Gavin Harrison here!

[Anchein Vouivra]

Your show at Interlaken's Greenfield Festival was great. Good sound, great song selection........just too short, but that's how it is in festivals specially when you're not the last band on stage. Hope you enjoy the mountain view you had in front of you.
Sounds like Porcupine Tree's new album will be a monster. Your drumming is some of the cleanest i've ever heard, truly amazing and inspiring to hear you again live.
I just have one question i couldn't figure during the show (probably due to some liters of beer), but is Adrian Belew's guitar solo sampled on the song "Halo" during live performance because it sounded exactly the same as on CD. It's simple curiosity in no purpose to criticise.
Wish to see you soon again

[Drizzle]

Hi Moncholo,

You must not forget that when you hear Gavin play, the sound you hear has gone through microphones. I know he useally uses two mics on his snare, one on top and one on the bottom. The bottom is to pick up all those 'soft' notes that would be lost when using only the one on top.

The fact remains that to get a great snare sound it has to sound good on it's own, without the microphones, and Gavin will probably have some tips for you to get his sound.

I personally use a Yamaha Dave Weckl model which has two snares both with 2 strainers.
This way I can adjust the 'buzz' of the snaredrum in many ways, and maybe more importantly change the 'feel' of the drum and still have a good 'buzz', I really love it.

So maybe a drum with 2 snares is something to consider when buying a new snare, although they can be quite expensive.

Drizzle

[moncholo]

Still, for the snares to be heard through the microphones, they'd have to be heard live by ear if you put your ears next to the drum. I did this and stil didn't get nothing by playing really soft... Still, i'm just trying to get some snare response; i'm not trying to make all those small ghost notes go over a live band... specially with no miking.

Maybe it has to do with the heads..... like, a thinner head will resonate more and produce more snare response. I have an Emperor X batter head with no muffling and some random resonant head that seems tobe pretty thick.

[Drizzle]

Sounds like it could be more of a tension problem with either the heads or the snares.
As you probably know that when you have the head is to tight you have to hit harder in order to get the snares moving, and if the snares are choked because they are to tight or burried into the head they are not going to buzz easily.

Getting a thinner head will probably improve things, but even with thicker heads it's possible to get good articulation.

If you've put your ears next the drum and you didn't hear the snares then there's definitely something wrong....



Good luck,
Drizzle

[moncholo]

Just for the record, when i play normal strokes y do get snare response, the problem is with really subtle and delicate strokes.

[Drizzle]

Just for the record, when i play normal strokes y do get snare response, the problem is with really subtle and delicate strokes.

Maybe you could experiment a little with the tension of the snares.
Just play some subtle strokes and slowly loosen the tension of the snares untill you start hearing the snares.

If you loosed the snares all the way and still don't hear the snares with the subtle strokes then the problem has probably more to do with the tension of the heads.

I think you just have to experiment.

Drizzle

[moncholo]

If i loosen the snares, i do get more response, but there's no stick definition or articulation..... intrincate patterns don't get through, and there's a lot of annoying snare buzz produced by hitting other drums.

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi moncholo,
Like you - everybody is searching for the perfect snare sound - and a lot of that depends on your expectations from your snare drum - sometimes it's easy to get a great fat backbeat sound - but have nasty sounding ghost notes and vice versa. I have an idea of what a great snare sound is in my head - and I've been working towards it all my life. You won't get a nice ghost note response from an Emperor X - maybe try a Remo CS and a snare side Ambassador. If you hit really hard then you have to make a compromise between getting durability from a head like the Emperor X (and just live with it's lack of sensitivity) or use a CS or Ambassador and change it every couple of shows. As I've said before - on most of my drums I have a Puresound 12 strand snare and I pull off the outer two strands from each side so that there's just 8 strands left in the middle. I have the snares on quite tight - but not mega tight where the drum is choking.
You need to experiment until you find the right drum, the right size and depth, the right combination of heads, the right snare wires and the right muffling to suit the music that you're playing - at the volume that you're hitting the drum. Add on top of that a very important factor indeed - the way that you actually strike the drum and the size of sticks you're using.

All that is very personal to you and it becomes part of your sound.

cheers
Gavin

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi Anchein Vouivra,

I just have one question i couldn't figure during the show (probably due to some liters of beer), but is Adrian Belew's guitar solo sampled on the song "Halo" during live performance because it sounded exactly the same as on CD

No, Richard our keyboard player is performing that solo on a synth.

cheers
Gavin

[Pandrex]

Hi everyone, i just registered.

I have been quite obsessed with PT since i first heard them, and i especially love the 5.1 mixes and DVDs. I love your technique and drum sounds Gavin, as well the good variation and use of your different cymbals. I really enjoyed seeing you at Download Festival, i was right at the front, and i hope you come back soon (or to Ireland), oh and thanks for signing my snare drum at the kerrang signing tent :D
It's very good to see you giving a huge amount of answers on here. Chances are, if i ask one it will already have been answered on here, so I won't for now...

take it easy

[Mr. Brownstone]

Good day Gavin, loved the show in Montreal. Are you guys done with Canada this tour? I remember last time (2005) you guys came back later in the year.

When using an illusion do you find it more effective when used in small spurts or stretched out over a few bars? I'm trying to incorporate an illusion into some stuff we do and right now I'm doing it over 4 bars (the song is played at 85 bpm). Is it better to mess them up for a short time or try to let them try and catch it only to end the illusion just as they're about to understand what's happening? The illusion is displacement, starting the 1 on the snare. The very first 4 bars are played as one normally would, and my intention is to play the 2nd 4 bars under the illusion.

Hope I made sense!

[moncholo]

The CS are the Controlled Sound?

[fromyesterday]

Brownstone,

I'm no expert on illusions but I tried to incorporate an illusion into one of our songs and anymore than _ONE_ measure would throw my BAND itself off.

I experimented with this some and also found that the least amount of measures I played an illusion the better it sounded to me.

I think it depends on the song and your band. You don't want to screw the tune up and you especially don't want to throw your band itself off track. I don't see myself doing anymore than a one measure illusion in one of our songs because the other songs the illusions can detract from the music and that is what you want to avoid.

I love the use of rhythmic illusions on "Hatesong" from the PT live DVD "Arriving Somewhere..." if I remember right there are two short sections at the end improv section. One of them goes over a portion where Steven Wilson starts to wail on a guitar part and the illusion itself really shifts the ENTIRE feel of the tune from laid back rock to blasting in your face rock just for a few seconds and it's pure genius. When I first heard it I had to rewind that section a few times because it was so innovative to me and my friends, who are not drummers.

In my mind the above mentioned song is a PERFECT example of how to use these neat illusions.

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi Brownstone,


When using an illusion do you find it more effective when used in small spurts or stretched out over a few bars? I'm trying to incorporate an illusion into some stuff we do and right now I'm doing it over 4 bars (the song is played at 85 bpm). Is it better to mess them up for a short time or try to let them try and catch it only to end the illusion just as they're about to understand what's happening?

Usually I only do a rhythmic illusion for a very short time - just as an effect.
Sometimes I use an illusion as part of the composition (like Mother & Child Divided)...either way I don't do it to deliberately 'mess up' the other guys in the band. There's sections in the PT show where the guys are expecting that I might do those kind of things so it's not such a surprise.

cheers
Gavin

[Mr. Brownstone]

Hi Brownstone,



Usually I only do a rhythmic illusion for a very short time - just as an effect.
Sometimes I use an illusion as part of the composition (like Mother & Child Divided)...either way I don't do it to deliberately 'mess up' the other guys in the band. There's sections in the PT show where the guys are expecting that I might do those kind of things so it's not such a surprise.

cheers
Gavin
Haha, no not to mess up the guys in the band, I was thinking more about the listener. I guess I coulld've have been just a little clearer

Thanks Gavin.

[Mr. Cloggy]

Hello Gavin,

First of all my compliments on an awesome show in The Effenaar, Eindhoven last tuesday. I was in the front row, in the centre and the whole band was just inspiring. You guys seemed to have a good time as well, laughing and making jokes. The new album ROCKS live, especially 'The Beast' Anesthesia and 'Way Out Of Here'. Your playing is still fascinating; no matter how complicated or weird it gets, you always maintain a strong groove. Can't wait to see you guys again, I won't make it to Amsterdam this evening.

One small question: I know the subject 'snare' has been beaten to death here, but it seemed like you were using a tribal SQ2 snare on your side with a black steel snare as your main snare. Am I right? Anyway, they both sounded awesome, just like the rest of your SQ2.

Oh, a drummer friend of mine got your setlist. Thanks for that. ;) I bought one of the signed heads, always nice to have.

Cheers!
Gijs

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi moncholo

The CS are the Controlled Sound?

Correct.

Hi Mr. Cloggy

One small question: I know the subject 'snare' has been beaten to death here, but it seemed like you were using a tribal SQ2 snare on your side with a black steel snare as your main snare. Am I right? Anyway, they both sounded awesome, just like the rest of your SQ2.

Both snares are SQ2 tribal finish. The main snare is Birch 14x5 with rounded bearing edges.
Glad you enjoyed the show.

Cheers
Gavin

[Mr. Cloggy]

Wow, thanks for the swift reply. I also liked some the 'older' songs btw, Sever, Drown With Me and Half Light are awesome songs, no wonder you like te play them. Shame that only some of the people in the audience knew Sever, ah well.

If anyone is interested, this was the setlist of the evening and a pic of the signed head:

[Afrolicious]

Hey Gavin!

Loved your performance on Southside Festival. You definetely had the greatest drum sound of the weekend. I only spotted one single rythmic illusion but therefore it was a real highlight. Very tasteful drumming throughout the set. I'm looking forward to seeing another PT show as soon as possible.

[SantiBanks]

Hi gavin !
Just got back from the Amsterdam gig and the performance and setlist where awesome ! I loved your drumming and it was cool to see some spotlights on you at certain parts in the set.

But one thing, why was the sound so bad? The sound was very distorted due to loud basses (that was already a problem with the support act (who where they? They didn't introduced themselves) ) and I noticed some people leaving the show because they couldn't stand the sound and some even got sick of it which is a shame I think as the performance really blew me away ! (well at least your drumperformance did !)
Last year at paradiso, the sound was also pretty distorted and too loud but the venue size compromised a bit for that. I always use earplugs (to protect my hearing as its valuable for me as a musician and producer) but even I am have problems with my hearing after the concert...

Please tell the other bandmembers that they rocked and pass a compliment to Lasse who did a terrific job on the visuals! I really love the work he does for PT !

[ddrumbum]

Hello Gavin,

First and foremost I have to say that you are just absolutely and incredible drummer and one of my main influences, your drumming is so tasteful and precise, thank you.

Q. I have been struggling with learning PT song the sound of muzak, it has a very odd time feel, and I just can't figure it out, I am really wanting to learn this song, I love this song, it is one of my favs, any help would be much appreciated, thank you for taking the time.

[ZDrums24]

Q. I have been struggling with learning PT song the sound of muzak, it has a very odd time feel, and I just can't figure it out, I am really wanting to learn this song, I love this song, it is one of my favs, any help would be much appreciated, thank you for taking the time.

I know reading through this thread is a ridiculous task, but this song has been covered, so I'll try to save the man some trouble.

The song is in 7. I call it 7/4 (the accents on the hihat being 1/4 notes), but Mr. Harrison has stated that the bottom number just depends on how you are looking at it.

if you go with my take on it (being in 7/4), the groove itself is in 7/16. It repeats several times in the course of one bar (the last having a slight change in the bass drum).

the 7/16 groove is sub divided into 3+2+2 (b--b-s-). the fourth repitition just omits the first bass drum hit. around this skeleton, there are alot of little nuances like buzzs and grace notes. those will come when you settle into the structure of the groove.

in the chorus, its just straight 4/4, but one of the snare hits is a 16th note early.

[shuffle]

Q. I have been struggling with learning PT song the sound of muzak, it has a very odd time feel, and I just can't figure it out, I am really wanting to learn this song, I love this song, it is one of my favs, any help would be much appreciated, thank you for taking the time.


Hello ddrumbum

Look at posts 922 and following in the thread...

[ZDrums24]

I was wrong about one part. the fourth repitition of the 7/16 groove in the 7/4 bar is not that simple. the first bass hit is shifted one 16th

b--b-s-b--b-s-b--b-sb---b-s- (i think... i always suck at tabbing things)

[ddrumbum]

Thanks everyone, that totally makes sense and I actually think I have it down, what a cool groove.

[Mr. Cloggy]

Hi gavin !
Just got back from the Amsterdam gig and the performance and setlist where awesome ! I loved your drumming and it was cool to see some spotlights on you at certain parts in the set.

But one thing, why was the sound so bad? The sound was very distorted due to loud basses (that was already a problem with the support act (who where they? They didn't introduced themselves) ) and I noticed some people leaving the show because they couldn't stand the sound and some even got sick of it which is a shame I think as the performance really blew me away ! (well at least your drumperformance did !)
Last year at paradiso, the sound was also pretty distorted and too loud but the venue size compromised a bit for that. I always use earplugs (to protect my hearing as its valuable for me as a musician and producer) but even I am have problems with my hearing after the concert...

Please tell the other bandmembers that they rocked and pass a compliment to Lasse who did a terrific job on the visuals! I really love the work he does for PT !

Shame about the sound really. In the Effenaar, Eindhoven everything sounded great, if very loud (forgot my earplugs, whoops). The support band was 'Pure Reason Revolution' and they were pretty good I thought, but a bit sample heavy. Agreed on the visuals, I really dig that Tool inspired start/stop video, altough I forgot which song that was. What was the setlist in Amsterdam?

[SantiBanks]

Shame about the sound really. In the Effenaar, Eindhoven everything sounded great, if very loud (forgot my earplugs, whoops). The support band was 'Pure Reason Revolution' and they were pretty good I thought, but a bit sample heavy. Agreed on the visuals, I really dig that Tool inspired start/stop video, altough I forgot which song that was. What was the setlist in Amsterdam?

It was something like this:

Fear of a blank planet
Lightbulb Sun
My Ashes
Anesthetise
Gravity Eyelids
3
Sentimental
Drown with me
Open Car
Blackest Eyes
Way out of here
Sleep Togheter

Even Less
Mother & Child devided
Halo

There where some more songs but can't remember them (there was 1 I didnt know myself) and the order is not fully correct. So I hope someone has better additions

[Burger]

Thx for posting the setlist!

Can't wait -> see you on saturday Gavin! :)

Greets,

Burger

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi ZDrums24

I was wrong about one part. the fourth repitition of the 7/16 groove in the 7/4 bar is not that simple. the first bass hit is shifted one 16th

b--b-s-b--b-s-b--b-sb---b-s- (i think... i always suck at tabbing things)

Actually it should be that all four 7/16 groups are the same

b--b-s-b--b-s-b--b-s-b--b-s-

cheers
Gavin

[ZDrums24]

haha! i cant believe i messed that up.

[Drizzle]

Hey Gavin,

Great show Thursday, although the sound could have been a little better, but I know that's out of your hands.

I noticed again, just as on the many DVD's and other video's I watched of you, that your hi-hat is flopping around quite a bit, when you 'rock' out. How come?????

I tried many different washer tensions on my top hat but I don't even come close to yours, even when I use the drop clutch and have it rest on the bottom head, I have to hit it real hard in order to get it to bounce around like yours.


Greetings,
Dre

PS, nice 'illusion' in the intro of Halo, was it a 16th note displacement???

[Mustykat]

Hey Gavin. Sorry to bother again about the snare. I was wondering if the designer snare (12x5) that you mentioned is the same as the artist series. Somebody told me that Sonor had recently changed the name of the line. Also, when I look at the description, it says that the snare has a nice, high pitched, crack to it. But when you are playing it in "So What" on your dvd, and on various other tracks, the snare seems to have a nice, round, body to it. Your opinion? Again, my apologies about the snare questions. Thanks a lot!

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi Drizzle,

I noticed again, just as on the many DVD's and other video's I watched of you, that your hi-hat is flopping around quite a bit, when you 'rock' out. How come?????

I used to have the top cymbal of the hi hat really tight, but I ended up breaking it when I was 'rocking out' on open hi hat sections. Then I went the other way and thought that it was better to let them breathe and flow, and I think they sound better that way too. I just have a regular DW drop clutch set fairly loose. I like to keep the gap between the hi hats really wide (or as far as the Cobra clutch will allow) so that I have the most control over them.
If you have the gap between the cymbals very small (I've seen some players have them about a 1/4 or 1/2 an inch) you lose the chance to control the amount of 'slosh' when playing open hi hat. Also the chance to really 'chick' and 'splash' the hi hats with your foot gets greatly diminished.

PS, nice 'illusion' in the intro of Halo, was it a 16th note displacement???

I can't remember - sorry.

Hi Mustykat

Sorry to bother again about the snare. I was wondering if the designer snare (12x5) that you mentioned is the same as the artist series.

I haven't played that exact one. I noticed it was birch. The white one I use on the DVD and the one I have with my SQ2 kit is maple 6 ply.

cheers
Gavin

[Drizzle]

I experimented with the distance between the washers of the top hat but there's only a small range in where it still works, because when the gap gets to big between the washers the top hat moves up and down between the washers, and then when you 'chick' the hats there's a double action, first the top hat hits the bottom hat and then a milli second later the top washer hits the top hat. And when opening it's the reversed action.

