Dream Theater's new drummer is MIKE MANGINI

[LinearDrummer]

Would have been nice to give everyone the same camera time like they did Mangini, so him being featured is probably a clue on their decision.

From the clips it appears DR struggled with the improv. I'm guessing he likes to work on things on his own and would have come back the next day and probably nailed it.

Lang doing his own thing seems to have been a negative. I think they wanted to hear MP's signature licks

Virgil might have too much chops for their liking. Not sure why you would experiment with drum parts during an audition.

Marco sounded great....brought alot of energy and a positive vibe. I was impressed!

So the guy that blew the singer away is not Virgil but one of the last two remaining.

[aydee]

Originally Posted by sticks4drums

Aquiles plays Mapex. They have the badges covered up on the kit so I don't think they are doing DW any favors.

They are all playing the same studio kit.


...

Originally Posted by aydee

They are all playing the same studio kit.


...

He was saying that they were all DW artists. I was saying that Aquiles isn't. I know they are on the same kit in the video. :)

[Naigewron]

Originally Posted by LinearDrummer

So the guy that blew the singer away is not Virgil but one of the last two remaining.

Either that or they just used that clip at the end of the last episode to build suspense and hype and then never used it for anything else. It's a pretty common thing to do, especially when it comes to reality (haha!) television.

Originally Posted by Naigewron

Either that or they just used that clip at the end of the last episode to build suspense and hype and then never used it for anything else. It's a pretty common thing to do, especially when it comes to reality (haha!) television.

I bet it is Aquiles. He plays this exact style of music.

[moontheloon]

wow

the drama builds.....

lots of great drumming going on there

[Pimento]

If Derek is allowed to talk about it, it would be cool to hear his impressions on the whole deal and a little about what it was like during the audition

[Naigewron]

Originally Posted by sticks4drums

He was saying that they were all DW artists. I was saying that Aquiles isn't. I know they are on the same kit in the video. :)

I think he meant DrummerWorld, not Drum Workshop. And there are only three DW artists there: Marco, Thomas and Derek.

Mike and Virgil play Pearl, Peter plays Tama, and Aquiles plays Mapex.

[Derek Roddy]

Well, just got a reply back about the audio and shortage of footage on this Documentary.

Rick Ernst
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"Good ear my friend! See below


Yes it's camera audio. The logic session was corrupt. Maddi and Paul tried everything they could but were unsuccessful. We even gave Paul a multitrack of all of our camera audio from all mics... He took a stab at it but didn't make much difference. There was nothing anyone could do to make that section sound much better :-/

Over the Edge Productions"

So apparently...that effected how much "view time" I got overall.
Oh well.....it was a lot of fun. Haha.

D

[moontheloon]

congrats on the audition Derek

from the little they showed in the Doc. your playing kicked ass and you came off as a super kind cat

Originally Posted by Naigewron

I think he meant DrummerWorld, not Drum Workshop. And there are only three DW artists there: Marco, Thomas and Derek.

Mike and Virgil play Pearl, Peter plays Tama, and Aquiles plays Mapex.

I guess we will wait and let him give the answer since he is the only one that really knows. :)

Hey Derek. My wife and I watched todays episode together, and we both thought you came off a little bit unsure and shy. Were you intimidated, or nervous? I know I would of been, but then again I am not in the same league as you guys. :)

[DrumEatDrum]

Just watched part 2.

Even before they said it, it seemed like it was coming down to Mangini or Marco. Dream Theater are a powerful band live, and they realize a show is a show, and those two were the ones who brought the power to the show. The standing up, the big arm movements, stick twirls, the big smiles; those are all aspects of the live act, and Mangingi and Marco were the only two who seemed to tap into that aspect.

It's pretty obvious any of them could do the gig. Any one of them is more than capable of playing all the songs, and writing a new album. It's not coming down to ability, or even personality, it's who gives that little extra spark. It's like a NASCAR race where the winner is determined in terms of 1/100th of a second increments.

When it was announced Portnoy left, I commented at the time I thought Virgil came from too much of a fusion back ground to get the gig. Although I didn't know he had been in a Dream Theater cover band. But based on the comments on the video, I still appear to be right, given they flat out said it's between Mangini and Marco so far.

The other thing I noticed is Mike Mangini is the only who said "I want to be IN this band" Everyone else discussed how "it would be cool to be in A band" "it would be nice to have a home" "I could see myself being in this band". Mike's desire to be IN Dream Theater specifically seems to be giving him an edge.

