Gavin Harrison here! [Archive] - Page 2 - DRUMMERWORLD OFFICIAL DISCUSSION FORUM

Midnite Mike

08-08-2006, 06:54 AM

Thanks Gavin,

Yah that did help, i figured it was something like that. I also have a question about "Orchidia" Specifically at 2:28 you throw down an awsome beat. The Hi-Hat is following the guitar line and the snare is dropping on the 3, but i cant seem to hear the bass drum triplets, and were they fall. If you could shed some light that would be great. Also i tried sequencing the 8 against 9 with different combinations between the snare, hi-hat, and bass. Lets just say that its MESSED UP!!! :-) I'm going to try a bunch of other combinations, i'll let you know how they turn out. Talk to yo soon.

MM

jr100

08-08-2006, 05:03 PM

Futile is essentially a B side from the In Absentia sessions. It was released on the European version of In Absentia and also the Futile EP featuring other unreleased tracks from In Absentia. Also, the DVD Audio version of In Absentia contains the surround mix of Futile.

The Futile EP is available for download from Porcupine Tree's online store.

Hope that helped
KW
Thanks for the info Kenneth.

Gavin Harrison

08-08-2006, 05:17 PM

Hi Mike,
I don't have "Orchidia" with me on my powerbook - but I think I know what you're talking about. I think that beat may be featured in an article I did with Brad from "The Drum Pad" shop in Chicago. Hopefully it will be in DRUM! magazine quite soon. It's very hard to describe without the help of notation.

Cheers
Gavin

Midnite Mike

08-08-2006, 05:53 PM

Congrads!

Congratulations to getting signed to Roadrunner Records! I knew it was only a matter of time and i cant wait for the next album. Keep up the good work.

MM

Tom Miller

08-09-2006, 03:57 AM

Congrats Gavin and PT! For more details go here:

http://www.roadrunnerrecords.co.uk/news/index.aspx#12711

and here: http://www.porcupinetree.com/news.cfm

Midnite Mike

08-18-2006, 06:36 PM

The Drum Festival in Montreal in November should be fun. I'm driving 5 hours north to check it out. I'm interested to know if your introducing some concepts from your new DVD. Also the PT songs that you are performing, are they new songs or old favorites. Hope everything is great on your end. Take care and God bless.

MM

Gavin Harrison

08-19-2006, 10:56 AM

Hi Mike,
thanks in advance for driving 5 hours to see the show!
I don't know exactly which PT songs I might do - possibly Sound Of Muzak, Mother & Child, Futile maybe some new stuff too.
If I get chance to show some new concepts from the DVD I will.

See you there
Gavin

ktriton

08-20-2006, 06:11 AM

Hi Gavin!

You've been my favorite drummer for some time now and I signed up basically to ask you what may seem like an elementary level question, haha.

I've been drumming almost all my life and, more than anything, I enjoy incoporating subtleties (which you refer to as rythmic illusions), BUT occasionally I run into the problem of losing time. Doesn't happen often and I can usually get right back on track, but it still shakes me up every time.

Is there some kind of trick you use to keep time in the back of your head when playing? I know you're probably thinking "just count", but it's really hard to focus on that at this level.

Do you have any tips on that end?

Midnite Mike

08-20-2006, 06:35 AM

Hey Gavin,
I have a question about Copyright. I noticed your DVD has Copyright on it and also the PT albums of course. I was just wondering if you yourself play a role in aquiring the copyright paper work and do the necessary steps to complete the process, or is all that taken care of by your publisher. If you could point me in the right direction that would help, i am scoring a short film for my friend and i want to cover my end so i dont get burned down the road. Thanks

MM

Gavin Harrison

08-20-2006, 04:59 PM

ktriton

08-21-2006, 04:37 AM

Hi ktriton,
I think to play a "rhythmic Illusion" you need to feel confident that you know exactly where you are at all times. Be careful not to "throw" yourself when you're in the process.
Obviously displacement gives the impression of a new downbeat and modulation gives the impression of a new tempo...but there are exactly that - just impressions - don't hear the new downbeat or new tempo yourself - otherwise you're screwed.

cheers
Gavin

Ahh, interesting. I've always tried to feel exactly what I'm doing against what I'm playing over. Thanks for the tip! It's kind of like separating your mind from your drummer sense, haha :)

Thanks again, and keep on keepin' on!

Also, for Mike: you have to contact the publisher/label who owns the rights to that particular song or CD.

____________
Composer | http://www.ktriton.com

jmontroy

08-21-2006, 10:35 PM

Hi Gavin,

Love your playing. I saw you and PT live last year and loved every seocnd of it. I thought you were great before that, but my two friends who usually never paid attention to drummers came out saying you were awesome too, heh.

Real quick question. This is probably an obvious one, but in the track So Called Friend, from about 3:24 to 3:33-ish, you go nuts playing sixteenths on various cymbals. They sound like very very tiny splashes, or cymbal bells, I'm really not sure. I just want to know what those are, it's bothered me since I first heard the song (and I also want to know because it's such a cool sounding part).

Thanks!

Gavin Harrison

08-22-2006, 10:36 AM

Hi jmontroy,
thanks for the message. Questions about those little cymbals come up a lot. They are 5 tiny bell cymbals that I made myself by cutting down old broken crash cymbals to somewhere in the range of 7" - 4.5". The pattern in "So Called Friend" is a kind of 16ths pattern (like the classic Gadd hi hat to snare pattern) but split up between the right hand on the bell of the ride cymbal - and the left hand playing the small bells and snare drum....but in 7/4. Does that make sense?

Cheers
Gavin

jmontroy

08-22-2006, 05:00 PM

Yep, that makes sense now. Thanks!

ktriton

08-22-2006, 09:00 PM

Hey thanks for the advice on keeping time during an illusion, Mr. Harrison! It's really opening up a lot of possibilities!

I'll definitely be checking out your DVDs :)

Thanks again!

cvighals

08-25-2006, 10:10 PM

Check out this Review guys!!

http://www.drummersdigest.com/en/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=164&Itemid=32

Congrats Gavin!! Well Done!!
And also congrats on the montreal drumfest gig!

Gavin Harrison

08-25-2006, 11:59 PM

Thanks cvighals, yes it's a very kind review!!!

Cheers
Gavin

cvighals

08-27-2006, 06:21 PM

Hi Gavin!

Great setlist on the PT dvd! Looking forward to seeing it!

Right now im just wondering about a very cool fill that you do in the song "Wedding Nails"
It is the fill at 01:15, which by the way is a really cool fill!

Also the fill at 00:30 in shesmovedon is hard to figure out!

Keep on rocking!!

Gavin Harrison

08-27-2006, 07:49 PM

Hi cvighals,
I just listened to "Wedding Nails" and I couldn't figure it out either.
However the "Shesmovedon" fill is transcribed by my buddy Brad Schlueter from a DRUM! magazine article...

www.drummagazine.com/html/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=1170

cheers
Gavin

sotua

08-30-2006, 12:00 AM

Hi cvighals,
I just listened to "Wedding Nails" and I couldn't figure it out either.

Hi!

Since we're in the topic of dissecting "Wedding Nails"...

Could you describe what's going on in the fill at 4:14? I can't quite wrap my brain around what I'm hearing, except for registering the fact that it gives me goosebumps ;)

Love that song... the way you and Colin drive it while the guitars "do their thing"... (that song is, IMO, a prime example of "less is more" on the bass)

Thanks in advance,

SoTuA!

Midnite Mike

08-30-2006, 05:17 AM

YES! Wedding Nails is an awsome song, its one of the reasons why PT stood out for me.

I have a few questions about your live monitor mix. 1) what type of monitor system do you use? 2) what part of your kit and what part of the bass, guitar, keyboards, vocals do you like to have in them?

MM

Gavin Harrison

08-30-2006, 12:14 PM

Hi sotua,
that fill at 4.14 is basically groups of 3/16ths. First of the group is the snare, the second of the group is 2/32 on the bass drum, and the third of the group is a bass drum and crash cymbal together. Sounds like I get through about 5 of these groupings in that bar before resolving it off. It looks much easier when you see it written down.

Hi Mike,
we bought, about a year ago, a Yamaha 02R96 digital desk that we use as our monitor board.
It means that all 5 of us on stage can have completely independent mixes from each other. We all wear "in ear" headphones (+ Steve has floor monitors and I have a sub speaker behind me just for the bass drum). I couldn't get enough low end pump through my "in ears". It also means (because the board has total recall) it's the same every night. In fact we don't even have a monitor man. We had so many bad nights on stage with a crappy sound, we decided this was the way to go....and we absolutely love it.
I also have a little sub mixer in my rack next to me where I can control the over volume of what I getting plus I have one extra channel that only has the very high frequencies of the bass drum (an extremely clicky sound) so that I can feed that into my headphones on the songs that require some double bass drum action. As you might imagine - with headphones in my ears - and only a sub speaker behind me - there's no way I could hear all the definition from the attack of the bass drum. This way I can have as much as I want without having all that clicky kick coming through my sub speaker and sounding very nasty on stage...the audience would hear it to.

Apart from all that - I listen to a clear mix of everyone in the band + a bit of reverb on the snare drum.

Cheers
Gavin

sotua

08-30-2006, 08:21 PM

Midnite Mike

08-31-2006, 12:39 AM

Ahhh, yes, that Yamaha is a nice mixer, i've used one at a trade show down in NYC a few times. Its interesting that you have a seperate channel for the high end click, most drummers dont want to hear that at all. I'm guessing you use it to see if your being consistent with your double Bass. Being a sound engineer for a number of years i totally understand why you dont have a monitor man. That job is so difficult to perform, you really need to be quite intuitive when it comes to dealing with the band members, get in their head and find out what they need from you. Most of the time it doesnt work anyway and the band ends up pissed at you by the end of the night. Its alot easier mixing Front of House. The feedback creeps up slowly, unlike on stage where it can take your head off if your not careful. I like the fact that you guys take matters into your own hands and your knowledgable and experienced enough to know what you need, otherwise, like you said, you get crappy sound.
I'm also interested in the bands creative process, specifically when you sit down to write for an album. Do you all get in the same room and jam? Do you work independently with the other members? Or do you all throw it into a large pile and then sift through it?
Take care and God bless.

MM

Gavin Harrison

08-31-2006, 08:09 PM

Hi Mike,
the other thing about our monitor board is that we keep it on stage behind Steve's amp in the middle/back of the stage. That we could (but very rarely do) make tiny adjustments between songs. We're the kind of band that just likes a static mix...we really don't want someone fiddling around with it during the show.

"Do you all get in the same room and jam? Do you work independently with the other members? Or do you all throw it into a large pile and then sift through it?"

Actually we do all three. Steve is the real "song smith" amongst us - so usually ideas get stitched together by him, but we all throw plenty of ideas into the pot.

Cheers
Gavin

Midnite Mike

09-01-2006, 03:09 AM

It makes sense to keep it on stage. I totally understand what you mean when you say you like a static mix. I've had instances when i tell the sound guy in sound check "thats perfect, dont change a thing" and then in the middle of the set, i hear it, he just twisted a knob. Its quite frustrating.
I wanted to mention that the last riff in wedding nails is so HEAVY!!! I love it! It fits perfectly cuz your playing in A minor most of the song and then you drop to the fifth (E) to finish the song out. Very effective. The drumbeat i especially admire for its simplistic displacement of the snare followed immediatly by the bass drum in the first half of the measure. More of that please on the next album.
I was wondering for the Montreal Drum festival, will you have time for signings and meeting with your fans. If so, i would really appreciate that. I also appreciate you taking the time to let me pick your brain. As always, take care and remeber to smile, God loves you.

MM

Midnite Mike

09-03-2006, 07:09 AM

So i was noticing on your DVD, that on a few of your songs you use a Sonor double pedal and on others you are using what i can tell to be an Axis double pedal. Any particular reason for this?

MM

Gavin Harrison

09-03-2006, 09:50 PM

Hi Mike,
I love both the Sonor and the Axis double pedals and I use both at home. I just found that I could play much louder on the Axis - so I use those live.

Cheers
Gavin

Bernhard

09-04-2006, 07:47 AM

Gavin decided to upload to more Videosamples from the NEW DVD "Rhythmic Horizons"

Here they are PLASSON and DRUM SONG

http://www.drummerworld.com/drummers/Gavin_Harrison.html

Great Stuff!!

Enjoy

Bernhard

raz0r

09-06-2006, 08:51 PM

Hi Gavin, just wanted to say that you're one of my favourite players, and a large influence on my playing. The way you can play such complex parts, and yet make them fit so well with the music.

I love your work on The Start of Something Beautiful, especially the section starting from 4:45; that little group of 16ths on the hihat just sounds so simple, yet so 'right'.

The Sound of Muzak is another one of my favourites, especially the intro.
Can you remember which Hihats you used in that song?

I should hopefully be coming to see Porcupine Tree on the 27th in Amsterdam, if I can get tickets, although I'm not having much luck right now :(

Gavin Harrison

09-06-2006, 10:11 PM

Hi raz0r,
thanks for the kind words - glad you liked "Start Of Something Beautiful" it's one of my favourites to play.

The hi hats on Sound Of Muzak were 12" Zildjian ReMix - great sounding hats.

Cheers
Gavin

finnhiggins

09-07-2006, 12:37 AM

Gavin, I just watched those two new clips and you absolutely made my day.

Generally I'm a bit leery of a lot of people playing big kits and double pedals and getting very involved in metric modulation and polyrhythmic playing. Usually it is all done at the expense of actually having any understanding of the nuances you can get from each surface. But I have to say, I really love what you did with the "Drum song" and the opening of "Plasson", you pretty much went through the book of different stuff you can do to draw tones from your drums, including the good old one-stick-across, one-stick-striking posture that I love and overuse on the snare.

I'm hoping that all the kids listening to Porcupine Tree and picking up on your stuff are actually getting that all this stuff is just as cool as all the metric and speed stuff you do so well. Good work, and thanks for putting that stuff on a DVD - I may have to go buy it now just to ram it home into the heads of my double-pedal-obsessed students!

rendezvous_drummer

09-07-2006, 02:19 AM

Hey Gavin. I just checked out your videos and I love them. Really solid playing! Just a few questions of the specs cause I love the sound. Do you have info on your kit somewhere? Like the cymbals, drums, heads you use on Plasson?

franklinj

09-07-2006, 02:22 AM

It was odd... I was at my drum lessons, and my teacher asked me if I had heard of Gavin Harrison. I said that I had heard the name. Well, we watched some videos, and I was amazed. I went home, signed onto drummerworld, and here you were! I told my teacher that you were on this site, talking to people, and he almost shat himself :>)

I cant remember which songs I watched you play, but they were amazing. Your ghost notes were flawless.

jmontroy

09-07-2006, 03:42 AM

I'm sure it was your intent exactly, but that Plasson video pretty much made me want to buy your DVD like now. Awesome stuff.

Gavin Harrison

09-07-2006, 05:57 PM

Hi Finn,
thanks for the kind words - glad you enjoyed it!!!!

Hi rendezvous_drummer,
maybe these pics will answer some of the questions...

7497

7496

The heads are all Remo
Coated Emperors on the top of the toms
Coated Diplomats on the bottoms
Powerstroke 3 on the bass drum
Ambassador on these snares

Thanks jmontroy

Cheers
Gavin

rendezvous_drummer

09-08-2006, 12:55 AM

That's awesome! Thanks fer posting those. I really love the sound of that snare and Ride cymbal especially the bell.

