad experiences. Did he every step into something that hurt him during the show?


Was this the roady in question perhaps?
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uaJkbOSBAQI/SsJrxv3iueI/AAAAAAAAAOk/Y1qG2Rr3DnY/s400/_DSC5701.jpg

I found this quote from Steven about the subject:
Do you ever worry about stepping on something or have something falling on them?
All the time… and I have. I mean, I’ve stepped on nails, screws, drawing pins, stubbed my toe, I’ve come off stage with blood just coming out… I mean, I’ve had it all mate, but to be honest, nothing’s going to stop me.
from this interview: http://www.rockeyez.com/interviews/int-porcupine-tree.html

[asafgo]

Hi Gavin

I started drumming at age 34 ,
I find your approach that my drumming can be interesting without being a technical giant very encouraging.
I try to find intereting stuff to apply into my playing since my tecnique still needs alot of work...

about foot techniqe,do you think i should let it evolve with my playing or practice it individualy?

thanks,
i am a big fan.

[ChrisGau]

Was this the roady in question perhaps? [...]

Nope... I think it wasn't Colin ;-) ... but the picture is great.

I found this quote from Steven about the subject:
from this interview: http://www.rockeyez.com/interviews/int-porcupine-tree.html

Thanks for the link. That´s what I thought but I really have not been seeing anyone hoovering the stage before the main act so far. You can bet what my wife told when she saw that. Something like... I didn´t know that you musicians are so good at vacuum cleaning... you can give it it try when we are home :-).

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi ChrisGau

Even though - I agree with "the-gablushe" - you looked tired and exhausted, which is of course difficult to tell from a distance of 10-15mtrs, your drumming was awe-inspiring.

I think I am tired and exhausted. It's what happens when you tour and get a cold + jet lag + no sleep + a lot of bad food and have to play for two hours night after night.

What was the laptop on your left side for?

That runs the click and the films

I am not sure but I think I saw some new sticks you used - they seemes to be partially colored red. Signature Sticks?

Vic Firth "Vic Grip"

Is there a click for the whole first half of the show to sync with the video?

Yes

How do you select the old material for the second half of the show? Is it the band's mood at the particular evening?

we have a pool of songs ready for performance and we select which ones we want to play based on how we feel and how close some of the shows are to each other.

Hi SantiBanks

That Sennheiser looks very nice and promising! I was listening to Nil Recurring last night with my headphones (sony mdr-v6, I love those!) and I was amazed by the sound of your kick. Its very deep and low but also very punchy and controlled. I never heard something like that before to be honest. I really dig it. Did you use the neumann and the audix for that?

No that was the Audix and the Shure SM91

As the monitordesk is concerned. Why no monitor engineer in the first place? Is it because you guys want to have everything in control (like you once told me that clicktracks should be in your own control rather then with a monitor engineer)?

we don't need one. We're quite happy with a static mix. I have individual control of the click and a couple of other things on my personal mixer that is right next to my drums.

And in case you know, how is the desk feeded? Are all instruments first send to the FOH and do they give submixes back to the monitor mixer or is everything split at the side of the stage and send to the FOH and the monitor desk?

All the channels are split on the stage so they go into the monitor desk and FOH.

Hi asafgo

about foot techniqe,do you think i should let it evolve with my playing or practice it individualy?

Both !!!!

cheers
Gavin

[donv]

Gavin,

First, thanks for the great and imspiring drumming. You're fairly recent to me and I can't get enough.

This may have been asked already, but I noticed you play your splashes upside down. I'm curious about your reason for doing this is?

[shortsman]

Hi Gavin,
I've been wondering, have you ever given up an exercise you thought about and said ''I can't do this thing''? If yes then what was it?

Also how do you think of polyrhythms? Do you learn how to sing a phrase for example 3 over 4 or a more difficult 7 over 5 or do you count? Also what kind of polyrhythmic patterns do you prefer? For example V.Donati prefers playing different time signatures between his left and right side, T.Lang prefers the foot ostinatos. What do you prefer?

[Phil Brodermann]

Hi Gavin, Thanks for the usefull feedback to my questions :) I was wondering what snare drum you are using on the track 'Futile' on one of your DVD's, I'm not sure which one. Looks like a 14", with a natural wood finish :) Cheers

[ItalianRicky]

Hi Gavin, how're you?
Next saturday you'll play in Padova, my city!i'm very waiting for this gig, i'm sure that you guys will do an amazing show as ever!
I wanna ask you if there's the possibility to met you for some minutes during the day.I have something to give you for thank you for all the time that you spend to answer to my questions.Nothing special, just a little thing for you and the rest of the band.
Can you help me please?
thanks a lot.
Cheers from Italy!

[Chris Edwards]

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uaJkbOSBAQI/SsJrxv3iueI/AAAAAAAAAOk/Y1qG2Rr3DnY/s400/_DSC5701.jpg



Splendid - smiling even when performing household chores...

[Phil Brodermann]

Hi Gavin, just a quick question as your online / day off. Hows the tour going for you?, I saw you at the London show, nicely done, how was last night? Also would you pick a 14"x14" and 16"x16" over a 14"x12" and 16"x14" and why? thanks for your time :) Phil

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi donv

This may have been asked already, but I noticed you play your splashes upside down. I'm curious about your reason for doing this is?

They are not splashes - they are custom cymbals that I call "Crash Bells". They don't really 'splash'.

Hi shortsman

I've been wondering, have you ever given up an exercise you thought about and said ''I can't do this thing''? If yes then what was it?

I've never thought "I can't do this thing" - I might think "I can't do this thing right now" - but if it's humanly possible to play and I really want to play it - then I just need to work on it until I can.

Also how do you think of polyrhythms? Do you learn how to sing a phrase for example 3 over 4 or a more difficult 7 over 5 or do you count? Also what kind of polyrhythmic patterns do you prefer? For example V.Donati prefers playing different time signatures between his left and right side, T.Lang prefers the foot ostinatos. What do you prefer?

You need to see my "Rhythmic Horizons" DVD there's a whole section on there about polyrhythms. I don't really count - I just sing groups of 2 & 3 until I reach the number required. There's an example of it a few posts back. Regarding "what kind of polyrhythmic patterns do you prefer?" I like ones that have some meaning to the music I'm trying to play or compose.

Hi Phil Brodermann

I was wondering what snare drum you are using on the track 'Futile' on one of your DVD's, I'm not sure which one. Looks like a 14", with a natural wood finish

It's a Sonor 14x6 "Cottonwood" maple drum.

Hi ItalianRicky

I wanna ask you if there's the possibility to met you for some minutes during the day.I have something to give you for thank you for all the time that you spend to answer to my questions.Nothing special, just a little thing for you and the rest of the band.
Can you help me please?

Unfortunately I can't promise to meet you as I have no idea what I will be doing that day. The best chance is to try and catch any of the band after the show.

cheers
Gavin

[Renard]

Hi Gavin!
Thanks for the show in Hungary! It was incredibly to see you! The whole band was fantastic, it was the greatest show I've ever seen!

I think in the beginning you weren't too happy...but the in the second part finally I saw everyone of you smiling and it was a great thing.
I hope you really come back soon, 'cause as you seen:
Hungary was in need of a Porcupine Tree concert
(hope there was enough people and there is really a chance to see the band again)

I've got only one question: when did you desided to became a Magician? :D
That trick was funny.

[Kalma]

Hi Gavin,

I wrote Sonor about a GH Signature Drum and they answered:

"Hello David,

Gavin Harrison is definitely on the list for Signature Drum Endorsers!

After the Series was official introduced official with Danny Carey and Phil Rudd it has been expanded yearly. There will be a GH Snare Drum"
I had to translate this from german into english and I hope you will understand!


All the best
David

[Fox622003]

Gavin Harrison is definitely on the list for Signature Drum Endorsers!


I'd definitely get one! It would be cool if it came with Puresound snares, 8 strand ;) .
Oh and I wanted to ask if the basic pattern for the beat at the beginning of Mother and Child Divided (from the Arriving Somewhere DVD) was something like this:
http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/4475/clipboard02i.jpg
I don't really know where the ghost notes go though, do you play them in a set place, or do you just sometimes fill "random" spots?
Thanks Gavin, hope the road isn't too harsh on you!


Fox.

[Kalma]

Here's a transcription with it fills:

[Fox622003]

Here's a transcription with it fills:
Thanks, I searched the thread but couldn't find anything.


Fox.

[shortsman]

It will be great if we have the chance to get a Gavin Harrison signature snare drum! i would also like to see one day GH's signature bells! This is maybe my biggest dream! I truly adore these bells!

Gavin do you always record your parts with metronome? Have you ever written without a metronome? Also do you play live with a metronome in general or only when you play in clinic and together with video clips or pre-recorded parts?

[SimSalaBim]

Hey Gavin just wanted to say thanks for the superb show yesterday in Slovenia. I thought it would be the other way around but I enjoyed the first round more. It kinnda hit me right in the head that the new record is a masterpiece. But the old stuff was awesome too. I really liked the fact that you decided to play Blackest Eyes. One of my faves.

My favoutire part of the show was the middle part of Time Flies with guitar soloing. Man that part just blew me away and I got the feeling the base of the band was so strong the walls almost came down:) I hope you guys had some cold ones after the show for Steven's birthday. Thank you and all the band for the best show and I hate you for making me wanna sell all my drumming gear:) Hope to see you guys live again.

By the way what size is your bass drum? Is that 20 incher?

[miha]

Yeah, what a great concert yesterday in Slovenia! I hope you guys enjoyed it as much as we did (great response from lots and lots of people attending the show). The sound and performance were just phenomenal, at the time I couldn't tell whether you guys were actually playing or just doing it on a playback... ;)))

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi shortsman

Gavin do you always record your parts with metronome? Have you ever written without a metronome? Also do you play live with a metronome in general or only when you play in clinic and together with video clips or pre-recorded parts?

Most stuff gets recorded with a click these days. Of course I've done many sessions without one - but the 'modern' way of working is to make it with a click because most of the time I record the drums completely on my own. If you're going to record without a click it's better to have all the rhythm section play together for the best feel. We don't use a click all the time in PT - only when it's needed for a technical reason.

Hi SimSalaBim

Hey Gavin just wanted to say thanks for the superb show yesterday in Slovenia.
By the way what size is your bass drum? Is that 20 incher?

Glad you enjoyed it. The bass drum is 22" x 17"

cheers
Gavin

[CheesyStranger]

Hello sir,

I'm new to this forum and I dare say I've explored it quite a bit to see if someone else had answered a similar question to the one I currently had in mind.

However, I didn't, so here's my question... (pardon me if it's a lengthy one)

In the room where I keep my drum set, the floor is covered with this unstable, carpety material. Basically, it's not the kind of solid surface I should have installed a drum on. In that regard, whenever I use my double pedals to play 16th or 32nd notes, they always turn out sloppy, because it always sounds as if I'm simultaneously hitting my bass drum with my left and right foot. Now, I know it's not a personal coordination issue since whenever I play on some other guy's drum the notes come in precisely. Also, I tend to constantly recalibrate my pedal settings so as to see if it's a configuration problem, but I don't hear much improvement whether I loosen or tighten them differently in any manner (I use Tama's power glide Iron Cobra, so I don't question their quality). Furthermore, I've resorted to inserting a huge pillow that takes a 1/3 of the base drum surface and tightening it till it became dead-skinned. Unfortunately, I still have problems with foot coordination, so I wondering if perhaps the floor on which I play might be at fault in this case since it rocks my pedals up and down a bit whilst I play.

Maybe it's just a silly question, but, if I had to choose a new place to set up my rig, would there be a way to do that effectively without spending days just to reset every detail pertaining as to how exactly my drum was previously set up the way I felt comfortable with it?

[SnareSpectre]

Mr. Harrison,

I've been a HUGE fan of yours since In Absentia came out and I first discovered you and Porcupine Tree. In fact, I've been visiting DrummerWorld.com for a long time, but only today found this forum dedicated solely to you, so I had to make an account to ask you a question!

I've been listening to The Incident ever since it came out, and like every album since In Absentia I feel like your drumming isn't just a timekeeper, but an important and integral part of the song - if I listened to drumless tracks of PT I think it would feel kind of loose, as I feel most of the songs are tied down by the brilliant rhythmical structures you create.

So with all that said, when you go into the studio to start the writing process with Steven, how do you get started? The most prominent example I can think of is Bonnie the Cat; the drum part you came up with in my opinion completely makes the song feel the way it does. Did Steven just write his part and tell you to cut loose, or was the song your idea, etc?

Thanks!
JD

[linuxfux]

Hi Gavin,

here is the result of the interview we did in Hamburg and where we talked about "The Incident", the tour, live-bootlegs, "Drummerworld", drum clinics, jazz, and Lewis Taylor:

http://www.hooked-on-music.de/Interviews/Porcupine_Tree/Interview_25_10_2009.html?band_id=3839

Maybe you'll need support by Google's (sometimes ugly) translation service, so try this one:
http://translate.google.com/translate?prev=hp&hl=de&js=y&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hooked-on-music.de%2FInterviews%2FPorcupine_Tree%2FInterview _25_10_2009.html%3Fband_id%3D3839&sl=de&tl=en&history_state0=

Greetings and thanks again for the interview,
Kay
(hooked on music)

[Hurlza]

G'day gavin,

Finally AUS gigs announced! too bad the melbourne one is only over 18s though. Oh well who needs an excuse to go to sydney anyway haha.

Anyway I was just wondering, ive been drumming for 10 years now and ive had 4-5 bands that have failed to get off the ground either people have moved or they just arent keen enough. So im looking to try and get some small time session work to get my drumming carrer off the ground. There are a few small studios around here and i was just wondering. How do you get your foot in the door at a studio? And how would the best way to approach this be? Im only 16 and im worried that at this age they wont take me seriously even before i play a note. How did you go about getting your first few session gigs?

Any help would be fantastic.

Hurlza

[donv]

Hi donv

This may have been asked already, but I noticed you play your splashes upside down. I'm curious about your reason for doing this is?

They are not splashes - they are custom cymbals that I call "Crash Bells". They don't really 'splash'.

Gavin

This is interesting. I recently read your Modern Drummer interview and they show you Custom Splashes, 7, 8, and 9", over your mounted toms being upside down, and the custom bells being to the left, over the hi-hat. But they also list your snare as a 12" which in the picture it obviously isn't so that may be the reason for misconception on my part.

It's still an interesting question though. With the bells, do you play them upside down for the same reason a china is usually played upside down? Or do you have another preference for doing it?

After reading the article and listening to your playing, you don't seem to do anything with your kit without a lot thought behind what you do. My impression is this translates to your playing because it's amazing how you nail everything you do with such a clean distinct sound. Even though you are a fairly new drummer to me, when I hear now, I know it's your playing.

[Gus]

Hi Gavin

Guess you´re using the arm, seen on the picture below, as a part within your chimes stand. I´ve noticed you have two differents heights for that arm, in order to place the five chimes without collide. May the arm be fixed in height or is something custom made for you?.

Thanks for your time and dedication here!

Regards
Gustavo

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi CheesyStranger

In the room where I keep my drum set, the floor is covered with this unstable, carpety material. Basically, it's not the kind of solid surface I should have installed a drum on.
Maybe it's just a silly question, but, if I had to choose a new place to set up my rig, would there be a way to do that effectively without spending days just to reset every detail pertaining as to how exactly my drum was previously set up the way I felt comfortable with it?

You could just buy a thick new carpet and set your drums up on that - then mark the carpet in case you ever have to move your kit - and then all the stands could be placed in exactly the same position.

Hi SnareSpectre

So with all that said, when you go into the studio to start the writing process with Steven, how do you get started? The most prominent example I can think of is Bonnie the Cat; the drum part you came up with in my opinion completely makes the song feel the way it does. Did Steven just write his part and tell you to cut loose, or was the song your idea, etc?

In the case of "Bonnie The Cat" it started with my demo. I had already written the drum pattern and the bass line. I presented it to the band at a writing session with all four of us. As with most of my writing I tell the guys to change the notes if they want - the bass line was only written to show Colin where I wanted the bass to play from a rhythmic point of view. Steve and Richard jammed along to myself and Colin and came up with other parts.

Hi Hurlza

How do you get your foot in the door at a studio? And how would the best way to approach this be? Im only 16 and im worried that at this age they wont take me seriously even before i play a note. How did you go about getting your first few session gigs?

A hard question that. It's not really something that you just 'walk into'. You need to meet and play with lots of other musicians and if one of them thinks you're good enough they might suggest you for a session. When I started it was really in a different time and a very different place. In my early days - sessions for drummers were really drying up because of the introduction of the Linn Drum machine. I was lucky because I could play very well with a click - so I sometimes got suggested for sessions where I would just play a hi hat over a Linn Drum bass and snare. I met a guy in a local music store and he gave me a 'try out' and it went OK. That led onto a few other sessions. It really is a word of mouth thing - your reputation is everything. Studio time is expensive - and there's lots of experienced session drummers waiting to get a job - so why would anyone bother trying out a young inexperienced guy? The fact is it takes years to really establish yourself - and when you do get a break make sure you can do the job. Playing really well to a click and being a good reader is a very good start. Having a good sound and being able to play a lot of different styles is really going to help too.

Hi donv

This is interesting. I recently read your Modern Drummer interview and they show you Custom Splashes, 7, 8, and 9", over your mounted toms being upside down, and the custom bells being to the left, over the hi-hat.
With the bells, do you play them upside down for the same reason a china is usually played upside down? Or do you have another preference for doing it? But they also list your snare as a 12" which in the picture it obviously isn't so that may be the reason for misconception on my part.

I can assure you that they aren't 'splashes' - they are custom cymbals that I've been developing with Zildjian and they are meant to be played upside down for similar reasons to china type cymbals. Yes the snare in the photo session was a 14"x5" but at the MD Fest I play a 12"x5"

Hi Gus

Guess you´re using the arm, seen on the picture below, as a part within your chimes stand. I´ve noticed you have two differents heights for that arm, in order to place the five chimes without collide. May the arm be fixed in height or is something custom made for you?.

