Where are our manners...
First of all Ben, welcome to the forum, I've seen you joined a little while ago so I'm guessing you've been lurking all this time
Yes, this topic has been discussed in many forms and in many threads, it does pay to search for similar threads and simply add your comments in those threads, having said that, I know it's easier to start a new one
Right, the topic
Technical vs Musical Drumming, while I understand what you meant (I think) I don't really like the term "technical drumming" or "technical music", it's all drumming and it's all music, in whichever form it's presented and there are many out there.
Has it has been said already in this thread, I think both extremes complete each other, it's the musical context that often dictate the patterns, rhythms, grooves and what's not... Listen to guys like Vinnie Colaiuta, Simon Phillips or Steve Gadd, these cats can play anything, from the money beat to the ultimate complex patterns, their choices of drumming are solely based on the
music, not the technical aspect of it.
Technique, while an important aspect of any instruments, is only a tool we develop to convey our skills onto the instrument, nothing more, nothing less and granted, some possess more technique than others, but when you play with your band or an artist, only feel, musicality, creativity, taste, emotions, etc comes into play, it's never a question of technique.
Now that I defined what I think of these contrasts, my happy "middle ground" is to serve the music to the best of my abilities and keep learning.
Once again, welcome to the forum