Kenneth Wilson

09-08-2006, 08:54 PM

Hey Gavin,

On the song So Called Friend, there seems to be some other percussion going on during the verses. Is that a keyboard or some kind of sample? It sounds really busy and when i watched the live video I didn't see you playing anything so I assumed it was coming from Barbieri.

KW

Gavin Harrison

09-08-2006, 10:16 PM

Hi Kenneth,
those are octabans - a sound that I really loved from the old days. I only have two - but I'd love to have a full set at home.. and yes they are sequenced during the live show.

Cheers
Gavin

jamsjr44

09-08-2006, 10:24 PM

I have never heard of you before this site and once I saw FUTILE, my mouth dropped! You are incredible that song reminds me of something Johnathan Mover would play with some of the odd time stuff, was he an influence, just wondering? But I am definitelty a huge fan of yours now are those songs that you did on the site available on CD? Keep up the great playing man!

Gavin Harrison

09-09-2006, 12:54 AM

Hi jamsjr44,
thanks for the comments!! Glad you're enjoying my drumming. The original version of Futile was recorded as a promo single and is currently available as a download from my band's website www.porcupinetree.com
I have to confess that I'm not familiar with Johnathan Mover's work. What would be a good place to start with his recorded performances?

Cheers
Gavin

Batera945

09-09-2006, 10:57 PM

hey Gavin how are you doing?

well i'm 18 years old and i been playin drums for about 9 years now and i wanted some advice on following a carrer in drumming and the things that you should do and stuff... right now all i really want to do is play the drums i just graduated high school and i want to go to a music college now but i want some adivice on wats the best move to becomin a professional drummer... so any words of wisdom and encouragement are welcomed and also any facts that might not leave me so happy lol

franklinj

09-09-2006, 11:25 PM

jamsjr44

09-10-2006, 04:21 AM

jamsjr44

09-10-2006, 04:22 AM

Gavin Harrison

09-10-2006, 11:51 AM

Hi Batera945,
Like you, I really wanted to be a 'professional drummer' - that is to say make a living at it. My Dad was a professional musician and that really helped with my attitude to it. Being prepared is the key thing. Learn to read (I've done top 40 bands, wedding bands, big bands, ballroom dance bands, theatre show deps and sessions that all required a pretty good standard of reading). Practise all styles of music - go out and get some jazz, funk, big band, country, Pop, folk, be bop, reggae, dixieland trad and play along to those records and try to 'fit in' convincingly. To make a living at this you're going to have to be super versatile. Get GREAT at playing with a click - most of the jobs I do now require you to play to a click - but REALLY well.
Meet as many musicians as you can - and try to do every gig that's offered to you - even if you don't particularly like the music - and even if it’s for little or no money. You never know where the job might lead....and be a very accommodating person - never show up late - and make sure you've done your homework.
When I would get a chance to do an audition - I would go out and get some of the albums of the artist or band I was auditioning for (a couple of weeks in advance if possible) and play along to their records. I would write out some of the trickier songs and practise them hard.
I was amazed to find out sometimes during the audition that I was the only drummer that they auditioned who had bothered to REALLY learn the material.

cheers
Gavin

Batera945

09-10-2006, 11:40 PM

thanks Gavin... right now that is what i'm trying to do. learn a lot of different styles and play with a lot of different musicians... I'm lookin for a place to study where i can learn to read... that has been my downfall.. because i have good ears and can pick up a groove really easy but i'm horrible at readin so i really gotta work on that... i guess for you to become a pro drummer you just have to be able to trust ur instincts and go whre drums may lead and in the end hope the path u took is the right one, if not make the best out of it... thank you very much for your advice and good luck on everything

Batera945

09-11-2006, 12:16 AM

Well for starters since you live in best you have one of the best music schools in the world in our back yard - BERKLEE! Have you thought about trying to get in? Also practice, practice, practice....

Yeah i'm thinking about it but its so expensive and i wanst born here which makes it harded i been here for ten years and am not yet a citizen ! which really sucks for me cuz i barely know the culture in brazil (execpt for samba which i luv playing lol) but i am tryin to c wat i can do about all that and maybe start there in may of next year.... If I can do that then I will be VERY HAPPY lol.. i pass by there every now and then and just dream! lol

Midnite Mike

09-11-2006, 04:51 AM

Batera945,
You might want to consider starting small and going to a community college first. Berklee can be intimidating, cuz there are so many musicians there that already know how to read. You would probably get swallowed up very easily. Your best bet is to start small and work you way up to it. There are many excellent percussion and drum teachers in the most remote places. You dont always have to go to the biggest and the best to find what your looking for. I have been playing 16 years and just started to seriously read for about 5. I started at a community college with a patient man. Now i am in a percussion ensemble and my community symphonic band. The professers at Berklee expect a level of knowledge, and if you dont have that knowledge at this time, they might not want to be as patient as you might like. Take stock in the fact that you know you have in it you to be an excellent musician and make small steps each day to become that. Best of luck and God bless.

MM

Batera945

09-11-2006, 05:26 AM

yeah MM that makes a whole lot of sense... and i mean i dont have to go to a big music college right after high school i guess.... thanks for the advice God bless lata

n2xlr8n

09-11-2006, 05:18 PM

Wow. Incredible playing, Gavin!

I find the older I get, the more often I find inspiration for my drumming.

I now have a new CD to buy.

S.

Gavin Harrison

09-11-2006, 11:18 PM

Great, thanks n2xlr8n.

Like many folks I dreamed of going to Berklee - but I met John Schofield in a cafe in 1980 and I had a long chat with him about it and actually he advised me not to go. He gave me the impression that it was a negative vibe with all the competition there. I did however have some of the most mind blowing drum lessons from Dave Cutler when I was 18 - Dave had been to Berklee for 3 years and studied with Gary Chaffee.

cheers
Gavin

jazzsnob

09-12-2006, 09:46 AM

Gavin,
Just wanted to say that I loved your Rhythmic visions dvd. It definitely gave me a whole new respect for really looking at timekeeping and time feels and blah blah in a serious way. I've been trying to come up with my own methods for working on time, and trying to understand it. So yeah, thanks a lot, and if you ever start devoting a lot of time to private teaching, I hope I find out because I think you're a great teacher.

Good show.

GavManB

09-14-2006, 10:54 AM

Hi Gavin,

First off I have to say i'm glad that a "known" drummer is on here answering a lot of our questions. It makes a big difference to a lot of people!

Secondly, AWESOME drumming last night at the Cambridge Junction, I was watching you most of the night from down in the front row. Very impressive, I love the middle section to Halo and had a bit of a nightmare working it out! I also purchased your dvd last night and am looking forward to your demonstrations melting my brain a little more!

On a side note the new material you played last night was awesome, did make me laugh when I realised a lot of people couldn't tap/headbang/pogo in time to one of the tracks because of some crazy time signature you guys were playing! The only people I could see still moving with the music were the other 2 members of my band! Rock on!

Thanks for reading

Gav

Midnite Mike

09-15-2006, 05:42 AM

Hey Gavin,
Just finished watching the Arriving somewhere... DVD. EXCELLENT!!!!!!!! I cant wait to see you guys in NYC in 3 weeks. Take care and God bless.

MM

hauk

09-16-2006, 05:16 AM

i stumbled across your place on drummerworld somehow, love the videos and songs. i've been trying to check out whatever playing of yours i can find, as soon as i can i plan to pick up In Absentia... thanks for the great drumming!

CarterB_Junkie

09-16-2006, 05:16 AM

Gavin Harrison

09-16-2006, 12:07 PM

jazzsnob, GavManB, Midnite Mike, hauk thanks for the positive comments!!!

CarterB_Junkie, - I got the gig because I knew Richard Barbieri since the early '90s - and he asked me to come and record the In Absentia album (as a session drummer). After that - it all went well and they invited me to join.

Cheers
Gavin

joeybeats

09-17-2006, 06:41 PM

Great thread, just read it all. Lucky to have you here, Gavin. Particularly with the thoughtful and consistent effort you put into answering all the questions. Like your drumming, intelligent and entertaining. Amazing stuff couldn't believe some of your grooves I saw by clicking the few links over these past 9 pages ... totally inspiring. Going out today to get a dvd and a couple PT cd's. New fan here.

How about some inside scoop on industry related matters? LOL
The world of endorsements ... the perks ... do they exist? I mean, do you get to visit the Zildjian plant and try out 1000 K con's until you find one you like? Do they just ship you 10 and tell you to do as you please? Do they hand hammer them for you when you need them tweaked, or are you using the same ones we get? Support on the road? How does it all work? Give us the inside scoop on cymbal heaven, which it must be.
And Sonor? Please, explain how that works. All you can eat in Sonor heaven? You must feel like a kid in a candy store with those drums. Sorry, might be lame questions, but I am curious and would love to hear the inside info on that part of the life of a pro drummer. Thanks!

Synthetik

09-18-2006, 01:43 AM

Hi Gavin,
I just recieved your DVD. I think it is a top-notch production and educational dvd. I have not yet gone over everything, but I was hoping there would be a segment in which you discuss your gear preference.

I really enjoyed the tight sounding grooves and timekeeping hints. This will be yet another bag of tricks for my practicing. It's well worth the money!

Gavin Harrison

09-18-2006, 02:16 PM

Hi joeybeats,
thanks for the comments.
Zildjian have been very nice to me over the past 20 years. They have an office/vault in the UK where endorsers have chance to pick cymbals out. It's a great facility, and I'm very happy to have the opportunity to do so.
I also get great support on the road if I break a cymbal, a local distributor can replace it for me. They also run endorser days where we all get together and see/try the new products.

I have a great relationship with Sonor who made me my last kit by request. Also they provide on the road support....so I'm one lucky guy!!!!

Hi Synthetik,
glad you're enjoying the new DVD. There's a detailed explanation of my equipment on the B Side of the disc.

Cheers
Gavin

Synthetik

09-19-2006, 02:39 AM

Hi Synthetik,
glad you're enjoying the new DVD. There's a detailed explanation of my equipment on the B Side of the disc.

Cheers
Gavin

For those of you who don't have the disc, Gavin Made a funny. "Side B" is the printed lable.

Bernhard

09-21-2006, 05:41 PM

Tonight i have the chance to see Gavin & Porcupine Tree in concert here in Basel.....

...just before leaving to Drummers Live in London....

Fun GReat Fun Great Fun

Bernhard

Ian Ballard

09-21-2006, 06:35 PM

Hi Gavin!

I bought your Rhythmic Illusions book some years ago and it was a challenge, but it did IMENSE help to allow me to do the things I've always had in my head, but wasn't efficiently able to execute. I've used the concept quite a lot since and now use a slightly simplified version for one of my drum students.

Thanks for the inspiration!!

Shane G

09-21-2006, 11:03 PM

For those of you who don't have the disc, Gavin Made a funny. "Side B" is the printed lable.
No...he didnt.

Both Side A & Side B play on my DVD.

Side B has Gavins equipment list, (among lots of other things) which is the same as the pics he posted earlier on page 9 of this thread.

Gavin Harrison

09-22-2006, 05:52 PM

Hi Ian,
glad you got something from the book.
Sometimes when I'm showing someone a simple 16th note displacement - and they're struggling to get it - I get them to displace just one element at a time. So starting with the hi hat - have them play all the off 16ths - but keep the kick on 1 & 3 and snare on 2 & 4. Then moved the bass drum to 1e and 3e - but keep the snare on 2 & 4. Then keeping the hi hat all off the beat again - just move the snare drum to 2e and 4e (kick on 1 & 3). Then finally move the kick to 1e & 3e and the snare to 2e & 4e. It's a slightly easier way to approach it gradually...and keep the student thinking in the original time base.

Shane - absolutely correct

Cheers
Gavin

Synthetik

09-22-2006, 06:43 PM

No...he didnt.

Both Side A & Side B play on my DVD.

Side B has Gavins equipment list, (among lots of other things) which is the same as the pics he posted earlier on page 9 of this thread.

I stand corrected! I have over 1,000 DVD's, and none play on the lable side...that's a first for me, so I didn't even try it. My bad. I will look at it today.

Midnite Mike

09-22-2006, 11:57 PM

Gavin,
Just wondering, i notice that you like to play rimshots with your left hand most of the time, do you go through alot of sticks? Also, per my question about writing new material, are there any arguments that arise? (considering there are 4 of you in the band, not to mention the producer and sound engineer) Or are you able to find the middle ground and settle your differences of opinion like professional?

MM

Gavin Harrison

09-23-2006, 01:37 PM

Hi Mike,
yes I have been through a lot of sticks in my time. I used to use Vic Firth SD1 maple - and I love them - but I would break so many because of the rim shots. Then I switched to using the VF hickory Rock model and they're much more durable. Also I've just started endorsing "S-Hoops" which also help not break so many sticks.

Regarding the new PT stuff. We don't really argue. We produce and engineer ourselves too.

Cheers
Gavin

Tolo

09-23-2006, 09:55 PM

Hi Gavin,

just saw you again with PT in Milan some days ago, still speechless.....great new material, great band, greatest drummer around. I really didn't expect such a level of playing, much better than the In Absentia first tour (which was already mind-blowing), you really seemed a tighter band. And you rocked ! You are really one of the best, if not the best, period.

Actually I'm not a latecomer fan, I'm following you for many years now, since the Stewart/Gaskin (really liked the super intro in "8 Mile High"....), Dizrhythmia and Mick Karn albums, and I bought your CD immediately after the release. Being Italian, I also know your work for many artists over here, notably Claudio Baglioni. You were the reason to watch ALL the episodes of the "Anima Mia" TV Show, ah aha !

I'm actually a big Bruford fan and I read several interviews (not one, several...) in which he pretty much stated "want to learn drumming ? study Gavin Harrison"

Keep up ! Ciao, Andrea

Gavin Harrison

09-24-2006, 04:27 PM

Thanks Andrea,
Dizrhythmia was certainly a long time ago. I don't remember "8 Mile High" but I do remember "New Jerusalem" - that was a fun session.
Actually I was just in Rome recording a new double CD for Claudio.

Cheers
Gavin

stefano.pan

09-24-2006, 11:01 PM

Hi Gavin,
I'm a brand new member of this Forum and I'm here thanks to the link on your website.
I saw you in Milan last week and your drumming always keep me breathless (the first time was on the In Absentia Tour).

Some months ago, I bought your "Rhythmic Visions" dvd through Burningshed.com and now my collection includes "Rhythmic Horizons"... Well, what can I say? Now I've got a lot to study and practice!!!

Thank you Gavin!

Stefano

PS: the displacement concept is amazing!

Midnite Mike

09-26-2006, 01:12 AM

Gavin,
I was curious as to your creative approach towards the 9/8 drum pattern in "The Start of Something Beautiful." Which came first the drumbeat or the bassline?

MM

Gavin Harrison

09-26-2006, 01:34 PM

Hi Stefano - thanks for the comments.