I have a Pearl drop clutch which has rubber washers so maybe it's better if I change them to felt ones. The rubber ones have less contact with the hats but are also stiffer than felt ones.

I guess the only way to achieve the same amount of slosh without a Cobra clutch would be to keep a little bit of pressure with the foot on the pedal.

Thanks for sharing your ideas,
Drizzle

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi Drizzle,
I never do the 'slosh' with the cobra clutch (that's reserved just for a closed sound), it's always done with some controlled amount of foot pressure. I know what you mean with the pearl rubber washers - I tried those too. My felts are still touching the cymbal - they are not so loose that there's a gap - and you get that double action - I really don't want that. I guess I'm hitting the cymbals pretty hard to get them moving that much.

cheers
Gavin

[Burger]

Hey Gavin,

great show last night! Amazing sound!

Greets,

Burger

[Scone]

Hello Gavin

I was listening to Fear Of A Blank Planet and theres this little drum solo thing in the middle. It's about 5 minutes in. I was asking people on the Marliion forum and the suggested to ask you ao I was wondering how you did it. I'd love to be able to play it. Being a young inspired musician n all..

Thanks

Daniel

[Rick van Dunn]

hello gavin,

I''m considering to buy a Sonor SQ2 kit and I was wondering witch finish you had on the kit you used in Holland (Eindhoven, Effenaar, 26-6-07), I really liked that finish but I can't find it anywhere.

Greetings,

Rick van Dun

[ddrumbum]

GAVIN PLEASE READ,

I have to first say I am incredible proud of myself, 6 mths ago I could not get this down to say my life, I am playing Porcupine tree's The Sound of Muzak off there in absentia album, learning this song as good as I have(not prefect, but pretty good)just makes me so happy, I love Porcupine tree and Gavin Harrison's drumming is incredible, and to be able to even come close to playing one of there songs is a HUGE honor to me, so Gavin if you stumble upon this, I hope it makes you proud, and thank you for being such a huge inspiration in my drumming.

Hope you like it GAVIN
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_8bxCVoew8

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi Scone,
I think this fill has been covered before - please have a look back over the previous pages and see if you can find it.

Hi Rick van Dunn

I''m considering to buy a Sonor SQ2 kit and I was wondering witch finish you had on the kit you used in Holland (Eindhoven, Effenaar, 26-6-07), I really liked that finish but I can't find it anywhere.

I'm sorry to tell you that the finish (Tribal) has been discontinued.

Hi ddrumbum,
well done!! The only thing I would say is that (in the verse) your hi hat pattern needs to be just straight 8th notes with heavy 1/4 note accents. Thanks for the kind words. Keep up the good work.

cheers
Gavin

[ddrumbum]

Hi ddrumbum,
well done!! The only thing I would say is that (in the verse) your hi hat pattern needs to be just straight 8th notes with heavy 1/4 note accents. Thanks for the kind words. Keep up the good work.

cheers
Gavin

Thank you Gavin, I appreciate it alot, that means the world to me, you have no idea, you saying "well done" is such a HUGE compliment to me, thank you.
I will work on the verse.

[Scone]

Thankyou Gavin! you're amazing :) I'm a big fan of yours

[volume_3]

Hi volume_3

I'm having trouble figuring out time signatures though, Gavin you seem to be quite the mathmatician when it comes to the drums, do you have any tips for counting time signatures, and working them out?

You get used to the sound of 7 & 5 & 9 they just have a sound to them that (when you're familiar enough with them) you instantly recognise.

Some compound time signatures are a bit more tricky to hear. Maybe it's a time signature like 19/8 but inside that you can hear two 7's and a 5. Sometimes I have to just sit and count through it carefully until I reach the obvious repeat point in the rhythm.

I have a method of count odd groupings that is explained on my last DVD Rhythmic Horizons - you might find it useful to see it.



Thankyou for your reply Gavin!

I think im starting to get used to 7, i still need to work some of the others out. Im going to try and get your 2 DVDs asap, but only one is available from the Burning Shed at the moment and thats the second, It would seem wiser to get the first DVD first, so when it comes back in stock, or If i find it on Amazon I'm going to get them.

I also wanted to ask, do you get nervous before you go on stage? If so, how do you try to tackle this?
Also, which is your favourite song to play off your solo album 'Sanity & Gravity'? Which is great by the way!

[Shauno]

Hi Gavin
I've recently become aware of your work (mostly with Porcupine Tree) and just thought I'd say that you have given me a new light of inspiration with my drumming technique! Your drumming is totally stunning both technically and sound-wise with the way you tune your kit.
I have recently got hold of Deadwing and Fear Of A Blank Planet and have been blown away with the song writing and your drumming perfection WOW! Great job! I'm addicted to the songs F.O.A.B.P and Anethsetize (love that double pedal work and syncopated fills!)

Thank you for your time and thanks for answering all questions on these forums! It means a lot to all your fans, myself included!
Can't wait to see you if Porcupine Tree tour Australia!

Cheers from a new Aussie fan for life!
Shauno.

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi volume_3


I also wanted to ask, do you get nervous before you go on stage? If so, how do you try to tackle this?
Also, which is your favourite song to play off your solo album 'Sanity & Gravity'? Which is great by the way!

There have been times in my life where I have been nervous - but it's usually on the first couple of shows of a new tour (or clinic show). After I get past the first couple I'm fine with it. I tell myself this : In my life I've spent more time behind the drums than anything else (other than sleeping) - it's the most natural thing I can do - it's my natural environment. I just need to relax, think about the music and everything will flow.

It's a real quandary - because you get nervous in the anticipation of making mistakes - and going on stage feeling like that - will probably guarantee that you do. You've got to relax and concentrate on the music. DON'T think that a few beers (or whatever) before the show will help - it won't - it will just mess with your perception and fool you into thinking it sounds ok.

I haven't listened to "Sanity & Gravity" in a long while - but I always enjoyed the track "Witness" because it reminded me of my Dad (who was a trumpet player).

Hi Shauno,
thanks for the kind words - we'd love to get out to Australia one day - I really hope it happens.

Cheers
Gavin

[germangavinfan]

hi folks

im new at this thread and im from germany so don't give something about my english
(it's horrorble i know)

i just want to say that its great to get the opportunity to have discussions with your fav drummers around here and to ask them questions about technique and stuff arround the drums, i think thats a really cool idea :)

@gavin
i love your style and your kind of musical playing in a song.it's all very fluently and way impressive.
i really like your doublebass-setting. it's not just this in-16-time-machinegun-firing (oh god i hate that) al these little winks and settings sounds really great!!!!
But thats not everything....Your handwork is just phenomenal!!!
How you work with all this kind of bells and splashes it's really a masterpiece of musical art.

i hope you read this and maybe you answer it (i really hope so)
all the best and greetings of a PT-Fan from Germany

(oh forgot to say: i just listened to "Fear of a blank Planet" i'ts so great.
A truly piece of Prog/Rock Art)

[TitanSound]

we'd love to get out to Australia one day - I really hope it happens.




Just a quick question Gavin, who actually decides where you tour then? Is it based on what the record company wants or other factors? I've always been curious as to how destinations are selected (other than CD sales/popularity of course)

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi germangavinfan,
thanks for the message and kind words.

Hi TitanSound,

who actually decides where you tour then? Is it based on what the record company wants or other factors? I've always been curious as to how destinations are selected (other than CD sales/popularity of course)

It's a combination of record company and agent - but usually the financial factor takes over somewhere along the way. As you might imagine flying all the band, crew and equipment to somewhere like Australia is very expensive. Also when you consider that we could only really play the major cities like Sydney, Perth, Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne etc. so we'd have to fly everyone (and all the equipment - nearly 2 metric tonnes of it) between each show. We're not the kind of band who pick up a guitar amp, a fender rhodes, and a 4 piece drumkit at every show. Then on top of that there's transport considerations to and from airports (buses and trucks) and hotels for everyone, and of course crew wages, agent commissions, visa costs, per diems, it all adds up to a small fortune.
So a trip like that needs to be very carefully planned and considered before you set off. It has nothing to do with the fact that we'd love to come and play in Australia.

cheers
Gavin

[angelo]

hi Gavin im Angelo how are you? i'm from Acireale (sicily), do you remember? We have eaten after drum worshop in Capomulini with Enrico DiBella, yours workshop for me was very useful and still today i'm using what i learned from you. many, many thanks.

[volume_3]

Hi volume_3



There have been times in my life where I have been nervous - but it's usually on the first couple of shows of a new tour (or clinic show). After I get past the first couple I'm fine with it. I tell myself this : In my life I've spent more time behind the drums than anything else (other than sleeping) - it's the most natural thing I can do - it's my natural environment. I just need to relax, think about the music and everything will flow.

It's a real quandary - because you get nervous in the anticipation of making mistakes - and going on stage feeling like that - will probably guarantee that you do. You've got to relax and concentrate on the music. DON'T think that a few beers (or whatever) before the show will help - it won't - it will just mess with your perception and fool you into thinking it sounds ok.

I haven't listened to "Sanity & Gravity" in a long while - but I always enjoyed the track "Witness" because it reminded me of my Dad (who was a trumpet player).

Hi Shauno,
thanks for the kind words - we'd love to get out to Australia one day - I really hope it happens.

Cheers
Gavin

Thankyou for your reply :-)

[TitanSound]

Thanks Gavin...I always imagined touring was a costly business but reading your reply has really made me realise how much planning, effort and money is involved.

[YtseJammer03]

Hey Gavin!

New Porcupine Tree fan here. ;-) I started listening to In Absentia, then I got Fear of a Blank Planet, and the music just blows me away!

I also wanted to say Congratulations on winning the "Best Progressive Drummer of the Year" award from Modern Drummer! As you can see from my user name that I'm a Dream Theater fan, and Mike Portnoy has won that category for 12 years in a row. I think it is great that you were the one to win it this year!!

Thanks man,
~Kyle

[ZDrums24]

I have a question about your influences from a technical stand point. Did you ever partake in any sort of rudimental drumming/marching arts?

On one of the vicfirth.com videos, I noticed some licks that look like what the marching nuts call 'grandmas.' these are basically paradiddlediddles with the last note replaced with a rest and all the left hand notes (assuming you are leading with the right) are accented. you could also look at it as taking a herta and turning the third note into a diddle. I don't see these much outside of the marching world (probably because most of the nuances are lost in the broader sound of the drum kit). Your louder diddles are also very clean, which is another thing not exactly typical of a drum kit player in my experience.

but, yea, just wondering.

Austin

[cfdrumr]

gavin...

i was watching cymbal song the the live DVD, and when you were playing the chimes, I noticed they had Zildjian logo's on them. I know you spoke about how you made the chimes, and since we last spoke, I have made 2 for myself. I am just wondering...did zildjian make some for you aswell?

[hauk]

My bad.

20202020202020

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi Angelo & YtseJammer03,
thanks for the kind words, and welcome to the forum.

Hi ZDrums24,

Did you ever partake in any sort of rudimental drumming/marching arts?

no I didn't, but I studied the Charlie Wilcoxen book and Fred Albright's "Contemporary Studies for Snare Drum" and maybe that's where some of the stuff came from that's sneaked into my drumset playing.

Hi cfdrumr,

i was watching cymbal song the the live DVD, and when you were playing the chimes, I noticed they had Zildjian logo's on them

Zildjian did make me some prototypes and one of them fitted very well with the set. That's why you can see the logo.

cheers
Gavin

[cfdrumr]

thanks Gavin!

The chimes I have already made from old cymbals are great! Thanks for the help!

Have you ever played the Paiste Cup Chimes? Whats your opinion on them?

[bleen]

Hi Gavin,

Can you detail the kick pattern at 11:17 in "Anesthetize"? It doesn't sound like straight 16ths or 32nds but it's also difficult to make out the exact pattern at that speed.

Thanks!

don

[cdrums21]

Hi cdrums21,
here's the tuning of my toms from a couple of months ago

tom 5 lowest
tom 4 augmented 5th above tom 5
tom 3 augmented 5th above tom 4
tom 2 perfect 4th above tom 3
tom 1 perfect 5th above tom 2

So tom 5 seems to be G
tom 4 Eb
tom 3 A
tom 2 D
tom 1 A

I think the bottom heads are a little tighter than the top ones.

Cheers
Gavin

OK Gavin,
One last question about this tuning. Thank you for answering in the first place.
You say that the largest floor tom seems to be tuned to a G on top, right? I'm assuming that it's a 16" tom? Man, if that's the case I can't for the life of me see how it can be tuned either that low or that high. I play a yamaha maple custom absolute kit with a 16x14 floor tom. I also use 2 ply coated heads. I never use any muffling on my toms. I have the 16x14 floor tom tuned to a C on top and a third higher on the bottom. That's pretty low on top. It sounds really good, nice low end punch with just the right amount of sustain. The drum won't go down to a G from the low C and if I tuned it up to a G, it would sound like a boingy rack tom. Do you think there is that much difference in the sonic properties of your 16" tom and mine that the tuning range would be so different? I'm not trying to cop your tuning of the floor tom per se, I was just curious as to where your floor tom was tuned and if you had any special tuning method for reducing the sustain on the larger toms because your drums sound really good on the video clips I've seen. Again, thank you in advance for your reply.

God bless,
Clint

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi bleen,

Can you detail the kick pattern at 11:17 in "Anesthetize"? It doesn't sound like straight 16ths or 32nds but it's also difficult to make out the exact pattern at that speed.

It is 32nds but they're broken up. The pattern is based off the snare accents - which are dotted 8th notes. The way I think of it is like this: Between each snare hit is two 16ths on the bass drum played with the right foot - and following directly between the right foot hits (in 32nd notes intervals) are two strokes on the bass drum played with the left foot - so this makes it R L R L (on the bass drum). It's actually quite easy to play once you get the hang of it - make sense?

Hi cdrums21,

You say that the largest floor tom seems to be tuned to a G on top, right? I'm assuming that it's a 16" tom?


Correct - it's a 16x14. I assume there must be quite a fundamental pitch difference in the shells between your kit and mine.

...if you had any special tuning method for reducing the sustain on the larger toms

Recently I've made an "O" ring for the inside of my 14" floor tom. I felt it was sustaining a little longer than I wanted. I made the ring about a 1/3 of an inch wide and just dropped it inside so it's resting on the bottom head. It acts like a gate and shortens the length of the note. I don't like sticking things to the top head because it changes the attack of the drum.

cheers
Gavin

[fijjibo]

Hey Gavin.

Congrats on your feature in Rhythm Magazine this month.

Tis a good read.

[bleen]

It is 32nds but they're broken up. The pattern is based off the snare accents - which are dotted 8th notes. The way I think of it is like this: Between each snare hit is two 16ths on the bass drum played with the right foot - and following directly between the right foot hits (in 32nd notes intervals) are two strokes on the bass drum played with the left foot - so this makes it R L R L (on the bass drum). It's actually quite easy to play once you get the hang of it - make sense?

Yup - perfect sense! It's easier to hear that pattern now with that information, too.

Thanks again!

[angelo]

Hi Gavin i have bought a keller drum shell and i cut 8x4 snare drum with these characteristics: 8ply 5,3mm maple. Edge 45°:Snare bed 1,8mm Lug Pearl CL05 strainer Pearl SR018. Dixon hoop, Snare wire is a Puresound P1010 cut down 8 The sound is very beautiful.
Now I am constructing a snare drum with keller drum shell birch 10 ply round edge. yours snare drum 8x4 mounts a puresound snare wire? which? And hoops is safe-hoop ? thanks for your infinite patience.Thanks a lot Angelo

[ZDrums24]

Ok, so I'd hate to be a pain, but I used the forum's search engine and went through every page using the browser's find tool, and I can't find the information on the in-ear headphones Mr. Harrison uses. Can anybody tell me what page that was on?
I am looking at in-ear monitors, and at the time, the $150 pair listed on the website Gavin Harrison had a link to seemed expensive. After shopping around, this is actually pretty cheap.

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi angelo,

Now I am constructing a snare drum with keller drum shell birch 10 ply round edge. yours snare drum 8x4 mounts a puresound snare wire? which? And hoops is safe-hoop ?

That sounds interesting - what does 8x4 mounts mean? I use the P-1412 and take off two wires from each side - so there's 8 in the middle. Yes I use Safe-Hoops. I guess you are getting close to my favorite configuration !!!

Hi ZDrums24,
I understand the problem of 'searching' on this thread - and pretty soon I hope to have a solution for everyone - so you don't have to look through 38 pages of Q&A. About the headphone question: At the moment I'm using Sennheiser MX400 inside some custom moulds. I have my impressions made at www.handheldaudio.co.uk and they fitted them with Sony headphones - but I prefer the Sennheiser's because they will go louder without distorting (32 ohms instead of 16 ohms). I also have a pair of "Ultimate Ears UE10's" but I don't enjoy playing the drums with them. They sound 10 times better - but I can't get on with them at the moment.

Cheers
Gavin

[Rhythmic Disciple]

Hey Gavin,

I've been considering getting an SQ2 from Sonor. I was wondering if you could tell me your thinking behind your particular config? I'm assuming you spoke at length to some Sonor guys who are experts on these drums?