Yes I got them to make the cymbal thread to go all the way to the bottom. That way I can have two different heights (with care consideration for the amounts of felts to put in there). Maybe if you ask them they could do that for you.

cheers
Gavin

[Gavin Harrison]

...by the way here's a little news item

just to let you know that I will be doing a solo performance drum clinic 18th March 2010 at Mr Kyps Parkstone, Poole Dorset. Tickets are now on sale and it's a small venue so book early. Some PT songs will be played and explained along with various other music including some of the songs from the 05Ric records. There will be a Q&A session.

http://www.poolepercussion.com/category.asp

direct link is

http://www.poolepercussion.com/shop.asp?CategoryID=17&CatTitle=Clinic%20and%20Show%20Tickets&Category=category&catid=17

cheers
Gavin

[ItalianRicky]

Hi master!!
Tomorrow will be a great day for me, i'm waiting for it by 2 years!!! can see gavin on drums AGAIN!!!
i'm really waiting for this moment, and i take with my my girlfriend...i hope that she can appreciate PT sound!This is the first time that she hear your music =)
I REALLY HOPE that i can meet you tomorrow. If i see you, i tell that i'm ItalianRicky from drummerworld forum...i hope that you can remember! See you soon!
cheers from Italy
Riccardo!

[SantiBanks]

No that was the Audix and the Shure SM91

Thanks for that. I love that sound!


we don't need one. We're quite happy with a static mix. I have individual control of the click and a couple of other things on my personal mixer that is right next to my drums.

Which is something I would like with my own band. Thanks for this insight! I'm sorting out options for the future as I really would like to have my own control over the things I'm hearing on stage.


All the channels are split on the stage so they go into the monitor desk and FOH.
cheers
Gavin

And thanks for that too :)

Also, thanks for the German interview. I found it an interesting read. Especially your answers about bootlegging. Also noticed that you like Michael Brecker, which sadly passed away much too early (I remember Metheny dedicating a song to him every concert in 2005 aswell as asking for help to cure Michael). Have you heard his post-humous album "Pilgrimage" with deJohnette, Pattituci, Mehldau, Metheny and Herbie? Bought the SACD a few months back and it really blew me away. I highly recommend it if you like Brecker. It's one of his finest works with some wonderful compositions and unbelievable solo's (its really hard to imagine that Michael was deadsick and recorded this between his hospitalisations and chemo's).

Btw, what do you think of jazz fusion like Chick Corea's Return to Forever? I noticed you mentioning John McLaughlin in the interview. I'm always amazed by Lenny White who sits like Zen itself on his stool. He's so calm and relaxed behind his kit. It looks like he just touches everything very light but the amount of sound and loudness he can achieve with that slight touch is just amazing.

[ItalianRicky]

Hi Master!
I wanna say thanks for all the energy that you guys have gived us yesterday in Padova!
Amazing concert!
Amazing band!
Yesterday evening i feel good vibrations in the concert place, and on the stage!
You and Richard was always laughing! =)
I haven't understood if steven said that today you gotta go to eat and drink some wine here in veneto!
I hope that you guys received all our love and friendship!
I haven't tried to reach the backstage, i don't like to interfere with the people that's working...
But i've obtained a pair of your sticks by the official merchandising guy, and i bought a hoddie =)
i hope to see you soon, maybe when you do the next clinic tour.
Thanks again to you all guys, with all my heart, you gived me a lot of good sensations!
My girlfriend really appreciate the concert too!
cheers from Italy
Riccardo!

ps:if you like the Italian wine...and you guys need some...gavin, mail me and i ca help you =P !!

[kotras]

Hi Gavin,
thanks for yours energy show in the Vienna. It was wonderful evening for all people in the Gassometer Hale. I have only one small question. I need advice. Have you any practice only on snare drum? Thanks for your answear....

Mates

[DrummerStan]

Ive found something in your playing I cant quite figure out. The ghost notes played around 7:18-7:19 of Anesthetize --I hear them alot in your playing-- are they some kind of buzz roll w/ your left hand? I cant figure out if its just a buzz roll or 32nds. Sorry if this sounds like a dumb question.

Thanks for the inspiration!

[Fox622003]

Hey Gavin, is there any footage of you playing with brushes? Do you use them often (at home perhaps)? What Vic Firth pair would you recommend for both Jazz (Also Fusion, light stuff) and Pop? And the same with Rutes, but also, I was thinking of getting a pair of Rutes, but while they are used for light music, do they still break often in your experience?
And have you decided to make the definite switch to the Vic Grip sticks, or will you still be using normal sticks?
Alright, thanks a lot!


Fox.

[SantiBanks]

Hey Gavin, is there any footage of you playing with brushes?
not perse one for Gavin but;
Is "Black Dahlia" on disc 2 of the Incident played with brushes?

[Swiss Matthias]

Hmmmm... maybe both? (overdubs) I definitely hear brushes, but some snare rolls and crash strokes seem too clear and with too much attack for brushes. Gavin will enlighten the subject :) .

[nolonx]

Hello,

does anyone know which cymbal Gavin uses in Normal at 5:05 till the end of the song, when he's doing the buzz rolls along with the toms.

Given the groove he plays, I think he uses the HH pedal, but it sounds so much like a ride. But maybe it's just the mix.

Thanks

BTW the gig in Milan last week was GREAT!

[gymvideo]

Hello Gavin,
first of all congratulations for the porcupine tree gig last week in bologna. The overrall sound was perfect, it was like listening the album.
My question is: are you going to do some clinic tour around the europe next year, maybe in italy like 2007?

Thank you

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi SantiBanks

Have you heard his post-humous album "Pilgrimage" with deJohnette, Pattituci, Mehldau, Metheny and Herbie?

No I haven't heard it - but I'll check it out - thanks.

Hi ItalianRicky

I wanna say thanks for all the energy that you guys have gived us yesterday in Padova!

we had a good time but the gig almost got cancelled because the venue is about 3 weeks off being finished.

Hi kotras

I have only one small question. I need advice. Have you any practice only on snare drum?

If I've understood your question - you mean have I studied any snare drum methods? I spent a long time working with "Fred Albright's Contempory Studies For Snare Drum" book. It's very hard but really good.

Hi DrummerStan

Ive found something in your playing I cant quite figure out. The ghost notes played around 7:18-7:19 of Anesthetize --I hear them alot in your playing-- are they some kind of buzz roll w/ your left hand? I cant figure out if its just a buzz roll or 32nds.

They're 32nds play rrll and then usually the right hand goes straight back to the hi hat.

Hi Fox622003

Hey Gavin, is there any footage of you playing with brushes? Do you use them often (at home perhaps)?

I don't think there is. I don't get asked to play brushes that much - but I do enjoy using them.

What Vic Firth pair would you recommend for both Jazz (Also Fusion, light stuff) and Pop? And the same with Rutes, but also, I was thinking of getting a pair of Rutes, but while they are used for light music, do they still break often in your experience?

The Steve Gadd brushes are really nice. Rutes are good too but if you play a bit too hard they will break and splinter.

And have you decided to make the definite switch to the Vic Grip sticks, or will you still be using normal sticks?

I've been using the Vic Grip Rock model for all of this tour and I really like them. I feel like I don't have to grip so tightly and therefore not give myself too much muscle ache.

Hi Swiss Matthias

Hmmmm... maybe both? (overdubs) I definitely hear brushes, but some snare rolls and crash strokes seem too clear and with too much attack for brushes. Gavin will enlighten the subject :) .

Black Dahlia is played with brushes - and about half way through I pick up a stick in my right hand and play a ride cymbal - but continue with the brush in my left hand.

Hi nolonx

does anyone know which cymbal Gavin uses in Normal at 5:05 till the end of the song, when he's doing the buzz rolls along with the toms.

That's my 20" K ride cymbal - it's not overdubbed and all the patterns are played incorporating that ride.

Hi gymvideo

My question is: are you going to do some clinic tour around the europe next year, maybe in italy like 2007?

It's possible but I have no confirmed plans to at the moment - but I have some offers from Italy and I'm just waiting to find out my availability from the Porcupine Tree touring.

cheers
Gavin

[K.Howden]

My question is: are you going to do some clinic tour around the europe next year, maybe in italy like 2007?

It's possible but I have no confirmed plans to at the moment - but I have some offers from Italy and I'm just waiting to find out my availability from the Porcupine Tree touring.

cheers
Gavin

That would be fantastic! I'm a student at BIMM: (Brighton Insitute of Modern Music) http://www.bimm.co.uk/brighton/ studying a Proffesional Diploma in Drums leading on to a BA Hons in Proffesional Musicianship.

They reguarly hold Master classes/guest Lectures from various people in the Music Industry and have big names such as; Jeff Beck, Pete Thomas and Gary Moore in recently. I don't know how possible it is but I for one think it would be great if you could do a Clinic/Master Class at BIMM on said possible Clinic Tour.

Hope you're well,

Kev

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi K.Howden,

I'm not planning a UK clinic tour. Possibly the only chance to catch me in clinic for quite some time will be the one next March 18th for Poole Percussion.

cheers
Gavin

[Swiss Matthias]

Black Dahlia is played with brushes - and about half way through I pick up a stick in my right hand and play a ride cymbal - but continue with the brush in my left hand.
Yeah, that's the most elegant way to go! Cool you're doing it this way in the studio too!

At the moment I'm working a bit on your second book, as I do from time to time. In chapter 5 (I believe) you have us play a paradiddle with the SD and the BD and do 3s, 5s and 7s with the right hand (or as I like to practice it too: with my left foot clave bell). Question: If I wanna go for the Version 2, meaning to hear everything in 3 respectively 5 or 7 - what would be the intention for that? To me it's much harder than superimposing the odd groupings over the 4/4 paradiddle so I asked myself if I should do the work to get there, or not. Should I? :)

Edit: By the way, thank you very much for those two great pieces of work, they give me so much, and the things I've mastered (pretty much the first book I think) seem to be so logical and natural to me now. I'm glad I had them signed by you once you were in Switzerland!

[Fox622003]

Hey Gavin, someone mentioned your right side China (a 22" I think) being cut some posts back, it caught my attention, but now I've seen it on some footage (Voodoo Fest) I've got to ask...What's with that? An experiment? Found the crack right before the show =D?
By the way, from the videos, you must had been inspired on that performance, even though I think the sound wasn't as great as on other vids from just PT venues and there were some obvious problems, I think your playing was very very tight, even more so on some of the songs than the same pieces on other venues (As if :-D).
Thanks for your insight on Rutes and Brushes by the way, I'll defintiely check out the Steve Gadd Sig. .


Fox.

[nolonx]

Hi nolonx

does anyone know which cymbal Gavin uses in Normal at 5:05 till the end of the song, when he's doing the buzz rolls along with the toms.

That's my 20" K ride cymbal - it's not overdubbed and all the patterns are played incorporating that ride.

Gavin,

I cannot find any live footage of you playing that song. Basically you play the 16ths and the rolls with two hands and with the right you play the ride on quarter notes, am I correct?

Thanks!

I hope to see you soon in a clinic in italy :)

[SantiBanks]

Hi SantiBanks

Have you heard his post-humous album "Pilgrimage" with deJohnette, Pattituci, Mehldau, Metheny and Herbie?
No I haven't heard it - but I'll check it out - thanks.

Great! Let me know if you liked it :)

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi Swiss Matthias,

At the moment I'm working a bit on your second book, as I do from time to time. In chapter 5 (I believe) you have us play a paradiddle with the SD and the BD and do 3s, 5s and 7s with the right hand (or as I like to practice it too: with my left foot clave bell). Question: If I wanna go for the Version 2, meaning to hear everything in 3 respectively 5 or 7 - what would be the intention for that? To me it's much harder than superimposing the odd groupings over the 4/4 paradiddle so I asked myself if I should do the work to get there, or not. Should I? :)

First of all these are meant to be exercises not rhythms you're going to play necessarily in a band situation. The whole reason to switch to feeling it all from a 3's (or 5's or 7's) perspective is the mental exercise of playing the exactly same notes as in 16ths 4/4 - but changing the way you think and perceive it. It's good for your rhythmic brain to be challenged in this way.

Hi Fox622003

Hey Gavin, someone mentioned your right side China (a 22" I think) being cut some posts back, it caught my attention, but now I've seen it on some footage (Voodoo Fest) I've got to ask...What's with that? An experiment? Found the crack right before the show =D?

Yes I cracked it and cut around the crack.

By the way, from the videos, you must had been inspired on that performance, even though I think the sound wasn't as great as on other vids from just PT venues and there were some obvious problems, I think your playing was very very tight, even more so on some of the songs than the same pieces on other venues (As if :-D).

That show was a nightmare - and I wish it wasn't all over the internet. We had a lot of technical problems.

Hi nolonx,

I cannot find any live footage of you playing that song. Basically you play the 16ths and the rolls with two hands and with the right you play the ride on quarter notes, am I correct?

Correct.

cheers
Gavin

[Fox622003]

That show was a nightmare - and I wish it wasn't all over the internet. We had a lot of technical problems.

Yeah, I noticed, all of you must have wanted to hit someone really hard after that show, specially the people at the mixing table :-O .
As for inspired I just meant it must have been quite hard to keep your drumming at that level with all the distractions, John and Steven seemed quite thrown off by the situation.
But you shouldn't worry that much about the footage being around, at least it's a lot better than cell-phone-quality stuff and alright, considering.
Thanks for the answers.


Fox.

[cantstandyourfunk]

Just a little something that wanted to post here...

http://www.telegraphindia.com/1091105/jsp/entertainment/story_11699168.jsp

It's my interview of Gavin

Cheers!

[Swiss Matthias]

Hi Swiss Matthias,
First of all these are meant to be exercises not rhythms you're going to play necessarily in a band situation. The whole reason to switch to feeling it all from a 3's (or 5's or 7's) perspective is the mental exercise of playing the exactly same notes as in 16ths 4/4 - but changing the way you think and perceive it. It's good for your rhythmic brain to be challenged in this way.
Thanks for your reply. So I'll challenge myself when I have enough practice time. As you mention, this is not stuff to play in band situations, and therefore doesn't belong to the first things I practice in my routine. Or mostly not... Since I study your stuff I often catch myself incorporating i.e. 5 note groupings in swing stuff or so though :D. On the other hand I've heard Bill Stewart do so as well.

[Phil Brodermann]

Hi Gavin, just got me a ticket to the poole percussion clinic, that will be my xmas present :) Looking forward to it, Phil

[jez-]

Just a little something that wanted to post here...

http://www.telegraphindia.com/1091105/jsp/entertainment/story_11699168.jsp

It's my interview of Gavin

Cheers!

Nice interview, but the article says that In Absentia was released in 2004. Actually it was released in 2002. Deadwing, the second PT-album that Gavin played in, was released in 2005.

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi cantstandyourfunk

Just a little something that wanted to post here...

http://www.telegraphindia.com/109110...y_11699168.jsp

great stuff - many thanks.

Hi Swiss Matthias,

As you mention, this is not stuff to play in band situations, and therefore doesn't belong to the first things I practice in my routine. Or mostly not... Since I study your stuff I often catch myself incorporating i.e. 5 note groupings in swing stuff or so though

I think this is the benefit of studying the 'mental' exercises - you'll find more and more that some of the ideas will come creeping through subconsciously in your playing as you start to feel more comfortable getting 'out' there with your rhythmic mind. It sounds a bit abstract - but it happens to me. Having an agile mind when it comes to rhythmic concepts and polyrhythms cannot be a bad thing.

Hi Phil Brodermann

just got me a ticket to the poole percussion clinic, that will be my xmas present :) Looking forward to it, Phil

Me too - see you there.

cheers
Gavin

[nolonx]

Gavin,

I just bought your two methods. I'm looking forward to receive them.

Do you have any recommendation on any exercise to do without the kit and the pad, similar to the polyrythmic ones you explain on Horizons? I spend two hours a day on the train, it would be nice to use that time to train a bit. Pun intended ah ah :D

Thanks

[Mauro Lopez]

Hi, i'm Mauro..nice to meet you all.

Hi Gavin, how are you? In Rome venue I realize this microphone (SM58?)... why this position, overlook public?
http://img109.imageshack.us/img109/2521/4075014073919a5ce0f4o.jpg


Best wishes.
Mauro Lopez

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi nolonx

Do you have any recommendation on any exercise to do without the kit and the pad, similar to the polyrythmic ones you explain on Horizons? I spend two hours a day on the train, it would be nice to use that time to train a bit. Pun intended ah ah :D

any polyrhythmic stuff is good to just tap through. Maybe take a little metronome with you and stick your headphones on. Put it on REALLY slow (40bpm or less) and subdivide the clicks into quarters eights triplets quintuplets & septuplets & 16ths.

Hi Mauro Lopez

In Rome venue I realize this microphone (SM58?)... why this position, overlook public?

I have a mic input on my mixer next to my drums - so just for fun - I put a mic out there so I can turn it up and down during certain moments and hear a big ambiance.

cheers
Gavin

[K.Howden]

Just a little something that wanted to post here...

http://www.telegraphindia.com/1091105/jsp/entertainment/story_11699168.jsp

It's my interview of Gavin

Cheers!

That's a fantastic Article! Really enjoyed reading it, very nice work indeed.

Kindest regards,

Kev

[NeuroAxis]

Gavin,

I just bought your two methods. I'm looking forward to receive them.

Do you have any recommendation on any exercise to do without the kit and the pad, similar to the polyrythmic ones you explain on Horizons? I spend two hours a day on the train, it would be nice to use that time to train a bit. Pun intended ah ah :D

Thanks

JoJo Mayer has some good advice in this area. On his DVD 'Secret Weapons for the Modern Drummer' he has several exercises that are designed to build your finger, hand, and wrist muscles (for instance, placing your palms together and clapping the upper part of your hands together 100 times rapidly) that you can do practically anywhere--sitting on the bus, in a cublicle, or in front of the TV.

You look a little silly walking around clapping by yourself but it really does help a lot when it comes to building hand technique and endurance.

[nolonx]

Thanks NeuroAxis, I'll check it out.