Hi Mike,
that song actually started with the drum pattern. One day I was listening to a Sting song called "Big Lie" and I really didn't like the programmed drum pattern...in fact I was disappointed that Vinnie Colaiuta (who played on most of the other songs) hadn't played on that 9/8 song. He's always so good at that kind of thing. Anyway I played along with it to see if I could find a nice groove. A few months later I stumbled across my 9/8 rhythm again and started to work on it. I also wanted a contrasting groove that was much more nervous - so I came up with the 5/8 part. In fact I called it "9 to 5". Steve Wilson came round and I suggested the type of bass line that would follow the drums. We went through the sections and he played the bass along with my drums.

Cheers
Gavin

thombo

09-26-2006, 05:46 PM

Gavin:

I'm an old dude and drumming has always been my passion. Over the years I've always played small time and never really tried to kick it up a notch so to speak. One day a few months back Iwoke up one morning and decided to try to kick it up a notch. Discovered the Drummerworld web site
discovered you and of course the other great drummers who have made contributions to this site and I thank you all for this. My notch is kicking up and as for you, I haven't heard a drummer as sweet since Prairie Prince or Billy Cobham. Thanks for the music I'll be looking for your works. Musical drummers are a rear find these days.

thombo

Gavin Harrison

09-27-2006, 03:22 PM

Thanks Thombo,
glad to hear that your notch is kicking up...I never stop working on mine.

"Musical drummers are a rear find these days"

Do you mean "rare" ?...I hope so.

Cheers
Gavin

thombo

09-27-2006, 03:29 PM

Thanks Thombo,
glad to hear that your notch is kicking up...I never stop working on mine.

"Musical drummers are a rear find these days"

Do you mean "rare" ?...I hope so.

Cheers
Gavin

Gavin:

thanks for your reply..YES I mean RARE!

RGDS

Thombo

Midnite Mike

09-27-2006, 04:22 PM

Gavin,
I've been playing "Futile" with my band lately and i was wondering about the truncated intro part around 0:21 to 0:30 sec. Whose idea was that and where on gods green earth did it come from? Thanks.

MM

MadGuitar

09-27-2006, 05:37 PM

Hi Gavin,

I saw your show last night in Essen, it was amazing!!! The sound was great, the new songs awesome! You really made my day ;-)
Although I´m a guitarist I´m very interested in your drumplay, I love it! Especially all these displacement things are fascinating... (I bought the "Arriving somewhere... DVD yesterday, your "solo" in Hatesong is a quite good example...)
I read here before, you don´t see yourself as a double-bass player... This killer part during the "epic" 17 minute long song impressed me much! It was perfect, it came totally surprising and unexpected.

Thanks for that great evening! Good luck with recording the new album. I can hardly wait to hear it and see you again on your next tour!

Cheers,
MadGuitar

Gavin Harrison

09-27-2006, 06:14 PM

Hi Mike,
the mad rhythmic part you're talking about was of my design....and I don;'t think it came from this earth !!!

Hi Mad Guitar,
glad you enjoyed the show. I actually had the worst night so far because of the on stage sound and the fact that I felt distracted by all the photographers being so close. I still think I suck on double bass....apart from that it was great!!

Cheers
Gavin

stefano.pan

09-27-2006, 07:36 PM

Hi Gavin,
is there any scheduled clinic with you here in Italy?
I heard about that from Sergio (of "Notak"... I think you know him).

Cheers,
Stefano

Gavin Harrison

09-28-2006, 12:06 AM

Hi Stefano,
yes I'm hoping to do a series of clinics in Italy probably at the start of next year (Jan/Feb 2007).
Sergio is a great guy - he arranged my last Italian clinic tour in 2003.

cheers
Gavin

Midnite Mike

09-28-2006, 06:02 AM

Hey Gavin,
I have a strange and piculiar question for you, considering this is drum forum. My band and I have a show in a couple of weeks and we wanted to introduce "Futile" into the set. Me being a perfectionist, i wont settle for doing anyone elses music half-assed (especially PT's). I have every piece of the puzzle except for the chord progression John Wesley plays during the verse section. If John or Steven are on any forums, please point me in the right direction. But i also understand that you guys are crazy busy. I really cant imagine how you find the time to answer all of our questions, to be honest with you. So If you could help me out in any way shape or form, that would great. Thanks.

MM

p.s. I laughed for a good solid minute after i read your post on the Mad Rhythm from beyond! It's actually my favorite part to play in that song. Just feels right! :-)

stefano.pan

09-28-2006, 07:49 AM

Wow, I'll be there!
Thanks for the answer, Gavin.

Cheers
Stefano

Hi Stefano,
yes I'm hoping to do a series of clinics in Italy probably at the start of next year (Jan/Feb 2007).
Sergio is a great guy - he arranged my last Italian clinic tour in 2003.

cheers
Gavin

JopDrums

09-28-2006, 02:31 PM

Hi, Gavin

My Name is Jop.. yesterday I went to one of the concerts of Porcupine tree....
This is really my favorite band....
My question is.....
Do you really play 17/16 in Hallow or ist it 5/8 5/8 7/8.....
and if its tru... how can I easly count that!!!!!

Damn He is A Great creative Drummer!!!!!

excuse my for my English... :)

Gavin Harrison

09-29-2006, 12:09 PM

Hi Mike,
I don't know the chord progression for that part. You might find some answers at the PT forum

http://www.porcupinetreeforum.co.uk

look in the "Musicians Discussion" section. If it's not there then request it - I'm sure someone will post it up.

Hi JopDrums,
I think of the middle section of Halo as 17/8
I know it's really broken down into 5/8 5/8 7/8 but I hear it as one large measure. I go through this pattern in some detail on my new DVD Rhythmic Horizons.

cheers
Gavin

rosmakloma

09-29-2006, 10:59 PM

Gavin - just a note of thanks: Your playing has been a huge source of inspiration to me of late, and always look forward to hearing/seeing more. Thank you.

I came across this Neil Peart interview, and wasn't sure if you were aware of your mention:

http://jam.canoe.ca/Music/Lowdown/2006/09/29/1918424-ca.html
Which drummers do you like to listen to nowadays?
Along with all the drummers I have always enjoyed, and still listen to and appreciate (many mentioned in the DVD and related material), I like what Gavin Harrison is doing with Porcupine Tree, and on his instructional DVDs. His playing and his thinking are interesting, musical, and inspiring.
...couldn't have said it better myself. Thanks again!

Tamer

09-30-2006, 12:18 AM

Gavin,

I must admit I really enjoy your drumming style, I've already picked a few tricks by listening to some PT tracks hehehe...

anyway, the main reason for having signed up to this forum is because Ive been trying to get in contact with steven wilson, however, I dont have his email, nor would I ask you to post it here as it would be a breach to his privacy.

I've been playing with a few friends on and off, mainly because we live in separate countries (I live in turkey, the other in germany, the other in the states). We used to go to the same highschool in germany. However we got the chance to get together in turkey for 3 weeks and record a cd in a friends studio.

Let me get to the point. I’d be tremendously greatful if you did me a favor. Below I have a link, of one of our songs. Id like for you and/or Steven to listen to it. Tell me what you think/he thinks, I’d really like to get in contact with him directly, but im afraid my options are limited. And no-one in Turkey is interested with this sort of music. I understand if you may not do this, you must be a really busy person and I would not want to be a nuisance.

Heres the link:

http://visionschool.cndgroup.biz/21grams.html

If you want to get in contact with me (to hear more songs), you may email me at eltorito@gmail.com
-Tamer

Gavin Harrison

09-30-2006, 02:22 PM

Hi rosmakloma,
thanks for the message, I've seen the Neil Peart interview - and it's very nice of him to mention me. I'm flattered.

Hi Tamer,
I'll pass your message on to Steve.,

Cheers
Gavin

Dazza

09-30-2006, 03:05 PM

Hi Gavin,

Congratulations on another impressive performance with PT last night at the Astoria gig - seemed to be a fair bit of improv from you, as I recall! The new songs are sounding great, by the way, really looking forward to the new record.

All best,
Dazza

Pywacket

09-30-2006, 07:17 PM

Hi Gavin.

We've spoken before.

No questions from me just wanted to say from one drummer to another your a nice player! I'm particularly fond of the cymbal song and I sincerely wish I sucked just like you on double kicks!

moncholo

09-30-2006, 07:31 PM

Hi there Gavin... i have just registered to this forum so i could ask some questions to you....

First of all, i'd like to begin giving you congratulations for the fact that now Porcupine Tree has signed to Roadrunner Records. I can only hope that they start sending the PT records to Argentina so i can buy them (yes, i live here) and maybe us South americans could get a chance to see Porcupine Tree live if we're lucky.

I'd like to know from what records this awesome songs like Plasson or Swerve come from, or if they are just written for the DVD, 'cause i gotta say, each of those songs is an incredible lesson on drumming by themselves.

Good luck with the rest of the tour!

Gavin Harrison

09-30-2006, 09:33 PM

Hi Dazza,
thanks, I enjoyed the London show too. I try to improvise whenever I can, just to stop myself from going crazy. I don't like to play the exact same fills every night.

Hi Pywacket,
thanks for the comment.

Hi moncholo
Plasson and Swerve are songs written just for my DVD's (although there's a version of Swerve on the CD which is included with my second book Rhythmic Perspectives).

Be nice to come to South America someday.

Cheers
Gavin

Midnite Mike

10-01-2006, 01:57 AM

Hey Gavin,
Thanks for pointing me in the right direction. I didnt find a post, but i put the call out and i'm sure someone out there knows what that progression is. Also, i'm having alot of fun playing Futile, right up my alley. Speaking of Rush, if you ever want to have some fun and challenge yourself at the same time, try playing either "Tom Sawyer" or "Yyz" off of Moving Pictures. Great fun!!!

I've noticed that on some of your songs like "Halo" and "Mother and Child" that you guys have sequenced parts that you play against live. I'm guessing that Richard triggers those live, but my question is, what do you use to sequence them during the recording sessions and how are they created? (i'm also guessing thats where they originate). Thanks.

MM

Sol Good

10-01-2006, 02:42 AM

Mike - I could be wrong but from what I've read in this thread (I think) those songs are synced to the films projected behind the band (can't remember if M&C Divided has a film, but it does have those cool sequenced parts in the second verse especially). So the films, the sequenced parts you mention, and the click that the band plays along to are all synced and are probably coming from something like a Logic or Pro Tools file (rather than being triggered manually). Like I said - I could be wrong.

Heard London was a very good show indeed - looking forward to Boston next week. Oh yes.

Alex

meandhimcallitus

10-01-2006, 07:00 AM

Hey Gavin,

Did you ever attended a music institute or school? If not...
Who were some of your teachers that taught you how to play?

Chris

Gavin Harrison

10-01-2006, 02:40 PM

Hi Mike & Sol Good,
the sequenced stuff starts life on Logic Pro. Most of the band members use it. There's a certain amount of sequencing going on for obvious musical reasons - plus the films need to be synced properly.

Hi meandhimcallitus,
I had private lessons with an old show drummer in London called Joe Hodson. Also I got a lot of inspiration and help from a BBC drummer Paul Brodie, and then when I was 18 I studied with ex-Berklee student Dave Cutler.

cheers
Gavin

Midnite Mike

10-02-2006, 04:13 AM

Gavin,
Ok, so, when you play M & C D live, your playing to a click track so the video syncs up?
Are the videos SMPTE time coded? The reason i ask is because I know a great deal about Audio and Lighting, but I'm lacking on the Video aspect and i don't like being in the dark on jobs that involve video. I'm aware that your DVD has Video and Audio that are synced, (otherwise it wouldn't come out right) do you take care of that yourself, and what equipment do you use? Also if you could point me in the direction of a good Video tutorial or something of that nature, that would help immensely. Thanks.

MM

hauk

10-02-2006, 05:26 AM

i just wanted to say i picked up in absentia recently, i'm still getting into it but i love it so far. great work

Terry Davey

10-02-2006, 02:55 PM

Hello Gavin,

I too have to say that the London Astoria PT show was truly exhilirating and inspiring.
I'm still buzzing from it now. I laughed in disbelief when you doubled choked round all your cymbals, I think it was in 'Halo' and I'm sure I saw Richard Barbieri laughing too.

I have a question for you about seating position. I've played as an open handed drummer for about 25 years and have spates of back ache due to the positioning of my cymbals on the left. I'm currently learning to play traditional cross over style with the hi hat and have repositioned my ride to the right hand side.

Do you have any advice as, like yourself I'm a large fella, about correct seating/balance?
In addition do you do much stretching of your arms/legs etc before playing a gig?

Thanks again for such an inspiring evening.

Terry.

Gavin Harrison

10-02-2006, 04:06 PM

Hi Mike,
yes we play to a click for Mother & Child live. No the films aren't synced via smpte.
The films are in a computer running a program called ARKAOS - which is a VJ program that responds to midi notes to start the films. There's one very long midi note that gets fired into it to start the film and (unbelievably) it stays in sync - then when the midi note finishes at the end of the song - it stops the film. A friend of ours is writing a simple video playback program for us that will sync the films to midi time code and therefore have continuos sync. This means that I can check the sync of any particular point without having to play the song from the beginning (as I do now).

Thanks Hauk,
glad you like the album!!

Hi Terry,
you're the first drummer I've ever heard of who has learnt to go back to cross handed from open. I don't know what to tell you about seat positioning. Everyone who sits on my kit thinks I sit low - and a long way back (plus they think the pedals feel too tight). I sit that way because it makes the angles of my feet on the pedals feel right to me. I always play heel up. Once you have that feeling right - it's easy to adjust everything else around you.
I don't really have a stretching routine...it kind of depends on the first 2 songs of the show. When we used to open with the track Deadwing - I felt like I had to warm up before the show because it was such a physically demanding tune. Now we start off in a slightly less strenuous way - I feel warmed up by the time we get to the 2nd song.

Cheers
Gavin

Midnite Mike

10-03-2006, 02:33 AM

Gavin,
Oh my God, i'm hooked, i have to buy Arkaos now that i've seen the demo. Its opened up a whole new world for me!!!!! Thanks. Can you explain continous sync a bit more, i'm slightly confused.Thanks

MM

stefano.pan

10-06-2006, 07:43 AM

Hi Gavin,
this post just to ask you: "is everything ok with the US tour?"

Cheers ;-)
Stefano

Sol Good

10-06-2006, 01:02 PM

Great PT show in Boston despite the seated venue, monitor problems for Gavin (?), and the visa delays that were mentioned. The rhythmic complexity of some of the new songs is great...if you're into Gavin's books & DVDs then seeing this band is a treat. Great rhythmic ideas, well executed, and all so musical - makes the band sound unique.

Gavin Harrison

10-06-2006, 02:06 PM

Hi Mike,
yes Arkaos is a great program, but for what we're doing isn't perfect. The only sync reference is the midi on command at the start of each film. After that it's just free wheeling.

Hi Stefano,
yes everything is fine with the US tour thanks...apart from the fact that I have really bad flu.

Hi Sol Good
thanks for the comments, glad you enjoyed the show. I wasn't having any real problems with my monitoring. Things sounded very bright because of my cold.

Cheers
Gavin

thombo

10-06-2006, 05:47 PM

Hi Gavin:

Bummer about the flu, you'll feel better soon. Wish I was in the US right now , I'd go see you.
Do you have any plans for a tour in Southeast Asia, namely, Singapore, Malaysia,or perhaps
even Thailand. I reside in this neck of the woods and would love to see you live...for sure.
Let me know if you ever do. Also I was wondering whats the time signature for "Plasson"?
The clip that you provide for this site is great but the way the clip starts sort of throws me off.