I'm particularly interested in why you chose the different shell types for each drum (i.e. Heavy, medium, thin) and how they sound. Did you compare a Heavy bass drum against a medium or thin at the factory?

Thanks for your time. Loved the 19/7 track, and the little quip when you introduced it!!! Believe me, I was in the second category!!! LOL

[Mustykat]

Hi Gavin, after doing some research on Sonor snares, I think i am purchasing the SQ2 12x5 maple medium shell, which is supposedly quite similar to the designer that you play. I was wondering which snares are on that drum, and do you also cut those down to eight? Thanks for all your help.

[angelo]

That sounds interesting - what does 8x4 mounts mean? I just asked what type of snare wire you use in your 8x4 snare drum. I'm happy to know that im close to your favorite configuration :)

Thx, Angelo

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi angelo,
I have some custom Puresound snares on my 8" snare.

cheers
Gavin

[angelo]

Hi Gavin for 8" snare i use: Puresound P-1010 cut down 8", Puresound do not produce 8" of diameter snare wire, so i have tried P1012, but the responsiveness of the wires is too much.
I have done an other experiment with the keller birch drum shell: 15x10 snare drum with floor tom leg and round edge.
This snare is a perfect for ballad music.I use Puresound P1520 for this.

thx Angelo

[Scone]

Hey Gavin

I was watching the video of you playing Futile on your Rythmic Horizons DVD. I noticed there was a strange black ring around the snare and I was curious as to what it was. Is it just part of that particular snare drum or is it an add on of some kind?

Daniel

[Drizzle]

Hi Scone,

It's probably the Safe Hoops (http://safehoop.com/endorsers/gavin_harrison.php) he uses.

Greetz
Drizzle

[angelo]

hi Scone it is a 0" rig muff'l 1inch
Angelo

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi Angelo,
yes that's correct it's just a black "O" ring for muffling. I'm curious - how did you cut down a 10" snare to fit an 8" drum ?

cheers
Gavin

[Fabio]

Helloo Master!!

One curiosity (if i can) :P : How many double pedal does he have??
I know the "Giant step" and that's most expensive :P But is Fantastic!!

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi Fabio,

I have had (and still have in my garage somewhere) many types of double pedal.

OK here's some foot nostalgia

Sonor Giant Step
Axis A Longboards (probably the most expensive)
Pearl Eliminators
DW 5002
Premier (the ones with the rubber bands)
Yamaha (from the mid 90's)
The first and second generation of DW (where I used a Tama flexiflyer in the main position). The DW bit was just the left extension.

Cheers
Gavin

[Fabio]

Thaaaanxx Master

Thanks for the availability!! and thanx for detailed list :P

Reallyy?? ihhihihihhih,
I imagined that he had all this kind of d.p. :)

Teacher, one question: When he will come in italy for a Clinic??????????????
:D :D :D :D

[angelo]

I'm curious - how did you cut down a 10" snare to fit an 8" drum ?
Hi Gavin, I've cut a Puresound P-1010 and then rejoined it in a smaller version that fitted in the snare 8".Puresound do not produce 8" of diameter snare wire.For me, Puresound is best snare wire, the sound so crisp and clean when used in loud volume, but so sensitive and articulate when played with brushes.

cheers
Angelo

[Mr. Hat]

Hey Gavin,
Your drum sound is amazing on the new album. I know that so many variables come into play in achieving such an incredible sound such as head selection, tuning, mic choice and placement, playing technique ect., but I was wondering if could give some insight as to the types of effects (reverb, compression, filters etc.) and/or any tips on EQ/mixing you might have to offer. I know Steven mixed the album but your drums have a signature sound on everything I have heard you on.

Thanks for your time!

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi Mr Hat,
I really like the Waves C1 compressor and I use it on the snare drum and sometimes on the whole drumset (very gently). I like the Space Designer reverb plug-in and I use a tiny bit of the Logic Pro eq. That's about it.

cheers
Gavin

[Fabio]

Hi Master!!

Maybe in this week i will order "Rhythmic Horizons" and "Vision" DVD!! :) :) at last!! :) :)

When will he come in italy??

An embrace!!

Fabio

[Mr. Hat]

Hey Gavin,
Thanks for the reply. There is a TON of great info posted on this thread. I've tried the cotton balls but prefer the 1/3" ring cut from an old head resting against the bottom head of the floor toms.
I have a pretty decent drum sound now. DW maple shells w/ ambassadors (coated top and clear bottoms) toms are tuned fairly low. Nice punch. My problem is sympathetic snare buzz when the 10" & 12" are played. Not a huge amount,but enough that it is noticible on playback (Recording. Live, the buzz is not an issue.). I've tried to tune around the problem but once the buzz is gone, the tone suffers. You tune your drums very similarly and your snare wires don't sound overly tight. How do you eliminate the buzz w/o killing your sound? By the way. My primary snare is a Mapex Black Panther tuned medium-high. Bottom head is pretty tight and very evenly tensioned. There is no snare bed cut into the shell that I can see.

Thanks for taking time to respond.

[deadwing_007]

Hi Gavin,
I just recently got both of your dvds on amazon and they both seem great so far, theres so many good things in them to work on.

I'm not sure how involved you are with the remixes of the albums that already had live drums, but a while back before deadwing came out I read on the pt site that stupid dream would be mixed and released after the deadwing tour and that lightbulb sun would follow after touring was done for the following album. I was just curious if this is still the plan, or if you guys will be taking a break or rarin to go to start work on a new album. I discovered you guys just around the time lightbulb sun disappeared and i've always resisted the urge to download it so that there will be some things i've never heard when it finally is re released. But the kickass version of hatesong that i saw live and thats on the arriving somewhere dvd is making me more and more anxious to get it!

thanks,
John

[ZDrums24]

all this talk of dvds has got me wondering. what is the recomended order for the books/dvds? are they all good stand alone works? should certain material be covered first to ensure a full and easy comprehension of other material?

thanks,
Austin

[angelo]

Hi Gavin,I have watched yours rack, and have inasmuch as you have cut to the left side. How many cm you have removed? Normally this is too much along.
You have tried to use a speaker like additional microphone? what of tasks?
I am using on my kick drum, a Electrovoice microphone ND/868 and a 17 cm woofer -speaker
/50 watt/ 8 ohm. this kick drum is much fat. Often i use this also on the 16" floor tom, bottom head. top head microphone is Electrovoice ND/468(I love it)
thanks a lot
Angelo

[SantiBanks]

Hi Gavin,

I read in an interview that In Absentia used a hired DW kit.

For the rented DW drum kit that Gavin Harrison played, Northfield used a 57 on the snare, 421s on the toms, a 47 and a D112 on the bass drum, “with fairly close double-heads on the bass drum but with probably an air hole in it, but not a large one; just enough to get the mic stand through.” AKG C12s and B&Ks were used for overheads. He recorded a total of 16 tracks of drums, with one mic for each track.

http://mixonline.com/recording/interviews/audio_porcupine_tree/

Did you really record with a rented DW kit on In Absentia? It sounds like the sonor to me (and in fact I think In absentia has one of the best mixes I have ever heared. Everything so audible, clear and detailed but still warm and almost analog).
Especially curious about this as I personally don't like the sound of DW kits. Heared them on a lot of records and heared them live with Genesis, IMHO very overrated and pretty expensive too for the sound it gives. I know "the pro's" use it but I really don't like it. So did you record on a DW?

Thanks !
Santi

[graham rogers]

hi gavin.
just wanted to say hello. it means alot that someone of your status will take the time to read and respond to fanmail.
i have no technical questions for you, but i just wanted to say that everyone who comes to my house (muscian or not) is forced by me to watch "swerve" on your "rhythmic visions" dvd, and everyone loves it.
anyone who gets a mix cd from me, gets "blackest eyes" included on it, so im spreading the porcupine tree word.
thanks again, i would love to see you guys play live sometime, i have been collecting your cd's now for the last three years and am always blown away. its great to find such a fresh band in todays market. as you know, bands like yous are few and far between.
cheers.
graham.

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi Mr Hat

My problem is sympathetic snare buzz when the 10" & 12" are played. Not a huge amount,but enough that it is noticible on playback (Recording. Live, the buzz is not an issue.). I've tried to tune around the problem but once the buzz is gone, the tone suffers. You tune your drums very similarly and your snare wires don't sound overly tight. How do you eliminate the buzz w/o killing your sound? .

This is why I started cutting down snare wires in the first place - it seemed that the outside ones were a bit looser and were buzzing the most. When I started using Puresound snares wires everything got easier because they are very well made and tensioned in the manufacturing process. Other than that - the most obvious thing is the pitch of the snare against the toms. I turn off my snares and compare the pitch of the snare drum to the toms that are buzzing. If the pitch is close then I know there's going to be some buzzing problems. You never really get rid of all of it - but careful tuning and really good snare wires help.

Hi ZDrums24,

what is the recomended order for the books/dvds? are they all good stand alone works? should certain material be covered first to ensure a full and easy comprehension of other material?

I would suggest the first book "Rhythmic Illusions" and the DVD "Rhythmic Visions" before the second book "Rhythmic Perspectives" and the latest DVD "Rhythmic Horizons". That way you'll get a handle on some of my concepts that develop in the later material.

Hi angelo,

I have watched yours rack, and have inasmuch as you have cut to the left side. How many cm you have removed? Normally this is too much along.
You have tried to use a speaker like additional microphone? what of tasks?

I cut the rack about 12cm - but later I went back to a full length bar again. I tried the "Sub Woofer" in front of the bass drum and it worked well - but personally I didn't like it.

Hi SantiBanks,

I read in an interview that In Absentia used a hired DW kit.

Correct. It was during the first week of me switching from Pearl to Sonor and there was a big mix up when I got to NY - so in a panic I got a studio rental company to send me over a DW kit. It sounded good in that room at the Power Station - but the room is so good - I imagine almost any 'pro' kit would.

Hi graham rogers,
thanks for the kind words.

cheers
Gavin

[TomasHakkesBrain]

Hi Gavin,

Can you tell me what foot technique you use for your offbeat quintuplets and other cool things like in Futile and Anesthetize. Im stuck in a rut playing hand hand foot foot things which is driving me nuts..can you point me to a publication you cover this in or give me any tips. thanks

[Braui]

Hey Gavin!

The concert in Leipzig was just amazing! Great setlist and of course great drumming!
Unbelieveble that your crash breaks after the first song....
Did you have an complete backupset for all cimbals?
By the way, i was very pacified that you missed the end of "mother and child divided", very funny and very humanely. You did a really great job this night.

Thanks for this special experience, maybe you can spare a stick next time.

All the best

Robert

[K.Howden]

Hi Gavin, how are you? Firstly I'd like to say thankyou for being a great inspiration and helping me to make my playing more mature, I used to go for the Portnoy approach using as many chops as I could, but after listening to your playing and hearing how Organic it was, it made me soon realise that chops are not everything and that drum parts that are less 'busy' can also at the same time still retain their technicality by using other concepts.

Anyway my main question is about Metric modulation concerning the below pattern:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1269/770384107_26e395c0d4_o.jpg

I was sat at the drum set one day played this Pattern which I then decided to transcbribe. Once I'd transcribed the Pattern it appeared to be in 21/16 and at 110BPM, but I soon found that it was a rather hard to use time signature when writing in other instrument parts to it (I also write Guitar, Bass, Keys etc...) I looked at the pattern and decided to use Triplets in place of dotted Quavers and found if I played it around 70 BPM ish that the pattern was for all intents and purposes the same but in 7/8 which I found much easier with which to add other instruments.

My question is how exactly do I work the exact Metric Modulation and shift in Tempo as I know very little about this concept other than subsituting normal Note Lengths for Triplets, changing the Time Signature and slowing the Tempo has the effect of making the Pattern exactly the same.

Hope you're well and thankyou for any help you can offer,

Kev

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi deadwing_007


I read on the pt site that stupid dream would be mixed and released after the deadwing tour and that lightbulb sun would follow after touring was done for the following album. I was just curious if this is still the plan,


I believe this is still the plan.

Cheers
Gavin

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi TomasHakkesBrain,

Can you tell me what foot technique you use for your offbeat quintuplets and other cool things like in Futile and Anesthetize. Im stuck in a rut playing hand hand foot foot things which is driving me nuts

I'm not quite sure what you mean by "offbeat quintuplets" - but I understand about the "getting stuck in a rut" thing. That's why I started thinking about rhythmic manipulation with displacement and modulation, and how to conjure up variations. Maybe try "hand hand foot foot foot". Sometimes the foot parts could be the same subdivision as the hands, and sometimes they could be a triplet. Then try "hand hand hand foot foot" and apply the same rules as before. Then mix the two of them up - voice the hands across different drums/cymbals - that should generate a huge amount of variation.

Hi Braui,

Unbelieveble that your crash breaks after the first song....
Did you have an complete backupset for all cimbals?
By the way, i was very pacified that you missed the end of "mother and child divided", very funny and very humanely.

Yes, I noticed a crack in it half way through the first song and luckily I do carry a few spares with me, so I was able to swap it out between the first two songs.

Hi K.Howden,

Once I'd transcribed the Pattern it appeared to be in 21/16 and at 110BPM, but I soon found that it was a rather hard to use time signature when writing in other instrument parts to it (I also write Guitar, Bass, Keys etc...) I looked at the pattern and decided to use Triplets in place of dotted Quavers and found if I played it around 70 BPM ish that the pattern was for all intents and purposes the same but in 7/8 which I found much easier with which to add other instruments.

When you say you played it at 110bpm, was that against a quarter note click? In other words does the click line up with the cymbal hits or not?
I think what you have here is the difference of 4 sixteenth notes equalling a click pulse and three 16th notes equalling a click pulse and thinking of it as triplets.
There's quite a lot of this type of thing in my second book "Rhythmic Perspectives". It looks at odd patterns from different points of view. Even though the result may sound the same - thinking of it in a different time signature or subdivision base may make it easier (or harder) to play. It's interesting how the mind organises what it hears.

cheers
Gavin

[K.Howden]

When you say you played it at 110bpm, was that against a quarter note click? In other words does the click line up with the cymbal hits or not?


I hadn't played it aloud using a metronome as I've never used a metronome whilst playing (somthing I feel I should remedy) but I transcribed the pattern on to paper then programmed the pattern into Arobas Guitar Pro5 so I could hear it played back and I set the tempo to 110bpm which was roughly the speed in which I was playing it. Sadly with Guitar Pro you can't set the subdivison the Metronome plays and it just plays the click in Semi-Quavers (sixteenths).

Thanks for taking the time to reply,

Kev

[SantiBanks]

Hi SantiBanks,

I read in an interview that In Absentia used a hired DW kit.

Correct. It was during the first week of me switching from Pearl to Sonor and there was a big mix up when I got to NY - so in a panic I got a studio rental company to send me over a DW kit. It sounded good in that room at the Power Station - but the room is so good - I imagine almost any 'pro' kit would.


Interesting to read this and especially to hear it ! Never had the idea that DW could sound that good ! But then I guess there are just so much factors making a drumkit sound good. I think its one of the most difficult instruments to handle as a recording engineer to get miked up properly and getting mixed well...

It also convinced me of saving more money for a drumkit as it seems the difference in sound can be pretty big between the budget kits and the more pro kits.

Still, kudos for your drumming and the sound of your kit on the last 3 albums. Everytime I hear it, Im still shocked and blown away by the performance and the sound. Guess they dont make drummers like you much these days ;)

What was btw the reason for switching to Sonor if I may ask? Did you like the sound more?

[Drizzle]

Hey Gavin,

What kind of throne do you have? And what where the reasons you chose that one?

Greetz,
Andre

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi SantiBanks,


What was btw the reason for switching to Sonor if I may ask? Did you like the sound more?

I switched to Sonor because I liked the sound of the drums and I felt like it would evolve my sound in a way I wanted to go. I really liked the guys from the factory and started a great positive relationship with them.

Hi Drizzle,

What kind of throne do you have? And what where the reasons you chose that one?

At the moment I've got a Roc N Soc seat on a Gibraltar base. I've tried many different stools - but for me this seems the most comfortable and secure.

cheers
Gavin

[dairyairman]

gavin,
i have an observation and a question for you. i've been listening a lot to your cds and i've noticed that you don't repeat yourself very much. even when you're playing a groove in a verse, you often play things a tiny bit different from measure to measure, or you play repeating patterns that span more than one measure. you would never be mistaken for a drum machine, that's for sure! my question is, do you make a conscious effort not to repeat yourself or is that just something that comes naturally?

[Andrew_AUS]

Hi Gavin!

As a drummer and a long time PT fan I find it a huge privilage to speak to you - even if it's over the internet. I've read the whole thread (yes its taken a while, but worth it). I'm amazed that you can be so friendly and give so much time to your fans by answering questions, it speaks volumes.

Originally back in the day I was bummed that Chris Maitland had left the band prior to In Absentia, but instantly after listening to you play on IA, my new drumming Idol was instantly confirmed. Over the years you have been a massive influence to me and how I approach my drumset. Anyway enough with the gushing, I've got a couple of quick questions for you!