[MM:40]

It starts to be fun. Before the last call for predictions goes out, I'll give it one shot:
my money is on Priester.

Eventually the prodigal son has to return, and starting from this assumption, all the remaining possibilities just seem implausible to me.

[Deltadrummer]

Originally Posted by DrumEatDrum

The other thing I noticed is Mike Mangini is the only who said "I want to be IN this band" Everyone else discussed how "it would be cool to be in A band" "it was be nice to have a home" "I could see myself being in this band". Mike's desire to be IN Dream Theater specifically seems to be giving him an edge.

That's it in a nutshell. He is the guy that really wants to be in this band. It's not intellectual or visceral, it's total commitment. Plus the fact that he and Mike are friends, he loves Mike, doesn't want to do anything to destroy their friendship. When it comes time for that big reunion tour and Mike's return, he'll understand. :)

Plus all those theatrical aspects you mentioned. Virgil is the other one that has a deep connection to the band, but he again is not the showman that the two you mentioned are.

[Wommis]

These guys are all drummer's drummers. In other words, I love all of them. I was watching a Roddy solo yesterday and blown away, inspired by the clarity and intensity. I saw the most killer Wildoer video- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7FZlDTUhq8 Check out at around 5...Are those doubles on the bass drum and pretty much doubles on the hi-hat? Nuts. Marco Minneman is such a great player, and so freakin' versatile and fun. And my money is on Mangini, just because he seems Portnoy-ish, but more technical. Donati really is from Mars and would take Dt's musicianship to a whole new level. Lang is killer...

all these guys are fantastic- I view the videos, past the reality show aspect, as a celebration of drumming and artistry! DT knows the drummers selected all masters of their craft. Like Roddy said- it's about doin' the DT thing. For that, I'd say it's Mangini. The vibe the dude gives off is very Mike-ish...Watching so many incredible talents approach the music is really inspiring and thrilling for me. Makes me want to make some noise of my own.

[Swiss Matthias]

While Virgil is generally my favourite by far, I must say Mike or Marco really stood out judging
only from these videos, and I think they fit the band best.

It's also very interesting to see how different great drummers approach the same material,
and how they actually come across very differently. It's even very inspirational for my personal
"musical life".

I had to laugh when Virgil came up with a different part, that really shows his work ethic.
I must say, I believe Virgil knew what he was doing, and I suspect he wasn't that keen on
getting into DT, as i.e. Mike is (and seems to be the most of all so far). He just wanted to
have some fun - and it's only a little part we see of all the song minutes they've played.
Plus he's known the band members, and I think they kind of knew what to expect, too. :)

All in all, Mike seems to "deserve" it more than Marco, as he'd obviously love to be in the band.
Mike P was a charismatic and energetic musician and person, and so is Mike M. Plus they could
carry on calling their drummer "Mike", haha.

[Drumolator]

I watched parts one and two. When I saw Mangini, I felt I was watching Dream Theater. When I saw the others, I was watching great drummers playing with the guys from Dream Theater. Peace and goodwill.

[Nick G.]

i thought virgil and thomas had the right idea going in
try and play portnoy whilst adding something new

seems as though they just want a replica though^^
pretty dissappointed as i thought a band i really like could have some new ideas coming in

also i didnt really know who aquiles was before this (is that blasphemy in the drumming world :P) so didnt know he was a mapex man :)

Originally Posted by Nick G.

i thought virgil and thomas had the right idea going in
try and play portnoy whilst adding something new

seems as though they just want a replica though^^
pretty dissappointed as i thought a band i really like could have some new ideas coming in

also i didnt really know who aquiles was before this (is that blasphemy in the drumming world :P) so didnt know he was a mapex man :)

Watch his stuff. He is really good.

[LinearDrummer]

Originally Posted by Nick G.

also i didnt really know who aquiles was before this (is that blasphemy in the drumming world :P)

No I didn't either until it just dawned on me.
Isn't he the one that taught the young phenom Eloy from the MD festival?

[Numberless]

I was very impressed by Marco's audition, he seemed to fit in really well.

[DrumEatDrum]

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dream-Theater/7677942180

You can catch the final episode this Friday, April 29th at 11 AM EST on Roadrunner Records YouTube channel.

Looks like we'll all know for sure soon enough.

[Derek Roddy]

Originally Posted by sticks4drums

Hey Derek. My wife and I watched todays episode together, and we both thought you came off a little bit unsure and shy. Were you intimidated, or nervous? I know I would of been, but then again I am not in the same league as you guys. :)

Not at all....actually it was quite the opposite. I was really comfortable around them and with the "process".