Please advise

Thombo

Mediocrefunkybeat

10-06-2006, 06:31 PM

Gavin, fantastic playing, fantastic band. What drew me to ask you, however, was your sound. Your set as a whole sounds truly, truly stunning and I know its as much down to the player as the equipment used. I'm endlessly fascinated about the sonic potential of Sonor drums and I would be very interested in knowing how, technically, you approach your sound. What kind of EQing and compression you use and what kind of microphone configuration you use. Any answers would be very much appreciated.

Gavin Harrison

10-06-2006, 07:03 PM

Hi Thombo,
sadly we haven't so far been out your way, but who knows what the future holds?
Plasson is in 7/8.

Hi Mediocrefunkybeat,
thanks for the kind words. I suppose my sound as far as my studio is concerned is a slowly evolving process. Endless trial and error over the past 10 years has helped me shape things as far as microphones, positioning, tuning, eq, processing etc. I suppose it's quite a personal thing. Part of the joy of having my own studio is that I can spend a lot of time trying things out. Everything in the chain can effect all the other things too.

Cheers
Gavin

Midnite Mike

10-08-2006, 02:56 AM

jmontroy

10-08-2006, 03:52 AM

Hey Gavin,
Excellent show last night in NYC!!!! The 3rd song in the first set was amazing! Cant wait to here it on the new album. The room sounded great, not a bad seat in the house. There was a line completely all the way around the block. Totally speechless. Thanks for stopping by and showing us a good time, i really enjoyed myself. Take care and God bless.

MM

Yea, everything he said I second. The line was huge, even getting there and hour and a half early. But it was completely worth it. The whole band sounded fabulous, and the new stuff was awesome. I really liked the song I think right after the epic...not the quiet one but the really funky time signature one where it almost sounded like you played some sort of strange heavy rock shuffle in some wacky time signature (you'll probably be raising your eyebrow with that description). That drumming made The Sound of Muzak sound simple! And once again, you blew me and my completely not-drum-savvy friends away when they usually don't care about that stuff. Thanks for such an amazing show.

Also...Trains was interesting. There was sound clip played during a lapse in the song where everyone got quiet. It was funny, but what was the deal with that? It was hilarious nonetheless.

Thanks for the great show and good luck!

(PS: Did you notice the ridiculously wasted and loud obnoxious tall guy in the front left? Yea, I was stuck behind him.)

Gavin Harrison

10-08-2006, 05:35 AM

Thanks Mike & jmontroy,
It wasn't that great a sound on stage, I couldn't hear/feel any of the room - so it sounded like playing in a rehearsal room with no P.A. I've been in that kind of position so many times (as I'm sure a lot of drummers have) where you just have to play on and hope it sounds good out front.

The strange sound clip in Trains was a sample Richard made of me when I was doing an impersonation of our English/Geordie bus driver.

cheers
Gavin

Sonor

10-10-2006, 03:26 AM

Yes I've changed over to K hi hats because - first they sound very musical to me, and second I broke too many top cymbals of the Remix series. I still have the Remix hats and still really like them - but I know they won't take a lot of heavy hitting.
Glad you liked "Shallow" - I used the K hi hats on that song.

Hi Gavin,
were the K hats (are they 14"?) used on The Start of Something Beautiful and Glass Arm Shattering? I'm looking to upgrade my current hi-hats and I'm torn between the Ks and K Custom Special Dry. I really like the way the Ks sound in Shallow, and if indeed they were used on the other two tracks mentioned I just might be sold.

Thanks!

Midnite Mike

10-10-2006, 03:53 AM

Hey Gavin,
So i dont understand. If you guys set your own static mixes during sound check then i dont understand how the room sounded so bad from where you were sitting. FOH sounded great!!!

MM

Gavin Harrison

10-10-2006, 06:29 AM

Hi Sonor,
yes I used 13" K hi hats on those songs.

Hi Mike,
I can still feel the PA in the room, even though I have the ears on. That night It felt like the PA was off from where I was sitting. Being close to the PA stacks or a long way back makes a big difference in vibe to us.

Cheers
Gavin

Massik Kretal

10-12-2006, 12:08 AM

Hey Gavin! First off I just want to say AMAZING show on Friday at Nokia Theater. I can't wait for the new album to come out.

Now on to drum business...

First off, I've been playing for about 5 years now and I'm currently studying New Breed and a snare drum book at the moment. I want to get Illusions but I don't know if I'm at the level the book starts off with, and I would like to know if you would recommend it for someone playing for 5 years, or is the book for more advanced players?

Next, I can not find a good way to setup my Pearl Icon rack and I have been struggling with it ever since I recieved it. Then I realized YOU use the rack and your setup looks incredibly comfortable. Is there a way I can get a diagram of your setup of some kind, or measurements of the height you have the bars at or something. It would help me greatly.

And Finally, the set of chimes that you have are custom made by yourself I've read. I think they sound amazing. Have you talked to Zildjian about the chimes to see if they can produce it for the public, or is there a way the average person can make them themselves as you did? OR maybe you can start a cymbal making business or something haha. Please let me know.

Thank you very much

Massik Kretal

10-12-2006, 12:16 AM

(PS: Did you notice the ridiculously wasted and loud obnoxious tall guy in the front left? Yea, I was stuck behind him.)

Hahaha yeah that guy was so wasted. "BASS!! BASS!!" That dude was so annoying.

jr100

10-12-2006, 12:27 AM

Hi Gavin;
Just wanted to say the show at the Nokia theater was fantastic! The sound was great all around and if you were playing with the flu, I certainly couldn't tell, your playing was incredible. It was a nice suprise hearing the new material, I'm looking forward to the new album.
Who is the second guitarist that was with you guys? Does he record with PT too?
Thanks. Take care.

Gavin Harrison

10-12-2006, 03:04 AM

Hi Massik Kretal,
Glad you enjoyed the NY show. I don't know how good your reading is - but you may enjoy Rhythmic Illusions. It comes with a CD so that help you understand some tricky parts.

I'll try and find my photos of my rack - it has all the measurements. I use it to set-up a new one if I ever rent one on the other side of the world.

If I start my own cymbal company I'll let you all know!!!!

Hi jr100,
our second guitarist is John Wesley, and no he doesn't usually record with us.

Cheers
Gavin

Massik Kretal

10-12-2006, 04:34 AM

Well alrighty. The pictures with measurements would be great. My reading is pretty good I think. I guess I'll just see if a store has the book and skim through it and see if its good for me. Maybe later on after I get further into New Breed I'll get it.

Do you think you guys will take John Wesly as a member of the band like Opeth did with Per Wilber?

Sonor

10-12-2006, 03:52 PM

Hi Sonor,
yes I used 13" K hi hats on those songs.

Thanks Gavin. They're on order!

I would just like to say, and I'm sure I speak for everyone, how much we appreciate you taking time out of your busy schedule to respond to all our questions, sometimes twice.
I enjoy reading your posts almost as much as I enjoy listening to you play.

Again, many thanks, Gavin.

Do you think you guys will take John Wesly as a member of the band like Opeth did with Per Wilber?
Hehehe...his hair is too funny to be a permanent member. ;)

Liquid_Drummer

10-12-2006, 06:39 PM

Hi Gavin,

Really nice of you to take the time to answer so many questions. If you have a moment I have a couple of my own I would like to ask..

1. I’ve been playing for 15 years so I have a fair idea of what I want to achieve on the drums so.... how can I be as good as Buddy Rich a week from now ? Stem Cell milkshake maybe ?

2. What gave you the rhythmic ideas for the song Sound Of MuzaK ? I found the bass drum placement in the beat a bit hard to get down at 1st and really love the way it effects the feel of the song. I have to thank you for your contribution to that composition because it is very satisfying to play along with (when I get it right!) and really a great song.

Please ignore question #1

Regards,

Liquid Drummer

Gavin Harrison

10-12-2006, 07:56 PM

Hi Sonor,
hope you enjoy the 13" K's - I love 'em.

Hi Liquid_Drummer,
a Stem Cell milkshake is probably the best idea!!!!
Actually the kick and snare pattern is perfectly symmetrical. It's 7/16
(kick - - kick - snare - ). I think of it in 7/4 so you play the 7/16 kick and snare pattern 4 times in one bar.
I still like playing it even though we've performed it hundreds of times.

Cheers
Gavin

Liquid_Drummer

10-12-2006, 08:46 PM

Wow that was fast ! Thx a bunch Gavin. I have to say It sure didn’t feel symmetrical learning it. Felt like I was doing independence exercises. Imagine how it sounds playing without the bass drum. Hard to explain what I am getting at but to me it’s so cool and odd how the snare and hi-hat rhythm interact when you hear them without the bass drum. I have developed quite a few practice routines based on that feel. Thx again. I don’t suppose you guys are coming anywhere near Louisville, Kentucky in the future are you ?
Thx for the inspiration,

Liquid Drummer

TheTerribleTomTom

10-13-2006, 02:04 AM

Hey Gavin,

First of all, you rule. Now here's the my question:

I own your rhythmic illusions DVD and I'm having trouble with the displacement exercises. I'm not sure how I should be feeling the displaced figures, such as when you move the beat up 1 sixteenth note. Should I still be counting the sixteenth notes (hits on "e" and "a", or should I now feel the metronome click as the "a" of the subdivisions? Should I be feeling the displaced figure with its own downbeat or with the new downbeat? I'm not sure if that makes sense, but its really giving me problems. I appreciate any help you can give me on the matter. Thanks a lot and keep up the awesome work.

Gavin Harrison

10-13-2006, 02:57 AM

Hi TheTerribleTomTom,
interesting name.
You got it the first time...you should I still be counting the sixteenth notes (hits on "e" and "a". Keep your mind in the original position. Only the listener should be hearing it as a 'new' downbeat. You have to be careful when creating a rhythmic illusion that you don't fool yourself into hearing it in a new position (as with displacement) or a new tempo (as with modulation). Stay with the original timing in your head.

cheers
Gavin

Midnite Mike

10-13-2006, 04:12 AM

Hey Gavin,
I was wondering if you have ever dropped a stick during a live performance and recovered.

MM

Gavin Harrison

10-13-2006, 07:13 AM

Many times Mike!!!!

Cheers
Gavin

Midnite Mike

10-13-2006, 07:38 AM

Thanks for the chuckle Gavin,
I'm not trying to be annoying, i just thought id bring up a drummer taboo. It seems nobody likes to talk about dropping sticks during performances. God knows we've all had our fair share. Its also nice to know that you're just a human being like the rest of us. Thanks.

MM

p.s. I cant stand playing when i'm sick, hope your feeling better.

fearofflying

10-13-2006, 11:06 PM

Hello Gavin,
>
> My name is Thomas Occhiogrosso, I'm also a drummer. Hearing first
> about Porcupine Tree from my friend Buddy Macy.
> Became an immediate fan. My band (Fear Of Flying) had just finished
> a show in Baltimore, when my bass player noticed some
> DVD;s on a vendors display. He purchased a live DVD of P.T. in
> Germany. I was very impressed with your style and
> technique. I then drove 3hrs. to the Nokia Theater in NYC to see
> you live with P.T.
> Everything I had expected and more. My friend Andy Vandette from
> Master Disk met us there. Latter finding out he
> actually mastered Pt's music. Thanks for a memorable night.
>
> Now for my question..
> I have been trying to decide on an in-ear monitor system. Most
> clubs,rooms are so erratic. My
> drums never sound the same. I'm not a very hard hitter so I play a
> lot on feel. 8 months ago
> I started using a double pedal. I would really like to here all
> those subtle hits clearer.
> I resolve to wearing ear plugs because of the volume which also
> adds to the problem.
> I do feel very relaxed in the studio playing with head phones. So I
> assume the similar
> relaxed environment can be created with in-ear monitors.
> (providing I get what I need in
> the mix).
>
> What kind of in-ear monitors do you use and what type of
> transmitter and receiver?
>
> Thanks for the inspiration
>
> Tom Occhiogrosso

Gavin Harrison

10-14-2006, 09:27 PM

Hi Tom,
thanks for the message. I've been using an 'in ear' system for about 4 years now, and I understand the problems that you're having - especially the bass drum.
I don't use a transmitter/receiver - I just plug straight into a little 6 channel mixer that's right next to me so that I can turn things up or down as I'm playing - such as a click track channel (when there's a sequencer or backing track) the overall volume of my drums, the overall volume of the rest of the band (pre mixed at our monitor desk) and a high EQ'ed frequency clicky bass drum channel. I really wanted to have the chance to listen to a very clicky bass drum sound when I was playing some intricate double bass drum parts. Obviously it's not a sound that the other guys in the band want - nor would I want such a sound coming through a speaker on stage - it would be pretty nasty - but I can have just the right amount of it in my headphones so that I can hear the articulation of the double pedal and (hopefully) be able to play it more accurately. In some songs I just turn it right down if I don't need it.

Having a good in ear system does really help for consistency from night to night (if you have the same mics and the same monitor desk too). But depending on the room and your proximity to the PA - things can still feel quite different.

Good luck

Cheers
Gavin

Massik Kretal

10-14-2006, 09:42 PM

That helped me out too, I'm looking into those things aswell.

So hows that diagram doing? haha

Gavin Harrison

10-15-2006, 07:33 PM

Hi Massik,
here's a shot of my drum rack

Cheers
Gavin

fearofflying

10-16-2006, 02:28 AM

Hello.................Gavin,
Thanks for the info,
I'm going to give it a try.
Thanks again
looking forward to seeing you again.
Tom Occhiogrosso

Midnite Mike

10-16-2006, 04:23 AM

Hey Gavin,
I have a suggestion that you might be interested in. Just recently i was turned onto a DVD called ANIMUSIC. From the outset i was blown away, really groundbreaking stuff. It is Music driven animation, not the other way around. Here is the site, click on (DVD info & clips),and then (Animusic 1 (special edition)). The three video clips you must look at are, "Drum Machine," "Pipe Dream," and "Harmonic Voltage."
The reason i am suggesting this is because PT has done some pretty groundbreaking and inventive things in the past couple years. I realize that you guys like to think outside the box most of the time. Every time i watch "Harmonic Voltage" i cant help but think, "Wow, it would be great if these two forces joined, they could come up with something totally outrageous and entertaining!"
The entire DVD is quite remarkable and still has room for improvement on the musical side. Fairly cheap too, about $20. Please, take some time and check it out, i think in the long run this would be a great treat for the PT fans and help open a few doors towards multimedia entertainment. Thanks. Take care and God bless.

http://www.animusic.com/index.shtml

MM

Gavin Harrison

10-16-2006, 09:48 AM

Hi Mike,
yes I know this stuff very well - I was looking at it some time ago. Very interesting - I'd love to do a drum video with it.

Cheers
Gavin

Massik Kretal

10-17-2006, 12:12 AM

Hi Massik,
here's a shot of my drum rack

Cheers
Gavin

Gavin you truly are the greatest! Thank you! I really appreciate it.

I cant help but notice the side legs look smaller. And the bar on the left is smaller as well. Is it the three sides ICON rack? Or is it a single bar with two extention bars? Sorry for bothering you with so many questions about your setup.

Gavin Harrison

10-17-2006, 12:40 PM

Hi Massik,
it's a regular 3 sided Icon rack - except I cut the left hand bar down by about a third.