- You seem to have a uncanny sense of time. In one of my favourite songs "The Start of Something Beautiful" the verse is in 9/4 and there is a section of build up where you just improv - leading into the bridge (~4:20). Do you keep count of the 9/4 in your head, do you listen to the bass line or do you just *know* where you are? I always seem to get a little lost (especially when improvising). So when coming back in with a fill to the verse groove, I find it difficult to just 'nail' the timing. Any tips?

- In a similar vein to the above question in the "Arriving Somewhere" version of 'Halo' you start proceedings with a sweet fill which starts on the 3 "AND" of the bar. The start of the fill seems displaced backwards 3/8ths. Did you improvise that fill and just "feel" the time behind it or do you have a bunch of fills that are 11/8ths in length and you pulled one out at the right moment? Those sort of time illusions always mess me up when attempting them. Any help would be appreciated.

BTW I have both your DVD's so if there are particular sections in those that might help, I'll check them out.

Anyway, All of us PT fans are eagerly awaiting you to come to Australia.

(I'm sure Colin Edwin would enjoy coming back to his home town - I belief he was born in Melbourne!?).

Cheers from Melbourne, Aus,

Andrew

[bago]

Gavin played on sam browns stop. iv learnt a great deal out of gavins books. im just wondering if you read this gavin. did you ever have any lessons of colin wilkinson in watford i remember he used to give lessons in a sound proof room in the garden. there was a tama kit in there and it sounded wonderfull. do you remember him

[Drizzle]

Hi Drizzle,

At the moment I've got a Roc N Soc seat on a Gibraltar base. I've tried many different stools - but for me this seems the most comfortable and secure.

cheers
Gavin

Does it says Roc N Soc on the stool or Gibraltar like below, there seems to be two types.
On the Roc N Soc website they all have a Roc N Soc logo.
They are probably the same but just curiuos.

I have been considering them for a long time, but as there are no stores here in the area who has some in store I cannot try them before I buy them, finding a store here in Holland who actually sells them is already a challange.

But they look like they are very comfortable.

BTW Do you have your seat in a fixed position or can it spin around, when moving side to side on the drumset.

Thanks a bunch,

Dre

[Mustykat]

quick question gavin: which snares do you use on your 12x5 designer?

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi dairyairman,

i've been listening a lot to your cds and i've noticed that you don't repeat yourself very much. even when you're playing a groove in a verse, you often play things a tiny bit different from measure to measure, or you play repeating patterns that span more than one measure. my question is, do you make a conscious effort not to repeat yourself or is that just something that comes naturally?

I don't make a conscious effort to change things bar to bar - I think it must be something that just happens naturally.

Hi Andrew_AUS

In one of my favourite songs "The Start of Something Beautiful" the verse is in 9/4 and there is a section of build up where you just improv - leading into the bridge (~4:20). Do you keep count of the 9/4 in your head, do you listen to the bass line or do you just *know* where you are?


I just sing the bass line to myself and I don’t get lost.

In a similar vein to the above question in the "Arriving Somewhere" version of 'Halo' you start proceedings with a sweet fill which starts on the 3 "AND" of the bar. The start of the fill seems displaced backwards 3/8ths. Did you improvise that fill and just "feel" the time behind it or do you have a bunch of fills that are 11/8ths in length and you pulled one out at the right moment?

I believe that fill is just triplets in groups of 5 - I can start something like that in any place in the bar and just ‘hear’ when to resolve it and come back on to a downbeat in 4/4. It was improvised ‘on the spot’ - although I’ve played that grouping of 5 (in triplets) before - I don’t think I’d played that kind of fill (in that song) starting in that place in the bar before.

BTW I have both your DVD's so if there are particular sections in those that might help, I'll check them out.

Have a look at the section called “Polyrhythmic Resolves” on the Rhythmic Horizons DVD.

Hi bago

did you ever have any lessons of colin wilkinson in watford i remember he used to give lessons in a sound proof room in the garden.

I remember Colin Wilkinson used to teach at Hammond’s Music Store in Watford - but I never had lessons with him.

Hi Drizzle

Does it says Roc N Soc on the stool or Gibraltar like below, there seems to be two types.
On the Roc N Soc website they all have a Roc N Soc logo... Do you have your seat in a fixed position or can it spin around, when moving side to side on the drumset.

I’ve got both types - and as far as I can tell - they’re the same. I don’t spin around on the seat when I’m moving around the drums.

Hi Mustykat,

which snares do you use on your 12x5 designer?

On my old white one - I still have the original Sonor 24 strand. On my new SQ2 (tribal finish) one, I use a Puresound 12 strand. Both sound good to me.

Cheers
Gavin

[DTrocks]

Hi Gavin! I love your work with PT! But when will the cd with you and 05ric be realeased ? I´ve been listening to it on myspace and i asolutley love it! its absolutley insane!

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi DTrocks,
I've just got back off tour with PT - so now I'm going to start finishing the GH 05Ric project. We hope to have it out end of August/early September.

I'm really excited about it - I think it's going to turn out to be one of the best things I've ever been involved with.

cheers
Gavin

[angelo]

Hi Gavin,Have you tried to use a Neumann U 47 Fet like additional microphone in kick drum? What do you think about?.
I am trying to study the double pedal, I could use the book syncopation?
or which other book? I am using the book of Bobby Rondinelli: “The Encyclopedia of Double Bass Drumming”, but I would want to know to use the feet like the hands, roll, ruff, paradiddle, and many more.
I hope you can come in Sicily and play with the “Porcupine tree” to the Greek theatre of Taormina I would be much happy of this.

thanks for your time
Angelo

[DTrocks]

Do you have any tips for tuning the bassdrum? how do you tune your drums?

I missed your concert in norway last week! :( I hope you guys come back here again soon!

[Sol Good]

[QUOTE=DTrocks;336025]Do you have any tips for tuning the bassdrum? how do you tune your drums?QUOTE]

Toms:
http://www.drummerworld.com/forums/showpost.php?p=319943&postcount=1157

BD:
http://www.drummerworld.com/forums/showpost.php?p=181494&postcount=217

[scottkahn]

Hello all,

Porcupine Tree are featured this mont at http://www.musicplayers.com, and we published a fantastic interview with Gavin!

The direct link to Gavin's feature is
http://www.musicplayers.com/features/drums/2007/0707_Gavin_Harrison.php

but just go to our homepage for the main feature (which has links to the interview).

Enjoy,

Scott Kahn
Editor in Chief
MusicPlayers.com

[dairyairman]

that's a great interview! i enjoyed it a lot. i saw that gavin even mentions his drummerworld thread in there.

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi Angelo,

Hi Gavin,Have you tried to use a Neumann U 47 Fet like additional microphone in kick drum? What do you think about?.
I am trying to study the double pedal, I could use the book syncopation?
or which other book? I am using the book of Bobby Rondinelli: “The Encyclopedia of Double Bass Drumming”, but I would want to know to use the feet like the hands, roll, ruff, paradiddle, and many more.


yes I have tried a Neumann u47 just in front of the front skin of the bass drum. It sounds great. I don't know which books to study for double bass drumming. I'm not really a double bass drum player - so I'm not a good person to ask. If you want to use your feet - like your hands - then I'd probably suggest studying a snare drum book.

Hi scottkahn

Thanks for the interview!!

Cheers
Gavin

[SantiBanks]

Hi Gavin !

I took some time to listen to your new project and Im impressed ! I cant wait till its out in the stores. I like it very much so far !
Is 05ric using a chapmanstick? The site says extended range bass but it looks like some kind of chapmanstick (it also sounds like one. Tony Levin uses the stick a lot aswell as Adrian Belew from King Crimson)

I know you like the music from pat metheny a lot. I was wondering if you are into jazz drumming yourself and have done some jazz projects in the past (if so, which ones? Im very curious about that and love to hear it !). If not, is it something you want to do someday?

Thanks
Santi

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi SantiBanks,

Glad you like it. I'm REALLY happy with it. I think it's the best thing I've done so far. I don't think 05Ric is playing any stick on this new project.
I haven't played any jazz in such a long time - I'd love to but I never get asked!!

Could be a good project for the future though.

cheers
Gavin

[SantiBanks]

Gavin,
Is release still sheduled for sometime august? In that case, makes me a nice b-day present for me...

Maybe the jazz guys don't ask as you are more known as a rock drummer then a jazz one... If you ever find yourself in a jazz setting, let us all know here ! Im sure many are interested (well at least I am...)

I was reading the interview (couple of posts back) and noticed that you are doing session work from pretty young on and later on getting your own drum studio etc. Id like to have my own drum and production studio in a couple of years and maybe do session work too. Any tips for this?
Thanks again,
Santi

[crookedrook]

Hello Gavin,

Question about the sound and tone of your SQ2 drums. I have a set of DW's that are quite the resonating drums and they sound great, but they ring WAY to much. I know you place rings on the resonant head on the inside of the tom, but do you put anything on the batter head, at least the batter's underside to decrease the ring?

Thanks,
Rob

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi crookedrook,
I don't use any dampening other than the "internal" O ring on the 14" floor tom.
I have - in the past - with other drums reverted to loops of Gaffa tape (duck tape?).

Now that I'm using the Safe-Hoops on all my toms - I have made some O rings that would rest on the top head and just under the inverted rim - but I haven't found that necessary so far.

With the SQ2 there is the Sonor acoustic dampening system (I can't remember the exact name) - this was a feature from the Designer drums. It means that you can have more (or less) of the vibration passed through to the hardware with the adjustment of a knob. I utilise that a bit.

cheers
Gavin

[graham rogers]

hi gavin. its called "acoustigate" glad you are a pat metheny fan! there are not enough of us around. offramp is an incredible album!
i have never been able to figure out what dan gottelieb is doing in the drum break of the track "eighteen" and probably never will.....
dont laugh lol

[JeffV71]

Hi Gavin,

I've heard a lot about these S-Hoops lately. Just for clarification, are you now using them on the tops and bottoms of the toms (snare drums too)? What prompted you to give them a try on the rest of your toms? Lastly, is there a definite difference in sound on the playback (after tracking)?

Thanks
Jeff

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi JeffV71,
I'm using the S-Hoops on the tops of the toms and top and bottom of the snare.
I originally got curious about them after reading a review in Drummer magazine. They seem to make sense to me - and because I'm someone who likes using "O" rings I though it would be a great way to stop them flying off mid tune. Carrying on that idea I thought it would be good to try them on the toms too. They do subtly change the sound of the drum (for the better in my opinion) and they have a rigidity to them like die cast but without the tone sucking weight.
Plus, of course, it's impossible to damage your bearing edges once they're on.

Cheers
Gavin

[xopethx]

Hello Gavin!

I'm pretty new here, but i have a few questions for you -

In the song "So Called Friend", during the 2nd chorus (3:20 into the song) you play an amazing piece where you bounce around between your ride bell and chimes, at least that's what it sounds like... is this just straight 16th notes? or do you play a pattern

also, i recall seeing something about which snare wires you prefer (Puresounds, i know) , but could you specify which ones? I have my eye on the Custom 14" 16-strand set...

Thanks very much, and thank you for being such an amazing inspiration!

PS - your project with Carlo Fimiani sounds amazing!!! i love this kind of music, and i bet it was a blast for you to play!

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi xopethx


In the song "So Called Friend", during the 2nd chorus (3:20 into the song) you play an amazing piece where you bounce around between your ride bell and chimes, at least that's what it sounds like... is this just straight 16th notes? or do you play a pattern

also, i recall seeing something about which snare wires you prefer (Puresounds, i know) , but could you specify which ones?

PS - your project with Carlo Fimiani sounds amazing!!! i love this kind of music, and i bet it was a blast for you to play!

I think it's just combinations of singles and doubles. (The doubles always being in the right hand part on the ride bell). The left hand jumps from the bells to the snare drum.
The Puresound snares that I use are Custom P-1412 (and then I strip them down to 8 strands in the middle).

Yes I enjoyed making the session for Carlo - I think it came out pretty well.

Cheers
Gavin

[crookedrook]

Glad to hear that PT is coming to my home town Cincinnati, Ohio. Can't wait...our lead guitarist is the PT Team Leader for this area.

Thanks, Rob

[Gavin Harrison]

For those of you in America/Mexico/Canada who may be interested in seeing Porcupine Tree - here's our new tour list:

Wed 03 Oct - ORLANDO, FL, HOUSE OF BLUES
Sat 06 Oct - MEXICO CITY, METROPOLITAN THEATER
Tue 09 Oct - ASHEVILLE, ORANGE PEEL
Thu 11 Oct - RALEIGH, NC, LINCOLN THEATER
Fri 12 Oct - WASHINGTON, DC, STATE THEATER
Sat 13 Oct - NEW YORK, NY, BEACON THEATER
Mon 15 Oct - QUEBEC, SALLE ALBERT - ROUSSEAU
Tue 16 Oct - TORONTO, ON, PHOENIX
Thu 18 Oct - ALBANY, THE EGG
Fri 19 Oct - HARTFORD, CT, WEBSTER THEATER
Mon 22 Oct - CLEVELAND, OH, HOB
Tue 23 Oct - CINCINNATI, OH, BOGART'S
Wed 24 Oct - KANSAS CITY, MO, BEAMOUNT
Fri 26 Oct - NEW ORLEANS, LA, VOODOO FEST
Sat 27 Oct - HOUSTON, TX, MERIDIAN
Sun 28 Oct - DALLAS, TX, HOUSE OF BLUES
Mon 29 Oct - ATLANTA, GA, ROXY

cheers
Gavin

[gapwedge]

Hi Gavin

After seeing PT in Bristol earlier this year, my wife has bought me tickets for the show at Kentish Town forum on 9th November.

On 8th November, I'll be seeing Chad Smith and Steve White do a clinic at The Point in Cardiff bay, so three diverse, but great drummers in two days.

Not that I mind travelling, but I wonder whether there could be any plans afoot that would give us Welsh PT fans a show that's a bit closer to home? Perhaps the Point in Cardiff, Newport Centre or something similar? Would love to see you and the guys on home ground.

Thanks for the inspiration.

All the best to you and the band.

[XboxIsAGodToMe]

I will definitely be at the NY show! I just saw you guys in May in Philly, and you were awesome! It would be awesome to meet you this time, but I know you guys are very busy! Can't wait, and reading this just made my day!!!!
-Josh

[Liquid_Drummer]

Gavin,

Tue 23 Oct - CINCINNATI, OH, BOGART'S

Cant wait to see you play live. Me and Steve Katsikas of Little Atlas will be in attendence..

If you dont know about Little Atlas perhaps you should take a listen. You might like it. Prog in the sence of early Genesis etc...


You can listen to their last release called wanderlust on www.10trecords.com.

[Liquid_Drummer]

Gavin,

I have been using S-hoops for a while now on my snare and love em to death. They are made and were 1st sold in my hometown at mom's music. Cool guy too.

[emmerson]

Dear Gavin,

I always had a question ive been wanting to ask a successful drummer like yourself in the music industry. What do you think were the main components that got you where you are today? and how did you break into it? I've got my heart set on being a studio musician and am doing everything in my power to make it there. I've been practicing 2 - 3 hours a day, playing all the gigs i can get and trying to gain as much knownledge of music whether its in drumming, recording, music theory etc. But is there a trick or luck invovled with your success? or was it just going out there and doing the best you could? or did a certain group you played with take you for the ride to playing as a session drummer? Any help would be much appericated.

Cheers, Ethan.

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi emmerson,

What do you think were the main components that got you where you are today? and how did you break into it?

Determination. In many ways I always felt like I was still waiting to 'break into' the music business - and in some ways I still do. I think the golden age of being a session musician has long gone. The days of musicians getting 5-6 sessions a week in big studios are really gone. More likely is that someone will ask you to play on one or two tracks on their 'self funded' CD recorded at a home studio...if you're lucky enough to get asked.
Being in the right place at the right time always helps - but meeting and playing with a lot of different musicians will broaden your chances. You really need to know the producers and artists who might give you a break.

Good luck.

Cheers
Gavin

[tomtom]

Hello Gavin,

out of curiosity; why do you prefer your snare with rounded bearing edges, added warmth?

[Dom Chandler]

Hi Gavin, big fan, i've taken a big interest in your work with p.t and have studied your available dvd's, books, etc. My question has already probably been answered somewhere
but i can't track it down... What double kick exercises did/do you practice to obtain the speed and dexterity you show in tunes like Futile, Anesthetize and Mother and son divided (live version more so)? I have limited practice time at present (1st floor flat!!) so any concise methods are most welcome.
Thanx for the inspiration.
Dom Chandler

p.s did i read you are thinking about putting 'the drum song' on the next p.t dvd??
what might that be pray tell??

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi tomtom,

why do you prefer your snare with rounded bearing edges, added warmth?

I don't really like a ringy snare drum - so the lack of it due to the round bearing edges is a positive for me. There's more skin in contact with the shell - and I get more of the wood sound of the drum. Companies like Gretsch have been doing this for ages.

Hi Dom Chandler

What double kick exercises did/do you practice to obtain the speed and dexterity you show in tunes like Futile, Anesthetize and Mother and son divided (live version more so)? I have limited practice time at present (1st floor flat!!) so any concise methods are most welcome.