[Ramtin HajatDoust]

Hi
Mr. Harrison

I want to buy microphones for my drum kit but I don't know exactly because of what reasons you are using "EV N/D 468" on your toms? Super Cardioid polar pattern? 20Hz - 22 KHz? Color sound of it? anything else?

Thank you,

Best Regards,
Ramtin

[SantiBanks]

Hi Gavin,

I connected my very cheap surroundset to my dvd-a/sacd player this weekend (because I sold my monitors to make room for a good 5.1 set) and popped in the Fear of a blank planet/Nil recurring and Insurgentes dvd-a's. They sound wonderful! Even on crappy computer speakers!
Your drumkit sounds impressive and all over the place (in a good way!). Did you help with the surround mixes (as in giving feedback about how you like your drums to sound in surround) or was everything done by Steven himself?

And a general question for anybody here; does anyone have more details about the dvd-audio release of The Incident? Looking forward to hear that in surround!

Cheers!
Santi

p.s.: and thanks for the Indian interview. Nice to see that the HMH show in Amsterdam was very memorable! It certainly is in my memory! You guys seem to grow and amaze me more and more every show I attend.

[Luke Bonham]

Hey Gavin, how are you?

Periodically, I feel tired of listening to myself. Not just a lack of creativity, I get bored of what I play, my musical ideas.

Usually I do nothing for it, as my master mentor me: he says that it's a psychic process wich leds to an "inconscious evolution".

As if mind would do a crop rotation for new musical seeds. You know what I mean?

Does this happen to you? Are you agree with my master or do you do something for it?

Thank you for your answer.

[drumbumhamza]

http://img689.imageshack.us/img689/6890/ptindnalarge.jpg

Hello Sir,
Thought you might want to have a look at this.
Page 2 of Daily News and Analysis.
PT is creating quite a stir here.
These guys are expecting a crowd of more than 10k. :P

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi Ramtin HajatDoust

I want to buy microphones for my drum kit but I don't know exactly because of what reasons you are using "EV N/D 468" on your toms? Super Cardioid polar pattern? 20Hz - 22 KHz? Color sound of it? anything else?

I use those EV's live and I used them in my studio for many years. I first saw Simon Phillips using them - and I know how very particular Simon is - so I thought I'd give them a go. They sound really nice on the toms - and are a very good size for getting around a slightly complex setup like mine. PT's sound engineer Ian Bond really preferred them over the mics he was using before on the toms - I can't remember exactly what they were but they were clip on the drum rim mics. At the moment I'm using Sennheiser 421's on my toms in my home studio. I slightly preferred the tone of them on the lower toms - but they are very big and a bit too ungainly for live use in my opinion.

Hi SantiBanks

Your drumkit sounds impressive and all over the place (in a good way!). Did you help with the surround mixes (as in giving feedback about how you like your drums to sound in surround) or was everything done by Steven himself?

The surround mix is just the panning out of the stereo mix. I was very involved in the sound of the drums of the stereo mix.

Hi Luke Bonham

Periodically, I feel tired of listening to myself. Not just a lack of creativity, I get bored of what I play, my musical ideas.Does this happen to you? Are you agree with my master or do you do something for it?

I think every musician goes through periods like this. Knowing how to bring yourself out of those periods can be the real challenge. It's one of the reasons that I got more into 'rhythmic manipulation' through thought process - rather than "I need more technique and speed". You might find some ideas that would help you in my first book "Rhythmic Illusions".

Hi drumbumhamza,

Thought you might want to have a look at this.
Page 2 of Daily News and Analysis.
PT is creating quite a stir here.
These guys are expecting a crowd of more than 10k. :P

thanks very much for posting the article. We're getting very excited about coming to play there. I think it's going to be really amazing. Also I think we have chance to play more than 90 minutes!!!

cheers
Gavin

[drumbumhamza]

Hello again,
My sister has been pestering me to ask you about the tentative set list. Any juice on that ? I hope you play Nil Recurring and Futile (you dint play them when i saw youl in London :( )
Would you like to see pictures of the venue ? I teach drums in the same institute, I'd be more than happy to post a couple of pics. :)

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi drumbumhamza,
sorry to disappoint you but I really don't think we're going to play "Futile" or "Nil Recurring" - they aren't currently in our pool of rehearsed songs. I don't know exactly what we'll play yet...there might be a few surprises. Yes I'd be interested to see the venue. Can you send me a pic or two via the 'private messages'?

cheers
Gavin

[Fabio]

Hi Gavin!!
How are you??

I heard the new song of Claudio Baglioni: "Niente Più"
Pio Spiriti said that you played it but i don't seem to recognize.
Have you recorded it?

Thanx to availability!!


Fabio.

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi Fabio,
yes I recorded the drum track about 6 months ago at home. Not too many big fills - I was just trying to get a good laid back feel to it. It's quite a simple song - I didn't think it needed anything else.

cheers
Gavin

[Fabio]

Hi Fabio,
yes I recorded the drum track about 6 months ago at home. Not too many big fills - I was just trying to get a good laid back feel to it. It's quite a simple song - I didn't think it needed anything else.

cheers
Gavin

Thanx a million for your answer!!
Yes also in my opinion is a quite pop song and not need another!!
Simple, precise and clear!!

Good evening Gavin!

Fabio

[nolonx]

It's nice to listen to your favorite drummer playing in a totally different setting from what you are used to.

Thank you Gavin for being such an inspiring person. Your drumming is my way out the black periods Luke Bonham was talking about a few posts before. And for being the nicest person on earth, as the guys from Notak in Italy tell me every time, and for taking time to reply to out questions here.

I'm really looking forward to meet you some day, just to thank you personally.

[Kalma]

Hi Gavin,

you might know (or probably have) the ipod touch/iphone.

There are some nice Apps to train some music-stuff, for example harmonics, intervalls etc..


So know I thought of programming an App, that plays some polyrhythmics etc and then you have to check which time-signature it was and so on..
I think it would be a great method to train the ear and to get a little bit closer to those pretty complicated stuff.

What do you think?


Thanks
David

[Phil Brodermann]

Hi Gavin, how's the long tour? I was wondering if your DVD will be released in time for the Poole clinic? I'd like to get a signed version if possible :) A quick question, when you used an SM 91 and a D6 on the kick live, would you put a high pass on the D6 and/or a low pass on the 91? So that you have one channel with sub freq, and one channel with punch and click? Thanks for your time, Phil.

[SantiBanks]

So know I thought of programming an App, that plays some polyrhythmics etc and then you have to check which time-signature it was and so on..
I think it would be a great method to train the ear and to get a little bit closer to those pretty complicated stuff.


Hi David, sounds like an interesting idea. I was thinking of an app with polys in mind too but I had a bit of a different idea:

It might be interesting to create an algorithm that makes up poly sequences. Then you have to tap these sequences with your fingers, along to a metronome. So the left hand taps a pattern in 5, the right hand a pattern in 7. That way you are practicing a possibility of 5 over 7.
Because its all math and therefore random, it gives a lot of pattern options and it might give someone musical inspiration.

Could be very practical in public transport for example. A simple and efficient way to practice polys without making a sound at all.

[Kalma]

It might be interesting to create an algorithm that makes up poly sequences. Then you have to tap these sequences with your fingers, along to a metronome. So the left hand taps a pattern in 5, the right hand a pattern in 7. That way you are practicing a possibility of 5 over 7.
Because its all math and therefore random, it gives a lot of pattern options and it might give someone musical inspiration.

Could be very practical in public transport for example. A simple and efficient way to practice polys without making a sound at all.

Yes that would be a gread idea as well, I think there could be created a great app!
(do you have a ipod or iphone?)

I think tapping the patterns would be very hard as it would have to be very exact until the computer acceppts it..

We'll see!
Lets wait what the master sais!


All the best
DAvid

[king_chicken]

Hi Gavin,

If you could name 5 albums that have shaped your playing the most, what you say?
I'm going through a period of intense listening at the moment so I just need some suggestions what to check out.
Cheers.

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi Kalma

So know I thought of programming an App, that plays some polyrhythmics etc and then you have to check which time-signature it was and so on..
I think it would be a great method to train the ear and to get a little bit closer to those pretty complicated stuff.

Great idea. I think an app that shows you how close to a click you are (like the original "Russian Dragon") would be great. With a line in the middle where the perfect time is and then a scale either side to show you (to the left) that you are tapping behind the beat - and a scale to the right to show how far you might be tapping ahead of the beat. The scale could be in 21 segments - one in the middle for 'perfect' and 10 either side. Each step could be 1 millisecond or 2 milliseconds or 3 milliseconds.

plus a tap tempo like this http://www.all8.com/tools/bpm.htm

and then a polyrhythm generator. Type in your first number like '4' and that plays one sound - then type in a second number like '7' and that plays a different sound and then you'll get to hear what 7 over 4 sounds like. Set any tempo you want. Then have the "Russian Dragon" (part as described before) applied to either the first or second number. Then you could mute the first or second number but keep tapping it and monitoring it via the "Russian Dragon" part.
So you might setup 7 over 4 - then once you get the feel of it - mute the 7 part and start tapping it. The app would then show how accurate (in % ) you're tapping the 7 whilst still hearing the 4.

Hi Phil Brodermann

how's the long tour? I was wondering if your DVD will be released in time for the Poole clinic?

this tour ends 11th of December. I don't know if the PT live DVD will be ready by then.

A quick question, when you used an SM 91 and a D6 on the kick live, would you put a high pass on the D6 and/or a low pass on the 91? So that you have one channel with sub freq, and one channel with punch and click?

I don't really know - I can ask Ian our sound guy. I imagine the clicky-ness is coming from the SM91 and the low thump is coming from the D6. The other day the SM91 lead broke and we replaced it with a Beta 91 - and it sounded very different. I much prefer the SM91.

Hi king_chicken

If you could name 5 albums that have shaped your playing the most, what you say?

across the years these were important records to me..

Dizrhythmia 1987 " Dizrhythmia"
Yasuaki Shimizu 1989 "Aduna"
Mick Karn - 1995 "The Tooth Mother"
Porcupine Tree 2005 "Deadwing"
Gavin Harrison & 05Ric 2009 "Circles" (and "Drop" from 2007)

there's a big list of recordings I've made over the years here http://www.drumset.demon.co.uk/recordings.htm

cheers
Gavin

[Kalma]

Hi Kalma

So know I thought of programming an App, that plays some polyrhythmics etc and then you have to check which time-signature it was and so on..
I think it would be a great method to train the ear and to get a little bit closer to those pretty complicated stuff.

Great idea. I think an app that shows you how close to a click you are (like the original "Russian Dragon") would be great. With a line in the middle where the perfect time is and then a scale either side to show you (to the left) that you are tapping behind the beat - and a scale to the right to show how far you might be tapping ahead of the beat. The scale could be in 21 segments - one in the middle for 'perfect' and 10 either side. Each step could be 1 millisecond or 2 milliseconds or 3 milliseconds.

plus a tap tempo like this http://www.all8.com/tools/bpm.htm

and then a polyrhythm generator. Type in your first number like '4' and that plays one sound - then type in a second number like '7' and that plays a different sound and then you'll get to hear what 7 over 4 sounds like. Set any tempo you want. Then have the "Russian Dragon" (part as described before) applied to either the first or second number. Then you could mute the first or second number but keep tapping it and monitoring it via the "Russian Dragon" part.
So you might setup 7 over 4 - then once you get the feel of it - mute the 7 part and start tapping it. The app would then show how accurate (in % ) you're tapping the 7 whilst still hearing the 4.

cheers
Gavin

So your first idea would be like the rmp5 from roland, there's a time check function integrated that show the accuration.


Maybe we could invent together some functions for such an app and then I will see who could programm such an app or I will learn to do it by myself! (as i just programm websites etc)


Would be great if there could be invented something like this :)


By the way: Gavin, do you have an iphone or ipod touch?

Thanks
David

[Swiss Matthias]

plus a tap tempo like this http://www.all8.com/tools/bpm.htm

Wow, great tool, thanks for the link, Gavin!
That way I can practice getting the right tempo out of nowhere:)!

[Swiss Matthias]

and then a polyrhythm generator. Type in your first number like '4' and that plays one sound - then type in a second number like '7' and that plays a different sound and then you'll get to hear what 7 over 4 sounds like. Set any tempo you want. Then have the "Russian Dragon" (part as described before) applied to either the first or second number. Then you could mute the first or second number but keep tapping it and monitoring it via the "Russian Dragon" part.
So you might setup 7 over 4 - then once you get the feel of it - mute the 7 part and start tapping it. The app would then show how accurate (in % ) you're tapping the 7 whilst still hearing the 4.

Cool idea, too! Do that, Kalma :D!! With a weblink ;)

[Phil Brodermann]

Thanks for your reply, however I was refering to your new 'Rhythmic designs' DVD, will that be released in time for the clinic? I would appreciate you asking Ian about the bass drum mic's. Thanks for your time.

[Tom Sawyer]

What a great show in Lisbon yesterday, Gavin. The new songs sound amazing live. Tony Levin with Stick Men was a great surprise too, people should check them out. Pat Mastelotto is a beast!

I noticed you are using a new China on your left side, that thing is huge, what is it? Is it a 22? You seem to use it quite a bit on the new set.

Have a good time today in Porto!

[ahector]

Hi Kalma

So know I thought of programming an App, that plays some polyrhythmics etc and then you have to check which time-signature it was and so on..
I think it would be a great method to train the ear and to get a little bit closer to those pretty complicated stuff.

Great idea. I think an app that shows you how close to a click you are (like the original "Russian Dragon") would be great. With a line in the middle where the perfect time is and then a scale either side to show you (to the left) that you are tapping behind the beat - and a scale to the right to show how far you might be tapping ahead of the beat. The scale could be in 21 segments - one in the middle for 'perfect' and 10 either side. Each step could be 1 millisecond or 2 milliseconds or 3 milliseconds.

plus a tap tempo like this http://www.all8.com/tools/bpm.htm

and then a polyrhythm generator. Type in your first number like '4' and that plays one sound - then type in a second number like '7' and that plays a different sound and then you'll get to hear what 7 over 4 sounds like. Set any tempo you want. Then have the "Russian Dragon" (part as described before) applied to either the first or second number. Then you could mute the first or second number but keep tapping it and monitoring it via the "Russian Dragon" part.
So you might setup 7 over 4 - then once you get the feel of it - mute the 7 part and start tapping it. The app would then show how accurate (in % ) you're tapping the 7 whilst still hearing the 4.


This would be a really useful tool. There are already metronome apps out there that let you tap out a tempo like the link you shared. I use one on my iPhone and I love it.

However, I wonder how possible it would be to do some of the timing exercises that you're describing.

In my experience, the response time on the iPhone's touchscreen is a little sluggish. It's perfectly fine for normal use of course (phone calls, texting, web browsing, email etc) but when I've used drum machine apps I've found the response to be slow enough that I can't play accurately by tapping on the screen. I noticed that you can anticipate the lag and 'play ahead' to get on beat, but it's difficult and awkward. Overall, it's not terrible, but from a musician's perspective, it just isn't up to snuff.

I wonder if future devices will have less touch screen latency? I have an iPhone 3G. Perhaps the 3Gs already does; I've never used one.

Anyways, I'd just thought I'd bring that up as a potential obstacle for you, Kalma. It sounds like a great idea and if someone could get it to work I'd love to have it on my phone!

[SantiBanks]

@Gavin Harrison:
Great ideas!

It could be possible to use the internal mic of the iPhone so that you can tap with a stick on a drumpad, snare etc. aswell (which would be useful for people who don't like to tap on their iphones).


@Kalma:
I have the newest ipod touch (well current newest of course) and I believe I have the iphone SDK floating around here somewhere.

We can team up if you want. I'm not a good developer (I only do webdevelopment, mostly front-end) but I work as a user experience/interaction designer so I can design the interface and the working of the controls to see what works best.
Contact me if you are interesting in teaming up :)

@Ahector:
Its interesting. Im not sure if there is a screendelay but I noticed that some apps have it and some don't. I have the Digilite app (which is a simple drumpad thing) and that has a small latency.
On the other hand, I have some synthesizers (NlogFree, WiviBand, Bebot and Virtuoso) and those work without any latency at all! From those two, WiviBand and Virtuoso are at least sample based (maybe with added synthesis for WiviBand) so Im not sure what causes latency.
Its not the display itself. I think it's the code or maybe the difference in implementing a drumpad or a keyboard on the iphone.
If we where going to do such an app with very crucial timing then we need to do some research first of course and see what the problems with various apps could be.

That was one page of creativity in this topic :) I like that. BB-based brainstorms.

[ahector]

@Ahector:
Its interesting. Im not sure if there is a screendelay but I noticed that some apps have it and some don't. I have the Digilite app (which is a simple drumpad thing) and that has a small latency.
On the other hand, I have some synthesizers (NlogFree, WiviBand, Bebot and Virtuoso) and those work without any latency at all! From those two, WiviBand and Virtuoso are at least sample based (maybe with added synthesis for WiviBand) so Im not sure what causes latency.
Its not the display itself. I think it's the code or maybe the difference in implementing a drumpad or a keyboard on the iphone.
If we where going to do such an app with very crucial timing then we need to do some research first of course and see what the problems with various apps could be.

That was one page of creativity in this topic :) I like that. BB-based brainstorms.

That's good to hear. Good luck if this is something you end up working on.

[SantiBanks]

That's good to hear. Good luck if this is something you end up working on.

Thanks :) If there will be something in the pipeline, we will post a message here just to let others know :)

[Gus]

Hi Gavin,

We had a great time yesterday in Madrid. A night to remember. IMHO You guys are doing things better and better...Hope we the audience were able to make you feel good too!! ;-)).

Just a quick question, from my position i didn´t see the left side of your drum kit, i´ve noticed in the second part of the show, at least two songs, you made a big full explosive snare sound from where i suppose should be your 12" snare. I don´t know very much about sound effects, but something like a strong delay or so (i´ve heard this sound from Pat playing 'Level 5'). It was the 12" snare or some electronic pad?.

Many thanks for your time and for sign my 'rhythmic perspectives' which will make me work for a long time!!