Cheers
Gavin

Life4NicK

10-17-2006, 07:12 PM

Hi Gavin, (sorry if my english is bad, I'm a french canadian)

First, I'd like to say that it's very nice of you to answer all those questions, it's appreciated for sure

I just wanted to ask you to pass my message to Steven Wilson. I just turned 18 years old and have been very influenced by his work, so much that I now consider him as my hero, my idol. I would love to meet him one day. The last time you guys came to Montreal (where I live) in 2005, Steven told us (the crowd) that PT would be back *for sure* the next year for the promotion of the DVD. And it did not happen !!!!! Just tell him he's still my hero, I still worship him, but I am mad at him because I was really hoping to see you again this year.

Are you guys coming back to Montreal one day ?

cvighals

10-18-2006, 02:31 AM

Hi Gavin!

This thread is becoming quite informative I think! Truly amazing of you to answer all these questions. :D

What im wondering about has to do with the use of clicktracks live.
Do you use a clicktrack on all PT songs live? Or is it just used during some special songs with video projections?
Does everyone in PT have the clicktrack in the in-ear monitors, or is just you who uses it?
Also is it you that controls the clicktracks (Start them) or is it Richard or any of the others?

The reason im asking is that my bandmates really want to use samplings in a live setting, but we really don't have much of a clue on how much effort goes into programming clicks, and the use of samplings.
Also I tried to use a metronome at the last practice, but it's pretty annoying listening to an eight-note clicktrack through your whole reportoire..

Ps. Recieved "Arriving Somewhere" and "Rhythmic Horizons" a little while ago, and they are both amazing!
19 days is truly stunning!!
A little question about the intro music to RH.. What track is that? Something you've composed yourself? Would love to hear the whole session ;)

And about the PT dvd: It is really great! Your playing is beyond drumming! I was also very eager to hear your go on some of the old tracks, and your drumming on "Even Less" is divine!
But I think my favourite moments of the dvd is:
1. The break in hatesong where you wet your index finger and rubs it over the drumhead of your tom to make that cool sound!
2. The string break in "Trains" and Steven responding to the guy in the audience "NOT Free bird!!" That's hilarious!

That was a bit long.. well, anyway!!

Cheers
Chris!!

Gavin Harrison

10-18-2006, 09:51 AM

Hi cvighals,
I don't use a click track to every PT song live - only the ones that need it because of the films being in sync or if there's a sequencer/drum loop playing in a particular song.

In the songs where we use a click - there are times where I'm not playing - like in an intro or a breakdown section where the drums stop. Then I can program a click to appear in the other members 'in ear' monitors. Otherwise I would have to play something like 1/4 notes on a hi hat during those sections to keep them from drifting out of time with the click/backing track.

Yes, playing to a click live is a strange thing to do at first - but you get used to it. The difficult part can be when your band mates might push or drag against the click - and it's all down to you to try to keep the whole thing on track. A drummers nightmare.

I wrote an article a few years ago about programming click tracks - because I got fed up with keyboard players or producers giving me such bad clicks.

http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/aug03/articles/clicktracks.htm

The intro music to Rhythmic Horizons is something I composed and played - but I never developed it into a whole piece.

Glad you're enjoying the DVD's

Cheers
Gavin

cvighals

10-18-2006, 02:24 PM

Thanks Gavin!!

Really good and helpful article!
The thing about eq'ing the click and markers in the song are brilliant!

Massik Kretal

10-19-2006, 04:56 AM

Hi Massik,
it's a regular 3 sided Icon rack - except I cut the left hand bar down by about a third.

Cheers
Gavin

Oh alright thank you very much!

stoneymonster

10-19-2006, 05:00 AM

Evening (morning?) Gavin,

Thanks again for taking time out to respond to these posts. I was wondering if you had any hints about the main groove on Mother and Child Divided? I'm making an attempt to transcribe it for myself, but as I'm not the most advanced drummer at this point, it's giving me a bit of trouble :) Something about it makes me really want to play it though, just such a cool feel.

Thanks.

p.s. - Has Steve discovered what happened to his amp in SF yet? I can't imagine how stressful that must have been. My brother (also a guitar player) couldn't watch, imagining it was happening to him! Glad it got worked out, it turned out to be a great show.

Gavin Harrison

10-19-2006, 10:49 AM

Hi stoneymonster,
I actually did a CD lesson on this track for a UK magazine called Rhythm.
The basic pattern is in 10/16

k - - k - k - s - - (this is Kick and Snare)

then the whole pattern is played over 2 bars of 4/4 - so it's 3 times through the 10/16 pattern then 2/16 on the end to make it fit into a two bar slot.

k - - k - k - s - - k - - k - k : - s - - k - - k - k - s - - k - : (This last kick I sometimes playas a bass drum triplet roll). Of course you need to accent quarter notes on the hi hat above this pattern.

Steve's amp blew up in the middle of the opening song in SF....a bit of disaster. It proves that we need to carry a spare one from now on.

Cheers
Gavin

stoneymonster

10-19-2006, 08:22 PM

Thanks Gavin. The 2/16 make-up beats were throwing me off. How do you approach writing something like that? Is that what you hear and you figure out how it works later, or do you start more analytically/mathematically and "design" the pattern around what the song is doing and what works rhythmically? Does this question even make sense? ha.

Midnite Mike

10-19-2006, 11:46 PM

Hey Gavin,
Considering your starting to record PT's next album, and i'm starting to record my first, i thought it would be nice if you could give us drummers a crash course in Mic choice, placement, EQ, etc... all the way to final mixdown and mastering. Thanks for your time. Take care and God bless.

MM

TomasHakkesBrain

10-20-2006, 04:51 AM

Hey Gav,

Do you know the guys from Frost*?. What an amazing UK band they are!. I really hope you guys tour with them.

Gavin Harrison

10-20-2006, 10:23 AM

i stoneymonster,
Actually I had that drum pattern in the back of my mind for quite a long time. I wrote a 10/16 pattern many years ago - and it features in the back of my first book "Rhythmic Illusions". I adapted it for a more heavy approach and played it to Steve Wilson. I suggested that the bass and guitar could follow the kick and snare rhythm - and so the song was born.

Hi Mike,
the microphones that I will use on the next record will be

Audix D6 for the kick
Audix i5 for the snare top
Shure SM57 on the underside of the snare
Sennheiser MD421 or EV 408 on the toms (haven't decided yet)
AKG CK391 for hi hat
2 x Royer 122's for overheads
2 x Neumann 103's for close ambience
2 x Schoeps CMC5's for distance room ambience

there'll be no eq'ing to speak of. That'll be done in the mix if needed.

Hi TomasHakkesBrain
sorry but I don't know "Frost". Guess I'll have to check them out.

Cheers
Gavin

Midnite Mike

10-21-2006, 07:06 AM

Hey Gavin,
Nice selection of mics. My god, those Royers, Neumann, and Schoeps are crazy expensive. I'm surprised to see you using ribbon mics for your overheads, gotta be careful with those babies! The close ambiance and room ambience is something i've never come across. Can you explain that a little? Will you be using all the mics simultaniously on one take and then using what sounds good in the mixdown? Any particular sample rate your comfortable with? Thanks for letting me pick your brain.

MM

p.s. the article on click tracks was well written, informative, slightly humorous, and insighful. thanks.

TomasHakkesBrain

10-21-2006, 11:00 AM

Hey Gav, here's their myspace site-check out the excerpt from Milliontown

http://www.myspace.com/milliontown

The songwriter normally writes for Atomic Kitten and Shayne Ward!!.

Foog

10-23-2006, 02:39 AM

Hey, Gavin. I recently bought your new DVD. It is by far the most amazing DVD i've ever experienced. I have been able to master the 5-5-7 pattern, with both quarter notes and three sixteenths over it. I feel so amazing. But it's really because of you, since its your idea. The last thing I posted was about that triplet paradiddle riff that you do a lot in the solo on the DVD and then also at the end of Gravity Eyelids (around like 6:17) and since then, I've got a decent handle on that riff. I sort of extend it to RLRRLR so it's 7/16 sort of, and i have been able to GREATLY utilise (british spelling, for your benefit) that idea in many songs with my prog metal band. So thanks for the inspiration and I'm never taking that DVD out of my player! P.S. Where can I find a copy of Mother and Child divided or whatever that song is? everyone's talking about it but I can't find it.

Thanks,
Foog

Gavin Harrison

10-23-2006, 11:12 AM

Hey Midnite Mike,
you've never heard of ambience mics? Maybe I'm using the wrong term? These are stereo mics that are set up at a fair distance from the drums so they pic up more of the room sound and less of the close sound. (I've already got the close sound with the mics directly by the drum skins). Then I can mix in both sounds - dry close mics - and distant ambient mics.
I'm using the Neumanns about 6 to 8 feet in front of the drums - and then the Schoeps about 40 feet away.

Hi Foog,
wow - glad you like it that much!!!! There's a version of Mother & Child Divided on the new PT Live DVD. Also on the "Rockpalast" show (of which the audio is downloadable from ...

http://www.burningshed.com/index.asp?page=downloaddetails&id=42&returnpage=mp3band&returnid=103

Cheers
Gavin

cygnify

10-23-2006, 11:05 PM

Hi Gavin!

I just discovered PT about a year ago (thank you Andy VanDette), and I absolutely love the band and, in particular, your playing. I am very interested in your instructional DVDs and was wondering if they are only available from the PT shop or if they are available from any retail in the US?

Secondly, I noticed that you have a co-writing credit on Futile, Mother and Child Divided, The Start of Something Beautiful, So Called Friend, and Halo. These are among some of my favorites. I am curious how involved you are in the writing of the songs and if there are any possible new ones from the forthcoming PT album?

Finally, a technical question regarding Mother and Child Divided - I've seen versions from both the RockPalast show and the new DVD (Do you prefer one performance over the other?) You previously mentioned in this thread that you sometimes perform a triplet bass drum roll and the end of the phrase - are you using some type of high hat clamp to keep it closed while playing kick with both pedals? Also, it appears that this little (broken?) triplet is preceded by a couple ghost notes on the snare - just how many notes are in there on the snare/kick?

That's just a sick groove (as is Muzac, Futile, etc.) Thanks for the inspiration!

Gavin Harrison

10-24-2006, 12:08 AM

Hi cygnify,
at the moment my new DVD Rhythmic Horizons is only available from the PT shop.

http://www.burningshed.com/index.asp?main=pt&page=band&id=80

Halo, So Called Friend and Glass Arm Shattering - all came out of band writing sessions. The other co-writes that I did mainly started with a drum idea that I developed and worked on with Steve Wilson.

I don't really have a preference of performance of M&C Divided on the PT LIve DVD or Rockpalast - because I can't really remember them. Which one do you like?
I do use a Tama Cobra Clutch in that song. I love it - I actually designed something like this many years ago - I'm so glad someone got round to making one because it's so useful if you dabble a bit in double pedal (as I sometimes do).
I think you may be correct about the ghost note thing. I tend to play a 16th note Ghost note after a main backbeat. I guess it's the Jeff Porcaro influence coming through!!!

Cheers
Gavin

sclemmer

10-25-2006, 04:31 AM

Gavin,
Thanks for taking the time to answer everyone's questions. I am truly impressed by the speed at which you repsond sometimes.

I've been playing drums for 14 years and have been in a bit of a slump. I must say that after watching the new PT DVD I was completely blown away and I found the inspiration to keep on playing.

I do have a question/request of my own though. Would it possible for you to post the drums, cymbals, etc... you used during the show on the DVD? I'm sure other folks here would be interested in knowing as well.

Thanks again.

Gavin Harrison

10-25-2006, 10:37 AM

Hi sclemmer

Here's a list of the drums/cymbals that I used on that PT Live DVD.
:
SONOR DeLite in Birdseye Azure
Toms 8x8, 10x8, 12x9, 14x12, 16x14 (all with Remo coated Emperors on top, clear Ambassadors on bottom)
Kick 22x17 (Powerstroke 3 clear)
Snares- varies; usually main is Sonor Black Steel 14x5 (Remo Emperor X head) with an aux 12" (Remo Ambassador head) to the left of the hi-hat

Cymbals:
14" Oriental China Trash
5 custom made bells
13" K Hi-Hats
19" K Crash
6" A Custom Splash
8" EFX
15" A Custom Crash
20" K Ride
18" A Custom Crash
12" Oriental China Trash
18" A Custom China

(Note: All cymbals are Zildjian and are listed in the order they appear from left to right. The five custom bells were made from some old broken Zildjian crash cymbals.)

Cheers
Gavin

sclemmer

10-26-2006, 12:59 AM

Awesome, thank you very much for the info. I do appreciate it.

drumbumhamza

10-27-2006, 11:00 PM

Dear Sir,
it was exactly an hour ago when i was informed that a great drumming persona such as yourself has actually bothered to spend some time off and grace this part of cyber space with his presence.....i think itll still take some time to sink in...

so anyway its an honour to be able to communicat with you in such a fashion. id lik u to know that uv been one of my mentors (along with danny carey, josh freese, tim alexander) ever since i heard in absentia for the first time.....which was about 2 years ago

im goin to leave all the praises out (for now) cuz i know im gona fall short of words to describe the beauty of ur playing skills. ill jump straight to the most annoying bit of being such a great drummer .....that is to be able to provide answers to the most naive questions possible so here goes

1) im from india....and sonor was recently launched here.....all this while iv been using a mapex q series kit (wch i love for the price) but now im ready for an upgrade
considerin the prices here in india are high even for the starter level kits....id like to know if it would be worth buying a sonor force drumkit (505, 1005 or 2005)
also kindly suggest wch of the above i should go in for

2) iv been using a mapex janus ergo double bass pedal.....but im really stuck up on the sonor big beat cuz danny careys been usin it for some time now
do u suggest i go in for one of those ?.....if not is ther any other pedal besides the longboard that i could try

3) i have a 32-note xylophone but have absolutely not the slightest idea of how to play it......all i can play are some random notes by ear....but id lik to learn the scales as well....so is ther a book or a dvd that ud recommend

4) http://www.emusicpost.com/techtalk.html
if u ever find the time....pls read my interview wch was taken recently.....hehe it has ur name in it

5) also....is it possible for me to take ur interview and put it up on that site ?
cuz u hav a LOT of fans here in india and im sure theyd love to read one

6) lastly
im sure youv heard of the legendry Zakir Hussain.....well every year he invites great drummers from all over the world to play at a fuction that is held as a tribute to his late father
this year mr terry bozzio was down with his entire kit (phew) and i had the opportunity of meeting him
last year it was mr steve smith. i managed to meet him as well and get him to sign my hi hats...wooo hoooo
so i was wondering if ud come down here next year in feb....if i manage to get to mr zakir hussain and request him to request u to come down :)
its a dream to actually see u play in person

anyway thanks for taking time off to read this and sorry for having bothered you
hamza
(PS i play for a prog rock/metal band....we cover tool, opeth and porcupine tree)

andrew2

10-28-2006, 11:28 AM

Hello Gavin...I´m a huge fan of your playing. I was just wondering what you are currently practising on and trying to improve in your own playing?