As I've mentioned before in this thread - I really don't think of myself as a double pedal player. If you want good advice about that - I'd ask Derek Roddy. My method is based on short bursts of 2,3,4 and sometimes 5 notes in a row. Always starting with the right foot and always using single strokes. I just figured out little patterns that I could play short bursts in between what my hands were doing. It's very handy to use the 'bursts' inside fills.

did i read you are thinking about putting 'the drum song' on the next p.t dvd??
what might that be pray tell??

Do you have my DVD Rhythmic Horizons? The "Drum Song" is on there along with the "Cymbal Song". I'll probably make a 5.1 surround mix of it too.

cheers
Gavin

[Drumkill]

For those of you in America/Mexico/Canada who may be interested in seeing Porcupine Tree - here's our new tour list:


Tue 16 Oct - TORONTO, ON, PHOENIX

cheers
Gavin


Gavin:

Thank you for posting a new schedule for the PT tour schedule. I discovered that on your website that I had missed your concert in May 2007 in Toronto by one week :-(

I will absolutely be going to the October concert!. I am very appreciative of your playing skill and your interpretive view of the songs that you play. You have inspired me to approach my instrument differently and consider its infinite possiblities. I really like your custom splash cymbal rack and would love to know the type of cymbals that you use on it (and if I am duplicative on this thread please ignore the request) as I like the textures they add.

One question, can you give me a few more examples of your odd meter playing? I have listened to the majority of the PT catalog but I am always open to more! What would you consider as some of your best recorded playing?

I have been playing for 20+ years and I am very grateful for your inspiration! (No a suckup lol, just a statement of fact!)

Cheers,

Tim

[Drumkill]

For those of you in America/Mexico/Canada who may be interested in seeing Porcupine Tree - here's our new tour list:


Tue 16 Oct - TORONTO, ON, PHOENIX

cheers
Gavin


Gavin:

Thank you for posting a new schedule for the PT tour schedule. I discovered on your website that I had missed your concert in May 2007 in Toronto by one week :-(

I will absolutely be going to the October concert!. I am very appreciative of your playing skill and your interpretive view of the songs that you play. You have inspired me to approach my instrument differently and consider its infinite possiblities. I really like your custom splash cymbal rack and would love to know the type of cymbals that you use on it (and if I am duplicative on this thread please ignore the request) as I like the textures they add.

One question, can you give me a few more examples of your odd meter playing? I have listened to the majority of the PT catalog but I am always open to more! What would you consider as some of your best recorded playing?

I have been playing for 20+ years and I am very grateful for your inspiration! (No a suckup lol, just a statement of fact!)

Cheers,

Tim

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi Drumkill,

I really like your custom splash cymbal rack and would love to know the type of cymbals that you use on it (and if I am duplicative on this thread please ignore the request) as I like the textures they add.

Have a look at post number 507 (around page 15 on this thread).


One question, can you give me a few more examples of your odd meter playing? I have listened to the majority of the PT catalog but I am always open to more! What would you consider as some of your best recorded playing?

I'm usually happiest with the latest thing that I've done. There's heaps of odd meter stuff on the (coming out very soon) GH 05Ric record. A lot of strange rhythmic ideas on there.

Cheers
Gavin

[tomtom]

Hi tomtom,

why do you prefer your snare with rounded bearing edges, added warmth?

I don't really like a ringy snare drum - so the lack of it due to the round bearing edges is a positive for me. There's more skin in contact with the shell - and I get more of the wood sound of the drum. Companies like Gretsch have been doing this for ages.


Thanx for your reply. I just want to add that I find it amazing that you take your time to answer the countless questions and comments from us drum nerds. I guess you must be single! ;=)

[Midnite Mike]

Hey Gavin,
Glad to hear your getting some rest from the latest tour, hope everything went well. Also glad to hear your coming back to the states this fall. looking forward to the Albany show. You'll like the EGG, its a nice space, very intimate. Anyways, just curious if there was any follies or technical difficulties you encountered on the last tour that caught your attention or that you learned from. Take care and God bless.

MM

[Acronomic]

Hi Gavin,

it's great to see you on the boards! You're a huge inspiration to many, myself included. I've watched your two DVDs and learned a lot from them - especially the excersize in keeping time where you used different spacings on your hi-hat... can't remember the terms at the moment, but I had great use of it. It really does wonders paired with the metronome of course.

On a side note, I saw PT in Oslo the 11th. Brilliant show, best live performance I've witnessed so far, power failure or not.

[crookedrook]

Gavin,

I noticed on Sonor's website they have 3-different types of shell thickness: Vintage, Medium and Heavy. Which thickness gives the the most warmth that a maple can give? which do you have?

Thanks,
Rob

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi Midnite Mike,

Anyways, just curious if there was any follies or technical difficulties you encountered on the last tour that caught your attention or that you learned from

I think the only real problem we had was in Oslo as Acronomic pointed out. The power for the PA went off several times. We didn't realise it because we all have in ear monitoring and it's really hard to tell sometimes if the PA is on or not. My roadie kept waving at me to tell me to stop the show. We came off stage for a few minutes a couple of times and wondered what are you meant to do if the PA never gets back on? We felt bad because it was a great audience and a great venue - plus our first time playing in Oslo.

Hi crookedrook,

I noticed on Sonor's website they have 3-different types of shell thickness: Vintage, Medium and Heavy. Which thickness gives the the most warmth that a maple can give? which do you have?

Actually there's 4 types. Vintage (which is the thinest and has support rings inside) then Thin (straight 6 ply no rings) then Medium (7 ply?) and Heavy (which I think is 9 ply).

Regarding warmth - I would say the Vintage shell. I have a combination of shell thickness.
My rack toms are "Thin" floor toms are "Medium" and bass drum is "Heavy".

cheers
Gavin

[loser_user]

Hi Gavin,

although I've been listening to Prog Rock Bands since the early '70s, I enjoyed Sam Brown's "Stop" in the '80s and Iggy Pop since the '80s up to now, used to be a drummer in the '80s and '90s, I have randomly heard from you and PT just a few weeks ago. I am so impressed of your music that I bought a lot of CDs and the DVD right from Amazon and, lucky me, you were on tour in Germany and played in Offenbach, near my hometown, the 30th of June. This was a sign! I bought one of the tickets for unbelivable 28 Euros (The Stones cost 150 Euros, I guess) and saw the best live performance (art, sound, atmosphere) since The Pretenders (special guest: The Waterboys) in the '80s. Porcupine Tree's music is the one I was searching for more than 30 years. And the only music I listen to for weeks now, in my car, at home, at the PC, at this moment. Go ahead with your fantastic work, you are the perfect drummer of a perfect band. I can't wait for your next releases or tour!

Edited: Can you tell us something about PT's new fanclub site http://residentsofablankplanet.com? What that's all about? What can members expect for their $35/year (+ $20 for shipping a PT-Shirt and a small lithography to Europe)? Why is it located in the US?

[Gibbersticks]

Hey Gavin

It's good to see you guys are playing more and more shows in North America but what about western Canada??? There is Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Regina, Winnipeg......Toronto and Montreal just doesn't make for a Canadian tour (although unless you live in Toronto and therefore live in the center of the universe).

By the way I just fulfilled a dream and went to see RUSH here in Calgary. What a great show!!! During the intermission (they played for 3.5 hrs!) they were playing FOABP over the PA.

[davling]

Hi Gavin. Thanks for this, man, it really keeps one going when someone of ones heroes speaks to the fans like this. Really appreciate it!

Now to MY question ;)

Playing to click, I've been doing this on my latest two recordings. Thing is, our music - much like that of opeth - change from 4/4 to 3/4 and 6/8 alot in the same song.

So how do I play accurately to these parts? I want to know if you encounter this and what you do about it (I play one song in one take).

Thanks in advance,
David Lingdell.

[mind_drummer]

Hi Gavin

I want to congrats you for being now in Neil Peart favorite drummer list along with Buddy Rich, Dave Weckl, Steve Smith and (RIP) Ian Wallace. In fact it's written by Neil himself in the Modern Drummer august edition (Neil Snakes & Arrows article).

I know you're a very humble person but I'm sure you must be proud of your accomplishment.

Take care
A+

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi Gibbersticks,

It's good to see you guys are playing more and more shows in North America but what about western Canada??? There is Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Regina, Winnipeg.

We'd love to come and play those places but the economics of it just never seems to pan out for us. It's a double edge sword of being popular enough to get a decent fee to make it viable to come - but how do you get popular if you don't go and play those places? There's lots of cities around the world that people ask us to play - and we'd love to - but it always comes down to the same crunch point unfortunately.

Hi davling,


Playing to click, I've been doing this on my latest two recordings. Thing is, our music - much like that of opeth - change from 4/4 to 3/4 and 6/8 alot in the same song.
So how do I play accurately to these parts? I want to know if you encounter this and what you do about it (I play one song in one take).

Sometimes I program the click to change feel from 4/4 to 6/8 or whatever is required. I could just play everything to a 4/4 click - but why make life difficult for yourself? The listeners never hear the click so who cares what you program it to do? I always choose whatever will make me perform and feel the best. I usually program clicks that follow the time signature.

If you're interested - I wrote an article about writing click tracks..

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

Hi mind_drummer,
yes I saw that article. I'm honoured and flattered that Neil thinks of me in that way!!

Cheers
Gavin

[davling]

Thanks alot Gav, helps me very much :)



Regards,
David Lingdell.

I could just play everything to a 4/4 click - but why make life difficult for yourself?

BTW, this is actually how I have done it so far :P So I really hope this article helps, gonna read it now!

Also, what program do you use when programming click?

Thanks again!

[angelo]

Hi Gavin.Have you tried to use a 10"or other china or crash with jingles?. What do you think about?
This is another experiment i like the sound with double bass and 10" china with jingles.
I like a china sound and i have: 10", 12",14" and 20" china.
Have you a 8 "hi hat? You describe to me as you have obtained it

thanks for your time you are a magnificent and best person
Angelo

[Gibbersticks]

We'd love to come and play those places but the economics of it just never seems to pan out for us. It's a double edge sword of being popular enough to get a decent fee to make it viable to come - but how do you get popular if you don't go and play those places? There's lots of cities around the world that people ask us to play - and we'd love to - but it always comes down to the same crunch point unfortunately.

I guess the only way would be to get an opening slot on a major tour. Every major tour comes through this way and a lot of them do multiple dates. There are tons of shows in the smaller venues. I'm guessing your show is too big a production to do the whole 5 guys in a van thing. Oh well. It will happen someday I'm sure.

Cheers
Daniel

[lorneyc]

Gday Gavin, since I discovered Porcupine Tree through my ex girlfriend about a year ago, your playing has been a huge influence on me. Absolutely inspiring stuff!

Just a couple of quick questions: I'm wondering about that crazy fill in Anethsetize at about 6:13. I suspect it's something fairly simple, but it sounds amazing, what is it? Also the heavy double kicks part at 11:04, what's the pattern there? It doesn't sound like constant 16ths or 32nds or whatever. Also, when are you guys coming to Australia? I'm desperate to see you live! Thanks for your time :D

[angelo]

Hi gavin.
Excuse me. I used a closed hi hat "Dixon" for two 8" splash as hi hat. But i have a big problem, becouse the bell of splash is small and the cluch it blinks on the bolt, to block the bottom splash.
Can you to say me if you used a closed hi hat stand for this "Splash- Hi hat"? which he marks and model you use?

"Thanks a lot for your infinite patience"

Angelo

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi davling

what program do you use when programming click?

I use Logic Pro on a Mac computer.

Hi angelo,

Have you tried to use a 10"or other china or crash with jingles?. What do you think about?
This is another experiment i like the sound with double bass and 10" china with jingles.
I like a china sound and i have: 10", 12",14" and 20" china.
Have you a 8 "hi hat? You describe to me as you have obtained it

I've never tried a 10" china with jingles. I have used two 8" splash cymbals as hi hats - and they're good fun to play.

Hi Gibbersticks,

I'm guessing your show is too big a production to do the whole 5 guys in a van thing.

Yes you are correct. We're more like 11 guys in a big expensive tour bus and trailer.

Hi lorneyc

I'm wondering about that crazy fill in Anethsetize at about 6:13. I suspect it's something fairly simple, but it sounds amazing, what is it? Also the heavy double kicks part at 11:04, what's the pattern there? It doesn't sound like constant 16ths or 32nds or whatever.

That fill in Anethetize is this - it's basically groupings of 5..

13720

The middle section is this...it repeats every three beats but you play it over 4/4

13721

Cheers
Gavin

[lorneyc]

Cheers Gavin, thanks for being so friendly to us all and putting up with endless questions. This is exactly why the internet is such a great thing! Can't wait to see you guys when you finally come to Australia. Also, I just got a copy of Rhythmic Illusions at the Australian Drummers Weekend last Sunday, it's brilliant. If I can every apply the concepts in there as musically as you do though, I'll be a very happy man. Cheers :-) Thanks for the inspiration.

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi Angelo

I used a closed hi hat "Dixon" for two 8" splash as hi hat. But i have a big problem, becouse the bell of splash is small and the cluch it blinks on the bolt, to block the bottom splash.


I think I understand your problem - you need to put extra felts underneath the bottom hi hat cymbal - then the clutch won't hit the plastic sleeve.

Cheers
Gavin

[rockitman]

Hi Gavin, proud fan fo some of your stuff, not to terribly familiar aside from what I've seen here at Drummerworld and the lunatic ravings of some of my friends. I don't listen to much music aside from what I am working on.
Nonetheless, you've done a tremendous job raising the bar for us in the field. . .Thanks, pal.

One question I have is would you be able to advise one on a portable metronomic device that has the memory to program in detail comparable to the software you've mentioned in your Sound on Sound article. I am looking for something I can carry in a back pack, program numerous (30-40) individual tracks with various time changes.

By the way the protion of the article regarding 16th note click for the Monkees tune was
fun. . .Thanks for sharing.

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi rockitman,

I have used a Boss DR 660 drum machine for many years. You can program all the clicks want. It's not as easy as doing it on a computer but it is possible. You can name the songs and recall them as you wish. Unfortunately the memory gets a bit slim after a while and there's no back light - but a very reliable box. The more up to date DR770 looks like a newer version of it - but I haven't tried it.

cheers
Gavin

[Fabio]

Hi Master!!
Can i ask when will he come in italy??
Also for a clinc :)
Good work Master!!

Fabio

[rutherythm]

Hi Gavin! Iy;s so cool, you taught my drum teacher, and he's teaching me! I love your videos and you are a great all-round drummer.

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi Fabio


Can i ask when will he come in italy??
Also for a clinc :)


There's a good chance that PT will play Italy in November - check for dates at porcupinetree.com when they are confirmed.

I made 12 clinics in Italy at the start of this year - so I don't think I'll be doing any more for some time.

Cheers
Gavin

[Fabio]

Oook master :) thanx for WONDERFUL answer!!
Yes i know of your clinics in Italy :( :( :( :( :( :( :( that nearer was in Rieti.. i remember :( :( :( :(
But i could not be there.. :( :( i was really sorry..
But you have given me a very beautiful news!!!!!
Yes i keep up-to-date with the site!! suuuureee!!!!!
I don't believe my ears!! :):):):):):):):):):):)
Good work Master!!
BesT WisHes!! :P

[angelo]

Hi Gavin



I think I understand your problem - you need to put extra felts underneath the bottom hi hat cymbal - then the clutch won't hit the plastic sleeve.



I have a "Dixon" remote hi hat, this, don't have a plastic sleeve. Can you say which model hi-hat remote you used?
thanks of your time and thanks a lot.

Angelo

[SantiBanks]

Hi Gavin,

I read somewhere that you usually play single strokes while double bassing. Though, for Mother and Child devided, it sounds like you are using double strokes with only the right (as the left is used for the hihat?). Is this true?

Also, at the heavier bit on the end of Way out of here, I hear a lot going on in the drums. Some stuff on the toms, hihat, bassdrum, snare and lots of cymbals. Are the cymbals overdubs as I can hear more then 4 sounds at once?

Please come back to the netherlands at the end of the year if possible ! Looking forward to see you guys again (and hope to be frontrow this time...) and it seems that the dutch shows are always sold out...

(I think prog really lives here in Holland as bands like Marillion are also always sold out)

[flugadaflum]

Hey!

I recently got into PT when I first heard FOABP a couple months ago. I was blown away by both the music and your intelligently tasteful and technical drumming (that combination is hard to find)! You guys are really intelligent musicians who know how to use advanced musical concepts to great MUSICAL EFFECT.

My question is what is the name of the fusion tune you played at Musikmesse Frankfurt that is on this website (it's the 3rd one and full of all those mean horn unisons). That is a sick tune- where can I find it?

And a selfish request- please please please continue to play all of FOABP on the second US leg you guys are going to be doing- I'm gunna road trip to catch you guys in New York. I'm definitely going to start digging deep into the PT catalogue but I am afraid I don't have too much time to digest more of PT material before the show ;).

Thanks for all your hard work and dedication to the fans and drum community! It's very admirable.

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi angelo,

I have a "Dixon" remote hi hat, this, don't have a plastic sleeve. Can you say which model hi-hat remote you used?

