Legless Drumming

[geeseaplenty]

Hey folks.

My name is Matthew DeMeritt and I was born without legs. Because of my disability, I have to use both my hands to play every drum. Thanks to electronics and sampling, I'm able to play pretty good. I use drum triggers. To play the bass drum, I have a bass drum trigger to the right of my snare trigger and use my snare hand to play it (since generally the snare hand has a lot of rest time!)

I also program drums and create polyrythms in my music, ala Gavin Harrison. It creates a striking effect on some songs.

Oh and I just started working with a world-class vocalist, which has always been a dream of mine. Here's our stuff.

Thanks for your feedback. It is much appreciated coming from fellow drummers. :)

Hi Matt,

My name is Rob, and I actually run a website for disabled drummers at www.handidrummed.com. We actually have a few legless drummers on the site, although most play with prosthetics, which I don't know if you have that option. There is one drummer who's name is Kevin Laverty. He was born with Post Polio and has no use of his legs, so he plays in the same manner that you described.

www.handidrummed.com/drummers/profiles/kevin/

If there is anything I can do for you, let me know. I'd love to have you as a profiled drummer on the site if you're interested as well. .

Email me if you need anything - rob@handidrummed.com

[TitanSound]

I really like Let Me. Great groove you have going on there. The singers voice is also very, very good. Fits the music very well. Big respect to you too for overcoming your disability and doing what you enjoy.

I am a big fan of electronica stuff and wish more bands were getting into it. My ideal project would be a electronica/drum 'n' bass act!! I was thinking of starting one up but my band just takes up too much time. I added you as a friend too...Oddblock :)

[That Guy]

That really sounds great Matthew! Your drumming and her voice really mesh well. Ya, check out Rob's site. I'm sure you will find a wealth of encouragement there. Nice to have you hear at DrummerWorld.

[DrumBuster]

Wow I think what your doing is great. Maybe it will teach us a lesson when we complain about our pedals.

[Red Hawk]

"rocktronica"

I like that. Sort of like the inverse of "trip-hop".

GREAT groove on 'let me'. I love that half time thing with the subtle syncopations on the hats.

You'll have to let us know when we can get this stuff from Amazon.com!

[geeseaplenty]

Wow. It's cool to finally post some place where people can appreciate the art of the groove!

I appreciate all your comments, especially about my singer. Having a world-class vocalist has made me a better drummer and songwriter. She's got an incredible sense of rhythm and swing. Such a dream!

I also appreciate the links to disabled drummer information. Never really thought to look into it, as my dilemma was easily solved through making my snare hand busier, but I am looking for ergonomic advice now regarding my current set up. What a tremendous resource!

Thanks for the encouragement!

Matthew

[intooder]

Sounds great Matthew. Very pro quality. It seems like you have a strong rhythm knowledge and I love your groove choice on all those songs. Keep it up.

[geeseaplenty]

Originally Posted by intooder

Sounds great Matthew. Very pro quality. It seems like you have a strong rhythm knowledge and I love your groove choice on all those songs. Keep it up.

Your music is pretty sweet, too. Thanks for the add!

Matthew, I forgot to say that I really was impressed by your music. I gave you an add on MySpace as well just now.

[volume_3]

Wow, fantastic music! The singer reminds me of Amy Lee at times (but only a bit) She's great.

And your drumming is really nice, it really compliments the songs well.

Do you have any Album or EP releases?

[radeq]

wow :) great, I would like to see how are you doing that, i think it is amazing, really good job

[Norske]

Wow, great groove! I like your music a LOT! Thanks for sharing!

[MRA Drummer]

Hey man awesome groove :) Really liked that drumming! More power to you man, that's awesome how you overcame your obstacles and just went out there and did your thing. I have total respect for you, that drumming was awesome! Congrats on working with that vocalist, she was very talented as well :)