You already kick ass, but it´s interresting to know where you can go from that.

piotr

10-28-2006, 12:44 PM

Hi Gavin,

I have been listening to Porcupine Tree for years and I must admit that when I heard In Absentia for the first time I was really fascinated by your drumming. It was something quite diverse from what Chris Maitland was doing at the time. Not only from technical point of view. There are some certain ideas regarding tempo, accuracy and precision. My favourite track in that respect is Gravity Eyelids, which is maybe quite simple rhythmically but very "clear" regarding overall sound. The same space and clearness are also present in Tinto Brass (XM version). I can hear there some Steward Copeland influences (splash work) and even Bill Bruford (snare, tempo - I think both you have very much in common in the way you are "plannig" the beat). There are also mind-blowing changes of tempo in the middle part of that track.

Compering the XM albums and Deadwing the sound of your drum set has changed. The sharp and light tone became more powerfull. It is due to current metal orientation of the band?

Also - I know about Futile and The Start of..., but does Steven give you any rhythmic ideas regarding each particular track sometimes?

And what do you think of using electronics (D-Drums) as a part of the drum set (in the way like for example Pat Mastelotto is using them) ?

Thanks very much,
Best wishes
Piotr

Gavin Harrison

10-28-2006, 01:27 PM

Hi drumbumhamza,
thanks for the message.
1. I'm not very familiar with the Sonor Force series - but I have seen and played them at the factory and at trade shows and I think they are very good indeed. In the tradition of Sonor - they are well designed and constructed. I'm sure you would not be unhappy with them. Maybe you could experiment with different skin choices to find a sound that suits your style?

2. I love the Sonor double pedal, it feels really good - I use it on some of my DVD. My feet just got used to playing at higher volumes on the Axis Longboards.

3. I've no idea how to really study xylophone...but playing another instrument apart from drums is a very helpful thing. I play bass and a bit of guitar and keyboards.

4. Ok I'll have a look

5. What interview of mine is it that you want to put up on that site?

6. Zakir Hussain is an amazing musician - I'd love to meet him.

Many thanks
Gavin

Gavin Harrison

10-28-2006, 01:39 PM

Hi Andrew2,
I'm not practising that much at the moment because I'm busy recording in the studio. But when I do have time, I just explore concepts and improvise ideas. I'm always trying to improve my sense of time - and understanding of rhythm.

Hi piotr,
regarding the difference of drum sound from XM and Deadwing. XM (and XM2) were recorded in 3 hours each, in the studio of XM Radio in Washington DC. The sound of the drums was pretty much the sound the engineer made on the day. Deadwing was recorded in a different way - there was no particular difference in the drums themselves - in fact it was a almost identical kit. Probably the production of Deadwing was a lot more extensive - and also the chance to spend a lot more time on the recording of each track - and on the mixing process.

Sometimes Steven has programmed a drum part on the demo of a song - and sometimes I play almost exactly that. Other times I completely change it. It depends on how well 'designed' the drum part was for the song...and if I think it works.

I have a set of DDrums (and I think they're very good) - but I've gone off playing electronic drums. It really doesn't satisfy me anymore.

Cheers
Gavin

drumbumhamza

10-28-2006, 07:32 PM

thank you for the reply
i guess ill try those kits out then

about the interview.....the site is a music oriented site that keeps youngs musicians here updated on gigs, workshops, instruments, cds....everything related to music
it has an interview section wch contains interviews of several indian and international musicians.....so i was wonderin wether i cud send u a list of questions (haha not too many....wudn want to bother u much).... the answers to wch wud be put up on the site as an interview

www.emusicpost.com
thats the link

considerin that you are one of the main topics of discussion (amongst drummers) at almost every gig, i thot may be theyd lik to see a few questions answered by the legend himself

awaitin your reply (again :) )

Gavin Harrison

10-28-2006, 10:01 PM

Hi drumbumhamza,
ok send me your interview questions via the messages function.

cheers
Gavin

P.S
I'm more of a "leg end" than a "legend"

brittc89

10-29-2006, 01:01 AM

I started thinking about this the other night, and I figured a pro would be the only person able to answer it. How do you keep a relationship (wife, girlfriend) going when youre touring? Thanks.

Gavin Harrison

10-29-2006, 03:01 PM

Hi Britt,
my girlfriend is very understanding - and is use to me being at home for long stretches or away for short ones....it's just part of my job. The longest time away in any trip is about 6 weeks. Recently it hasn't been more than a month at a time.

Cheers
Gavin

andrew2

10-30-2006, 12:13 PM

Hi again...I´ve been practising to your books now for awhile, or trying to it´s pretty hard. But could you give me some song recommendations featuring your types of groove modulations, ideas and A and B modes in musical context. Thanks

Gavin Harrison

10-30-2006, 06:44 PM

Hi andrew2,
Have you got my two DVD's? There's plenty of tunes with that kind of stuff in.
There's elements of Rhythmic Illusions in the last two Porcupine Tree CD's too.

Cheers
Gavin

Sonor

10-30-2006, 07:28 PM

Hi Gavin,

I am a few weeks away form purchasing all your books and DVDs, and am really looking forward to giving the brain some high grade chow.
I need to pay off some drum accessories first, and since I will have plenty of time between now and then I know I will need a very good hi-hat foot in order to complete most of the exercises.

Do you have any suggestions or simple patterns that I could work on (that worked for you) just to get this foot more involved so that it is in better shape for taking on your material when it finally arrives? It gets very little to no use whenever I play. I'm referring to the 'chicking' sound created by the foot, no sticks.

Thanks in advance.

TitanSound

10-30-2006, 08:35 PM

I am no where near Gavin's level of playing but I hope I can help...

I found that playing the beat on the hit hat while not playing it during songs is the first step. Other than that your left foot needs as much work as your right technique wise to be able to do this for extended periods. I suggest playing along with a metronome and just doing quarter, 8th and 16th notes to also help develop your hi-hat foot.

I am sure Gavin will be able to provide further instruction regarding limb independence but I hope this is helpful for you!!

Liquid_Drummer

10-30-2006, 08:39 PM

Hi Gavin,

Thx again for answering all of these questions including my previous question. In haste I forgot to ask you a question that has been troubling me for some time.

Have you ever had issues with cramps, spasms or twitches in muscles while playing? I am 34 years old and this has become a big problem for me in the last year. I have begun drinking more water and eating bananas day before and day of show however it is still a bit of an issue. Has this happened to you or anyone you know in the drumming world ? What was done about it ?

Again, thanks so very much for taking time to communicate with us. I am sure your time is very precious to you and the fact that you have shared so much with us is beyond compliment.

Thanks again and may all your drumming be cramp and spasm free !

Gavin Harrison

10-30-2006, 10:37 PM

Hi sonor,
they're good suggestions from TitanSound. I would also add to that playing all the off 16ths with your left foot ("e" "a") whilst playing straight eighth notes with your right hand on the ride cymbal. So the hi hat foot will be playing in-between the ride notes. Get to a comfortable tempo 100 - 120bpm and then play bass drum on 1 and snare drum on 3. It's nice to try and get some ghost notes in on the snare at the same time.
Another one is to play 16th on the snare (about 100bpm) and then play with the left foot a pattern such as this in 3/4.

x x - x x - x x - x x -

Hi Liquid_Drummer,
I don't really have a problem with cramps. Maybe you want to look into the way you grip the sticks? Could you be holding too tightly? I can (very rarely) get a bit sore if I play loud and play a lot of ghost notes at a fast tempo. I do usually suffer with blistering at the start of a tour - but once my calluses come back - I'm fine from then on.
I also eat bananas (for potassium) and drink plenty of water during a show period.

Cheers
Gavin

Liquid_Drummer

10-31-2006, 03:22 PM

Gavin,

It happens in forearms mostly and I dont think I grip too tightly but when I "zone" maybe I do. Two shows ago my right leg cramped so bad that it went numb for a minute. I had a charlie horse so bad that I almost had to bail on the song because of the pain. Lucky for me that it went away and didnt return but what a bummer eh ? Last show I played I played softer, paced myself and things were better however the music I play is pretty heavy and angular (think Tool meets early Genesis) and requires a lot of hard hitting. Well maybe requires is the wrong word but emotionaly the music just pushes me to play very hard a lot of the time. Maybe I should ask Mr. Songwriter to explore some more dynamic passages instead of 8 minute explosions ! I am sure there is a technique to play hard and expend less energy however it eludes me at the moment.

Heitor

11-01-2006, 02:27 AM

Hi Gavin!
I'm huge brazillian fan of your work and I've been talking about you to the whole brazillian drummers community here! I'm amazed at your time keeping and your tasteful grooves and fills you do on PTree's work. I recently purchased the DVD and I watch it every single day just to analyze your playing and suck all the information I can for my own playing!

I was wondering if you could talk a bit about your approach to record drums in the PT enviroment. How many takes, how many days, drum sounds, mixing, producing the drum parts. Well, anything informative would be welcome!

Other question: I noticed you have the Pearl (or Ludwig) hi-hat clutch that you keep turning on and off for some grooves (especially Mother and Child Divided). Was it difficult for you to get used to the system of the clucth? I'm getting one preety soon and any info on that would be really appreciated!

Just wanna say thanks for your drumming... You really changed my perspective about drumming!
Bye!

Gavin Harrison

11-01-2006, 11:24 AM

Hi Liquid_Drummer,
I know what you mean about playing too hard - and it's a problem I've been fighting for years. I come out to play the first song (full of adrenaline) and play way too loud - because it feels right to hit the drums that hard - just to match the way I'm feeling inside. BUT then I've set the volume level that I'll have to try to maintain for the rest of the show. (I read on Gary Husbands' thread that he does the same thing). I like to play from an emotional point of view - but I really have to tell myself not to over hit the drums and cymbals - and fight my inner urges. Same thing can happen with the tempo - you get all worked up and count the song off too fast because you're pumped with adrenaline. I do try and pace myself a bit by taking it really easy in the ballads and sections that are down in dynamics - and then really go full energy when there's a fast/hard part. I even try to manipulate the set list so that if we play a song like "Futile", "Mother & Child Divided" or "Creator Has A Mastertape" I insist on a slow song straight after it - or a song that I don't play in the first half of.

Hi Heitor,
I've recently talked a bit about microphones etc. a few posts back - but regarding the rest of you question - The new songs that we went out and played live have been pretty easy to record because I've already got a good idea of the layout and dynamics of those pieces. I'll probably do 3 takes and then pick the best one. The other songs that we have written (but not performed) I've spent much longer on developing. Probably a couple of days each song. I've now recorded 8 songs in 6 days.

The hi hat clutch I use is a DW drop clutch - in combination with the Tama Cobra Clutch. In a song like Mother & Child it's mostly the Tama Cobra Clutch that's doing all the work. There's sections that I want a tightly closed hi hat (so I can play the double bass drum pedal) and then I release it back to normal for other sections. Songs like "Deadwing" I use the drop clutch because I want that half sloshy sound from the hi hats.

Cheers
Gavin

Sonor

11-02-2006, 04:30 PM

Thanks for the tips Gavin, Titan.

Will get to work.

Good luck in Montreal this weekend. Really wish I could be there.

MovingPictures2112

11-04-2006, 12:31 AM

Hello Gavin,

I just wanted to say I think you're an amazing drummer and you've had a huge impact on my playing! I love your style and your kit sounds incredible. Love the videos you have on this site as well. Also, I'd like to ask what sort of bands do you enjoy listening to? Thanks.

Nick

Gavin Harrison

11-04-2006, 10:34 PM

Hi MovingPictures2112,
thanks for the kind words.

Lately I've been listening to Lewis Taylor, Nine Inch Nails, Art Farmer, Tool, Yellowjackets, Warren Cuccurullo, Raul Midon.

Cheers
Gavin

P.S I'm guessing your a Rush fan right?

Midnite Mike

11-04-2006, 10:51 PM

Hey Gavin
I was wondering what your approach to the cymbal song was. Did you record the video and audio simultaniously? With each cymbal did you make a seperate track? Did you lay out each event (cymbal hit) before recording? Cuz i'm watching it and it seems like an involved process to get to the final product. Take care.

MM

MovingPictures2112

11-05-2006, 12:41 AM

Hello Gavin

yes i guess its quite obvious lol. i'm very inspired by Neil Peart.

michael drums

11-06-2006, 07:02 AM

Hello Gavin

yes i guess its quite obvious lol. i'm very inspired by Neil Peart.

That's ok. Love the name! Hee...hee...Cool! Play On!

Gavin Harrison

11-06-2006, 12:18 PM

Hi Mike,
I spent a long time working on that piece. First I worked out the musical part and recorded a demo to hear if it was all going to work. Then I sat and filmed it video and audio together.
The Drum Song was harder because I tried to make the same idea but at exactly 2/3 the tempo of the Cymbal Song so that they could play together in a kind of Rhythmic Illusion way.
And then there's the Kitchen Sink film - have you seen that?

Cheers
Gavin

Hey Gavin
I was wondering what your approach to the cymbal song was. Did you record the video and audio simultaniously? With each cymbal did you make a seperate track? Did you lay out each event (cymbal hit) before recording? Cuz i'm watching it and it seems like an involved process to get to the final product. Take care.

MM

Midnite Mike

11-06-2006, 04:34 PM

The Kitchen Sink Film? No i dont believe i've seen that one, are you joking? Is it on one of your other DVD's?
Oh by the way, i really like the pictures that you have had taken of yourself with your drumkit. Specifically the "Horn" and the "Car." Very humorous, i dont think i've seen anyone do that before. Good times.

MM

Gavin Harrison

11-06-2006, 05:16 PM

Hi Mike,
no I'm joking - I play my kitchen sink, toaster, kettle and orange juicer as the film behind the credits on my newest DVD Rhythmic Horizons. The same DVD with the Cymbal Song, Drum Song and the two combined in a rhythmically illusionary way.

Cheers
Gavin

ponza91

11-06-2006, 05:51 PM

The Kitchen Sink Film...I'd say "The Crazy Kitchen Sink Film".
The first time i watched it , i thought " This guy come from another world !!!"
By the way, i've never heard a better Kitchen sound .
You're amazing Gavin.

See you in Paris for the next tour,

Alex

PS: Could you make french subtitles on the next DVD, because french drummers are so bad in english :-)

Gavin Harrison

11-06-2006, 06:35 PM

Hi Alex,
I'm glad you like the sound of my kitchen.

It can depend on the style of music but here's the set up I used on that track:

Dualit Toaster
Dualit Kettle
Leisure Sink
unknown juicer

I'd really like to get a Dualit endorsement - they have easily the best sound.

The funny thing is that my studio and kitchen are on opposite sides of the house - so I would go to the studio - put the computer in record (8 bars before I needed to play) and then run to the kitchen, put on the headphones and start to play various parts of the kitchen. Many times I would make a mistake in the first bar - and then I would have to run back to the studio (quite often forgetting to take the headphones off - so they would strangle me half way down the hallway) and go and press stop/delete on the computer. And then start over again. I must have run backwards and forwards 50 times during that recording. I don't know why I didn't take my powerbook down to the kitchen and just record it there!!!

Cheers
Gavin

ponza91

11-06-2006, 07:07 PM

Now, i'm sure...You come from another world !

So, i would pay a million to watch "The making of Rhythmic Horizons". I can even imagine the replay of your face with the headphones around your neck.

Alex

Fortunately, I don't have million dollars !!!