Gustavo

[NeuroAxis]

Gavin -

Awhile ago you had mentioned that you are now using some prototype cymbal felts that prevent or at least help delay breakage of cymbals. Are they the 'Cympad,' (http://cympad.com/) or are you using a different brand? Just curious because I am thinking about buying a set of Cympads.

If they are Cympads that you are using, how did you find them? The website advertises that they have a dramatic effect on the sound. Did you find this to be true?

Any advice would help, thanks!

[Drizzle]

Hey Gavin,

I know you mentioned once that you like Fredrik Thordendal's solo cd Sol Niger Within...

Well I like it too :) and I know you did not play drums on it....but I would like to ask you or Terry Branam maybe about this song Sensorium Dei on that album.

Sensorium Dei (first song) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iln7q_AdqaI)

I would like to know if you could explain to me what he's playing....it seems so random but I know its not...as the guitar is playing the same thing.....its a total mystery to me :(

I know this might not be the right place to ask this question...so if you dont feel like answering I understand...

Do you ever try and figure out and play stuff from albums like this one...with lots of odd time signatures?


Greets
Dre

[crimsonfloyd]

G'day Gavin,

first of all, I'm looking forward seeing you playing in Cologne next Wednesday. Can't wait to hear the brilliant PT live sound again (cheers, Ian!).
Any chance letting us hear "Remember me Lover"? I know, I might be a bit early, but a while ago I requested Trains from Wes and even got it on that show. So I though I'd try again...

I'm currently checking out different snare wires, got the Pearl Ultra Sound, but I am not that happy at the moment. I've read somewhere (maybe in this thread), that you cut your wires down to ... 8? or something. And I'd really be interested in which one you use at the moment.

While I'm asking here (could've been answered earlier, sorry), there is a small China/Trash (maybe 12" size?) on your right/ordiants left side of the kit, and I'm loving the mixture of really short sustain, like a splash, and the dirt of a China. What kind of cymbal is this, if you don't mind me asking.

Anyway, thanks for your drumming and your creativity. If I'd start now putting my feelings on HOW inspirational you are, I'd end up with tons of adulation.

Greetings from Germany,
Fabian

[Gus]

G'day Gavin,

While I'm asking here (could've been answered earlier, sorry), there is a small China/Trash (maybe 12" size?) on your right/ordiants left side of the kit, and I'm loving the mixture of really short sustain, like a splash, and the dirt of a China. What kind of cymbal is this, if you don't mind me asking.

Greetings from Germany,
Fabian

Hi Crimsonfloyd

Follow the link below and there you will find your cymbal and even hear some samples. Hope that helps.

http://www.zildjian.com/EN-US/products/productDetail.ad2?catalogID=1013&typeID=13&productID=1258

Regards
Gustavo

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi Kalma,

Would be great if there could be invented something like this :) By the way: Gavin, do you have an iphone or ipod touch?

I don't have either.

Hi Phil Brodermann

Thanks for your reply, however I was refering to your new 'Rhythmic designs' DVD, will that be released in time for the clinic?

I would hope it would be available by then.

Hi Tom Sawyer

I noticed you are using a new China on your left side, that thing is huge, what is it? Is it a 22? You seem to use it quite a bit on the new set.

It's a Zildjian 22" Swish Knocker - without the rivets. Very useful for riding with the left hand.

Hi Gus

Just a quick question, from my position i didn´t see the left side of your drum kit, i´ve noticed in the second part of the show, at least two songs, you made a big full explosive snare sound from where i suppose should be your 12" snare. I don´t know very much about sound effects, but something like a strong delay or so (i´ve heard this sound from Pat playing 'Level 5'). It was the 12" snare or some electronic pad?.

It's my 12x5 snare drum - I think the effect you're hearing is maybe a reverb that our sound engineer puts on it. I do quite often play the 16th note (after a big hit) as a ghost note which does make it sound like it has a delay on it.

Hi NeuroAxis

Awhile ago you had mentioned that you are now using some prototype cymbal felts that prevent or at least help delay breakage of cymbals. Are they the 'Cympad,' (http://cympad.com/) or are you using a different brand? Just curious because I am thinking about buying a set of Cympads.

No they are not Cympads. I haven't used them but I imagine that they will effect the volume and sustain of your cymbals. Might be interesting if you're playing a very quiet gig in a hotel perhaps.

Hi Drizzle,

I know you mentioned once that you like Fredrik Thordendal's solo cd Sol Niger Within...
Well I like it too :) and I know you did not play drums on it....but I would like to ask you or Terry Branam maybe about this song Sensorium Dei on that album.

It's certainly not random - but I can't transcribe it for you whilst I'm out here on tour right now. Maybe Terry could if he had the time?

Hi crimsonfloyd

I'm currently checking out different snare wires, got the Pearl Ultra Sound, but I am not that happy at the moment. I've read somewhere (maybe in this thread), that you cut your wires down to ... 8? or something. And I'd really be interested in which one you use at the moment.

They are Puresound snare wires - cut down to just 8 strands left in the middle.

While I'm asking here (could've been answered earlier, sorry), there is a small China/Trash (maybe 12" size?) on your right/ordiants left side of the kit, and I'm loving the mixture of really short sustain, like a splash, and the dirt of a China. What kind of cymbal is this, if you don't mind me asking.

Yes Gus is correct - 12 Oriental Trash China. A great little cymbal.

cheers
Gavin

[Kalma]

Do you think its possible to get random-programmed-polyrhythms?


Thanks
David

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi Kalma,
I don't think it's possible to have 'random' and 'programmed' together.
What is it you really want it to do?
Cheers
Gavin

[Kalma]

I want to use it for the iphone-app.

You get a button "get new groove" and played will be a groove with a random-time-signature.


Thanks
David

[kaffekvarn]

Hi Gavin!
was wondering if you got some notes on halo, because I choose it for my schooltest and the beat about 2.27 just giving me a headache :)

and I must say I love your drumplaying, and it really influence me to begin play drums more seriously again
/Elias

[Fox622003]

Hi Gavin!
was wondering if you got some notes on halo, because I choose it for my schooltest and the beat about 2.27 just giving me a headache :)


Hi Alex P.
Here is the transcription of "Halo".
I also transcribed the intro of the dvd version. I don't know if everything is good...

http://img96.imageshack.us/img96/2103/halo1.jpg
http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/5786/halo2r.jpg
http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/5620/halo3q.jpg
http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/6797/halo4n.jpg

Thanks it looks really good. The middle part I've always thought of as 17/8 or (5/16 + 5/16 + 7/16 + 5/16 + 5/16 + 7/16).


Check out that transcription by Alex, it's really good, he even got the live intro fill Gavin plays on the "Arriving Somewhere" DVD.


Fox.

[SantiBanks]

I want to use it for the iphone-app.

You get a button "get new groove" and played will be a groove with a random-time-signature.


Thanks
David
Poly's are nothing more of a loop in a certain time sig (like 7/4) over a different loop in a certain time sig (like 5/4). And at some point they will collide and "start over again". Which will be the point here the total loop would be.

Though I;m not sure if I have the idea of a poly right with this? (Wish I went to music college)

But if that's the case then it would be not that hard.

Just generate two random patterns and place them over eachother. That's all. The poly name gives the clue where the total loop will be (there would be 7 bars of 5/4 and 5 bars of 7/4)
(The patterns themselves can be done with calculating on a grid, where the subdevisions determine the grid. These subdevisions make the difficulty. And for extra difficulty, some random accents can be added. Then make a way of playing those generated loops, manipulate their tempo and also perform precise hit tests which will be the most difficult thing in the whole code I thin. But that would be basically it).

[drumbumhamza]

Hello,
I was wondering if your going to bring some merchandise to India. If so, are there any chances of finding the Lightbulb Sun DVD A in stock.

[SantiBanks]

Hello,
I was wondering if your going to bring some merchandise to India. If so, are there any chances of finding the Lightbulb Sun DVD A in stock.
Amazon has them in stock:
http://www.amazon.com/Lightbulb-Sun-Porcupine-Tree/dp/B0013URJTG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1259232911&sr=8-1

[Gus]

Hi everyone,

I would like to give a try the S-Hoops for my snare drum. Time ago a fellow posted the direction of a dealer, but i asked them without success.

Do anyone know any dealer web site where i can buy the hoops?

thanks in advance!

Gustavo

[huXler]

Hey Gavin!

Thanks for the great show yesterday. The whole show was just awesome.
I really liked the "Ride-Hihat" groove you played on "I drive the hearse".

Cheers
huXler

[RickardR]

Hi Gavin!
I hope everything is well with you out touring and all!

My question for you is about setting up your drumkit.
I read earlier in the thread that you are quite tall, 6.1 if I'm not mistaken.
I'm around 6.2 and I've never felt 100% comfortable around my kit.
I've been playing for about 5 years and I don't know how many times I've shifted heights on toms, cymbals, throne ect to find a combination that works for me.
I can't seem to do it even though I'm fairly close.
The thing is that I've never tried a rack system and I'm starting to think that maybe a "rack" could do the trick.

How did you find your ultimate setup for the drumkit?
Did a "rack" help you with this?
(Im sorry if this question is already out there but this thread is monstrously long, and the search tool couldn't find anything!)


Thanks!

Sincerely
Rickard R (a huge fan of yours from Sweden!)

[ChrisGau]

The thing is that I've never tried a rack system and I'm starting to think that maybe a "rack" could do the trick.
How did you find your ultimate setup for the drumkit?


I hope you don´t mind me jumping in. I was in a similar situation until I saw Gavin's setup and how he uses the rack and placed the cymbals. Basically I took this as a completely new starting point and built my personal setup from there (and it stayed pretty close to Gavin's).

I found it very pleasing to freely place the toms above the bass drum and move them closer to me wihout having to bother with mechanical limitations of tom holders. Also I liked the idea of having a virgin bassdrum which - in combination with 5 toms - is easier to realize with a rack. Additionally if you have a lot of stuff to place around you - and different sounds can be inspiring for sure - doing it without a rack can become a hassle. Last argument... if you are on tour and move your set quite a lot, a rack makes it easier to recreate your setup - the additional weight might bother you though if you have to carry the stuff on your own.

So... I can only recommend to make that investment.

[Swiss Matthias]

On the contrary, if you play different kinds of gigs, where you also might use just a little basic setup with 2 cymbals and 2 toms let's say, you might wanna have other options than the big rack. Otherwise you need half the stage space for your rack, despite the fact that your kit will be tiny.
And rebuild the whole rack everytime a different setup is needed isn't really an option, it would kill the argument of being able to recreate the same setup in an easy way everytime.

If you are a working musician, you need to be ready for different occasions - if you're a band drummer who has like 5 gigs a year, with the same band, you can go for the one-setup option. As long as you consider the sizes of venues you are likely to play, too.

[D-a-n-i-e-l]

I agree with matthias. i stopped using a rack a few years ago. it really only makes sense if you have quite a big setup (that never changes). and setting the rack up wasn't really that much easier than with individual stands - you'll need routine to get it perfect every time.
.

[ItalianRicky]

I hope you don´t mind me jumping in. I was in a similar situation until I saw Gavin's setup and how he uses the rack and placed the cymbals. Basically I took this as a completely new starting point and built my personal setup from there (and it stayed pretty close to Gavin's).

I found it very pleasing to freely place the toms above the bass drum and move them closer to me wihout having to bother with mechanical limitations of tom holders. Also I liked the idea of having a virgin bassdrum which - in combination with 5 toms - is easier to realize with a rack. Additionally if you have a lot of stuff to place around you - and different sounds can be inspiring for sure - doing it without a rack can become a hassle. Last argument... if you are on tour and move your set quite a lot, a rack makes it easier to recreate your setup - the additional weight might bother you though if you have to carry the stuff on your own.

So... I can only recommend to make that investment.

i agree with Chrisgau.
I'm actually using a gavin's inspired setup and the rack system is the best way to keep your setup in order without spend a lot of money.

Hi Gavin,
I have an question for you! (incredible... -_-' )

In the upcoming album of claudio baglioni QPGA, have you recorded ALL the tracks?
Thanks a lot.
oh, i wanna tell you that i played in studio my new yamaha recording custom snare drum......i tried to use your advices, like the 8 strand snare wire, and the pinstripe coated batter head.
I've mounted die cast hoops on it and a small ring that i make by myself (i've cutted away half of the ring, it was 3 cm large and i keep only 1,5 cm)...what i can say?It seems to be the JOY for the sound engineers.. It seems to be stopped and iper focused, but if i change my hit the sound take many colours.Amazing snare, really.I told to the sound engineer that all the advices come from you...and he :"Gavin...HARRISON??? THAT gavin Harrison??? =O"...i've stunned that guy...no, you've stunned him ^^
Thanks really...you're a bible for drummers!
Cheers from Italy
Riccardo

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi drumbumhamza

I was wondering if your going to bring some merchandise to India. If so, are there any chances of finding the Lightbulb Sun DVD A in stock.

We don't know at the moment if we'll be bringing any merch. The cost of shipping it there for one show will probably be too much.

Hi RickardR

I read earlier in the thread that you are quite tall, 6.1 if I'm not mistaken.
I'm around 6.2 and I've never felt 100% comfortable around my kit.
I've been playing for about 5 years and I don't know how many times I've shifted heights on toms, cymbals, throne ect to find a combination that works for me.

I'm also 6.2 and I've used a rack for about 20 years now and I love it (I have most of the mics mounted on the rack too). Before that I just had so many stands and clamps it was a bit of a nightmare to set up quite a complex kit - as I like it. The most important part for me was getting the seat height right and the distance from the bass drum and snare drum. In 1981 I started playing heel up on the bass drum pedal and felt that I wanted to sit further back so my foot was only half way up the foot board. It seems to me when I sit on other people's kit that I must sit lower than average. I like the feeling of sitting 'behind' the drums (Steve Gadd style) rather than 'on top' of them (Buddy Rich style).

I also agree that if you're playing in a lot of different situations with different bands then the rack can sometimes be too big. I have a cut down version of my kit and I use a couple of big Sonor stands with most of my toms and cymbals mounted on them for smaller stages and pub gigs etc.

Hi ItalianRicky

In the upcoming album of claudio baglioni QPGA, have you recorded ALL the tracks?
Thanks a lot.
oh, i wanna tell you that i played in studio my new yamaha recording custom snare drum......i tried to use your advices, like the 8 strand snare wire, and the pinstripe coated batter head.

I played on a few but it was quite a long time ago and I can't remember how many. About 7 or 8 maybe? Glad your new snare is sounding good. I actually really like the S-Hoop on it too.

cheers
Gavin

[RickardR]

Thanks for all the answers guys, and Gavin!

The most important part for me was getting the seat height right and the distance from the bass drum and snare drum. I like the feeling of sitting 'behind' the drums (Steve Gadd style) rather than 'on top' of them (Buddy Rich style).

I also like that feeling, of sitting "behind" the kit. Mostly since I'm tall and my legs and arms otherwise ends up in a uncomfortable position.

I also agree that if you're playing in a lot of different situations with different bands then the rack can sometimes be too big.

I play with 3 different bands (classical/orchestra/pitpercussion, disco/pop and a big band) 5 times a week and hence I play on 3 different drumkits and alot of different venues. My own drumset is sitting at home and are currently acting as a sort of practice kit only. And I have played in all sorts of venues. From pubs (for like 100 people) to big concerts halls (for about 2000 people). I can compromise when it comes to pub gigs ect, I don't mind sitting a little awkward since I've always done that (and you cant always be picky, It's a gig for crying out loud and I'm not a pro!) but the thing I cant stand is that I would rather play on my E-kit than play on my acoustic just because the E-kit is more comfortable.

I'm going to buy a rack! Hey, It's almost Christmas so I think I can justify living on noodles for a couple of months in order to buy myself a present!

As I said; Thank you all for your answers!

/Rickard

[THRAK]

I play with 3 different bands (classical/orchestra/pitpercussion, disco/pop and a big band) 5 times a week and hence I play on 3 different drumkits and alot of different venues. My own drumset is sitting at home and are currently acting as a sort of practice kit only. And I have played in all sorts of venues. From pubs (for like 100 people) to big concerts halls (for about 2000 people). I can compromise when it comes to pub gigs ect, I don't mind sitting a little awkward since I've always done that (and you cant always be picky, It's a gig for crying out loud and I'm not a pro!)...
Assuming you're getting paid for these gigs, playing in three different bands five times a week pretty much qualifies you as a "pro," even if it's not your day job. Don't sell yourself short!

[RickardR]

Assuming you're getting paid for these gigs, playing in three different bands five times a week pretty much qualifies you as a "pro," even if it's not your day job. Don't sell yourself short!

I don't get paid much at all. I get some from the gigs with the pop band but that mainly goes to paying for renting a good PA-system and other things. We have a deal with a studio owner (actually from Atlantic records) who lends us a lot of gear for free but in the end all the small expenses piles up. The orchestra is actually "sponsored" and paid for by the Swedish military and we get free trips around Europe and such so I cant complain. And for the big band we get alot of money for gigs ect, but that is used for renting a place to rehearse and trips around the country.

Actually I just realized that I'm quite lucky to do all these things since I'm only 19.
The dream is at this point to be a studio musician and I don't really care about the money right now. It's all about the playing and I hope it will stay that way!

But again, I don't see myself as a pro. The deffenition of "pro" or "professional" musician I believe is when you get paid to play and that it's mainly your job. But for me a "pro" is someone like Gavin! Someone who is incredibly talented but still humble enough to talk to us mortals. I mean, wouldn't you still just love his playing even if he was a unpaid "no-body"!? I would!

[Inngwar]

Hi Gavin,

I have a question about feet technique. I've been playing drums (mostly pads) for about 5-6 years now, and I never really felt secure whilst playing with my feet. I am not saying that I don't have problems with my hand technique, but at least I have a feeling of a secure and relaxed motion. I use DW-7000 double bass pedal, I used to play only heel up, now I play heel down in certain situations (and i practice mostly heel down at home). I sit behind (not on top of) my drums, my feet are parallel to the floor when i'm sitting and my feet are a little bit further away from the middle of the pedal board when i play heel up (towards the bass drum). My question for you is: How can I improve my feet technique? How can I achieve a more secure kick (and a double kick)? How can I achieve a more swift,relaxed and continuous motion (speed)?