The whole thing with all us guys audition footage is....you're seeing 5 minutes (of what some editor thinks.... is creating "drama" for reality TV)
What you didn't see are the 2 hours and 55 minutes of kick ass jams, tunes played exact, etc......

Another thing that needs to be considered in my case is.....
I auditioned for DT because I was asked.......not because I wanted to be the new DT drummer.
Too much commitment for me to stop what I have going on in my life.
I have a snake collection (over 100 animals) that has generated more income than DT would be able to pay me.

This drum thing is fun and all but, it doesn't make up even half of my yearly income.
For me to consider that gig....meant I had to move out of a really big passion (and security) to do something......I've done already (touring) and am doing still through education and my own projects.

One of the questioned asked by RR was "how would getting this gig change your life"

My answer was....."I'm not looking to change my life."

Cheers,
D

Originally Posted by Derek Roddy

Not at all....actually it was quite the opposite. I was really comfortable around them and with the "process".

The whole thing with all us guys audition footage is....you're seeing 5 minutes (of what some editor thinks.... is creating "drama" for reality TV)
What you didn't see are the 2 hours and 55 minutes of kick ass jams, tunes played exact, etc......

Another thing that needs to be considered in my case is.....
I auditioned for DT because I was asked.......not because I wanted to be the new DT drummer.
Too much commitment for me to stop what I have going on in my life.
I have a snake collection (over 100 animals) that has generated more income than DT would be able to pay me.

This drum thing is fun and all but, it doesn't make up even half of my yearly income.
For me to consider that gig....meant I had to move out of a really big passion (and security) to do something......I've done already (touring) and am doing still through education and my own projects.

One of the questioned asked by RR was "how would getting this gig change your life"

My answer was....."I'm not looking to change my life."

Cheers,
D

I am glad you had fun with it. It is also good to see you know what you want and need. Good luck with the snakes. :( :)

[Deltadrummer]

Originally Posted by Derek Roddy

Not at all....actually it was quite the opposite. I was really comfortable around them and with the "process".

The whole thing with all us guys audition footage is....you're seeing 5 minutes (of what some editor thinks.... is creating "drama" for reality TV)
What you didn't see are the 2 hours and 55 minutes of kick ass jams, tunes played exact, etc......

Another thing that needs to be considered in my case is.....
I auditioned for DT because I was asked.......not because I wanted to be the new DT drummer.
Too much commitment for me to stop what I have going on in my life.
I have a snake collection (over 100 animals) that has generated more income than DT would be able to pay me.

This drum thing is fun and all but, it doesn't make up even half of my yearly income.
For me to consider that gig....meant I had to move out of a really big passion (and security) to do something......I've done already (touring) and am doing still through education and my own projects.

One of the questioned asked by RR was "how would getting this gig change your life"

My answer was....."I'm not looking to change my life."

Cheers,
D

I was watching an interview with Dave Matthews where he was saying music is not about financial success. It is about doing what you love to do, and if it means you have to work at the local cafe, so be it. If you are lucky enough to make money doing it, that's great. But if you are doing it just for the money, you are in it for the wrong reason. Obviously, for you this was an interesting audition but for Mike, Marco and Virgil, it seems like they really want this gig.

I think that level of commitment is a good thing to bring to an audition, not only because it lets the serious auditioner know that you are serious, it also let's the flighty auditioner know that he better be serious. :) I know in the past I was not given the gig because I was too serous and those bands never got out of the studio. I remember once the guy at the board remembered me years later when I saw him out and about, he remembered my audition, and said you were good. I told him I really wanted to be in that band, but they never called, what ever happened to them. he said , oh they still come into the studio now and again.

[mattsmith]

Although I've never been able to feel the whole Prog scene and prefer a different kind of drummer who specializes in something else...geez the technique shown by these guys is ridiculous. As far as seeing them in your head as players I found this last episode especially enlightening.

Mostly I was caught by the reference made by Petrucci that they picked up on interest in Lange from forums. I've always felt that more people read these things than care to admit.

And Derek yeah, I think the audio issue was a shame because it cut down on your face time seeing as how some goofy editor then believed he had to reformat reality /in a reality show/ to help cover the fact that their own technical standards weren't up to spec during your segment. Covering their own mistake then created the undesired result of the casual observer possibly believing you were in one minute and out the next...when in fact (as you say) you did 3 solid hours. Doing a weekly TV show we go through this garbage all the time where some of our better things sound bad and are edited out...But what we do is nothing on the level of the production you see on this DT thing, which to me makes the audio influenced equal representation issue all the more disappointing.

