MusicRadar
The No.1 website for musicians
YOUR QUESTIONS: For Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy
Be a part of our next podcast
The MusicRadar Team, Tue 20 May 2008, 11:33 am UTC
Dream Theater’s Mike Portnoy is a drummer’s drummer - well respected by his peers and for good reason. Portnoy drums hard, writes lyrics and has co-produced his band’s last five albums alongside guitarist John Petrucci.
And if you’ve ever stumbled on a tribute act that actually rocks, chances are Portnoy was at the helm – Yellow Matter Custard (The Beatles), Hammer Of The Gods (Led Zeppelin), Cygnus And His Sea Monsters (Rush) and Amazing Journey (The Who), are some of his finest and all worth looking into.
Mike Portnoy is never too shy to share his drumming secrets either – check out our video tutorial of Mike warming up alongside Trivium’s Travis Smith.
Questions
We’re interviewing Mike next week and, as always, we’re giving you the chance to ask the questions. Simply add one to the comments below (you’ll need to be registered and logged in to do this), we’ll pick the best and ask them during the interview.
Big thanks for the great response for John 5 questions, we’ll be wrapping that one up this week.
User comments (8)
-
What planet is John Petrucci from?
-
Who do you think would win in a cage fight between Postman Pat and Captain Pugwash?
-
Hey, me and my friends are huge fans. Is there any chance you would come to Ireland soon?
-
You've worked with Neal Morse for quite some time... A number of years ago he left a number of projects, and started releasing very overtly Christian albums. This is a brave move in the prog world, tho' there have been others who have trodden that path in the past (like Geoff Mann, Kerry Livgren, Ajalon and others [including the band I was in some years back 'Paley's Watch'!]).
You have continued to work with him on these projects, frequently performing more than just drumming duties.
I was interested what level of sympathy you have for Neal's beliefs, or are these collaborations 'just another gig'? -
I read on Bill Bruford's blog that you've recently covered Starless.. I also read your interview with him some time back when guest editing Rhythm.
I know he's been a big influence on you, is there any chance of you two hooking up for more than just talking - i.e. do you think you would ever duet with him, if the right project came up?
..If I think of more, I'll be back! -
When you're coming up with a part in an unusual time signature how do you approach the writing. Do you start with a basic pre-set framework of say snare placement and embellish from there or would you typically build up based on the guitar / bass parts and accent each phrase of a melodic line?
The Reformant -
Is there any chance of another liquid tension album? Or is it more likely any music written will just be played by DT since Rudess has joined?
-
Who's better: John Petrucci or Paul Gilbert?
You need to be logged in to post a comment. Login or Register to post a comment.
ReviewFinder
Click to find gear in the following categories:
- Guitars (3031)
- Amplification (798)
- Computers & Software (1431)
- Recording (378)
- Keys & Synths (135)
- Drums (676)
- DJing (24)
- Publications (47)
- Clothing (2)
- Gadgets (13)
Buy here
MusicRadar Marketplace
If you're looking for great deals on gear, tuition, mastering, education or kit hire, click here for our new and improved marketplace.
Albatross111
Sat 14 Jun 2008, 3:32 am UTC