Sorry for the quantity of the text, I just thought I should list all of the factors.
I've heard new PT , great playing as always, I still hate you for not showing up in Serbia :P. Thank you in advance for the answer!

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi Inngwar,
I don't know if I'm really the right person to give you advice about foot technique. I don't think mine is that great. I always play heel up and I know that when I want the beater to hit the head - my right foot can make it happen most of the time. Sometimes I practise both feet playing together to see if I can really make them hit the bass drum EXACTLY at the same time with no sign of even a slight flam. That's quite hard - and shows me that one or the other is a bit lazy. Playing double stroke rolls and paradiddles might help your technique but from a practical level (in a band situation) I only found good results from playing single strokes on the double pedal.

In terms of accurate articulation I found the first exercise of the Gary Chester book "A New Breed" to be very helpful. After I practised that for 30 mins and then went on to play a groove - everything just felt better from the bass drum point of view.

cheers
Gavin

[WuGGu]

Gavin, last night was a great show. Thank you very much for coming to Neu Isenburg. I know it's not very big. The complete band has make a great job. And the sound quality was great. One of my best concerts.
I have one question: Did you put something into your bassdrum, like a cushion?
How did you do this bassdrum sound?

Thank you very much

WuGGu

[ahector]

Gavin, last night was a great show. Thank you very much for coming to Neu Isenburg. I know it's not very big. The complete band has make a great job. And the sound quality was great. One of my best concerts.
I have one question: Did you put something into your bassdrum, like a cushion?
How did you do this bassdrum sound?

Thank you very much

WuGGu

I have no idea what Gavin is currently doing on tour of course, but here are two answers he gave in the past to kick drum questions. I believe I remember seeing an interview or Q and A session with Gavin in which he stated that he muffles his kick drum heavily.

http://askgavinharrison.com/articles/20-A-question-about-that-heavy-pillow-inside-your-kick-Is-it-installed-like-a-U-shape-from-head-to-head-Are-you-using-any-velcro-strips-to-keep-it-steady-Or-does-it-sit-still-on-its-own-

http://askgavinharrison.com/articles/116-Your-kick-sound-has-been-progressively-punchier-since-In-Absentia-and-Im-curious-as-to-which-mic-s-and-any-effects-sounds-very-uneffected-you-used-on-Fear-of-a-Blank-Planet

[edit]

I found the video I was thinking of. He talks about his bass drum sound starting at about 4:00:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOJOACCcEgE

[smfoo]

Hy Gavin!

Great show yesterday in Cologne.

My Question:

How do you synchronize your clicktracks with the video show?
And which software do you use for video playback.Is there a video guy?

Thanks in advance and all the best,

Stephan

[euphoric_anomaly]

Gavin,

In an earlier post you mentioned that Scar was in 11/8. You said you subdivided it into (3/4 and 5/8). I was wondering how that would work? I can count it out subdivided as 3 bars of 3/8ths and 1 bar of 2/8ths, I guess that's just the way I feel comfortable counting it as.

Also, you said the chorus(es) of that song were in 4/4. Well I must say, it does ring true, but if you count it listening solely to the drums, there are rhythmic illusions all over the place. I'm guessing that's a good way to learn your illusion theories, or at least hear them in practice.

Thanks for clearing it up for all of us non-odd time pro's. :)
Cheers

Eric

[ItalianRicky]

Hi Gavin!
Everything ok?
i have a little trouble...
I joined the lovely family of Axis Longboard users...I love the feeling of this pedal...
BUT.
i love to look for a "BUT"... =D
Axis excellent speed is a great improvement, but i can't obtain a real punch with the bassdrum like i had with my DW5000...After a pair of days of burning my brain i reached an answer.The Axis beaters are very light, and i feel it because the dw beaters are heavier.Overall, with dw Beaters i use the plastic part and it was very large, the Axis's sonic hammer beaters are very small.
With your longboards, which beater do you use?Advices for setting this pedal in the better possible way?
thanks.
Cheers from Italy!

[linus]

Hi Gavin...

It was really a great show in cologne on wednesday. And i loved the the ride-hihat pattern on "drive the hearse ". I hope there will be a live dvd of the show.

I am looking forward to your new drum dvd "rhythmic designs". Sounds difficult but very interresting....


All the best ...

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi WuGGu

I have one question: Did you put something into your bassdrum, like a cushion?
How did you do this bassdrum sound?

I think "ahector" has covered the answer.

Hi smfoo

How do you synchronize your clicktracks with the video show?
And which software do you use for video playback.Is there a video guy?

The clicks are coming from "Logic Pro" on a MacBook Pro - and the videos are being triggered from the same computer via a program called "Arkaos". My tech Jason runs the computer from just behind my riser.

Hi euphoric_anomaly

In an earlier post you mentioned that Scar was in 11/8. You said you subdivided it into (3/4 and 5/8). I was wondering how that would work? I can count it out subdivided as 3 bars of 3/8ths and 1 bar of 2/8ths, I guess that's just the way I feel comfortable counting it as.

With any 'odd' time signature you can count it (and write it) any way that you want. Usually I just find the easiest and most comfortable way for me - that's not to say that someone else might find it easier in another way for them.

Also, you said the chorus(es) of that song were in 4/4. Well I must say, it does ring true, but if you count it listening solely to the drums, there are rhythmic illusions all over the place. I'm guessing that's a good way to learn your illusion theories, or at least hear them in practice.

It's actually very easy when you think of it as this - the main snare hits in the first bar are on 2 & 4 and then in the second bar it's on beat 3. The ride or hi hat pattern is the illusionary thing.

Hi ItalianRicky

With your longboards, which beater do you use?Advices for setting this pedal in the better possible way?

I use the Axis Marksman beaters. I have them set back away from the head more than the default settings - and I have the springs on reasonably tight too.

Hi linus

I am looking forward to your new drum dvd "rhythmic designs". Sounds difficult but very interresting....

thanks - we believe it will released in January.

cheers
Gavin

[steste50]

Hello Gavin,

1st and foremost thx for your past suggestions about recording gear: i got a nice "microstudio" now that works fine :D

2 questions:

1. Got this video from Antonio Sanchez that says that you can't rely too much on rebound with the sticks because if u move from snare to a floor tom (that's supposed to have much less rebound, or rather in a rock low pitched set) u get a totally different "touch", so he learnt to do the job with his hands. That's so true.... What's your approach?
2. I hear sometimes your bounce rolls with your left hand are in time (typically 4 single handed stroke rolls.. see Jojo Meyer sometimes... ). Is that planned or just a coincidence? (maybe that's a stupid question?... :))) )

Thx and ciao

[Liquid_Drummer]

Hello Gavin,

Wanted to ask you about the drum sound on Sleep Together. Really huge and almost Bohnam-ish if you will in both feel and sound at least to my ears. I am listening to the DVD-Audio version at 24bit/48khz 6 channel and the lows are just massive on my Marantz/bose setup. How did you achieve this sound ? Is compression the key ?

Would you happen to know if Steve Wilson has suggested speaker placement for listening to Pt in Hi-res surround ? I have read lots of conflicting suggestions on speaker placement. The PT' material sounds so good I plan to use is as reference material when calibrating my home theater. Believe it or not lots of people in the high end Audio forums suggest using PT to calibrate both stereo and surround to the newbies.

Congrats on The Incident. That album makes quite a statement and is the only album I have been able to listen to from start to finish without hitting the skip button at least once in a long time. Your playing on the album is very tasty and the way you are able to play such complex things while always remaining supportive, and never over bearing unless appropriate makes the whole experience one great musical meal. Hard work pays off eh ?

Cheers,

[SantiBanks]

Hello Gavin,

Wanted to ask you about the drum sound on Sleep Together. Really huge and almost Bohnam-ish if you will in both feel and sound at least to my ears. I am listening to the DVD-Audio version at 24bit/48khz 6 channel and the lows are just massive on my Marantz/bose setup. How did you achieve this sound ? Is compression the key ?

Would you happen to know if Steve Wilson has suggested speaker placement for listening to Pt in Hi-res surround ? I have read lots of conflicting suggestions on speaker placement. The PT' material sounds so good I plan to use is as reference material when calibrating my home theater. Believe it or not lots of people in the high end Audio forums suggest using PT to calibrate both stereo and surround to the newbies.


I agree with your comments. Everything steven wilson mixed is good for reference. He really understands how surround works and the results you can achieve with it.
I think that the general guidelines for setting up surround would work well for PT.
For setting up your set (calibrating that is); Blue Sky released a free set of calibration samples.
http://www.abluesky.com/asp/catalogue/catalogue.asp?linkid=143

As reference is concerned, you can't go wrong with this music.

Gavin's kickdrum sound is one of the best I heared in my life. There is so much energy in it, but it sounds very controlled (my sub doesnt boom it, nor does my room/house resonate), punchy and clear. It has the same energy and presence I hear during the live shows. I remember my first PT show. The first thing they played was FOABP (when it was still work in progress, cheating the polygraph was still in the running order at that time). That first kickdrum hit blew me away. I knew this guy was going to be good…

Btw, just got my copy of King Crimson's "In the court of the Crimson King". Done by Steven. Wonderful and highly recommended! (but be sure to check if you have a version with a surround mix)

@Gavin,
Thanks for the Arkaos link! Couldn't find it (as I'm looking for something like that to use at our shows). Are you guys using the Arkaos VJ Midi version?

[jake_larson]

Hey Gavin, do you have a large library of drum instructional books and dvds?

[junglelord]

Hi Gavin.
I had the pleasure of seeing you in person only once, at the Montreal Drumfest in 06.
Needless to say, I loved it.

I just wanted to say that the song, Open Car, is my favorite song, and hits me on many levels. Its really great for a song, created by other people, to touch other lives in such a layered and powerful way. The song, Open Car, just makes me feel so many different emotions, both as a player and as a listener. Its beautiful in many ways.

For myself, Rush, and your band, seem to "fit" into my life in so many syncronis ways, that it feels like the universe is so very connected.
I just love your playing and Neils.

I hope you know, your loved by many players.
I know you do, and it never goes to your head.
God Bless you and the band and all the family members.
Merry Christmas Gavin.
Much Love
Dean

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi steste50

1. Got this video from Antonio Sanchez that says that you can't rely too much on rebound with the sticks because if u move from snare to a floor tom (that's supposed to have much less rebound, or rather in a rock low pitched set) u get a totally different "touch", so he learnt to do the job with his hands. That's so true.... What's your approach?

I used to practise on my bed with a practise pad for my snare drum and pillows for toms - so that really made me work on different rebounds. Double stroke rolls on a pillow is quite a good work out.

2. I hear sometimes your bounce rolls with your left hand are in time (typically 4 single handed stroke rolls.. see Jojo Meyer sometimes... ). Is that planned or just a coincidence?

Yes that's planned.

Hi Liquid_Drummer

Wanted to ask you about the drum sound on Sleep Together. Really huge and almost Bohnam-ish if you will in both feel and sound at least to my ears. I am listening to the DVD-Audio version at 24bit/48khz 6 channel and the lows are just massive on my Marantz/bose setup. How did you achieve this sound ? Is compression the key ?

Careful recording I would say. I used 90% of my big live room sound on that track. Yes there's some compression going on but not much. The bass drum has an extra sample on it too. I tried to not hit the crash cymbals too hard because they really explode in a live room sound.

Would you happen to know if Steve Wilson has suggested speaker placement for listening to Pt in Hi-res surround ?

I've no idea.

Hi SantiBanks

Are you guys using the Arkaos VJ Midi version?

Yes we are. You assign a video to a note on the virtual keyboard in Arkaos - and then in the Logic song you send it the same midi note that lasts the length of the song (connecting via a 3rd party plug in called "Rewire") and it triggers the film.

Hi jake_larson

do you have a large library of drum instructional books and dvds?

Yes I do.

cheers
Gavin

[NeuroAxis]

Hi Gavin,

I have a question about feet technique. I've been playing drums (mostly pads) for about 5-6 years now, and I never really felt secure whilst playing with my feet. I am not saying that I don't have problems with my hand technique, but at least I have a feeling of a secure and relaxed motion. I use DW-7000 double bass pedal, I used to play only heel up, now I play heel down in certain situations (and i practice mostly heel down at home). I sit behind (not on top of) my drums, my feet are parallel to the floor when i'm sitting and my feet are a little bit further away from the middle of the pedal board when i play heel up (towards the bass drum). My question for you is: How can I improve my feet technique? How can I achieve a more secure kick (and a double kick)? How can I achieve a more swift,relaxed and continuous motion (speed)?

Sorry for the quantity of the text, I just thought I should list all of the factors.
I've heard new PT , great playing as always, I still hate you for not showing up in Serbia :P. Thank you in advance for the answer!

I've been playing metal with a lot of double bass for a long time, so I think I can lend some advice on this.

An exercise I picked up from a good friend of mine has helped me a lot over the last few years. Basically, you set a metronome to quite a slow pace, play straight double bass sixteenths for 20 mins. Then you set it to something mid-paced and do the same thing. Finally, you set it at a fast pace and do another 20 mins. The idea is to push your threshhold on either side (the slow pace should get slower every day, and the mid and fast pace should get faster every day).

Another thing that helped me a lot was to adapt one of JoJo Mayer's hand speed workouts to the feet. You set a metronome at around 100 BPM, play 16ths to a hundred count and then increase the BPM by 5 and repeat. Keep going until your leg muscles are screaming at you. This is really good for speed and endurance.

As far as technique, it's good to experiment with heel-up and heel-down. At a certain speed you have to play heel-down if you don't want to tear up your leg muscles, and I have found that there are a lot of parallels between using rebound when playing with the sticks and playing heel-down; using a kind of flick of the ankle allows you to use the rebound off of the kick head and to let the pedal do the most work for you.

Hope this helps...

[Marcos]

Hi Gavin!

First I want to said that I really like the way that you play the drums. It‘s very creative and a great source of inspiration for me and other drumers.

Could you share your drum setup configuration that you actually use?

Is the same setup with PT and 05Ric?

I know that it‘s a Sonor SQ2, thin shells on rack toms, medium on flor toms and heavy on bass drum, is it correct?

But what is the wood (maple, birch or beech) and tom sizes?

Thanks Gavin...

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi Marcos

Could you share your drum setup configuration that you actually use?

this is probably the most up to date and accurate list of all my equipment
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gavin_Harrison

Is the same setup with PT and 05Ric?

Yes it is.

I know that it‘s a Sonor SQ2, thin shells on rack toms, medium on floor toms and heavy on bass drum, is it correct? But what is the wood (maple, birch or beech)

The shells are maple apart from the snare drums which are birch.

cheers
Gavin

[joepeng]

hi gavin,
how are you?
nice talking to you,i attended the concert in the palladium in cologne.and i wanted to know what you think about people that do drugs at pt concerts.there were people right behind me that were smoking joints.i wasn´t happy with that at all.

greetings from germany

joe

[D-a-n-i-e-l]

Same in Vienna.....very annoying!

[Gavin Harrison]

Yes I find that really annoying. It's very distracting and hard to play the drums whilst folks are blowing smoke over you - especially some kind of weed.

Cheers
Gavin

[Joethebeat]

Hi Gavin,

are you planning to come to Frankfurt music fair again sometime like you did in 2007?

[JT1]

Hi Gavin i just wanted to say that i thoroughly enjoyed your performance last night in Newcastle and thank you for coming here, you'd be surprised how many bands forget about our Town. It was a fantastic show and i was in awe, also thanks for playing Bonnie the Cat!

[huXler]

Hey Gavin!

I wanted to ask you something about "Futile":
Could you explain the part when you go the China, in the beginning of the song. I've always tried to just play along, but I always get lost.

And the fill in Slippin' Away at about 2:15, or that you are doing live sometimes.
Am I right, that it consists of a kind of flam on a tom with the right hand, one stroke on the snare with the left, and then RRLL ghost notes?
I hope it's not too confusing!

Cheers
huXler

[Gus]

I wanted to ask you something about "Futile":
Could you explain the part when you go the China, in the beginning of the song. I've always tried to just play along, but I always get lost.


Hi HuXler

Search for thread 2488, maybe is the part you´re looking for.

Regards
Gustavo

[huXler]

Oops, you're right. Found it! Thanks! :D

[joepeng]

Hi gavin,it´s me again.
if you have the time would you comment my 2 videos that i uploaded on youtube for a contest in germany.
One´s a playalong ,the other one a solo.I know it´s a little "egging" around.
:)
What do you say?Here are the links:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhpzCPWSO00 playalong,I´m looking a bit concentrated there,chewing my lips.:)
http://www.youtube.com/user/bighelp007#p/a/u/0/yEHe6KACU0c solo

Thanks for your drumming,and sharing your thoughts at drummerworld.


greetings
joe

[Phil Brodermann]

Hi Gavin, can you tell us the details of your designer kit; shells, sizes etc.? Sounded very nice at drummer live.

Also, when using 14" and 16" floor toms, which depths do you prefer and why? 14"x12"/14"x14" and 16"x14"/16"x16"

Thanks a lot :)

[K.Howden]

Not sure if it's been posted here before but I've found an interview with Gavin, pretty recently this year in Italy (I think): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkIhlaiZb3w

Enjoy!

Kev

[MaidenFanSte]

Not sure if it's been posted here before but I've found an interview with Gavin, pretty recently this year in Italy (I think): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkIhlaiZb3w

Enjoy!

Kev

Not seen that, cheers.

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi Joethebeat

are you planning to come to Frankfurt music fair again sometime like you did in 2007?

No plans for that this year.

Hi huXler

And the fill in Slippin' Away at about 2:15, or that you are doing live sometimes.
Am I right, that it consists of a kind of flam on a tom with the right hand, one stroke on the snare with the left, and then RRLL ghost notes?

I think it's a double on the bass drum followed by a flam (on the tom and snare) and then RRL on the snare.

Hi joepeng

if you have the time would you comment my 2 videos that i uploaded on youtube for a contest in germany.