Still we all knew they had to show your blast beats regardless...and that all came out big time... camera audio and all.

[Timekeep69]

Originally Posted by Derek Roddy

Not at all....actually it was quite the opposite. I was really comfortable around them and with the "process".

The whole thing with all us guys audition footage is....you're seeing 5 minutes (of what some editor thinks.... is creating "drama" for reality TV)
What you didn't see are the 2 hours and 55 minutes of kick ass jams, tunes played exact, etc......

Another thing that needs to be considered in my case is.....
I auditioned for DT because I was asked.......not because I wanted to be the new DT drummer.
Too much commitment for me to stop what I have going on in my life.
I have a snake collection (over 100 animals) that has generated more income than DT would be able to pay me.

This drum thing is fun and all but, it doesn't make up even half of my yearly income.
For me to consider that gig....meant I had to move out of a really big passion (and security) to do something......I've done already (touring) and am doing still through education and my own projects.

One of the questioned asked by RR was "how would getting this gig change your life"

My answer was....."I'm not looking to change my life."

Cheers,
D

Snakes? We need to talk! :)

I've wittled my snake collection down but still love them!

Can I PM ya?

[LinearDrummer]

@DR
That vid kinda made it seem like you got confused with some of their riffs.

Im glad you felt good about your playing, cause that tells me you know there was some cool stuff going on that wasn't shown in those clips.

Your a great player with a very cool vibe...keep doin whatcha doin!

[Swiss Matthias]

Originally Posted by Derek Roddy

I have a snake collection (over 100 animals) that has generated more income than DT would be able to pay me.

Wow, that's a cool thing!! You must have a real zoo!

Originally Posted by Nick G

i thought virgil and thomas had the right idea going in
try and play portnoy whilst adding something new

seems as though they just want a replica though^^

I'm not sure, I rather believe they don't want their old stuff being changed, as Jordan mentioned,
because the fans have heard it millions of times and want to hear it the same way.
I think they will be open for new influences with the new material. If you go back to
Metropolis Pt. 2, you hear big influence from Jordan's sound and style when he first
replaced Derek (S.).

[Swiss Matthias]

Originally Posted by Derek Roddy

What you didn't see are the 2 hours and 55 minutes of kick ass jams, tunes played exact, etc......

By the way, it would be soo awesome to see the whole tunes (or even the whole auditions)
from all of you guys!! Maybe they'll release something sometime? Would be really interesting
and even instructional and inspiring! (Although I don't play prog rock really)

[Pollyanna]

Left work early so I could check out episode 2 of Drum Idol :)

Mike and Marco seemed to have the best chemistry with the band both musically and personally. A bummer about the sound during Derek's spot - made it impossible to get a decent comparison on the vids. It goes without saying that they're all scary hot players.

Interesting that DT wanted the candidates to play Mike P's parts but didn't tell them beforehand. I'm guessing it was part of the test - to see who'd pick up on the need to give the fans what they want.

For personal chemistry, it still looks like Mike ... they're after a "family member".

With interviews it's well-known that going first and last makes you more memorable. Downside when that you're first is sometimes the interviewers are yet to get into their stride. It didn't seem that way for Mike so that was way in his favour. Downside of going last is interview fatigue, if there are lots of candidates. Second and in the middle are the worst spots from what I've seen.

Hey Derek,

if you are reading this: Just watched the episode with you playing and I thought that you seemed straight out as a real nice guy. I felt that you were not making this a real big competition, you just came out for the fun which I thought was a real cool attitude.

Reading your posts about drumming not even making half of your income and being satisfied with your life (or: not wanting to change your life because you like it) I thought that was really cool.

[aydee]

...

Derek,

I completely missed the fact that your section was all camera audio which, by comparison to others seemed to lack punch but now thankfully a clarification has been added on to the video.

Its seems unfair and contrived that the Reality TV mindset of producers needs to artificially created drama and intrigue to fit into their script even if none exists. They kinda seemed to want to tell their own little story about your audition.

Having spent some time with TV commercials and programming, I know how ridiculously easy it is to tell two completely different stories with the same footage.

For the record, I think besides other things, you are one of the grooviest extreme metal drummers and I really liked the way to handled the audition from your point of view.

...

[/quote]I'm not sure, I rather believe they don't want their old stuff being changed, as Jordan mentioned,
because the fans have heard it millions of times and want to hear it the same way.
I think they will be open for new influences with the new material. If you go back to
Metropolis Pt. 2, you hear big influence from Jordan's sound and style when he first
replaced Derek (S.).[/quote]
Very good point.

