Before joining Pendulum in 2010, Kevin ‘KJ’ Sawka had already built himself a reputation for explosive drum ’n’ bass rhythms thanks to his influential YouTube presence. So hooking up with the arena-filling purveyors of “drum ‘n’ bass for the masses” was a no-brainer. And, incidentally, KJ’s dream gig.

Rhythm magazine caught up with the man dubbed The Human Drum Machine, and his drum tech Martin Gavrilovic, following Pendulum’s third album (the first featuring KJ) Immersion and a frenzied year of live dates including a sub-headlining slot with Iron Maiden at Sonisphere.

Among the exclusive shots of KJ’s kit you’ll see in this gallery are snippets from Rhythm’s interview, finishing off with a Q&A with Martin Gavrilovic. You can purchase this issue (183) for the unedited version or check out Rhythm’s current issue 185 featuring an exclusive interview with drummer, producer, songwriter, guitarist and all-round musical visionary Joey Jordison. Or subscribe to Rhythm here.

First up: KJ's kit