I don't use a remote hi hat - I just put the 8" splash cymbals on to a regular Sonor hi hat stand. I'm not familiar with the Dixon remote hi hat so I can't really help you with it.

Hi SantiBanks,

I read somewhere that you usually play single strokes while double bassing. Though, for Mother and Child devided, it sounds like you are using double strokes with only the right (as the left is used for the hihat?). Is this true?

Both feet are on the double pedal throughout the whole song - I close the hi hat tight with the Cobra Clutch. Yes, I played all the triplet (leading on to the one of the next bar) bass drum parts RLRL.

Also, at the heavier bit on the end of Way out of here, I hear a lot going on in the drums. Some stuff on the toms, hihat, bassdrum, snare and lots of cymbals. Are the cymbals overdubs as I can hear more then 4 sounds at once?

There are no overdubs at all - so there can't be a moment where there's more than four sound simultaneously. Where exactly do you hear it?

Hi flugadaflum,

My question is what is the name of the fusion tune you played at Musikmesse Frankfurt that is on this website (it's the 3rd one and full of all those mean horn unisons). That is a sick tune- where can I find it?

That tune is called "Quite Firm" by Laurence Cottle (who also plays the bass on that track). You can find it on my first DVD "Rhythmic Visions"

cheers
Gavin

[glen thomas]

Hi Gavin. How are things? ;-) I haven't been here in a while but I am glad to see that you're still posting and answering questions for all of us. That is very very cool and I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say we appreciate that "very much" along with your dedication to drumming and music in general. I wish more drummers would get involved like you do. Thanks for the article on click tracks by the way. :-)

Just a few quick questions :-) Forgive me if they've been asked before.

First, are you still using Axis pedals and if so, did you find them hard to dial in
to your liking, and..... do you find them durable?

Second, are there any plans for a drum transcription book of your work with Porcupine
Tree similar to the Wheeler books for Rush?

Third.. Do you give lessons via the internet? :-) *wink wink*

Oh by the way, I'm still playing the heck out of the latest PT album
and the live DVD.

All the best Gavin!!!

glen thomas

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi glen thomas,

First, are you still using Axis pedals and if so, did you find them hard to dial in
to your liking, and..... do you find them durable?

I found them easy to dial in the kind of action I wanted. They are very durable...it's just me that's not very durable. The only trouble I've had is snapping the stem of the (Pearl) beater. It happened on the last tour - so I had to switch to playing the right foot on the left pedal whilst my tech changed the beater. I guess that's me putting too much force into the hits.

Second, are there any plans for a drum transcription book of your work with Porcupine
Tree similar to the Wheeler books for Rush?

Not at the moment - although I am collecting little transcriptions from here and there - and hoping to put them up on a site soon.

Third.. Do you give lessons via the internet? :-) *wink wink*

No. Sorry

Cheers
Gavin

[Gavin Harrison]

Here's a bit of my past coming back to haunt me.

Along with many great live recordings of Gary Husband - there is the whole of my last gig with Level 42 at the Brighton Dome in 1994 lower down the page...

http://www.level42dk.dk/download.php

Enjoy - I'm sure it will get taken down soon.

cheers
Gavin

[aydee]

Gavin[/QUOTE]

Hi Gavin, I stumbled upon the youtube musicmesse videos, and like many others on this forum, I too have been completely blown away by your magically creative and effortless playing. Was curious to know who were your strongest music/drum influences that helped create your sound and playing style.

Apologise, if youve covered this elsewhere...I couldnt find it.

thanks.

Aydee

[SantiBanks]

Both feet are on the double pedal throughout the whole song - I close the hi hat tight with the Cobra Clutch. Yes, I played all the triplet (leading on to the one of the next bar) bass drum parts RLRL.


Ahh so thats what the cobra clutch does ! I checked it out at the tama website and it seems like a very handy piece of gear. It does explain a lot more now.
Awesome song and it certainly rocks live ! I almost thought you guys wouldn't play it in Amsterdam (as there where some other instrumentals in there too like dot3)


There are no overdubs at all - so there can't be a moment where there's more than four sound simultaneously. Where exactly do you hear it?


Its after the heavy bits on the end. Around 6:28 and further. Truly a piece of art and awesome genious stuff anyways...

[erictak]

Here's a bit of my past coming back to haunt me.

Along with many great live recordings of Gary Husband - there is the whole of my last gig with Level 42 at the Brighton Dome in 1994 lower down the page...

Enjoy - I'm sure it will get taken down soon.

cheers
Gavin


thanks for that Gavin - and nice to hear all that stuff.

One Question though - there was a show the day after as well at the London RAH - were you repleaced for that one? or did it never go on (the "official" L42 site also mentions this gig and it seems kinda hard to believe you were replaced on that VERY last gig)

cheers & keep up the good work!
Eric

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi adyee,

Was curious to know who were your strongest music/drum influences that helped create your sound and playing style.


I think I have mentioned it before - but I understand the problem of looking back over 40 pages. (I hope to have a solution to this soon).

When I was growing up I listened to Steve Gadd and Jeff Porcaro mostly - but also Stewart Copeland, Billy Cobham, John Guerin, Steve Schaeffer, Steve Jansen, Vinnie Colaiuta and many others I can't think of at the moment.

Hi SantiBanks,

Its after the heavy bits on the end. Around 6:28 and further (of "Way Out Of Here").

There's no overdubs there either - it's all one part. It's a bit of an octopus drum pattern - glad you liked it.

Hi erictak,

One Question though - there was a show the day after as well at the London RAH - were you repleaced for that one?

well spotted - yes it was my penultimate show with Level 42 - I did play at the Albert Hall the next and that was the last show I did.

cheers
Gavin

[erictak]

I think I have mentioned it before - but I understand the problem of looking back over 40 pages. (I hope to have a solution to this soon).

When I was growing up I listened to Steve Gadd and Jeff Porcaro mostly - but also Stewart Copeland, Billy Cobham, John Guerin, Steve Schaeffer, Steve Jansen, Vinnie Colaiuta and many others I can't think of at the moment.

Hi erictak,

One Question though - there was a show the day after as well at the London RAH - were you repleaced for that one?

well spotted - yes it was my penultimate show with Level 42 - I did play at the Albert Hall the next and that was the last show I did.

cheers
Gavin

thanks for clearing that up Gavin (and sorry for being a smartass anorak like that hehe)

good to read you mention Steve Jansen there with the likes of Cobham, Gadd etc. - it seems he never gets as much credit as I feel he deserves for his innovative use of the drums

cheers

Eric

[daydr3am3r]

Greetings to all the wonderful members/admins of drummerworld.com,

They made me (that's a biggie mind you!) step out of the shadows although I've been on and off the site for AGES. And what's more we have Gavin here with what can be only be described as a martyr's patience to answer out an ocean of questions, many of which have been repeated again and again..(yes, I read all 40+ pages of the thread..)

Now I've been burning to ask Gavin these simple questions myself:

What made you play the drums in the first place and made you devote yourself to the instrument?
How would you describe what drumming is all about to a person completely alien to the concept of drumming and rhythm?
In other words, what makes you tick as a drummer? :)

Many many thanks for a truly unique opportunity such as this.

[angelo]

Hi Gavin
You tried to use a "Trick" 007 strainer?. What do you think about? I watch trick drum site, and i think that it was interesting for my hand made keller-snare.I have a new experiment:
I have cut-down two 14"crash 8" and to lose weight from a famous Italian company of cymbals. This is a very beautiful 8"hi hat "very cool". Now i can use this with remote hi hat stand without problems.
Thanks for like features yours fan you are truly one special person.
thanks a lot
Angelo

[bago]

Hi gavin im just wondering do you ever not play with a click. i have great jams with ed poole and he is always on about playing with loops and clicks. but sometimes its nice just to play freestyle and the click drives me mad. what click sounds do you use thats friendly to the ear. thanks Gavin all the best bago

http://www.myspace.com/petelumley

[tobi283]

Hi Gavin!

You mentioned that many of your fills played live are improvised. Well how about hatesong on the "arriving somewhere" dvd? is that kind of solo in the end improvised too? and what about all these genious fills douring the song? (i really love it!)

oh, and you said there are some unconfirmed european shows in autumn? you won't come to austria, will you :)) ?? i already saw you guys in amsterdam (great show!!) but twice is always better than once!

ok that's it!
tobi

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi daydr3am3r,

What made you play the drums in the first place and made you devote yourself to the instrument?

Pure love for the instrument. I started playing the trumpet when I was a kid - but it just wasn't right. I was naturally coordinated and took dance lessons when I was six years old - there was always something about rhythm that connected with me on a deep level.

How would you describe what drumming is all about to a person completely alien to the concept of drumming and rhythm?

Rhythm is all around us - it really is part of life quite literally. Once you tap in to it - it's very therapeutic.

Hi angelo,

You tried to use a "Trick" 007 strainer?. What do you think about?

I've never tried a Trick strainer so I can't tell you.

Hi bago

Hi gavin im just wondering do you ever not play with a click. i have great jams with ed poole and he is always on about playing with loops and clicks. but sometimes its nice just to play freestyle and the click drives me mad. what click sounds do you use thats friendly to the ear.

Yes of course I often play without clicks...but playing with one doesn't drive me mad. Have a look at post number 1141 on this thread (should be around page 33) there's some samples of the click sounds that I use. Say hi to Ed for me - he's one hell of a great bass player!!!

Cheers
Gavin

[tobi283]

hey, you forgot to answer my questions :) !

[tmccartney]

Gavin:

I was thrilled to see that you guys have added a Nashville date (Oct. 9) to the FoaBP tour. I drove to Chicago to see PT back in June because I was sure you weren't coming to see me down here, but now you're coming, and I'm a happy camper.

Do you guys drink beer? If so, I'm going to hook you up with a cooler of local bottled microbrews.

Can't wait for the show!


Tracey

[Fabio]

Hi Master!!
I'm agree surely with the rhythm speech!! :)
You teach it to us.. and show it to the perfection, everytime that put your hands on drum!! :) :)

Master, one curiosity it's simply niiiicee :
In Live, Every time you do a feel, or a particular paradiddle on splash or some other your contraption (What I envy :P) i see Colin edwin smiiile :) Whyyy?? and it's fun :)

( IN MY OPINION HE IS PLEASED TO HEAR THAT CHARGE YOU GIVE HIM ) :) :) :) :)

GooD WorK Master!! and Good day!!

-!! LiStEn YoUr ViBeS !!-
Fabio

[angelo]

Hi Gavin, how are you?
I have created a many 14 "snare with round edge, with keller drum shell: 10ply7,6mm/8ply5mm/15ply1cm and last snare 14x5 - 4mm 6ply, this snare very thin shell, the sound very much dark one, but this have much more ring sound. I read many words around large air hole around snare:"Large air holes increase volume and attack, while reducing the tone of the shell sound". What do you think about? I read this in www.precisiondrum.com. You know other methods for muff'l the sound without to change the sound?
very very very thanks!! will be able a day I to reward you?......
Angelo

[Gibbersticks]

Hey Gavin

What awesome news about the upcoming EP "Nil Recurring". I can't wait!!! Are you guys playing any of the 4 songs live at any of your shows? Oh how I love EPs!!!

[angelo]

Hi Gavin
How are you, can you say me disposition of your cup chimes low to high?



I have disposition this therefore: 1 3 2 4 5
1 it is lowest 5 it is highest
Thanks a lot
Angelo

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi tobi283

You mentioned that many of your fills played live are improvised. Well how about hatesong on the "arriving somewhere" dvd? is that kind of solo in the end improvised too? and what about all these genious fills douring the song?
you won't come to austria, will you ?

Yes the ending on that song is always improvised, same with the fills during the song. There is a chance we may come to Austria - but wait until it is confirmed.

Hi Fabio,


In Live, Every time you do a feel, or a particular paradiddle on splash or some other your contraption (What I envy :P) i see Colin edwin smiiile :) Whyyy??

Colin tends to smile at anything, he walks around with that grin on his face most of the day - he must be a very happy person.


Hi angelo,

I read many words around large air hole around snare:"Large air holes increase volume and attack, while reducing the tone of the shell sound". What do you think about? You know other methods for muff'l the sound without to change the sound?

I have no experience of having large holes in the shells of my drums. The only type of muffling I use are "O" rings placed on top of the snare drum - and sometimes inside a floor tom.

can you say me disposition of your cup chimes low to high? I have disposition this therefore: 1 3 2 4 5. 1 it is lowest 5 it is highest


I have them the same as you.


Hi Gibbersticks,

...about the upcoming EP "Nil Recurring". I can't wait!!! Are you guys playing any of the 4 songs live at any of your shows?

It's a possibility but we haven't decided yet. Need to try them in rehearsals first.

cheers
Gavin

[volume_3]

Hi Fabio,


In Live, Every time you do a feel, or a particular paradiddle on splash or some other your contraption (What I envy :P) i see Colin edwin smiiile :) Whyyy??

Colin tends to smile at anything, he walks around with that grin on his face most of the day - he must be a very happy person.




Haha, i noticed this at the shows, and on the DVD, he smiles a lot!!

Gavin, i recently read the interview with you, Dave Mackintosh and Rob Rolfe from Download, in this months edition of 'Drummer'. Did you enjoy playing Download? I guess you don't play many festivals?

Also, do you do clinics often? I recently went to Drumfest, and i was really impressed with the clinics. Do you do clinics, if so, do you have any coming soon? I'd love to go to one.


I can't wait for the upcoming EP, unfortunately i can't go to any of the shows your playing in november, do you know if any more are being arranged?

Thanks

Mike

[Gibbersticks]

Hey Gavin

I was also wondering if you guys have, or have been planning to record (video/audio) any shows on this tour? I for one would love another PT DVD.

cheers
Daniel

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi volume_3,

Did you enjoy playing Download? I guess you don't play many festivals?

Personally I don't love playing at festivals because of the chaos and lack of sound checking. Somehow it always ends up sounding so different to what you are normally used to. I suppose it's the fact that as a drummer you can't hear and feel the room as you can in say a theatre. I end up trying to compensate myself by playing too hard and then I hurt my hands. We've actually played quite a few festivals this year.

Also, do you do clinics often? Do you do clinics, if so, do you have any coming soon? I'd love to go to one.

I do make clinics but not in the UK since 1998. I don't know why - it never seems to really happen.

Hi Gibbersticks,

I was also wondering if you guys have, or have been planning to record (video/audio) any shows on this tour? I for one would love another PT DVD.

Yes we'd love to do another one. We're working on the logistics of it now.

Cheers
Gavin

[Drizzle]

Hi Gavin,

Enjoying your vacation?

Reading some of your answers regarding the 40-page long forum dillema for recurring questions etc, you say you'll hopefully have a answer for that soon, could you tell a little more about that? Are you setting up a new website or a FAQ section on your website or something?

Also regarding the S-Hoops, my snare always collects lots of debris (stick shavings, dust) between the head and the rim, so sometimes I'll turn it upside down to get rid of it, but with an S-Hoop that won't work, do you have the same problem? Or do you replace your heads so frequently that there's no debris.

Greetz,
Dre

[angelo]

Hi Gavin
Hi crookedrook,

There's an Italian drum manufacturer who makes a hole in the shell of the bass drum - so you can angle a mic in there - that way you could keep the front head uncut. I don't know how this would sound - but it's an interesting idea.

11654



It's a very interesting idea, this is a principle of bass drum front head, you cut head becouse increase volume and attack, while reducing the tone and sustain of the shell sound. Perhaps we can to use this principle direct in the drum shell.this is optimal for snare drum sustain reduction. What do you think about? thaks a lot Angelo

[angelo]

Hi Gavin,
Finally i I have tried 14x5 snare drum 4mm,round edge, large hole(2inch) this sound very-very beautiful,volume is much more high and thin shell produces low frequency. I have tried this with two sm57 microphone one on top and one in large air hole.I can used tree microphone on top ,bottom and one inside.
"this is best experiment" thanks for experience. -From the photo we are arrives you to the sound- "this is magic".
thanks a lot you are best drummer in the world and very special person
Angelo

[ChrisBassdrum]

Hey Gavin,

I have a question about your visuals in the porcupine tree show.
I was at your show in offenbach (germany) and i wondered how the videos are so synchron to the music. is it because of a click, which you hear on your monitorsound or because of the lightengineer, who starts the videos?

If you hear a click than is it all in 4/4 or did you convert it in the right meters?

Thanks for your insperation!

PS: sorry about my english and see you (but you not me;) ) on 4rd december in cologne!

[davling]

Hello again Gavin.!:.!:.!

I'm thinking about buying a sonor force 2007.

Do you have any experience with this set? Do you know if it's worthwhile?
Is it a midrange quality set or something I can play with a long period of time?

Edit: Also, would it fit for versatile metal drumming? I mean, both for the very heavy parts and for the mellow parts?

Thankfull for any kind of answer,
David Lingdell.

[hauk]

Hey Gavin,
Just wanted to say I've got tickets to one of your upcoming shows and I'm looking forward to it, it'll be awesome. I hope you'll play some songs from Nil Recurring, I'm looking forward to hearing those songs either way. What songs have you guys been closing with on this tour? I get the impression that before FOABP it was usually Trains or Halo, but I don't know if that's still true (or if it was even very true originally). Personally I'm hoping for Trains.
Thanks for taking time to talk to all of us

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi Drizzle,

Are you setting up a new website or a FAQ section on your website or something?