I'm sorry but I don't comment on video/audio performances.

Hi Phil Brodermann

Hi Gavin, can you tell us the details of your designer kit; shells, sizes etc.? Sounded very nice at drummer live.

That kit is 8x8 10x8 12x9 14x11 16x13 22x16 all 6ply maple shell no internal wood rings.

Also, when using 14" and 16" floor toms, which depths do you prefer and why? 14"x12"/14"x14" and 16"x14"/16"x16"

Actually I really like to use 15x13 and 16x14 - that's what I'm using now on my SQ2 with Porcupine Tree. There's something about a 15" floor tom that I really like.

cheers
Gavin

[MaidenFanSte]

Hi huXler

And the fill in Slippin' Away at about 2:15, or that you are doing live sometimes.
Am I right, that it consists of a kind of flam on a tom with the right hand, one stroke on the snare with the left, and then RRLL ghost notes?

I think it's a double on the bass drum followed by a flam (on the tom and snare) and then RRL on the snare.


Just had a listen and it's exactly that.
Double on the bass followed by a Blushda.....love it!

[Kalma]

Hey Gavin,

why don't you comment videos/mp3's?

Do you think your words would hurt people to much?

(Maybe People will get inspired and motivated through your words)

Thanks
David

[Swiss Matthias]

I'd rather say that would end up in an endless series of countless videos for Gavin to comment on. I think I wouldn't start it either if I were him ;).

[Bernhard]

Hey Gavin,

why don't you comment videos/mp3's?

Do you think your words would hurt people to much?

(Maybe People will get inspired and motivated through your words)

Thanks
David


Gavin is the absolute top worldclass drummer - we all are so happy and proud to have him on board - always ready to give advise and good tips and giving away his secrets for free.

For sure he has no time and doesn't want to open such a can of worms.

Bernhard

[Fox622003]

For sure he has no time and doesn't want to open such a can of worms.

Yeah. Just think about it, Kalma, he does get tons of requests to check out performances, and even if he did check them out, his opinion would spawn another couple of questions from that person. Also, I have no doubt Gavin would know what most of us could work on if he saw a video of us playing, but it takes quite some time to actually sit down and write personalized tips and suggestions like a teacher would for every person out there that shows him a vid. It's already great that he is here answering questions almost daily, and they are quite personalized even. That's my take on it.


Fox.

[MaidenFanSte]

Yeah. Just think about it, Kalma, he does get tons of requests to check out performances, and even if he did check them out, his opinion would spawn another couple of questions from that person. Also, I have no doubt Gavin would know what most of us could work on if he saw a video of us playing, but it takes quite some time to actually sit down and write personalized tips and suggestions like a teacher would for every person out there that shows him a vid. It's already great that he is here answering questions almost daily, and they are quite personalized even. That's my take on it.


Fox.

Exactly!
That's the kind of time and effort you pay a drum teacher for.
We're seriously lucky to get the advice we do from Gavin.

It's much appreciated!

[Gavin Harrison]

Guys,
I do get a lot of requests via private messages and MySpace from people asking me to listen to their tracks and then give them my opinion. I don't really have the time or energy to do that - plus I really don't want to be put in that position where I'm going to have to criticize/comment on someone's performance and potentially upset them in the process.

I have done it in the past - and it's usually bitten me in the arse.

cheers
Gavin

[MaidenFanSte]

Guys,
I do get a lot of requests via private messages and MySpace from people asking me to listen to their tracks and then give them my opinion. I don't really have the time or energy to do that - plus I really don't want to be put in that position where I'm going to have to criticize/comment on someone's performance and potentially upset them in the process.

I have done it in the past - and it's usually bitten me in the arse.

cheers
Gavin

Don't blame you for not commenting.

[joepeng]

Guys,
I do get a lot of requests via private messages and MySpace from people asking me to listen to their tracks and then give them my opinion. I don't really have the time or energy to do that - plus I really don't want to be put in that position where I'm going to have to criticize/comment on someone's performance and potentially upset them in the process.

I have done it in the past - and it's usually bitten me in the arse.

cheers
Gavin

Thats really no problem,i fully understand that.People get upset easily i think.If you said something negative about their performance.
Plus i guess you have a ot of other things to do ,than watching us play.


It´s awesome to talk to someone who is able to make a living out of drumming.


greets Joe

[Swiss Matthias]

Gavin - concerning developing a good sense of time and tightness:

You already described your recommended method of recording oneself and listening back maybe even slowed down.

I have a question: Since playing to a recording or a click, or all by oneself for that matter, and playing with a band (or even with just one more musician) are two totally different pair of shoes - do you have any thoughts on that? Would you say the recording efforts in the practice room do sharpen one's ears sufficiently so when playing together with other people timing nuances will be heard much more easily?

There are situations the whole band makes some short slight change in tempo (not on purpose), and the only way (I can think of) to realize that while playing would be to hear my own playing so accurately I can hear MY speeding up. Is that right?

Hope I make sense. Maybe you can share some of your experience on that.

[DTrocks]

Any news regarding the new PT-dvd?

Thanks in advance!

[Progdrummer160]

Hey mr. Harrison,

How long does it take bevore you change your heads, especially for your snare drum?

Thanks,

Frank

[TKIE]

Hi!
I'm big fan of everything what you do and I'm glad that I found a way, how to ask you for something:
I want to ask you about time and groove (I think they're one of most important "abilities", which must good drummer have). I've solve these "problems" a long time ago and I have a lot of questions since now and I read somewhere that you're working on them still now (so I will be excited, if you share your way to develop them). There are some questions:
Do you practise with and without metronome and counting throught it? If yes, do you do a similar work as do (among other) Benny Greb - like counting eight notes off beats, the second and fourth sixteenths etc. (or click on off beats), or do you count shortest / longest (quarter notes or even longer) subdivisions and practise to the lowest tempos? There are opinions to have time "in voice" - by counting (or if you like - singing) or using movements as a tool to have better sense of time (tapping with feet - mechanics which Billy Ward do a lot). And when you record yourself, are you slowing down your playing to lever out nuances - and then to work on weaks to be "absolutely perfect"?
Also I have question about groove? What's your aproach to playing in the pocket? And how you playing in front of/on/behind beat if you do it (If you do that, are you trying to laid back or play in front only with one instrument - for instance HiHat and Bass drum on and Snare Drum played before/after or whole groove? Last question is about breathing :-) - I heard somewhere that breathing (one bar/2 beats/etc. aspirate, second/... one expirate) can really help with playing nice, deep groove, are you sharing same opinion? If you wrote answers and maybe give us some more yours opinions, exercises,... then you'll give us a great present for a Christmas. - Hope you enjoyed them, and we're waiting for your Rhythmic Designs, which will be very great I think.

All the best!
TKIE

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi Swiss Matthias

concerning developing a good sense of time and tightness:
I have a question: Since playing to a recording or a click, or all by oneself for that matter, and playing with a band (or even with just one more musician) are two totally different pair of shoes - do you have any thoughts on that? Would you say the recording efforts in the practice room do sharpen one's ears sufficiently so when playing together with other people timing nuances will be heard much more easily?

Sharpening your ears is something that happens the more you focus on timing issues and spend more time practising timing things. You can get to a point where almost everything sounds 'out' of time to you...and can really annoy you. But the better your ears are at hearing timing issues - the better your chances are of correcting them.

The first thing to except is that nobody has perfect time. We're all 'out' of time to certain degrees. It just depends how wide your 'window of acceptability' (WOA) is. Some musicians I've played with feel like their timing is fine - when to my ears it's sounded out. Maybe I have a smaller WOA than them. Making a nice feeling with your time is a listening matter. If it sounds good/steady/grooving to your ears then that's all you can hope to achieve. You might listen back to something a few years later (when your ears are better) and then decide that it wasn't feeling that good after all.
Yes playing to a click is different to playing without one...and playing with other musicians is an organic thing that can be good or bad - and never quite the same every time you play.
I try to really relax and listen. I know what it's meant to sound and feel like when it's grooving and everyone's smiling.

Hi DTrocks

Any news regarding the new PT-dvd?

we're working on it right now.

HI Progdrummer160

How long does it take before you change your heads, especially for your snare drum?

It depends. When I'm on tour with Porcupine Tree I change the top snare head every two shows. It's pretty much destroyed after two shows - and when I take it off it has a huge crater in the middle of it. It's a Remo C.S. When I'm at home playing in my studio it really depends how long and how hard I play on it for me to feel like it's time to change it.

Hi TKIE

Do you practise with and without metronome and counting throught it?

No I never count. I do sometimes practise with the click playing in offbeat positions...and polyrhythmic positions.

There are opinions to have time "in voice" - by counting (or if you like - singing) or using movements as a tool to have better sense of time (tapping with feet - mechanics which Billy Ward do a lot). And when you record yourself, are you slowing down your playing to lever out nuances - and then to work on weaks to be "absolutely perfect"?

I'm aware of Billy's methods and I've been grunting and ticking my teeth in certain subdivisions for many years. Tapping my feet (especially my left heal I find helpful). Slowing down the recordings just shows you the errors like an audio microscope.

Also I have question about groove? What's your aproach to playing in the pocket? And how you playing in front of/on/behind beat if you do it (If you do that, are you trying to laid back or play in front only with one instrument - for instance HiHat and Bass drum on and Snare Drum played before/after or whole groove?

I tried for many years to play 'laid back' - it was a sound that I'd heard Steve Gadd and Jeff Porcaro do on many records and I wanted that 'sound to my timing'. Now I do it all the time - and it's quite hard for me to not do it and play in a different position. I don't delay one element - it's everything together (even though I'm more aware of the snare drum placement overall). It's a very personal kind of DNA thing (that why I never ended up sounding like Gadd or Porcaro). No two musicians play their time in exactly the same way. The way that you play your time becomes part of your sound and recognisable to the listener (if they are familiar with your playing). I can hear Steve or Jeff by the way they play their time. It's very obvious in swing time too.

Last question is about breathing :-) - I heard somewhere that breathing (one bar/2 beats/etc. aspirate, second/... one expirate) can really help with playing nice, deep groove, are you sharing same opinion?

I don't think I've ever tried to breathe in this way - what would you do at different tempos?

cheers
Gavin

[Fox622003]

Hey Gavin, I wanted to ask about the live middle fill for Lazarus (the one after the drums stop and start again, from the Arriving Somewhere DVD) it's similar to the studio one, but not the same. It goes like this, right?

http://img97.imageshack.us/img97/4977/clipboard02cr.jpg
(and those first notes are ghost notes, and the doubles, sort of multiple-bouncy-grace-notes, but it's hard to get that down with Guitar Pro)

And I know those 32nd notes are supposed to be started with your left foot, but since there's no bass drum after the three notes, and because I find it more comfortable to start them with my right foot, is there any disadvantage to that? How do you start them?

Alright, thanks Gavin, your answers are great!


Fox.

[Random Name 123]

Gavin,

- Can I become a great drummer within a week?

- What shoes are best for walking onstage up to the drum kit?

- Should I use deodorant on my head to stop it sweating?

- Will my breakfast affect my playing?

- Will your breakfast affect my playing?

Thanks.

--

Now I know there are a lot of yanks here who won't sense the tongue in my cheek, so I'd better let you know I'm just messing about.

[Swiss Matthias]

Hi Swiss Matthias

concerning developing a good sense of time and tightness:
I have a question: Since playing to a recording or a click, or all by oneself for that matter, and playing with a band (or even with just one more musician) are two totally different pair of shoes - do you have any thoughts on that? Would you say the recording efforts in the practice room do sharpen one's ears sufficiently so when playing together with other people timing nuances will be heard much more easily?

Sharpening your ears is something that happens the more you focus on timing issues and spend more time practising timing things. You can get to a point where almost everything sounds 'out' of time to you...and can really annoy you. But the better your ears are at hearing timing issues - the better your chances are of correcting them.

The first thing to except is that nobody has perfect time. We're all 'out' of time to certain degrees. It just depends how wide your 'window of acceptability' (WOA) is. Some musicians I've played with feel like their timing is fine - when to my ears it's sounded out. Maybe I have a smaller WOA than them. Making a nice feeling with your time is a listening matter. If it sounds good/steady/grooving to your ears then that's all you can hope to achieve. You might listen back to something a few years later (when your ears are better) and then decide that it wasn't feeling that good after all.
Yes playing to a click is different to playing without one...and playing with other musicians is an organic thing that can be good or bad - and never quite the same every time you play.
I try to really relax and listen. I know what it's meant to sound and feel like when it's grooving and everyone's smiling.
Thank you Gavin for taking your time and giving me/us some great insight on that and sharing your honest thoughts.
I've actually been to the point were virtually everything sounds 'out of time'.
And the organic experience of playing with other musicians is the greatest challenge, the hardest thing and sometimes the easiest. And as you say, rarely the same every time I play. I'm always on my way I feel though, and I'll always be, as we all do probably.
Some musicians I've played with feel like their timing is fine - when to my ears it's sounded out. Maybe I have a smaller WOA than them.
Either that, or different musicians perceive groove and time differently, and their bodies and ears respond to and like different kinds of feels?

[nolonx]

HI Progdrummer160

How long does it take before you change your heads, especially for your snare drum?

It depends. When I'm on tour with Porcupine Tree I change the top snare head every two shows. It's pretty much destroyed after two shows - and when I take it off it has a huge crater in the middle of it. It's a Remo C.S.


This is how it looks like :)

http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/5113/gavindrumhead.th.jpg (http://img692.imageshack.us/i/gavindrumhead.jpg/)

[Progdrummer160]

That's a nice drumhead, it was from Gavin, right?.

Though I am surprised to see some dents in it? :O

[nolonx]

Yep, I bought it at a gig. It's signed by all PT members (the signature you see should be Gavin's one. Correct me if I'm wrong Gavin).

I thought it would be nice to show the "huge crater" Gavin was talking about :)

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi Fox622003

I wanted to ask about the live middle fill for Lazarus (the one after the drums stop and start again, from the Arriving Somewhere DVD) it's similar to the studio one, but not the same. It goes like this, right?

I don't know as I don't have the disc with me. But I'm sure in this bar that there's only two beats on the bass drum - the third beat is always a floor tom.

And I know those 32nd notes are supposed to be started with your left foot, but since there's no bass drum after the three notes, and because I find it more comfortable to start them with my right foot, is there any disadvantage to that? How do you start them?

I always start with the right foot.

Hi nolonx

It's signed by all PT members (the signature you see should be Gavin's one. Correct me if I'm wrong Gavin).

Yes that's right...and that's what the head looks like after two PT shows.

cheers
Gavin (in India)

[Phil Brodermann]

Hi Gavin, how is India? I have a question about 'un-necessary' movements. You said that you find tapping your left heel helps with your time. I also used to do this, but I had a lesson a few weeks ago, and my teacher told me to stop any 'un-necessary' movements, including my left foot tapping, what's your opinion on this?

At times, you feel a lot more balanced, relaxed and controlled, at other times your focus is on stopping the movement, not on your playing.

Thanks a lot for your time, Phil

[joepeng]

Hi Gavin,

how are things going?
I got a question concerning "Start of Something Beautiful" on the Arriving Somewhere Dvd.
On youtube its 4:36 to 4:40.This fill is roaming around in my head all the time.But i don´t exactly know how its played.Are those Six Stroke Rolls that youre playing? Starting on your second tom?And are there any bassdrums in between?

Thanks for your answer,you would help me get to sleep again.lol


greets joe

[Fox622003]

Hi Gavin, how is India? I have a question about 'un-necessary' movements. You said that you find tapping your left heel helps with your time. I also used to do this, but I had a lesson a few weeks ago, and my teacher told me to stop any 'un-necessary' movements, including my left foot tapping, what's your opinion on this?

At times, you feel a lot more balanced, relaxed and controlled, at other times your focus is on stopping the movement, not on your playing.

Thanks a lot for your time, Phil


As I say everytime I try to answer to someone on this thread: I know you want Gavin's opinion, but I'll tell you what I realised after my last question.
I told Gavin "Hey, it's way easier, feels more comfortable, and sounds better if I start this with my right foot, but technically, I'd have to start it with my left foot." He just told me he always started with his right foot, and it's obvious why. It's better, period. I think the same for this tapping thing, some teachers are obsessed with perfect posture and the such, but in my opinion, as long as you're not injuring yourself, your sound's good (and you aren't making any extra noises with your tapping either) and it helps you to execute a passage better, there shouldn't even be a debate about it. There are some things that just don't look nice, like Multiple Bounce Rolls with the fingers you're not using spread off your hands, or other similar stuff, but that's also in your taste, even though there's a way of doing it that's usually more accepted. But again, on this tapping thing, it should be all about what let's you play something better.


Fox.

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi Phil Brodermann

I have a question about 'un-necessary' movements. You said that you find tapping your left heel helps with your time. I also used to do this, but I had a lesson a few weeks ago, and my teacher told me to stop any 'un-necessary' movements, including my left foot tapping, what's your opinion on this?

I'm not sure why your teacher has told you this. There maybe a reason - I don't know because I haven't seen you play. Personally I like to do it because I feel it can help me keep in time a little easier. It's true that on some stages it can make an un-necessary banging sound.

Hi joepeng

I got a question concerning "Start of Something Beautiful" on the Arriving Somewhere Dvd.
On youtube its 4:36 to 4:40.This fill is roaming around in my head all the time.But i don´t exactly know how its played.Are those Six Stroke Rolls that youre playing? Starting on your second tom?And are there any bassdrums in between?

It's triplets grouped into fives (or at least the beginning of it is) with this sticking RLRRL and there's no bass drum notes in there.

cheers
Gavin

[Gus]

Hi Gavin,

Now that you´re in India (have a good time...;-) ), may i ask you about your view on Indian drummers/percussionists?.

I always found them exciting musicians. Mostly i know those who worked with John McLaughlin: The mighty Zakir Hussain, Trilok Gurtu, or Ranjit Barot who plays on JML last cd 'Floating Point'... Also you worked in Dizrhythmia with Pandit Dinesh...