Sonor

11-06-2006, 09:10 PM

Hi Gavin,

well I've purchased my tickets for this weekend and I'm really looking forward to the show. I've never been to one of these; will it it be a series of clinics or is it more just each person(s) playing for an hour or so? Will you be bringing the toaster?

Also, will you have your two books and DVDs on hand for us to purchase? Seeing as I have other drum accesories to pay off first, its the perfect excuse to pass on to the better half to get your material sooner: "Sweetie, come on! Gavin himself was selling them! I had to do it!"

Thanks.

Tolo

11-06-2006, 09:41 PM

Hi Gavin, I have just received Jakko Jakszyk new double-album "The Bruised Romantic Gee Club" and your contribution to it is superb, stunning. I tihnk it will stay in my player for some months (till the next PT album...)
I believe this is probably the best album, so far, where to enjoy your entire "craft". Just listening to "Nirvana for mice" and it's nirvana for me. What do you think ?

Ciao
Andrea
P.S. of course, I agree with Jakko's liner notes about yourself....:-)

Gavin Harrison

11-06-2006, 10:16 PM

Hi Sonor,
as far as I know I will be doing the closing spot on Saturday. Time slots are around 40 minutes or so per drummer. I think I'll leave the toaster at home for this trip. I'll try and bring some of the new DVD - but baggage is getting tight - so it will only be a very few if I can manage it.

Hi Tolo,
glad you like Jakko's new album - I think it's only just come out this week. It's some of the most challenging stuff I've ever recorded. "Pictures of An Indian City" and "Nirvana for Mice" were two real hard pieces. Lots of odd time signatures to navigate.

cheers
Gavin

Midnite Mike

11-07-2006, 06:31 AM

Hey Gavin,
Just watched your "appliance song," I cant believe i missed that the first time through the DVD. Have you ever thought about applying that concept to you car. I used to work as a mechanic, i can tell you there are a ton of percussive sounds on a car! Just a thought.
I was noticing that you have a 3 legged Hi-Hat stand, where one leg stradles the left bass pedal. Have you ever thought about a 2 legged stand? It would aleviate that annoying feeling on you left foot not being able to move freely. Take care.

MM

charlesurich

11-07-2006, 04:06 PM

Hey Gavin!

Awesome to see you here!

I have only recentley discovered your drumming, yet I could compliment your playing to no end. You have style, grace, precision and wicked rhythmic ideas. Some of the coolest and most tasteful playing I've heard in a long time.

My question is, and I don't know if its been discussed before, but you've mentioned that you've switched to the Axis Longboards, and that they've enabled you to execute things that you've only dreamed of in the past. I've recentley picked up a set myself and I'm still tweaking them and trying to find a good feel to stick with. I've been reading different reviews and such, trying to get any tips I can. I was wondering what kind of adjustments you've made to the longboards, and what kind of settings you've found the most comfortable? Also, what is your approach to foot techinque? I assume your a heel down guy. Sorry if these questions have already been addressed.

Cheers,

Charles

Gavin Harrison

11-07-2006, 04:30 PM

Hi Mike,
I get an urge to play all kinds of things - a car being one of them. I tried a 2 legged hi hat stand but I didn't feel it was as solid as a 3 legged. It really doesn't ever bother me because I've been playing double pedal since 1984 (with the first DW one) and always had the leg going over the pedal. It always surprises me when I go to a gig or session and don't bother bringing the left half of the double pedal (because I didn't think the music would need it) that my left foot keeps going over into that space - only to find the pedal not there. I'm getting the same way with the Cobra Clutch.

Hi charlesurich,
thanks for the compliments.
First off, I always play heal up regardless of the speed or volume. I can't really play heal down any more. I played the Tama Flexiflyer from 1981 to 1996 and always loved the concentric cam action that it had. I think other manufacturers call it "progressive action". It's a very particular feel that accelerates the beater towards the head... unlike the feel to say a regular DW pedal that has the chain running around a circle cam. So I adjust the cam on my Axis towards the front of it's slider to try to get a little bit of the concentric feeling. It's about 80% of the way towards the front. My beaters are 7 inches away from the head.
I really don't consider myself to be king of the pedal boards - so if you're looking to play super-mega fast - you might try asking someone who specialises in that kind of speed playing.
Good luck

Cheers
Gavin

Sonor

11-07-2006, 06:21 PM

- so it will only be a very few if I can manage it.
Hi Gavin,

I find this somewhat surprising as I would have thought it would be a good opportunity to make plenty available. Not in the sense of cashing in but I'm sure after your performance there will be those that would love to walk away with something of yours, be it book or DVD. Or have you found that they don't particularly move well at events such as these?

Gavin Harrison

11-08-2006, 12:13 PM

Hi Gavin,

... but I'm sure after your performance there will be those that would love to walk away with something of yours, be it book or DVD.

Hi Sonor,
It depends on my performance - if I play like crap - I could be bringing them all home with me!!!!
Seriously though - I'll do my best to bring some of the new DVD's.

Cheers
Gavin

Sonor

11-08-2006, 06:31 PM

Hehehe...somehow I think even your crappy playing would still sound pretty good!!

Liquid_Drummer

11-08-2006, 08:46 PM

Hey Gavin,

Nice to see your still around chatting it up with us. I have a question for you about snare rebound if you have a moment. I played a very old, very cheap Stewart snare the other day that a friend of mine owns and has raved about since he got it a few weeks ago at a pawn shop. He bragged and bragged about it being one of those magical accidents where a company that makes mostly junk pumps out a gem somehow and by George he is right on this one. The rebound you get from this snare is unreal. We tried loose head tension,(without it being flappy of course) tight head tension and no matter what it was so effortless to do smooth buzz rolls, double strokes and lighting fast paradiddles on this thing. I dont understand it !! When I got home I tried tuning my snare a million different ways and couldnt get close. By comparison playing fast paradidles on my snare (letting the bounce do all the work) felt like the rebound you would get from hitting a watermelon with a baseball bat.. Ok, thats an overstatement but I think you get the drift. Any idea why this would be? BTW, The head on the old Stewart was a Remo fiberskin 3 which I have used many times in the past and was brand new. My kit is Pacific by DW with a stock snare and coated ambassador.

Regards....

Midnite Mike

11-09-2006, 05:04 AM

Hey Gavin,
I'm sure that when you go on the road to do shows you have insurance for all your gear. Could you shed some light on this subject for me? Thanks. Take care.

MM

Gavin Harrison

11-10-2006, 03:26 PM

Hi Liquid Drummer,
I have no idea why this drum has magical bouncing properties to it. Maybe it's something to with the air hole(s) or lack of one at all?

Sounds intriguing anyway.

Hi Mike,
I have nothing to do with the band's equipment insurance - other than I know we just contacted a company - got a quote - and signed up. There's a few companies that specialise in touring insurance, and know all about the conditions and problems you might encounter.

cheers
Gavin

Tyrnox

11-12-2006, 03:08 AM

Hey Gavin,

I just saw your performance at the Montreal Drumfest today, and I was totally blown away, and I mean, literally. On top of that, your Sonor drums sound A.m.a.z.i.n.g , I already knew my next kit was going to be a Sonor, but now i'm only painfully anxious to have it ordered ! Speaking of your kit, I'm guessing it must be a Designer Series, could I have the spec's of the drum shells? I tried looking around but I couldn't find them on your site!

Thanks again, and I hope to see you in montreal again some time soon!

MovingPictures2112

11-12-2006, 03:52 AM

Hey Gavin,

Do you know if Porcupine Tree will be touring in the US any time soon? Just wondering. I'd very much like to see you guys play.

Nick

Midnite Mike

11-12-2006, 06:29 AM

Hey Gavin,
Just got back home from Montreal. What an amazing time!!!. First let me say it was an honor to meet you. Secondly, your new kit looks incredible and sounds even better, my god that snare sound was just perfect. You really lucked out being able to play as long as you did. I'm not sure if you had a chance to check out any of the other players, but you were the longest set next to Liberty and Dom. Thank you again for playing "Futile," that song ROCKS!! The cymbal song was perfect, i dont understand why you were worried so much about it. "Slippin Away" was a pleasant surprise, i really dig that song now. I especially enjoyed the "dubbed finger rub," that made a bunch of us smile. Of course "Muzak" was fun to watch you play again, and "19 days" was exceptional drumming. I can still hear it in my head. You played one other one that i wasnt familiar with, but i was still stunned (jaw on the floor). And you even found time to put the kitchen sink in! What a treat Gavin!
You guys have set the bar pretty high for yourself with the next album. keep up the good work and stay safe in your travels. Take care and God bless.

MM

Gavin Harrison

11-12-2006, 02:34 PM

Hi Tymox,
glad you enjoyed the performance. Yes the drums sounded good to me too. It was a brand new kit that I had not seen or played before. It was a DeLight 8 - 10 - 12 rack toms and 14 - 16 floor toms with a 22 kick. They're the thinnest shells that they make. Why don't you contact Scott Atkins (from Coast Music/JAM Industries) and get that exact set? I will have only played it twice after Monday.

Cheers
Gavin

Hey Gavin,

I just saw your performance at the Montreal Drumfest today, and I was totally blown away, and I mean, literally. On top of that, your Sonor drums sound A.m.a.z.i.n.g , I already knew my next kit was going to be a Sonor, but now i'm only painfully anxious to have it ordered ! Speaking of your kit, I'm guessing it must be a Designer Series, could I have the spec's of the drum shells? I tried looking around but I couldn't find them on your site!

Thanks again, and I hope to see you in montreal again some time soon!

Gavin Harrison

11-12-2006, 02:37 PM

Hi Nick,
Our plan is to try to get the new record released by April - and then we will start our touring cycle. I imagine that we will be back in the States/Canada around late May early June.

Cheers
Gavin

Hey Gavin,

Do you know if Porcupine Tree will be touring in the US any time soon? Just wondering. I'd very much like to see you guys play.

Nick

Gavin Harrison

11-12-2006, 02:41 PM

Hi Mike,
glad you enjoyed it. I had a blast - it all went by so quick - I didn't know how long I had been playing. I was only worried about the technical side of the computer playing back the tracks whilst sending the film to the projector - and it all holding together in sync. Luckily it worked!!!!

Cheers
Gavin

drumbumhamza

11-12-2006, 05:49 PM

hello again,
sorry about not sending u the interview questions, have been busy with college, i have a few ready tho....but i guess ill jus mail them all once im done

i watched rythmic visions again and i noticed that ur using two different beaters.....any specific reason behind that ?

also....did u get that bell+splash rack engineered specific to ur requirements or are those racks available ?

the ployrythm videos blew me away....wen id watched the dvd for the first time i wasnt really into polys all that much.....but now....it was insane

inspired by that iv made this ostinato kinda groove in wch i play 3/4 with my feet (bass hat hat).....a cowbell in 4/4 with my left hand......and marching rudiments or simple rolls in odd time with my right hand......wat i do is very basic....but i wud love to kno and or see (if possible) wat u wud do with it.....ill try n tab it out

1 e + a 2 e + a 3 e + a 4 e + a 1 e + a 2 e + a 3 e + a 4 e + a
H x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
S x xx xxxxxxxx x x x xx xxxxxxxx
B x x x x x x x x x x x
C o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o

(the snare is a bit messed up but im sure ull understand wat iv tried to do)

about the sonor drumkits.....i wasnt too happy with the 505s but i think im in love with the 2005 and will pick that up some time soon

regards,
hamza

drumbumhamza

11-12-2006, 06:00 PM

ok ther seems to be some problem.....hahah i dint tab it out that way
i guess ill jus write it

bass on b e + b 2 e b a 3 b + a b e + b......and so on

hi hat foot on 1 h h a h h + h h e h h 4 e h h.....and so on

cowbel on 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + and so on......

and marchin rudiments lik

x x x xxxxx x .....and so on
or simple rolls lik

XxxxxXxxxxXxxxx

or xxxx..xxxx..xxxx (4 over 6)

i hope u get wat im sayin and that i dont seem lik a complete idiot hehehe
please comment on how i cud improvise....somethin that u wud do on this

drumbumhamza

11-12-2006, 06:02 PM

ok ther really seems to be a problem
the marchin rudiments r messed up again
anyway ull kno wat im talkin about

regards,
hamza

Fabian Meinders

11-12-2006, 08:49 PM

hi Gavin,

i have seen you perform a couple of times now in Holland, the last time was in Paradiso.
i have got to say,it was never a dissapointment.
everytime i see you perform it makes me wanna play.
i have bought your latest dvd in paradiso, i liked it very much especially the cymbal song
the lessons are great too but a little bit hard for me for now, but i will keep on trying.
i tried to get to your clinics in Germany but i wasn't able to go.
still hoping for a clinic in Holland.
i have read in a drummagazine in Holland that you are in the next issue in january.
slagwerkkrant, don't know if you ever heard of it.

greetings,

Fabian Meinders

Gavin Harrison

11-13-2006, 04:15 AM

Hi drumbumhamza,
I didn't really understand what you are trying to play. Could you notate it on a stave and scan it?

i watched rythmic visions again and i noticed that ur using two different beaters.....any specific reason behind that ?

No I don't know why either.

also....did u get that bell+splash rack engineered specific to ur requirements or are those racks available ?

No I had it custom made.

Hi Fabian Meinders,
glad you enjoyed the Paradiso concert - we love playing there - it's such a great venue.

Yes I just did an interview with slagwerkkrant - I'm looking forward to seeing it in the magazine.

cheers
Gavin

Sonor

11-13-2006, 04:49 AM

HI Gavin,

as I knew it would be, your set at the festival on Saturday was the big highlight that day, well that and being able to meet you in person. Clayton Cameron's set also stood out for me...amazing what that man can do with brushes. As mentioned by others already, amazing show. If you're asked to return next year would you consider it?

Again I can't tell you how much I appreciated you bringing those items over; they're just what I needed and I've already begun working on them. Many thanks.

It depends on my performance - if I play like crap - I could be bringing them all home with me!!!! Seriously though - I'll do my best to bring some of the new DVD's.

I didn't see many left...did you leave empty handed?? :-)

Gavin Harrison

11-13-2006, 02:47 PM

Thanks Sonor,
glad you liked it. It was pretty daunting going on after such incredible drummers. Todd Sucherman was amazing.

I did sell most of the DVD's that I brought with me.

Cheers
Gavin

Fabian Meinders

11-14-2006, 04:51 PM

Hi Gavin,

do you get a copy of this interview in English or do you want me to translate it for you.
If you don't get a copy, i will bring it with me the next time pt plays in Holland and i'll try to give it to you,that'll be in Dutch but maybe it's fun to have.

greetings

Fabian

Gavin Harrison

11-14-2006, 07:27 PM

Hi Fabian,
I'd love to see a translation of it - if it's not too much work for you.

Many thanks
Gavin

Sonor

11-15-2006, 01:47 AM

Hi Gavin,

when I'm working on the excersises of the 1st book, I tend to use the click as a launch and/or marker, in that it begins to sound like part of the beat, almost like an extra snare shot (or shots) so to speak. This really helps me stay where I need to be. Is this something that should eventually weed itself out with more practice because its new? Is that a bad thing?

Gavin Harrison

11-16-2006, 12:29 AM

Massik Kretal

11-16-2006, 04:03 AM

Hey Gavin,
I was just wondering if you knew where or how I could obtain some drumless Porcupine Tree tracks, if there are any. I saw a video on youtube.com of a guy playing along to a drumless Sound of Muzak. He said he got it from a German drum magazine, but I wouldnt know anything about it living in The States.