It will be a new info website where you can search the Q&A data base of this thread.

Also regarding the S-Hoops, my snare always collects lots of debris (stick shavings, dust) between the head and the rim, so sometimes I'll turn it upside down to get rid of it, but with an S-Hoop that won't work, do you have the same problem? Or do you replace your heads so frequently that there's no debris.

I've never had that problem with the S-Hoops. I change the snare head about every 2 to 3 shows.

Hi angelo,

Finally i I have tried 14x5 snare drum 4mm,round edge, large hole(2inch) this sound very-very beautiful,volume is much more high and thin shell produces low frequency

Glad you're enjoying your snare drum. My favorite configuration is birch 14x5 with round bearing edges.

Hi ChrisBassdrum,

i wondered how the videos are so synchron to the music. is it because of a click, which you hear on your monitorsound or because of the lightengineer, who starts the videos?

Yes we play to a click when there's a video to keep the sync. The videos are triggered by the computer that is also generating the click.

If you hear a click than is it all in 4/4 or did you convert it in the right meters?

Yes it changes meters with the music.

Hi davling,

I'm thinking about buying a sonor force 2007.
Do you have any experience with this set? Do you know if it's worthwhile?
Is it a midrange quality set or something I can play with a long period of time?

I've never played one - but I have seen the quality of the build at close range when I was at the Frankfurt show and they look great. I'd be amazed if they didn't sound great too. The mid priced S Classix looked even better - like a really pro set.

Hi hauk,

I hope you'll play some songs from Nil Recurring, I'm looking forward to hearing those songs either way. What songs have you guys been closing with on this tour? I get the impression that before FOABP it was usually Trains or Halo, but I don't know if that's still true (or if it was even very true originally).

We haven't decided which songs we will play on the next tour yet...but if you want to hear a teaser of the Nil Recurring EP have a listen to the edited medley here..

http://www.myspace.com/porcupinetree

cheers
Gavin

[JeffV71]

Gavin,

Love the new preview of Nil Recurring. At about 14 seconds into the preview I hear something that reminds me of Steve Gadd on "50 Ways...". Anyway, its got a nice march feel to it as you're complimenting the 16th note guitar-like sample. Nicely done!

Will PT have any Chicago stops during the next leg of the tour?

Thanks
Jeff

www.myspace.com/jeffvdrums

[angelo]

Hi Gavin


Hi angelo,
[I]
Finally i I have tried 14x5 snare drum 4mm,round edge, large hole(2inch) this sound very-very beautiful,volume is much more high and thin shell produces low frequency

Glad you're enjoying your snare drum. My favorite configuration is birch 14x5 with round bearing edges.


http://www.myspace.com/porcupinetree

cheers
Gavin

Yes,i have played my custom made snare drum,"i think that music is magic", it is my big passion and i live for this all days of my life.
yeah! I know your configuration well the snare sound of fear of a blank planet is my favorite
i think that this is Yamaha recording custom.I have three birch snare with round bearing edge
1) 6ply 3,9mm keller shell
1)8ply 5,3mm " " "
1)10ply 6,8mm " " "
all snare with Puresound P1412 wire cut down 8", strainer is trick or yamaha
I can't play "safehoop" because
they are not imports in Italy
thanks for all experiment thanks a lot
Angelo

[Vinnysimmo]

Hello.
If you could only practice for 1 hour of any day, what would your practice regime?
Thanks.
//Vincent.

[cygnify]

Hi Gavin - love the Nil Recurring preview! Also, I can't wait to see you in Orlando in October (I'm bringing a gang of my friends to the show!)

I was curious, for a player of your level (staggering for many here to comprehend!), are there types of fills or rhythms that give you trouble? What types of things have you found most challenging recently? How did you overcome that challenge? Were there specific PT songs that pushed you to the edge of your ability or is PT more musically within your comfort zone?

P.S. I have found Rhythmic Horizons quite mind-bending! Thanks!

[SantiBanks]

Hi Gavin,

Another "production" question from me. Again about In Absentia (its just one of the best drum sounds I ever heared).

In your studio, do you use the built in preamps from the mackie desk as the preamps for all the mics? Or is there any other kind of preamp you use for (some of) the mics? I know you have some very good mics that sound just great but still, preamps can make it sound different.

Its just that Im still amazed by the drumsound on the albums. They sound clear and crisp and cut trough everything. There is so much detail and it all still sounds extremely natural. If you really record with the mackies as preamp, a good room and some good mics (and of course a fantastic sounding drumkit) then Im really amazed !

Also, what soundcard(s) are you using at the moment and what kind of mac? I assume you replaced the G3 with a powermac G5 ?

Cheers,
Santi

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi JeffV71,
thanks for the comments about the preview - I don't hear it as a "50 Ways" thing myself, but I know what you mean.
Unfortunately I don't think we're going to make it to Chicago on our next US trip. We trying to get to some areas that we haven't been to - or not been to for a long time.

Hi Vinnysimmo,

If you could only practice for 1 hour of any day, what would your practice regime?

I don't have practice regimes anymore. When I did - one hour would certainly not have been long enough by far...back in those days I would practice for 6 hours a day. It really depends at what stage you are in your development. I guess you first need to ask yourself questions like these : How's your time keeping skills? How's your reading? What do you want achieve in drumming? Do you want to be a pro player or just play for fun and earn a living doing something else?

Having a good teacher guiding you along is a big help too.

Hi cygnify,

I was curious, for a player of your level (staggering for many here to comprehend!), are there types of fills or rhythms that give you trouble? What types of things have you found most challenging recently? How did you overcome that challenge? Were there specific PT songs that pushed you to the edge of your ability or is PT more musically within your comfort zone?

All fills and rhythms gave me trouble at some point in time. I can't think of a PT tune that pushes me to the edge of my ability - none of it is really that hard to play (on paper). Pulling it off successfully night after night is another thing - and improvising fills/rhythms can be as challenging as I want to make it. Should I play safe and do exactly what I've already worked out on the record - or should I live on the edge and take some chances? It depends on my mood on a particular night - but when I can I try to push myself into taking some chances.

From a difficulty point of view - I think there's some stuff on the new PT EP that is as challenging as we've gone so far. My new project with 05Ric is probably the hardest material I've ever played to date. Not because it's mind boggling difficult or anything - but just from my point of view of trying to make musical rhythmic designs that mean something to the compositions and have a smooth flow through the odd time signatures and dynamics of the pieces.

Hi SantiBanks,

Another "production" question from me. Again about In Absentia
In your studio, do you use the built in preamps from the mackie desk as the preamps for all the mics? Or is there any other kind of preamp you use for (some of) the mics? I know you have some very good mics that sound just great but still, preamps can make it sound different.

First of all In Absentia was recorded at Avatar in NYC. Only the drums on Deadwing and FOABP were recorded at my home. Yes I used the mic amps on the Mackie 3208. They sound good to my ears. I hired a set of very high end mic amps and did a direct A-B test with them and the Mackie - and I honestly couldn't tell the difference. I had some musician friends come round and I blind tested them. They couldn't hear it either. Maybe they make a difference with vocals/guitars/strings etc - but certainly not with my drums.

Yes, I am using a G5 now - and I use Apogee Rosetta 800's.

cheers
Gavin

[volume_3]

The Nil Recurring preview sounds amazing, i really excited.


Mike

[SantiBanks]

Hi SantiBanks,

First of all In Absentia was recorded at Avatar in NYC. Only the drums on Deadwing and FOABP were recorded at my home. Yes I used the mic amps on the Mackie 3208. They sound good to my ears. I hired a set of very high end mic amps and did a direct A-B test with them and the Mackie - and I honestly couldn't tell the difference. I had some musician friends come round and I blind tested them. They couldn't hear it either. Maybe they make a difference with vocals/guitars/strings etc - but certainly not with my drums.

Yes, I am using a G5 now - and I use Apogee Rosetta 800's.

cheers
Gavin

Thanks for the info ! Interesting to read about the A-B test. I heared the preamps in the new mackies (the onyx series) are even better. I find this very interesting because on forums like gearslutz and the like, this kind of preamps etc and desks are concidered "Low End". But I find it very funny on the other hand that the PT albums are very high aclaimed there (Like FOABP and In Absentia), also sound and production wise.
Just snobby people thinking more in expensive brandnames then actually listen to what things sound like...

Thanks again for sharing !

[JeffV71]

Gavin,

The more I listen to Unsettled the more entranced I get by this drum track. This song is really "cooking" and I can only imagine the pool of sweat you had after recording this take. I can truly appreciate hearing the separation between the notes you're playing just in the opening snare, tom, and kick patterns alone! What an ambitious and magnificent drum track!

Considering your methods in rhythmic design, achieving smoothness over odd time signatures, complimenting the melody and other instruments, and not to mention recording it, how long did it take you to finish that track (how many takes?) ?

Thanks again for communicating to us on drummerworld. Such a great pleasure to talk shop with you!

Cheers
Jeff

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi JeffV71,

"Unsettled" was no exception on this record. All the songs required an immense amount of work/concentration and rehearsing on my part to A) find the right parts that I wanted to play and then B) make a performance of them. I pretty much started by writing out some of the really detailed stuff - like the intro pattern on "Unsettled". Although this isn't exactly the part I played on the final version - it is exactly note for note the part I played on the demo (that 05Ric wrote that section to). I was reading this as I was recording the final version but not sticking to it 100%.

13898

I probably spent 3 days rehearsing the whole piece until I felt comfortable enough to try and record it. That was about the average for most of the others too. Normally I can get a track down in a day or an afternoon. Yes, I was completely exhausted at the end of it - and in the back of mind - worried that I might have to perform all these songs live one day. But, I have felt like that about other pieces I've done in the past and they've come out fine once I've rehearsed them enough.

Glad you enjoy it - we hope to release the finished CD before the end of September.

cheers
Gavin

[crookedrook]

Gavin,

Do you ever have tempo problems on certain songs when rehearsing/playing live? or have you just played the song so many times that it is embedded in your brain? It seems my last two band rehearsals this week I've been in a slum, on 2 songs, and we have a show this Saturday and I'm worried.

Sincerely,
Rob
AKA "I'm in a tempo slum"

[angelo]

Hi Gavin
How are you?. Is not successful to find in Italy book CONTEMPORARY STUDIES FOR THE SNARE DRUM by Fred Albright.Can you say of what about of this?
Can i use something of similar? Which?
thanks very very very a lot, for me you are a groove master, solid,clear
Angelo

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi crookedrook,

Do you ever have tempo problems on certain songs when rehearsing/playing live? or have you just played the song so many times that it is embedded in your brain? It seems my last two band rehearsals this week I've been in a slum, on 2 songs, and we have a show this Saturday and I'm worried.

I'm not sure what you mean. Are the tempos wrong to start with - or are they slowing down/speeding up throughout the song or in sections? Some tempos are quite hard to pull off live. They might be difficult because they are really fast or (more likely) really slow. Perhaps the drum part is difficult to play? Either way I would use a click for at least the beginning of the tune just to get settled in. When you're worried about a tempo - chances are that it won't help you play it right. You need to feel relaxed and focused.


Hi angelo

Is not successful to find in Italy book CONTEMPORARY STUDIES FOR THE SNARE DRUM by Fred Albright.Can you say of what about of this?

you can find it in many places via the internet. Do a search in google for it. Probably it will come from the USA.

cheers
Gavin

[crookedrook]

We recorded these songs already using a click track and had the right tempo (bps). Our lead guitarist starts the song and if you remember Kasmir from Led Zepplin that's what the drum beat sounds like. It does, however, speed up and slow down throughout the song and it really aggravates me. We do have some parts that go into a 6 count that when we get to them we tend to slow down instead of keeping tempo and it is really easy to drag because of the way we are playing them. I will take a metronome with me tomorrow night just to set it right before we play.

Hi crookedrook,

Do you ever have tempo problems on certain songs when rehearsing/playing live? or have you just played the song so many times that it is embedded in your brain? It seems my last two band rehearsals this week I've been in a slum, on 2 songs, and we have a show this Saturday and I'm worried.

I'm not sure what you mean. Are the tempos wrong to start with - or are they slowing down/speeding up throughout the song or in sections? Some tempos are quite hard to pull off live. They might be difficult because they are really fast or (more likely) really slow. Perhaps the drum part is difficult to play? Either way I would use a click for at least the beginning of the tune just to get settled in. When you're worried about a tempo - chances are that it won't help you play it right. You need to feel relaxed and focused.


Hi angelo

Is not successful to find in Italy book CONTEMPORARY STUDIES FOR THE SNARE DRUM by Fred Albright.Can you say of what about of this?

you can find it in many places via the internet. Do a search in google for it. Probably it will come from the USA.

cheers
Gavin

[KirkDS]

Hi Gavin -

Thanks again for chatting with us here.

Could you break down what you're doing with that flurry of kick drum craziness in the middle of Anesthetize? I understand the rhythmic pattern, I'm just curious how you're physically achieving it. Are those all single-strokes on the kick drum between accents?

Looking forward to seeing you guys in Nashville. I was part of the scene there for a few years and toured with some well-known country artists before coming back to "normal" family life. You guys should wander over to Printers Alley and get up and play a bit after your show. It's where all the players hang out and it's a great vibe there...and you never know who might get up to play/sing a couple.

Thanks!
Kirk

[angelo]

Hi Gavin How are you?
I read in internet text books of "Berklee" college:
"Musical studies for the intermediate snare drummer" / Garwood Whaley
"Portaits in rhythm" /Anthony Cirone
"Rudimental primer" / Mitchell Peters
" All american drummers" / Charley Wilcoxon
know you someone of these? have you used someone?
What do you think about?
thanks a lot "Master groove!".
Angelo

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi KirkDS

Could you break down what you're doing with that flurry of kick drum craziness in the middle of Anesthetize? I understand the rhythmic pattern, I'm just curious how you're physically achieving it. Are those all single-strokes on the kick drum between accents?

look back one page to post No.1407 the second written example is exactly the part you need.
Yes, they are all single strokes on the bass drum - and always starting with the right foot.

Hi angelo,
from your list above - the only book I know is the Charley Wilcoxon book. I would say that the Fred Albright book is more advanced than that.

Cheers
Gavin

[Fabio]

Hi Master!! :)
How are you??

Last sunday evening, i had a concert, in memory of two missing boys..
one month ago..unfortunately..

Have only play three passages, we made a short sequence of three Deep Purple's songs..

But I have thought at the beginning of "Halo".. In "Arriving somewhere" Live, i understand..
Begins with that paradiddle, moving between: charleston, high tom and snare..
To then stick with Halo..
So.. wich kind of paradiddle??????
I'm not able to understand it.. :P

Godd Work Master!!

BeSt WiShEs :P

Fabio

[angelo]

Hi Fabio,I'm Angelo i'm from Sicily Acireale (CT)
and you ? For me Gavin is a big man with many humility "best drummer"
great opportunity for me
bye bye!!!
Angelo

[KirkDS]

hi Gavin -

I was working through a bit of "Rythmic Visions" yesterday (thanks for the incredible DVD by the way) and it's beyond challenging. I think I need to buy the book so I can see what I'm playing rather than just by ear. Like you mentioned in the DVD, the mind plays tricks on you. I seem to end up hearing a basic groove with an oddly-placed cowbell after a couple of bars :)
I'm wondering if it's easier to keep the "illusion" straight in your head if you're reading from a chart and/or playing it yourself rather than just trying to follow it all while someone else is doing the playing. I'm guessing that's the case, but so far, I've spent more time watching your DVD than actually trying to play the stuff myself.

[Fabio]

Hi Angelo!!
Nice to meet you!! really..
Great!! i'm from Rome!! :)
Come stai?? :P

I'm agree with you..
Yes also for me, This BiG Man.. or Mr.Gavin :P is a security, a humm.. like a GOOD GIGANTIC :P ihihih Because he is a Drummer and a relly good person, that put in his work, every kind of passion.. and it's particular.. special.. really :)

And he is really really Humble!!!!! So much to be dedicated his time also to us!! :) :) it's really kind!!

For don't talk of his cleverness.. they would serve pages and pages of this forum.. for describe it :) :)
For explain in few words, can i say WONDERFUL, INIMITABLE, UNREACHABLE, and above all.. UNMISTAKABLE :)

At soon Angelo!! Ciao Ciao :)

Fabio

[Drizzle]

Hi Gavin,

I'm currently 'working' on your Rhythmic Perspectives book, and I really like the challenge.

I was wondering how you learn challeging patterns.

Do you brake it down in to more easy to play patterns and then put those together later?, or do you start with just the hands and add feet later.

As you get better it gets easier to learn yourself complex patterns, what do you think this is more credited to? Mental ability or technical ability?


Greetz, Dre

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi Fabio,

But I have thought at the beginning of "Halo".. In "Arriving somewhere" Live, i understand..
Begins with that paradiddle, moving between: charleston, high tom and snare..
To then stick with Halo..
So.. wich kind of paradiddle??????


It's not a paradiddle. It is a grouping of 5 notes R L R R L played in triplets.