Thanks in advance

Gustavo

[marin]

hello gavin, hope you're enjoying in india

i have a question, tough.
do you play live performances with metronome due to samples and electronic stuff in porcupine tree's music? in your opinion, is it required for a drummer to play with metronome in that kind of situations?

again, if my english stinks or if this question was already asked, i apologize.

happy holidays & greetings from croatia. i hope to see you guys here soon

[Sol Good]

Hi Phil Brodermann

I have a question about 'un-necessary' movements. You said that you find tapping your left heel helps with your time. I also used to do this, but I had a lesson a few weeks ago, and my teacher told me to stop any 'un-necessary' movements, including my left foot tapping, what's your opinion on this?

I'm not sure why your teacher has told you this. There maybe a reason - I don't know because I haven't seen you play. Personally I like to do it because I feel it can help me keep in time a little easier. It's true that on some stages it can make an un-necessary banging sound.

cheers
Gavin

Brings up an interesting point that Jonathan Mover made in a recent interview (with Jeff Sipe) in his magazine. He talked about not wanting one limb (ie. left foot) to 'anchor' his time, and that he wanted his time to be completely internal, if that makes sense. I am way too dependent on my left foot to anchor the time at certain tempos - trying to get to the point where left-foot tapping is not a habit but a deliberate choice to affect the sound. Phil - perhaps that's what your teacher meant by 'unnecessary movement'.

[ahector]

Brings up an interesting point that Jonathan Mover made in a recent interview (with Jeff Sipe) in his magazine. He talked about not wanting one limb (ie. left foot) to 'anchor' his time, and that he wanted his time to be completely internal, if that makes sense. I am way too dependent on my left foot to anchor the time at certain tempos - trying to get to the point where left-foot tapping is not a habit but a deliberate choice to affect the sound. Phil - perhaps that's what your teacher meant by 'unnecessary movement'.

Yes, I think this is a great point. I just started working with a teacher, and he has been encouraging me to stop all 'unnecessary movement' as well. I have a habit of subdividing 16ths with my left leg (I kind of shake it all over the place, it's weird), moving my head and all of that.

He wants me to try to play without relying on that stuff. Most great drummers make all sorts of weird movements with their bodies, so I think eventually it's fine to just let loose and let your body do what it does. But right now for me, I'm trying to develop good internal time without having to rely on my left foot or other motions.

Ask your teacher to clarify what he is trying to accomplish by asking you to stop those movements.

[Progdrummer160]

again, if my english stinks or if this question was already asked, i apologize.


Check http://www.askgavinharrison.com/ to see if a question is asked already. :D

[KirkDS]

Hi Gavin - Just wanted to check in (I last posted here a couple of years ago) and say that I continue to love your playing with PT and Blackfield. Still need to get the 05Ric CDs. Your playing is quite inspirational in ways that are different from most other great drummers....can't put my finger on it, but your style resonates with me.

Big fan, hope to see you in Minneapolis, MN!

Kirk

[jado]

Dear all,

Perhaps you may help me: I've noticed that Gavin uses some device positioned to the left of hi hi-hat that closes very tightly the cymbals, do you know what piece of equipment is this? Who manufactures it?

All help is welcomed!

All the best from Caracas, Venezuela! Happy holidays!

[jado]

Cobra Clucth! Just found it!

[jez-]

Hi Gavin!

I looked through the list of your album appearances on your homepage, and I found this:

Eros Ramazzotti 1995 "Più bella cosa" Live

Which CD or album is this exactly? Could you point me in the right direction?

All I could find is this:

http://www.discogs.com/Eros-Ramazzotti-Pi%C3%B9-Bella-Cosa/master/88657

[Gus]

Hi Jado

I think Gavin´s drop-lock hi-hat is this, and is made by DW.

hope that helps.

Saludos para Venezuela, amigo!

Gustavo

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi Gus

Now that you´re in India (have a good time...;-) ), may i ask you about your view on Indian drummers/percussionists?.I always found them exciting musicians. Mostly i know those who worked with John McLaughlin: The mighty Zakir Hussain, Trilok Gurtu, or Ranjit Barot who plays on JML last cd 'Floating Point'... Also you worked in Dizrhythmia with Pandit Dinesh...

I had a great time in India and I got to spend a day with my friend Pandit Dinesh who is an amazing percussionist. I've enjoyed listening to Trilok Gurtu many times - an unbelievable approach to playing drums and percussion together. I haven't heard Ranjit Barot yet. Zakir Hussain is of course someone every drummer should hear.

Hi marin

do you play live performances with metronome due to samples and electronic stuff in porcupine tree's music? in your opinion, is it required for a drummer to play with metronome in that kind of situations?

Yes sometimes there are samples and electronic stuff we use live and that requires us to play to a click - but mostly it's so the film that is projected behind us is perfectly in synch with the music we're playing. In that situation - yes it's required to play live to a click.

I've recently become curious what it would be like to work with a 'pulsating metronome' and I'm going to try out one of these...

http://www.petersontuners.com/index.cfm?category=159

...I'll let you know what happens.

Hi jez-

Eros Ramazzotti 1995 "Più bella cosa" Live
Which CD or album is this exactly? Could you point me in the right direction?
http://www.discogs.com/Eros-Ramazzot...a/master/88657

yes it's a couple of tracks on a live ep. Looks like you've found it already.

Hi Gus and jado

I use both the Tama Cobra Clutch (when I need tightly closed hi hat) and the DW drop clutch for semi-loose hi hat - so I can of course put my left foot on the double pedal.

cheers
Gavin

[SantiBanks]

I've recently become curious what it would be like to work with a 'pulsating metronome' and I'm going to try out one of these...

http://www.petersontuners.com/index.cfm?category=159

...I'll let you know what happens.

cheers
Gavin

Hi Gavin,
Interesting device! Im curious to hear your findings. What do you think is the main advantage of feeling the vibration of this device instead of a click track in the ear?

Cheers,
Santi

[cantstandyourfunk]

Hi there Gavin,
Nice to know that you had a good time in India; I missed the show because I had a gig myself, really wanted to catch PT.
Maybe next time :)

Regards,

Arka

[NeuroAxis]

Hi Gavin,
Interesting device! Im curious to hear your findings. What do you think is the main advantage of feeling the vibration of this device instead of a click track in the ear?

Cheers,
Santi

I can definitely see how it would be easier on your hearing. I play in a few bands that use backing tracks and originally I thought I was protecting my hearing by using isolation monitors but now I wonder if I am doing more damage by blasting thousands of digital beeps directly onto my eardrums every night.

I'll definitely need to look into this device as well...

[Fiery]

I can definitely see how it would be easier on your hearing. I play in a few bands that use backing tracks and originally I thought I was protecting my hearing by using isolation monitors but now I wonder if I am doing more damage by blasting thousands of digital beeps directly onto my eardrums every night.
I believe it all comes down to how loud you have your in-ears. Is projecting moderately loud click+monitoring directly to your eardrums worse than blasting very loud monitoring over very loud noise already on the stage from cabinets beside you?

[Fox622003]

I've recently become curious what it would be like to work with a 'pulsating metronome' and I'm going to try out one of these...

http://www.petersontuners.com/index.cfm?category=159

...I'll let you know what happens.


That looks great. Seems to have even more features than the Yamaha Clickstation, not to mention the Wireless stuff let's you easily set up a click for everybody in your band for rehearsing, or even live situations. I honestly prefer hearing the metronome, I even couldn't play as well when I tried the metronome on my right ear instead of my left one, but I've never actually played to a pulsating one, so I might be wrong, I'll be waiting for your review.
By the way, these look great and all, but they seem WAY expensive, specially if you have to get several for the whole band. Do you by chance have an estimate of how much they are going to cost?
Happy Holidays, and thanks.


Fox.

[DTrocks]

Hi DTrocks

Any news regarding the new PT-dvd?

we're working on it right now.


cheers
Gavin

cool! Got a release date yet? I'm really looking forward to this....Judging by the "way out of here" clip on pt's page it looks really promising!

[ItalianRicky]

merry christmas to you and your family Gavin!
bye!

[joepeng]

Hi Gavin,

first of all:Merry Christmas to you and your family.I just checked out the fill you told me.It´s feels awesome:)
I got a serious question:
if you have a girlfriend or wife(i don´t know if you do),how is it possible to keep up relationships for you as a musician?With all that travelling and let´s say "unsteady" lifestyle,what is your approach?

Greets from Germany

joe

[henri]

hi Gavin,

please can you tell us something about your set of 5...
chimes? accent?
it sounds great.
looking for one or two like that, but...

have a nice day

Hi

[Sol Good]

hi Gavin,

please can you tell us something about your set of 5...
chimes? accent?
it sounds great.
looking for one or two like that, but...

Hi

http://www.askgavinharrison.com/articles/152-What-are-the-little-splashes-to-your-left-bells-

[henri]

thanks a lot, sol good :)

[MaidenFanSte]

cool! Got a release date yet? I'm really looking forward to this....Judging by the "way out of here" clip on pt's page it looks really promising!

Glad I read your post. Just had a look and that's amazing!
Can't wait!

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi SantiBanks

Interesting device! Im curious to hear your findings. What do you think is the main advantage of feeling the vibration of this device instead of a click track in the ear?

I think you've answered the question with your question. I'm sure most of us would rather not have a barking loud click in our ears.

Hi Fox622003

By the way, these look great and all, but they seem WAY expensive, specially if you have to get several for the whole band. Do you by chance have an estimate of how much they are going to cost?

I couldn't find any info about the price.

Hi DTrocks

cool! Got a release date yet?

no not yet but I'm guessing around April.

Hi joepeng

if you have a girlfriend or wife(i don´t know if you do),how is it possible to keep up relationships for you as a musician?With all that travelling and let´s say "unsteady" lifestyle,what is your approach?

my partner is very understanding and she was in a similar business to the music industry.

cheers
Gavin

[Phil Brodermann]

Hi Gavin, I have a question about snare tuning.

I've looked on askgavinharrison.com and searched this thread but can't find what I'm looking for;

How do you tune the reso head compared to the batter on a;

12" snare?

13" snare?

and 14" snare?

Thanks a lot, Phil :)

[euphoric_anomaly]

Gavin,

Quick question about "Break". That light shuffling I hear between the snare and hi-hat -- especially in the intro (before vocals), are those 8th note double strokes or some kind of paradiddle? It's very light and quick but also very difficult to tell exactly what you're playing.

I've read in another thread on here that the verse of Unsettled is 7/16 + 5/16, wouldn't that be the same as 12/16th's? Or is it a bar of 7/16 followed by a bar of 5/16's?

Thanks and take care

Eric

[Heitor]

Hi Gavin!

Regarding the next PT dvd, is there a possibility of a blu-ray version? I always thought it would be the next logical step for the band, since you've been in touch with the lastest technologies for audio and video in your records and tours.

Have a great 2010 full of blessings, health and success for PT and all your future projects!
Oh, also: Come to South America in 2010!

See ya!
Heitor.

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi Phil Brodermann

I have a question about snare tuning.
How do you tune the reso head compared to the batter on a;
12" snare? 13" snare? and 14" snare?

I don't have a particular interval that I tune any of those drums to - but what I can tell you is that I tune the reso side quite a bit higher than the batter side.

Hi euphoric_anomaly

Quick question about "Break". That light shuffling I hear between the snare and hi-hat -- especially in the intro (before vocals), are those 8th note double strokes or some kind of paradiddle? It's very light and quick but also very difficult to tell exactly what you're playing.

I think maybe you're hearing the 32nds - basically they are inverted doubles - but it's all explained in high detail on the forthcoming "Rhythmic Designs" book/dvd.

I've read in another thread on here that the verse of Unsettled is 7/16 + 5/16, wouldn't that be the same as 12/16th's? Or is it a bar of 7/16 followed by a bar of 5/16's?

Yes it could be thought of as 12/16 or 3/4 or 6/8 but the intention is 7/16 followed by a bar of 5/16. All time signatures could be written in a number of ways - but they are there to help you get a grip on the way it's meant to be perceived. Of course the audience can't hear the bar lines - but the right bar lines in the right place can make something a lot easier to understand/read and play.

Hi Heitor

Regarding the next PT dvd, is there a possibility of a blu-ray version?

yes there is a good possibility this time. We're working on it.

cheers
Gavin

[SantiBanks]

Hi SantiBanks

Interesting device! Im curious to hear your findings. What do you think is the main advantage of feeling the vibration of this device instead of a click track in the ear?

I think you've answered the question with your question. I'm sure most of us would rather not have a barking loud click in our ears.
cheers
Gavin

I understand :) Do you have your click set very loud?

[drumbumhamza]

http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/2647/ptinht.jpg

Sorry for the delay. This article was printed a day after you left :).
Tonnes of typos and misinformation.
Let me know if you want a higher resolution pic.
I think you might be pleased to know that facebook is flooded with posts and comments on how awesome the show was.
Thanks for coming down :) and
*insert polyrhythmic drum roll here* Happy New Year

[SantiBanks]

Tonnes of typos and misinformation.


sorry to go a bit offtopic here, but there is a song on the list called "bread"? what's that about?

[shortsman]

Happy new year to everybody!!!
Gavin i hope you have another great musical year and write for us many great albums as you are used to!
As far as i know you and 05ric are preparing the new album right? When do you believe it will be available for us?

[drumbumhamza]

sorry to go a bit offtopic here, but there is a song on the list called "bread"? what's that about?

:P hehe thats included in the typos and misinformation bit
even i was scratching my head when i read that
i was pretty sure i knew the names of all pt songs and this was positively not one of them
any publicity is good publicity though :)
and this article took up the entire page

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi Santibanks

Do you have your click set very loud?

Loud enough that it's not that musical. I think I remember that you're not a drummer right?. The problem is that when playing rock drums - they produce so much volume in themselves - that you need the click relatively loud to hear it over all that drum volume. I'm sure no other band member would listen to it anywhere near as loud as the drummer would.

Hi drumbumhamza,
thanks for posting the article. Yes there are some funny mistakes in there. First we didn't make a 7 hour soundcheck - it was closer to 40 minutes - which is unusually long for us.
We didn't play the songs "Deadwing" or "Fear Of A Blank Planet" - but we did have a moment in the show where all the power went off for about 15 seconds in the middle of one of the songs. I think the "Bread" thing should have said "Break" - as that is when we go off stage for a couple of minutes.

Hi shortsman

As far as i know you and 05ric are preparing the new album right? When do you believe it will be available for us?

We've just starting thinking about writing our first new song together. It will be a long time before we're ready to record and release a new record...so please don't hold your breath!

Happy new year everyone.

Cheers
Gavin

[SantiBanks]

Hi Santibanks

Do you have your click set very loud?

Loud enough that it's not that musical. I think I remember that you're not a drummer right?. The problem is that when playing rock drums - they produce so much volume in themselves - that you need the click relatively loud to hear it over all that drum volume. I'm sure no other band member would listen to it anywhere near as loud as the drummer would.


That sounds pretty horrible to me. I;m on clicktrack but never need to have it loud as a keyboardplayer (its just for checking if it actually works).

Curious how the vibrating device would work. Please keep us updated here if you (or in general, anyone here) tried it.



We've just starting thinking about writing our first new song together. It will be a long time before we're ready to record and release a new record...so please don't hold your breath!

Cheers
Gavin
Holding the breath should be worth it :) Looking forward to it, whenever it may be released!

Thanks a lot for your time and all the best for the new year!
Santi

[marin]

cheers gavin

i would like to have your opinion on using electronic drums only for practice. i'm really into buying one only for practice because i don't have any space to practice on acoustic drums

thanks in advance for the answer
cheers

[Hurlza]

g'day gain, hope you had a great festive season and are ready to tackle australia! on you ned dvd designs, are you using the cymbal felts that you were designing a while ago? cheers Hurlza

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi marin

i would like to have your opinion on using electronic drums only for practice. i'm really into buying one only for practice because i don't have any space to practice on acoustic drums

Then I think it would be a good idea. I haven't spent anytime practising on electronic drums - but when I've played them in a live situation it was remarkable how different they were in sound and feel to the acoustic set. But its better to practise on them than not to practise at all.

Hi Hurlza

on you ned dvd designs, are you using the cymbal felts that you were designing a while ago? cheers Hurlza

yes i am using them - and I'm still working on the R&D and experimenting with different formulas. when they are ready I'll make an announcement.

cheers
Gavin

[Joethebeat]

I haven't spent anytime practising on electronic drums

I’m sure you would find a unique and great way to do progressive edrumming if you tried and I don’t recall seeing any edrummer who played in a way comparable to yours. It would be great to watch!
I play both acoustic and electronic and I like the possibilities that modern edrums offer, although they of course cannot replace real drums.

[drummer girl09]

Hey Gavin!

I'm sorry if you get asked this question a lot, but I was curious, and no one recently has asked you this, that I can see. But what has been the hardest song you have played with Porcupine Tree? And what is the hardest song you've played in general? Thanks a lot! Have a great new year!

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi drummer girl09

what has been the hardest song you have played with Porcupine Tree? And what is the hardest song you've played in general?

Do you mean physically or the most difficult? Physically speaking "Anesthetize" is very exhausting to play as is "Deadwing" and "Creator Had A Master Tape". The most difficult would perhaps be the end section of "What Happens Now" but after the first few nights it felt easy - it just took a bit of nerve to pull off something so poly-rhythmically complex. Probably the the most difficult songs I've tried to play live is "Level 5" and "The Construction Of Light" with King Crimson.

Cheers
Gavin

[protestthedrummer]

Hey Gavin you are one of my favorite drummers and influences. You and Mike Portnoy of Dream Theater are my favorite drummers. What do you think of Mike's drumming? and what was it working with Kevin Moore and O.S.I? I enjoyed "Blood"and your drumming deffanitly fits. Cheers.

[huXler]

Hi Gavin!

I wanted to ask you something about "The Blind House". Could you explain the fill you're doing at about 3:30 in the second Chorus?

Thanks, and cheers
huXler

[Fox622003]

Hey huXler, is this the one?

http://img64.imageshack.us/img64/937/blindhouse.jpg

It should be something like that, although the toms are probably hit in a different order, and maybe there's some bass drum in there, hope this helps Gavin clarify it for you!
Later.