Is there anywhere I can buy some tracks, download some or anything?

Also I am very excited because I finally did the math and with my salary I can afford to buy a Sonor Delite shell pack! And knowing you use them I'd like to know if you've had any complaints or positive comments about the drums or hardware or anything. And do you prefer them over the Designers?

Thank you,
Steven B.

Gavin Harrison

11-16-2006, 04:33 PM

Hi Steven B,
as far as I know there's no "drum less" versions of any of our songs. I know about the German drum magazine "Drumheads" that made a play along version (backing track recorded by their musicians). You would need to find a drummer that has it that's willing to send you a copy of it.

As far as Delight drums are concerned - I love them. I've just been playing them at the Montreal Drum Fest and they sounded great. I don't think you will be disappointed.

Cheers
Gavin

Midnite Mike

11-19-2006, 05:11 AM

Hey Gavin,
What the first song you wrote with Steven Wilson?

MM

Gavin Harrison

11-19-2006, 02:18 PM

Hi Mike,
the first song we wrote together was "Futile".

Cheers
Gavin

Heitor

11-19-2006, 04:21 PM

Hi Gavin!

I noticed that, for Deadwing, you recorded your drum tracks at home and then Steven Wilson mixed them for the album. Could you tell me how much difference the mixed drums ended up having from the flat drums you recorded? Because I'm recording drum parts for my band's record now and I'm worried how much should the drum sounds be changed or if you're totally cool with having flat drums on a record.

Keep drumming, God bless ya!

Gavin Harrison

11-19-2006, 04:41 PM

Hi Heitor,
yes I recorded the drums pretty flat. There's some small amount of eq going on when I record - but hardly a thing. Then Steve mixes it and adds whatever he thinks is right to make it work in the mix. Sometimes I look at what he's done and usually it's just a little bit of high end on the snare - or we might experiment reversing the phase on the overheads/ or snare bottom that kind of thing. Nothing that different - because I recorded the sound the way I wanted for the song. If it needed such drastic eq to make it work in the mix - I probably should have used different drums/heads/tuning/dampening/cymbals/mic placement/mic choice etc.

cheers
Gavin

nickg

11-19-2006, 07:27 PM

gavin -- love PT and your playing.

i told my son to get me the PT 5.1 DVD for Christmas. you guys and your production team are absolutely tremendous when it comes to 5.1 mixes!!!

it's great to know that a 52 year old fart like me can STILL find great bands and music out there. :-)

Sonor

11-21-2006, 09:39 PM

Hi Sonor,
it's important when playing a displacement to make sure that you keep your mind with the click (the 4 beats should remain the 4 beats at all times) - and not to start hearing the click as an echo to the beat your displacing.

cheers
Gavin

Thanks for the reply, Gavin. I've been working on using the left foot in place of/along with the click and its coming along...slowly. It's very satisfying once you get through an excersise because its so easy to get thrown off, and frustrated! If I'm at the point of frustration I usually walk away and come back to it later.

I was wondering, what size and kind of snare were you using at the festival?

Gavin Harrison

11-22-2006, 12:45 AM

Hi Sonor,
stick with it - it's only a question of mind over matter. Your limbs are playing something you’ve done a thousand times - but the perception of placement has changed in your mind. It's a good workout for your mental rhythmic control.

The snare I used at the festival was the same that I use on my DVD a 12x5 Sonor designer.

Cheers
Gavin

Kenneth Wilson

11-22-2006, 06:28 AM

Hey Gavin,

Would you happen to know what kind of preamp Steven uses for his vocals. I know he's a fan of the Neumann U87 mic, but have no clue what pres he's using.

Hope all is going well with the recording progress. Can't wait to get my hands on the album (legally!!!)

Regards,
KW

Gavin Harrison

11-22-2006, 11:43 AM

Hi Kenneth,
I'm not really sure - I know he has an Apogee 2Track - I imagine that he would plug it straight into that.

Cheers
Gavin

Massik Kretal

11-23-2006, 05:36 PM

Gavin you said the first song you wrote with Steven Wilson was "Futile". Can you explain how the writing proccess for that was?

Thank you,
Steven B.

Gavin Harrison

11-24-2006, 12:03 AM

Hi Steven,
that track originally started life as a load of drum ideas - that I wanted to try out. I was looking to write a song I could play at drum clinics. I asked Steve Wilson if he would help write such a piece. I played him the sections I had recorded and he took them away and wrote the song around them. Simple as that. Then Richard and Colin added their magic to it and that's what you hear. As a coincidence the record company were looking for an EP that they could send out to "metal radio stations" and the song seemed ideal - as it was one of the heaviest things we'd recorded.

The clip from my DVD is a bit of a trimmed down version of the song - and I play a solo over one of the guitar riffs. We don't play it like this live.

Cheers
Gavin

Sonor

11-24-2006, 09:50 PM

The snare I used at the festival was the same that I use on my DVD a 12x5 Sonor designer.

It sounded great, as did the rest of the kit. I was speaking with someone who was at the festival for both days and he mentioned that your Sonors were the best sounding set of the weekend.

Do you remember if the Designer snare was the same one used when you recorded "Creator"? Maybe its me but the snare sounds different in that song (were you using two?) than most of the others on the album. I'm looking into a second snare and that's the sound I'm after.

Thanks.

Gavin Harrison

11-25-2006, 05:56 AM

Hi Sonor,
If I can remember correctly, I used my Yamaha 9000 RC 14x5 cranked up high on "Creator". I don't remember using two snares on that track - although I did use 3 hi hats.
A closed pair of 12" Remix on my right with a pair of 8" splashes (half opened) mounted just above them. Plus the regular ones on my left. It was the only way to play that rhythm.

greetings from Japan
Gavin

Midnite Mike

11-26-2006, 01:37 AM

Hey Gavin,
I think that "Orchidia" is some of your most outstanding and accomplished works yet. I'm wondering why PT doesnt have this song in the live rotation. If you could remedy that for the future tour of next year, I think all your fans would be pleasantly surprised! Thanks.

MM

Gavin Harrison

11-26-2006, 10:58 AM

Hi Mike,
Thanks, yes Orchidia is a song we have never played live. Quite a hard one to play. I can't imagine it would get picked - I'll suggest it though.

Cheers
Gavin

DuxTer

11-27-2006, 10:31 PM

Hey Gavin,

I just had to say that you're a great inspiration for me and I love, love your work with Porcupine Tree. The previews of Rhythmic Horizons on Drummerworld blew me away too.
I still need to get my copy, but it's christmas soon. So, Got to see what happens if I ask it from Santa, haha. XD
Anyway, I don't have your Rhythmic Visions DVD either and it said in the description of Rhythmic Horizons; "continues where Rhythmic Visions left of'". Will I be able to understand to full content of the DVD without having seen Rhythmic Visions?

Cheers,
Dex.

Gavin Harrison

11-28-2006, 02:38 AM

Hi DexTur,
I'm sure it's ok to see "R Horizons" without having seen "R Visions" first. The "R Visions" DVD is based upon the concepts that started in my first book "Rhythmic Illusions" - and if you're interested in that kind of thing - it might be worth checking those as well.

Hope you enjoy "R Horizons" in any case.

cheers
Gavin

fearofflying

11-28-2006, 04:47 AM

Hello..........Gavin,

I have been watching my DVD's of PT. and listing to In Absentia.
I enjoy your musical approach and techniques.
Especially interested in your drum sounds. I went through all the previous
threads so not to be redundant. Many of them pertaining to
your snare and bass drum sound. My question is about your tom's sound
I was wondering what sort of processing you are using or not in
getting that tom tom sound? When I saw you in NYC
at the Nokia your tom tom sounds were very similar
to the DVD and the CD recordings. Lots of attack with
little decay. Also, what techniques do you use to tune your drums for
live and studio recordings.
Thanks for the inspiration
Tom Occhiogrosso

Gavin Harrison

11-28-2006, 09:01 AM

Hi Tom,
glad you've been enjoying the DVD's (I only know of one DVD that we made - what are the others?).
I have no particular method for tuning drums - just years and years of experience/trial and error of trying to make them sound the way I want. I've tried a lot of head combinations but for the last few years I've settled on Coated Emperors on the top and usually clear ambassadors on the bottom. Don't ask me if the bottom is tighter than the top - because I don't know. Also I don't intentionally tune to a pitch - but the relative distance from tom to tom always comes out the same across the 5 toms.

I heard about an interesting method of dampening the other day. I will try it next time I have a tom that sustains too long. Push cotton wool balls through the air hole and let them rest inside on the bottom head. They should (in theory) jump up when you strike the drum and then fall down again and shorten the sustain. Sounds crazy? I'll give it a go.

Cheers
Gavin

fearofflying

11-28-2006, 01:38 PM

Cotton Balls?? What a unique idea.
Thanks again for the insight. This narrows it down for me.
Now I'm thinking that my mikes are to close to the head
so that the over tones are more noticeable. Or maybe the drums
are to close to each other experiencing a sympathetic
harmonic off each other. I think I'm going to try adding
a drum at a time and analyzing each one independently.
Setting up my rack with just toms getting the sound
I want then adding my cymbal hardware latter.
What do you think..or am I just being obsessive?
thanks again for the inspiration
P.S. I enjoyed learning "Blackest Eyes" It was great fun.
Tom O.

Nonconnor

11-28-2006, 02:30 PM

Hey there!

First of all, the live DVD is great. Brilliant work all the way trough. Special kudos to Lasse Hoile for the editing. It looks fantastic.

I have been going trough the SQ 2 drum system for a while now, and i was wondering if you could give a word of advice on the shell thickness. I've been thinking about the thin shells. Are they, at least in theory, more suitable for me, since i'm not a very heavy hitter. What kind of shells do you prefer.

Thanks!

orangefiltersky

11-28-2006, 02:36 PM

Hi Gavin,
you`ve probably been asked this a few times before. I keep wondering why the drum sound on In Absentia was THAT different from Deadwing. I understand that on the first record you were just about to become a new band member (with all full democratic rights), whereas on Deadwing you had been a full band member for about 4 years, which is probably a different situation when it comes to influence on the sound. So my question is: In retrospect, do you prefer the drum sound on Deadwing over the drum sound on IA?
I for my part think that the drum sound on IA was fantastic (i.e. full and big, but still natural), whereas the drum sound on DW was rather dry and kind of softer (but still great, though). I must admit that I prefer the sound on IA.
And btw, where did you record the drums for IA? A drummer friend of mine, who absolutely fell in love with your way of drumming, wants to know. (I am keyboarder in the first place, but also love drums and guitars.)

Gavin Harrison

11-28-2006, 03:47 PM

What do you think..or am I just being obsessive?
thanks again for the inspiration
P.S. I enjoyed learning "Blackest Eyes" It was great fun.
Tom O.

Tom I'm obsessive about my sound - I experiment all the time to see if I can make it even slightly better.

Cheers
Gavin

Gavin Harrison

11-28-2006, 03:50 PM

I have been going trough the SQ 2 drum system for a while now, and i was wondering if you could give a word of advice on the shell thickness. I've been thinking about the thin shells. Are they, at least in theory, more suitable for me, since i'm not a very heavy hitter. What kind of shells do you prefer.

Thanks!

Yes, I'm a bit confused too. I was thinking about the thin shells for my next Sonor kit - but I just played a DeLight at the Montreal Festival and it sounded amazing. They're the "Vintage" thin shells. To be honest I haven't played a Sonor kit that didn't sound really good to me.

Cheers
Gavin

Gavin Harrison

11-28-2006, 03:54 PM

.. So my question is: In retrospect, do you prefer the drum sound on Deadwing over the drum sound on IA?
I for my part think that the drum sound on IA was fantastic (i.e. full and big, but still natural), whereas the drum sound on DW was rather dry and kind of softer (but still great, though). I must admit that I prefer the sound on IA.

"In Absentia" was recorded at Avatar in New York. A very famous drum room. "Deadwing" was recorded at my house. I don't prefer one over the other really - I think the drum sounds suited the songs on both records. We wanted a dryer "in your face" sound on DW - whereas IA is a bit more classic drum sounding.

Cheers
Gavin

Kenneth Wilson

11-30-2006, 01:03 AM

Hey Gavin,

Hope everything goes great at the show in Japan tonight. I was thinking about this earlier and figured I'd ask. When Deadwing was mixed did Steven do it all at his own studio or was it done at an outside studio? If he did it at home, did he mix it through his Mackie console or do it all digitally?

Is the recording approach to this album more or less the same as with Deadwing or are you taking a decidedly different recording approach to differentiate it sonically from the previous album. I noticed you had sort of changed your mic set up from the last album and have incorporated more room and ambient mics. Is it safe to say that the album will have a more classic drum sound than Deadwing?

Thanks,
Kenneth

Mr. Hat

12-01-2006, 03:52 AM

Hey Gavin.
Love you long time. Conrats on being featured in Drum Magazine and Modern Drummer in cosecutive months! You deserve it! For PT, do you have unlimited control over what ultimately ends up on tape or does SW have the final say? I have Axis longboards and was curious to know what spring tension you have yours set at. Also, how tight(loose) is your batter head? Last question. Whats the general direction of the new album (without giving too much away)? Thanks!

Gavin Harrison

12-01-2006, 08:29 AM

Gavin Harrison

12-01-2006, 08:35 AM

Hi Mr. Hat,
I haven't seen either piece from DRUM! or MD yet - it takes a while for them to make it over to this side of the pond. My Axis pedals are kind of medium tension - although some drummers have sat on my kit and said that the springs felt really tight to them. Pedal set-up is such a personal thing - I can barely play any other drummers' pedals. I guess the head is on pretty loose - just tighter than the point where there would be wrinkles. I would find it very hard to play if there wasn't a pretty large pillow in there.

Cheers
Gavin

Hey Gavin.
Love you long time. Conrats on being featured in Drum Magazine and Modern Drummer in cosecutive months! You deserve it! For PT, do you have unlimited control over what ultimately ends up on tape or does SW have the final say? I have Axis longboards and was curious to know what spring tension you have yours set at. Also, how tight(loose) is your batter head? Last question. Whats the general direction of the new album (without giving too much away)? Thanks!

diane

12-02-2006, 02:09 AM

Hi Gavin!

There's nothing I can possibly add to the gushing and well-deserved praise for your work from the other posters here - except to say - your work on IA made me sit up and take notice of your spectacular talent, like no drummer ever has.

You are very kind to respond to your kindreds here. Says a lot about ya.

Love the new PT DVD, and I have your instructional DVD in my cart at Amazon.com. (Don't know a thing about your craft, but you compel me to learn more.)

Thanks for making life more interesting!

toteman2

12-02-2006, 04:29 AM

Hello Gavin...

Just going over some of your clips here on DW for about the 100th time. I don't think these clips are going to lose their effect on me for a while. Brilliant work.

Concerning 2 of the clips (Futile, and Swerve)...

It's always enlightening to see a drummer be successful in handling 2 different styles of music. I mean Futile, and Swerve don't seem to be anywhere near the same genre. Both have very different feel, but you show fantastic pocket in both songs.

My question is. What were your practice routines (if any) to be able to play different styles with such great feel, and groove? Is it something you always had to work on, or was it always there?