Hi KirkDS,

I'm wondering if it's easier to keep the "illusion" straight in your head if you're reading from a chart and/or playing it yourself rather than just trying to follow it all while someone else is doing the playing.

I find it easier to see it written down first. That way I can hear it in my head as it is written - not as the illusion it becomes.

Hi Drizzle,

I was wondering how you learn challeging patterns.
Do you brake it down in to more easy to play patterns and then put those together later?, or do you start with just the hands and add feet later.
As you get better it gets easier to learn yourself complex patterns, what do you think this is more credited to? Mental ability or technical ability?

It depends on the pattern. First I like to see it written down so I can have a clear understanding where all the notes are in the bar - and where they are in relation to each other. Then I work slowly a bit at a time. The more of this kind of thing you do the better you get at it. Quite often it's a coordination problem - so I try and figure out exactly the part that is causing the trouble - and just practice that one movement over and over until it becomes natural to me. I slowly piece it together. I try to avoid mental blocks like - "I will never be able to play this in my whole life". I enjoy the challenge.

Cheers
Gavin

[Fabio]

Hi Master!! Ok really reallY Thaanx :) now i have understood!! :)

I had not been able to notice it indeed.. :P

Thanx agaain Master!! Good WorK!!
:) :)

[Gibbersticks]

Hey Gavin

I recently read that Modern Drummer had asked you to take part on their up coming Prog issue and that you had turned them down as you "don't like the genre". I have also read quotes from Steven that he doesn't like prog either. I realize that PT doesn't consider themselves to be prog and a lot of bands hate to be pigeon-holed into a genre of any kind as they just make music with any flavor that suits them at any given time. However IMHO the "Progressive" title suits PT. For me PT is like Led Zeppelin, a band that can just plain do it all. While Led Zep was never prog they most definitely pushed into new musical areas in their time.

At any rate who really cares what the music industry wants to call your music. The important thing is that people are really starting to get excited about it and PT and yourself are getting more and more recognition everyday.

As for you getting "Prog Drummer Of The Year", literally stealing it away from Mike Portnoy ending his 12 year reign tells me that your playing is really offering something new , exciting, and yes PROGRESSIVE!!! LOL.

Anyway I'm sure that's more than enough of my 2bits.

Ciao
Daniel

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi Gibbersticks,
it's amazing the way Chinese whispers work isn't it. I never said "I don't like the genre" - I said I didn't know much about it...and therefore wouldn't be a good candidate for an article about Progressive music. Far from turning my nose up at the genre - I was concerned that I couldn't contribute much. One of the suggestions for the article was that I could name my favourite top 10 Prog bands/tracks/drummers - so I got worried. I didn't grow up listening to the classic progressive stuff and probably couldn't name many bands/tracks/drummers in that style - let alone pick a top 10. To be honest I'm not even sure what really defines something as "Prog".
I play music that I like - and I try to do my best at it. If folks want to categorize it - that's really ok with me.

Cheers
Gavin

[Gibbersticks]

Hey Gavin

Hi Gibbersticks,
it's amazing the way Chinese whispers work isn't it. I never said "I don't like the genre" - I said I didn't know much about it...and therefore wouldn't be a good candidate for an article about Progressive music.

I read it in a forum post on another website that was talking about an "supposed" interview with Steven Wilson how he "supposedly" didn't like Prog music and how he hated that his music was being called Prog. Then you were mentioned regarding the whole MD thing. Damn those Chinese whisperers.....who ever they are!

Well for someone who doesn't know much about it you sure have got the genre by the balls!!
LOL.

Cheers
Daniel
P.s. I hope you weren't upset by the post.

[WhereDoEaglesDare?]

Hi Mr.Harrison

I'm wondering where you got or how you developed the cool cymbal technique that you use frequently in your drumming, its particularly showcased in Porcupine Tree's Mellotron Scratch around the 4:50 mark during what i believe Steve Wilson refers to as the 'Townshend Riff.' I don't know enough theory to describe what it is but it's basically using the cymbals in between the main beats. I absolutely love your use of the crash cymbal in that part particularly and overall as well of course.

thank you very much

-Benn

P.S. This has probably been asked, so sorry if it's a repeat, but do you have a favorite Porcupine Tree album, and if so what is it?

[mr.beefhead]

Hey Gavin,

Speaking of PT as something other than a standard progressive band, how do you approach odd time meters in your mind? PT's music always sounds flowing and smooth even in odd time signatures. Is it just as simple as having the riff/melody play over 2 or 4 odd time bars and thus evening it out or is it a more subtle mental approach? Two classic examples are 'The Sound of Muzak' and 'The Start of Something Beautiful' with the latter being almost hypnotic in its beauty even though it's in 9! Thanks for not always doing the cliched prog single bar riff in 7/8!

Thanks,
Derek

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi WhereDoeEaglesDare?

I'm wondering where you got or how you developed the cool cymbal technique that you use frequently in your drumming, its particularly showcased in Porcupine Tree's Mellotron Scratch around the 4:50 mark

I'm not aware of that being any special technique - I'm just hitting crash cymbals in between the main beats. Simple as that.

Hi mr.beefhead,

On the track 'The Sound of Muzak' I use a concept that I call overriding. The basic rhythm is in 7/8 but I accent quarter notes on the hi hat - that makes the whole thing sound smoother and gives the illusion that it's kind of not in an odd time signature. Whenever I can - I try to make odd time signatures not sound too odd. I never count the odd times - I just sing the riff to myself and try to find a pattern that works with it.

Cheers
Gavin

[Gibbersticks]

I'm not sure if anyone has read this interview, but it really good. Gavin, you sound like a kid in a candy store! Cheers.

http://www.musicplayers.com/features/drums/2007/0707_Gavin_Harrison.php

And here is one with Steven Wilson.

http://www.musicplayers.com/features/guitars/2007/0707_Steven_Wilson.php

After reading both of these interviews and what Gavin replied to my earlier post I feel incredibly stupid for even mentioning what I had read in another forum. Obviously going to the real source for info is the ONLY way to go.

[Sebastian Kunz]

Hey Gavin,
this one song "Cheating the polygraph" you did last tour and which will be on the Nil Recurring EP: What kind of groove is that? I just don't get it, but it sounds absolutely great!
I'm talking about that more quiet part "blackened in my soul again.." ..or something like
this is the vocal part of it. Thanks!

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi Sebastian Kunz,
the verse groove for Cheating the Polygraph is kind of a rhythmic illusion because of the equidistant downbeats and backbeats.

I think of it as the first example shown here. (I do play a lot of variation to this in terms of extra ghost notes and alternative bass drum patterns - but it's all based on this).

14000

Other folks might find it easier to read the second example (the same thing but written in a more traditional way).

Steve sings it (paying attention to the downbeats and backbeats but) as if it was 6/8 and therein lies a quite interesting rhythmic conundrum.

The rhythmic design method from verse to chorus I've used before in songs like "Start Of Something Beautiful" where the downbeats and backbeats have larger spacings in the verse - and then they get closer in the chorus (in a shorter time signature). This gives a slight illusion of excitement as if the pace has really picked up in the chorus and then slowed back down in the verse. Of course the tempo doesn't change - only the perception.

cheers
Gavin

[dejus]

Hello Gavin!
Can you post here or send me some pics f your drumset. I found many pics of your drumset in the net but no one in high quality.
Thank You in advance.
dejus

[Sol Good]

Hello Gavin!
Can you post here or send me some pics f your drumset. I found many pics of your drumset in the net but no one in high quality.
Thank You in advance.
dejus

http://www.drummerworld.com/forums/showpost.php?p=295512&postcount=866

[Sebastian Kunz]

Hey, thanks for the quick answer!
With the notation I can hear it more clearly.
I'll try this one as soon as the night is over and the neighbours won't fall out of bed. :-)
I should practise transcribing stuff a bit more though...
Haven't really done a transcription since I finished my studies.
Well, thanks again for the insight! See you in Dezember with PT in Cologne.

[ChrisBassdrum]

Hello,
I have a short question:
do you use the book "sticking patterns" from gary chaffee to build your fills and patterns?
cheers
Chris^^

www.chrisholzhauer.de.vu

[figure_02]

http://www.drummerworld.com/forums/showpost.php?p=295512&postcount=866

Those wont work for me.

Gavin, I just got your Visions dvd, amazing stuff!

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi ChrisBassdrum

do you use the book "sticking patterns" from gary chaffee to build your fills and patterns?

I did study some of Gary Chaffee's pattern books - but I don't use them to build fills and patterns.Not deliberately anyway.


Hi figure_02

Quote:
Originally Posted by Sol Good View Post
http://www.drummerworld.com/forums/s...&postcount=866
Those wont work for me.

how do you mean? You couldn't see them - or you didn't like them?

Cheers
Gavin

[ddrumbum]

Hello Gavin,

I am not sure if this has been talked about, but I am trying to learn your song HALO, and in the middle you break into this very cool odd time groove, that I just can't figure out, what are you doing at that point?

This is such a cool song, and I have it all down except this odd time groove in the middle of the song, anyway any help would be much appreciated.

[Gibbersticks]

Hello Gavin,

I am not sure if this has been talked about, but I am trying to learn your song HALO, and in the middle you break into this very cool odd time groove, that I just can't figure out, what are you doing at that point?

This is such a cool song, and I have it all down except this odd time groove in the middle of the song, anyway any help would be much appreciated.

I'm hoping my counting skills are getting better and it alternates between 8/8 and 9/8. But I'm probably wrong!

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi ddrumbum,

this discussion did come up a little while ago - so here it is again -

It's basically a compound time signature of 17/8 (5/8 + 5/8 + 7/8) and over the top of that I play quarter note accents on the hi hat.

K = kick drum
S = Snare drum
- = rest

this is the pattern that the kick and snare play

K K - S - K K - S - K K - K - S -

There's a whole section about this (and similar rhythmic composition) on my new DVD Rhythmic Horizons.

cheers
Gavin

[angelo]

Hi Gavin,how are you?
know you the book "Advanced techniques for the modern drummer" by Jim Chapin? Can you say of what about of this?
have you used this for your jazz independance?. I want to study jazz independance for play this. I have this books: "4 way coordination", "New bread", "Patterns" (Gary Chaffee) and "Drum set warm ups" (Rod Morgenstein).
Thanks a lot(many many) you help me a lot with your advise.
Angelo

[ddrumbum]

Hi ddrumbum,

this discussion did come up a little while ago - so here it is again -

It's basically a compound time signature of 17/8 (5/8 + 5/8 + 7/8) and over the top of that I play quarter note accents on the hi hat.

K = kick drum
S = Snare drum
- = rest

this is the pattern that the kick and snare play

K K - S - K K - S - K K - K - S -

There's a whole section about this (and similar rhythmic composition) on my new DVD Rhythmic Horizons.

cheers
Gavin

Thanks Gavin,

Sorry for having to explain this twice, I do appreciate your time.

That helps so much, I know I can get it now, you are an incredible drummer, your grooves are just no unique and cool, anyway thanks again for your time.

BTW I am going to buy your new DVD, I already have your first one.

[figure_02]

I, of course, meant that the pictures wont upload, it is just small red x'es, I love all your kits, so no worries about that!

Oh, and one more thing, I guess I could've asked anyone, but I would love an explanation from you, because I find this a lot in your drumming: What would you say the difference is between "playing over the bar" and a polorythm? Like in the Fear of a Blank Planet song, after the guitar (wich my friends and I debated wheter was 3/4 or 6/8, what would you say?) , when the drums kick in, yiu play a 4/4 groove over the guitar, and meet at every 12. Would you call this playing "over the bar" or a polorythm?
I am sorry to bother you with such a "generic" question. You beeing so actice here is just awesome. Keep up the good work(and drumming)!

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi angelo,

know you the book "Advanced techniques for the modern drummer" by Jim Chapin? Can you say of what about of this? have you used this for your jazz independance?. I want to study jazz independance for play this. I have this books: "4 way coordination", "New bread", "Patterns" (Gary Chaffee) and "Drum set warm ups" (Rod Morgenstein).

I didn't study the Jim Chapin book...but I have heard that it's very good. I am familiar with "The New Breed" (Gary Chester) and "Patterns" (Gary Chaffee). The other books you mentioned - I don't know.

Hi figure_02

Like in the Fear of a Blank Planet song, after the guitar (wich my friends and I debated wheter was 3/4 or 6/8, what would you say?) , when the drums kick in, yiu play a 4/4 groove over the guitar, and meet at every 12. Would you call this playing "over the bar" or a polorythm?

That part of the song is in 6/4 - and I play a groove in 6/4 - that is to say that there's 3 snare drum backbeats per bar (on beats 2.4 & 6) - so I don't consider this playing over the bar.
Playing over the bar line doesn't necessarily indicate that it's a polyrhythm - you might play a fill and then not end it on the "1" of the next bar - but continue through to the "2" of the next bar (for instance).
There's a section about this on my first DVD Rhythmic Visions.

cheers
Gavin

[angelo]

Hi Gavin,
You study with "New breed" (Gary Chester) how you have studied this?
I am studying this therefore: left hand hi hat, right hand remote hi hat i play this perfect unison.Left and right foot and plays melody?or other?
thanks a lot for your time
Angelo

[Raygun]

Hello Gavin Harrison,

I first heard about you and Porcupine Tree last year via cross-talk from various other bands and musicians I'm interested in, such as Rush and King Crimson. I've been lurking around this forum for a month or so, just reading and soaking in what I can. I just wanted to say thank you for being such an inspiration! I really enjoy your drumming. You've gotten me interested in learning new things again after a hiatus of several years (other parts of life somehow got in the way). I've been playing along with "Anesthetize" for the past few months as a practice warm-up. Fun fun fun!

Again, thanks a bunch and keep up the excellent work!

[Leper]

Hello Gavin,
I recently was told about Porcupine Tree by a friend of mine and really enjoyed what I have heard. Your drumming style nails down what I want to come from my own playing, and I have been trying to write down some of the heavier parts of your drumming (currently anyway) to learn from them. I've been working on Anesthetize right around 6:18. This is what I have so far...

http://img250.imageshack.us/img250/9485/aensqz4.th.jpg (http://img250.imageshack.us/my.php?image=aensqz4.jpg)

This is without the fill on the last quarternote. How does this compare to the recording?

Thanks again,
-Leper

[Massik Kretal]

Hey Gavin, I was just wondering...you seem to have everything down in the realm that is Percussion. What do you think is your biggest weakness on the drumset?

And what about in Percussion in general?

And then what is your biggest strength in both?

[angelo]

Hi gavin
you which books have studied?
Can you make one list? or much more important
thanks a lot for your time
Angelo

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi Raygun,
thanks for the kind words.

Hi Leper,

I've been working on Anesthetize right around 6:18.

Your picture is too small to see. If you look back a couple of pages on this thread to post number 1407 you will see that fill written out.

Hi Massik Kretal,

What do you think is your biggest weakness on the drumset?
And what about in Percussion in general?
And then what is your biggest strength in both?

I don't really think in terms of weakness and strengths - so I can't think of a good answer to them. I'm not a percussionist in the traditional sense of the word - I don't really play congas, timbales, tablas, marimba etc...and don't really have a passion to become a great percussionist - there's plenty of them out there - and I really enjoy playing with them when the chance arises.
I think my new weakness is in answering your questions - sorry.

Hi angelo,
Mainly these books. I haven't really studied any others that I can remember so I don't have a comment to make about them.

Charlie Wilcoxen snare drum book
Fred Albright's "Contemporary Studies for Snare Drum"
Ted Reed's Syncopation
Gary Chester New Breed
David Garibaldi Future Sounds

cheers
Gavin

[Massik Kretal]

Haha don't be sorry, you're the man.

[Paul Mansur]

Hey Gavin,

I very much appreciate your valuable time that you take out your schedule to educate here.
I actually have a question related to Musikmesse. What were the tunes you played to, and are they available for purchase (with your playing of course)?

~P

[angelo]

Hi Gavin
Great, I have all these books. I can run to study these.
Infinite thanks,"you are a incredible person".
Angelo

[Fabio]

Hi Master Gavin!!

I write to you, today, for express my happiness for the PT's news!!
I know that they will come in Rome, 17 of november!!
Today afternoon i will go to buy the tickets!!
With my other friends!! For the moment we are ten people to come to the concert!!
We will be there, under stage!!!!! :)


i know, it's still soon!! but i am really excited!! and i wait with anxiety!! :) :)

I cannot wait to listen to play you!!

Master Gavin, a question.. Which time has "Mother and child divided" ??
to me they seem, 5/8 or 16.. also with one pause.. Convene to me, to ask you directly..
i would be surer.. :) :P

Thanx Master!! Good Work!!

Cheers

Fabio

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi Paul Mansur,

I actually have a question related to Musikmesse. What were the tunes you played to, and are they available for purchase (with your playing of course)?

The 1st tune "Designer" and 3rd tune "Quite Firm" are from my first DVD Rhythmic Visions.
The 2nd tune "19 Days" is from my second DVD Rhythmic Horizons.

Hi Fabio,

Master Gavin, a question.. Which time has "Mother and child divided" ??
to me they seem, 5/8 or 16.. also with one pause.. Convene to me, to ask you directly..
i would be surer.. :) :P

have a look at post number 1194 around about page 35 on this thread.

cheers
Gavin