Fox.

[AAP]

Hi Gavin!
What stand you use with those you "home made" cymbals over your Hi-hat?
Its looks like one boom with some holders?
You did great gig at Finland Helsinki (21.10.2009) I was there at front you maybe saw me (boy with long hair staring you whole consert)...
PS sorry my english aren't very good :)

[Kalma]

Hi Gavin!
What stand you use with those you "home made" cymbals over your Hi-hat?
Its looks like one boom with some holders?
You did great gig at Finland Helsinki (21.10.2009) I was there at front you maybe saw me (boy with long hair staring you whole consert)...
PS sorry my english aren't very good :)

Hi AAP,

i think he's using his custom made holder or the new sonor basic-arm system sometimes!

[Roger//]

Hey there Gavin,

Quik question.
At the Modern Drummer Festival 2008 you talking with Simon Phillips right? (interview ect)
I was wondering, did you hear his set up close without mices?
If so, how did it sound? If not, what do you think about his drum-sound in general?
And the combo of clear ambassadors top and bottom on toms and bass drum?

Thank you for the time you take to look and reply the questions I ask you.
Really, wonderfull to see a pro do this. Posting so frequently and patiently.

Not only a great drummer, but a great person too;)


Thanks!

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi protestthedrummer

What do you think of Mike's drumming? and what was it working with Kevin Moore and O.S.I? I enjoyed "Blood"and your drumming deffanitly fits.

Mike's great and I've met him a few times now. OSI was great fun to play - I didn't meet Kevin or Jim as I did the whole project at home on my own. It was very much an 'internet relationship' - but I think it came out very well.

HI huXler

I wanted to ask you something about "The Blind House". Could you explain the fill you're doing at about 3:30 in the second Chorus?

I think Fox622003 almost has it right except the last little triplet run I think is
tom, kick, tom flam, kick, tom, kick, snare.

Hi AAP

What stand you use with those you "home made" cymbals over your Hi-hat?
Its looks like one boom with some holders?

I used to have custom made ones - but it's been easier to make them in Sonor parts. I had to customize one little thing though. The basic arm which is the cymbal holder needed to be threaded right the way down to the bottom of the shaft on cymbal positions 1,3 & 5. This is so I could get the height differences and have the cymbals overlapping and very close together.

Then I just cut off the excess thread that is standing up above the cymbal. You can see that here before I did the cutting.

30932
30933

when I break it down I just take off the cymbals and slide the bar out that's holding the 5 cymbal arms - then put it in a case like that.

Hi Roger//

Quik question.
At the Modern Drummer Festival 2008 you talking with Simon Phillips right? (interview ect)
I was wondering, did you hear his set up close without mices?
If so, how did it sound? If not, what do you think about his drum-sound in general?
And the combo of clear ambassadors top and bottom on toms and bass drum?

I did tap his drums backstage to see how they sounded. The heads were on tighter than I expected but they sounded great. It really is part of Simon's sound and I know he's used that head combination for the last 30 years.

cheers
Gavin

[Kalma]

Gavin,

could you make some photos of your home-studio? It would be great as I would know how you organized your room.
Also i'd like to see what absorber-stuff you used and how you setted them up!


Thanks
David

[crimsonfloyd]

G'day Gavin,

just a quick note about the PT Royal Albert Hall concert - I am trying to make it to come from Germany, and there are lots of different fans from all over Europe coming (if we can trust the PTForum), which I think is really, really great. To me, it's basically tripping to London for the third time and seeing the RAH for the first time (I'm 20), and as I said, I'll try to make it.

Anyway, just a quick thought: I'd be interested in the solution to that "Magic Towel Trick" you did on the last tour in the break during "Trains". But, as I guess, real magicians don't reveal their secrets, do they?

And the thought about the studio photos are seconded.

Cheers
Fabian

[AAP]

Hi AAP

What stand you use with those you "home made" cymbals over your Hi-hat?
Its looks like one boom with some holders?

I used to have custom made ones - but it's been easier to make them in Sonor parts. I had to customize one little thing though. The basic arm which is the cymbal holder needed to be threaded right the way down to the bottom of the shaft on cymbal positions 1,3 & 5. This is so I could get the height differences and have the cymbals overlapping and very close together.

Then I just cut off the excess thread that is standing up above the cymbal. You can see that here before I did the cutting.

30932
30933

when I break it down I just take off the cymbals and slide the bar out that's holding the 5 cymbal arms - then put it in a case like that.

cheers
Gavin
i was thinking that its some kind of that..
I think i can make same stand for these Sonor parts?
http://www.thomann.de/fi/sonor_ba_ch_basic_arm_cymbal_halter.htm x5
http://www.thomann.de/fi/sonor_ba19_br_basic_arm_19raste.htm x5
http://www.thomann.de/fi/sonor_ba_tb_basic_arm_tele_boom_arm.htm x1
PS: Have you tried Paiste cup chimes? Do they sound at all like your custom made ones?

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi Kalma

could you make some photos of your home-studio? It would be great as I would know how you organized your room.
Also i'd like to see what absorber-stuff you used and how you setted them up!

Here's a couple of shots of the kit in my studio..

30947
30948

Hi crimsonfloyd

Anyway, just a quick thought: I'd be interested in the solution to that "Magic Towel Trick" you did on the last tour in the break during "Trains". But, as I guess, real magicians don't reveal their secrets, do they?

I could tell you...but then I'd have to kill you!!

Hi AAP

i was thinking that its some kind of that..
I think i can make same stand for these Sonor parts?
http://www.thomann.de/fi/sonor_ba_ch...bal_halter.htm x5
http://www.thomann.de/fi/sonor_ba19_...rm_19raste.htm x5
http://www.thomann.de/fi/sonor_ba_tb...e_boom_arm.htm x1
PS: Have you tried Paiste cup chimes? Do they sound at all like your custom made ones?

You're nearly there. I believe you're going to need:

5 x http://www.thomann.de/fi/sonor_ba_ch_basic_arm_cymbal_halter.htm
6 x http://www.thomann.de/fi/sonor_ba19_br_basic_arm_19raste.htm
1 x http://www.thomann.de/fi/sonor_ba_cr_basic_arm_conn_raste.htm
1 x http://www.thomann.de/gb/sonor_br12_mc_basic_rack_mit_arm.htm

then you'll need to get 3 of the cymbal holders threaded down to the bottom - if you want the cymbals to have different heights.

Yes I used to have a set of Paiste Cup Chimes.

cheers
Gavin

[SantiBanks]

Hi Gavin,

One of my best friends sent me a tape of a level42 concert at the brighton dome in 1994. I'm not really familiar with their reportoire but I'm listening to the concert now and it really blows me away! Great stuff and wonderful playing! I'll bet it must be great to play as a drummer with Mark King.

Also found out of your Dizrhytmia project with Jakko. His site mentions in the news flashes (over the span of a couple of years though) about recording the second album (and a flood in your studio???). Is that project still going? I'm very curious about that.

Cheers!
Santi

and p.s.; great pics! Love the shells of your kit. Great finish!

[Kalma]

Yeah great Gavin!!! Thank you very much!!

I'm curious where I can find the "Tribal Finish" in the SQ2-Configurator.
I just found Red Tribal finish..

Can you or anybody else here tell me where i can find it?
Or has it been removed?!


thanks again for the photos!!

David

[AAP]

Hi AAP

i was thinking that its some kind of that..
I think i can make same stand for these Sonor parts?
http://www.thomann.de/fi/sonor_ba_ch...bal_halter.htm x5
http://www.thomann.de/fi/sonor_ba19_...rm_19raste.htm x5
http://www.thomann.de/fi/sonor_ba_tb...e_boom_arm.htm x1
PS: Have you tried Paiste cup chimes? Do they sound at all like your custom made ones?

You're nearly there. I believe you're going to need:

5 x http://www.thomann.de/fi/sonor_ba_ch_basic_arm_cymbal_halter.htm
6 x http://www.thomann.de/fi/sonor_ba19_br_basic_arm_19raste.htm
1 x http://www.thomann.de/fi/sonor_ba_cr_basic_arm_conn_raste.htm
1 x http://www.thomann.de/gb/sonor_br12_mc_basic_rack_mit_arm.htm

then you'll need to get 3 of the cymbal holders threaded down to the bottom - if you want the cymbals to have different heights.

Yes I used to have a set of Paiste Cup Chimes.

cheers
Gavin

Thanks Gavin! By the way,is that rack Pearl DR-80 on those pics?
Do you use Pearl iconrack just on tours?

[krayziemex99]

Hi Gavin,

I just started getting into playing along with some of the Porcupine Tree stuff. I started off with Deadwing as it seems to be one of your easier songs (but not for me ha ha). Anyways I was wondering about two fills you do on there. Starting at 8:05-8:08 are you just doing straight eight notes at the top with with your feet coming down? Same situation with the fills on 8:19-8:21 I just can't seem to put my finger on exactly what you are doing; thanks for your time by the way.

[ProgFron]

Hi Gavin,

Could you tell us some more about how you pan your kit?
I you know you like to have a driver's seat impression, which I also love.
But do you change panning from song to song or do you just go with a basic setup?

Have you ever tried an RE-20 on your snaredrum?
I tracked drums a few weeks ago and we ended up using an RE-20 on top and bottom and it sounds sweet.
I can send you some audio if you'd like to hear it.

Cheers,

Francis

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi SantiBanks
Re: Gavin Harrison here!
Hi Gavin,

One of my best friends sent me a tape of a level42 concert at the brighton dome in 1994. I'm not really familiar with their reportoire but I'm listening to the concert now and it really blows me away! Great stuff and wonderful playing! I'll bet it must be great to play as a drummer with Mark King.

Yes that was good fun to play - and Mark King is like a steam train on the bass!!!

Also found out of your Dizrhytmia project with Jakko. His site mentions in the news flashes (over the span of a couple of years though) about recording the second album (and a flood in your studio???). Is that project still going?

We've been thinking about finishing the 2nd album for the last 15 years!! We never really find the time to do it.

and p.s.; great pics! Love the shells of your kit. Great finish!

It's amazing - and by the way - it's a real wood veneer hand painted and lacquered - not a plastic wrap.

Hi Kalma

I'm curious where I can find the "Tribal Finish" in the SQ2-Configurator.
I just found Red Tribal finish..

I've been told that they don't offer the "Tribal" finish anymore. I think I got the last ever kit they made in that finish.

Hi AAP

Thanks Gavin! By the way,is that rack Pearl DR-80 on those pics?
Do you use Pearl iconrack just on tours?

No in my studio is the original Pearl Drum Rack from 20 years ago. Designed by Jeff Porcaro and Paul Jameson. I just use the Icon rack on tour.

Hi krayziemex99

I just started getting into playing along with some of the Porcupine Tree stuff. I started off with Deadwing as it seems to be one of your easier songs (but not for me ha ha). Anyways I was wondering about two fills you do on there. Starting at 8:05-8:08 are you just doing straight eight notes at the top with with your feet coming down?

That fill is triplet quarter notes on the snare and crash together and between each hit are two bass drum notes.

Same situation with the fills on 8:19-8:21 I just can't seem to put my finger on exactly what you are doing; thanks for your time by the way.

That is 6 triplet 16ths on the tom with two notes on the bass drum just before it starts. Quite hard to play at that speed.

Hi ProgFron

Could you tell us some more about how you pan your kit?
I you know you like to have a driver's seat impression, which I also love.
But do you change panning from song to song or do you just go with a basic setup?

Usually from my perspective sitting behind the kit. I don't change it from song to song. Occasionally - like on a DVD I'll pan it from the audience perspective as it looks/sounds to them.

Have you ever tried an RE-20 on your snaredrum?

I never have tried it on the snare drum. I've used it in the bass drum many times. It's a BIG mic !!!

cheers
Gavin

[Kalma]

Hi Kalma

I'm curious where I can find the "Tribal Finish" in the SQ2-Configurator.
I just found Red Tribal finish..

I've been told that they don't offer the "Tribal" finish anymore. I think I got the last ever kit they made in that finish.
cheers
Gavin

Oh my god.. Thats a pitty...
I love the finish...
Hm, ok.. When I got all money I will ask if they would do it for me again! ;)


All the best and thanks again
David

[SantiBanks]

We've been thinking about finishing the 2nd album for the last 15 years!! We never really find the time to do it.

Too bad to hear that. Still looking forward to a second album :)


It's amazing - and by the way - it's a real wood veneer hand painted and lacquered - not a plastic wrap.

cheers
Gavin
They really look amazing and unique! Did you take this one with you on tour btw? I honestly can't remember what kit you where playing.

[Hurlza]

Thanks for the reply gavin. When you play Drawing The Line do you lead on the snare drum with your right or left hand? and when SW or 05ric or whoever sends you a song to play on what do you listen for in the music to construct your part around?

[Basil]

Hello, new to this forum, just checking.......

[Phil Brodermann]

Hi Gavin, when you were 17-20 years old, can you remember how much (hours) and how often you practiced? Thanks a lot, Phil :)

[Drum-R]

Hi Gavin,

I'm about to buy 3 crashes for my kit. I want to know what is your favorite crashes combination...

I think I will buy:

18'' K Custom Dark Crash
15'' K Custom Dark Crash
17'' K Custom Dark Crash

Would it sound good? I just want to know what do you think about it.
And is it a good idea to mix different cymbals? Like A's with K's..

Thanks for your time...

ps: Sorry for the english mistakes, I'm from Québec.

[ChrisGau]

Just to let you all know. I received an email from Hudson Music announcing Gavin's new DVD:

Rhythmic Designs Gavin Harrison, Terry Branham, 05Ric Book/DVD

The advanced book/DVD package has been created to provide contemporary drummers with a method for studying and developing the technical and musical skills required to perform today’s challenging, progressive drumming styles.

Rhythmic Designs expands on the groundbreaking polyrhythmic, polymetric concepts covered in Harrison’s previously published Rhythmic Illusions, Rhythmic Visions and Rhythmic Horizons books and videos by offering detailed analysis and transcriptions of twenty drum tracks from the recent Gavin Harrison & 05Ric albums “Drop” and “Circles” (featuring guitarist Robert Fripp and keyboardists Dave Stewart and Gary Sanctuary). Along with the 204-page book of note-for-note transcriptions and practice exercises, the double-sided companion DVD features more than two-and-a-half hours of video packed with descriptions and discussions of the drum parts, set-ups, tuning and recording process—plus six minus-drums, play-along tracks

£21.95 plus £2 p&p in Europe £5 p&p outside Europe

Couldn't find it in the online shop which is why I wanted to let you know. Hey... this is going to be big fun - a challenging type of fun though ;-).

Edit: YouTube-Trailer -> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EL152cW-01k

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi SantiBanks

They really look amazing and unique! Did you take this one with you on tour btw?

Yes on the Euro tour. I have a different one in the States.

Hi Hurlza

When you play Drawing The Line do you lead on the snare drum with your right or left hand?

I lead with my right hand - it's actually a deceptively difficult part to play.

when SW or 05ric or whoever sends you a song to play on what do you listen for in the music to construct your part around?

The bass line, the vocal melody, any rhythmic stuff in the guitars.

Hi Phil Brodermann

when you were 17-20 years old, can you remember how much (hours) and how often you practiced?

It's hard to say exactly but I tried to practise every day at least 2-4 hours.

Hi Drum-R

I'm about to buy 3 crashes for my kit. I want to know what is your favorite crashes combination...I think I will buy:

18'' K Custom Dark Crash
15'' K Custom Dark Crash
17'' K Custom Dark Crash

it would be a very good choice. I have no problem mixing A's and K's - consider that the bell size on the 15" and 17" will be the medium size and on the 18" will be the big size which has a bit more balls to it.

Hi ChrisGau,

Couldn't find it in the online shop which is why I wanted to let you know.

The book should be released on the 15th and I will have signed copies for sale via my shop very soon http://www.burningshed.com/store/gavinharrison/

cheers
Gavin

[Kalma]

Hi Gavin,

Do you use s-hoops on both side of the drums?



Thanks
David

[leftyrightplayer]

Hi Gavin, Happy New Year to you and your family. I was wondering...

I'm struggling to find a job at the moment (can't even afford a pair of drumsticks) but have thought about the royal marines band. Do you know anyone whose in it and wether its worth joining? Im pretty sure I would just be focusing on the snare and have to say bye to my kit for a while. Which would be quite difficult.

Also did it take you a while to aquire your studio and practise space? Thats a goal of mine to.

Hope your well

Charlie

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi Kalma

Do you use s-hoops on both side of the drums?

No just on the tops.

Hi leftyrightplayer

I'm struggling to find a job at the moment (can't even afford a pair of drumsticks) but have thought about the royal marines band. Do you know anyone whose in it and wether its worth joining?

I don't know anything about the Royal Marines band - sorry.

Also did it take you a while to aquire your studio and practise space? Thats a goal of mine to.

I had been looking for a house that I could build a studio and make a pretty loud noise in (that wouldn't drive the neighbours mad) since 1985...but couldn't afford too much back then. We finally found this house - which met all the requirements back in 1997.

OK Here's a news flash.
The project that Terry Branam and I spent all last summer on (and a whole lot more!) is finally coming out and I have a limited number of signed copies.

31163

Rhythmic Designs (Book & DVD package) has very highly detailed transcriptions by Terry Branam of nineteen drum tracks from the recent Gavin Harrison and 05Ric albums "Drop" and "Circles".
Along with the 204-page book there's a double-sided companion DVD shot in my studio featuring 2 hours 45 minutes of video packed with descriptions, demonstrations and discussions of the drum parts, set-ups, tuning and recording process - plus six minus-drums, play-along tracks. Plus an extra bonus track with bonus transcription.

This package expands on the concepts covered in my previously published books "Rhythmic Illusions", "Rhythmic Perspectives" books and DVDs "Rhythmic Visions and Rhythmic Horizons" by offering detailed analysis of the practical application of the concepts and methods in those books and DVDs.

Available from (should ship the week of the 19th Jan) http://www.burningshed.com/store/gavinharrison/

cheers
Gavin