[Derek Roddy]

Cheers everyone....and thanks for the props and kind words.

Originally Posted by LinearDrummer

@DR
That vid kinda made it seem like you got confused with some of their riffs.

Im glad you felt good about your playing, cause that tells me you know there was some cool stuff going on that wasn't shown in those clips.

Your a great player with a very cool vibe...keep doin whatcha doin!

Thanks brother

I mean...some of it was confusing....not the first time any of us have gotten something like this. Thing was.... that it was confusing for a few minutes.... and then you get it and move on.

What they didn't show (from all of the drummers) and, I knew they wouldn't....

Was when us drummers threw out some complex and confusing stuff to see what THEY would do with it.
In my case.... I threw out a layered rhythm (2 over 3) and not a one of them had any idea what to do with it. Haha.

But, you know they aren't going to show that! Haha.

Originally Posted by Timekeep69

Snakes? We need to talk! :)

I've wittled my snake collection down but still love them!

Can I PM ya?

Yeah man, hit me up.

I keep mostly Black Headed Pythons, Womas and Carpet Pythons.
Fun stuff.
You can see my snake site here.....
www.derekroddy.com/blackheadedpythonforum

Originally Posted by SickRick

Hey Derek,

if you are reading this: Just watched the episode with you playing and I thought that you seemed straight out as a real nice guy. I felt that you were not making this a real big competition, you just came out for the fun which I thought was a real cool attitude.

Reading your posts about drumming not even making half of your income and being satisfied with your life (or: not wanting to change your life because you like it) I thought that was really cool.

Cheers man....yeah for me, it was about going in and being honest (I flat out told those guys it would be a stretch for me to do because of my other "hobby" (snakes)
I'm very happy with things in my world and for me to consider that gig...I would have had to sacrificed a lot.

I am extremely honored that they asked and thought of me though. As a drummer, what more could you ask for?

Originally Posted by aydee

...

Derek,

I completely missed the fact that your section was all camera audio which, by comparison to others seemed to lack punch but now thankfully a clarification has been added on to the video.

Its seems unfair and contrived that the Reality TV mindset of producers needs to artificially created drama and intrigue to fit into their script even if none exists. They kinda seemed to want to tell their own little story about your audition.

Having spent some time with TV commercials and programming, I know how ridiculously easy it is to tell two completely different stories with the same footage.

For the record, I think besides other things, you are one of the grooviest extreme metal drummers and I really liked the way to handled the audition from your point of view.

...

Again, thanks.

Drums are so much damn fun. So happy that playing has lead me to so many cool things and people.
Wouldn't trade any of it for the world.

When I get a moment to sit down....I'll put together a timeline of events, etc and recount of my experience.

[dairyairman]

those black headed pythons are pretty cool! i'd never heard of those before.

[Derek Roddy]

Originally Posted by dairyairman

those black headed pythons are pretty cool! i'd never heard of those before.

Yeah...very cool snake. There are not many breeders that are consistently successful with them each year....maybe 3 or 4
So, I've kinda found a niche for myself.



D

[Deltadrummer]

Originally Posted by mattsmith

Although I've never been able to feel the whole Prog scene and prefer a different kind of drummer who specializes in something else...geez the technique shown by these guys is ridiculous. As far as seeing them in your head as players I found this last episode especially enlightening.

Mostly I was caught by the reference made by Petrucci that they picked up on interest in Lange from forums. I've always felt that more people read these things than care to admit.

.

Prog, man you had to be there. But it is good ole fun . . .


I've been out and about and had people refer to something I posted here or respond as though I should know what they're talking about because I posted it here. Not that I ever say or do anything controversial or that could get me in trouble. People complain about WFD, but here you have Mike competing for one of the hottest thrones around. These guys grew up near me. Last time I saw MP, we had a talk about growing up on LI. So if I ever wanted in, all I would have had to do was beat Mike Mangini, Marco Minnemann, Derek and the host of drummers for this gig. That would burst your bubble quick.

[DrumEatDrum]

Originally Posted by Derek Roddy

Too much commitment for me to stop what I have going on in my life.
I have a snake collection (over 100 animals) that has generated more income than DT would be able to pay me.

This drum thing is fun and all but, it doesn't make up even half of my yearly income.

Cheers,
D

Thank you for your brutal honesty Derek.

Next time someone posts about "making it" in the music business, I might refer them back to this one.