The Downbeat Podcast - Matt Garstka (Animals As Leaders)

My guest this week is the phenomenal Matt Garstka. Matt is the drummer for Animals As Leaders and generally considered to be one of the best drummers of his generation. Back for his third episode, I pick his incredibly ridged brain about the drums, working out, movies, and all the good stuff.
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[@DrumeoOfficial]

Loved this!

[@curtismoss8616]

Love you Jared

[@quarkdrumming6290]

Who wouldn't love some parallel lessons on Drumeo with Garstka?

[@j.9_6]

@DrumeoOfficial I need Craig on Drumeo ASAP pls ❤

[@Zoniex]

dude I just want 10 hours of matty G going on and on

[@cecildungaroogoldenapple4741]

Im watching the first ad before the video and im thinking the same

[@rowanb4395]

😂@@cecildungaroogoldenapple4741

[@stone-snare]

matt is by far the most impressive drummer i've ever seen live. it's almost difficult to even listen to their records because they're so good live. animals have the perfect balance of technicality and musicality in my opinion. they've quickly become one of my favorite bands ever.

[@jprodriguesdrums]

This is God Tier conversation. The ultimate drum/life talk. Thank you both for existing and sharing all of this! 🙌🏻

[@RAUFFUS_0]

15:33 - "the struggle to free myself from restraints becomes my very shackles" (any Meshuggah fans here?)

[@t3hgir]

@@fitz93 I'll never forget randomly downloading it from a torrent in like 2007 after seeing the French guitar youtuber Mattrach play "rational gaze" in some best guitar riffs video. I hated the vocals initially, deleted the file and then next two weeks in school all I could hear in my head was Catch 33 riffs and grooves and Jens screaming in my ears.

[@loganryan1317]

​@@t3hgir i remember his canon in d

[@tristendry2089]

@@RAUFFUS_0 dude Thomas Haake is a masterful lyricist. Never thought I’d learn so many English words from a Swedish guy

[@RAUFFUS_0]

@@tristendry2089 Couldn’t agree more bro! The way they write their songs is so philosophically profound and lucid that it paradoxically contrasts and contribute to the meaning of the band’s name (Meshuggah stands for insanity). I like to think that being lucid, thinking critically and paying careful attention to the world we inhabit can often be mistaken for insanity. “Blur reality to make it real” - Rational Gaze

[@everydayoddity]

Hours of philosophical and spiritual discussion about flow state, and then ‘you can’t go from digital bath straight to actual bath’. Absolutely sent me. Unreal episode!

[@heavenly2k]

Dudes like Matt are part of why I started working out lol. I've been lifting everyday since March just to improve my physical condition to be a better guitarist and drummer.

[@shanephillips4011]

Hell ya brother, being in good shape is critical in every aspect. 20+ years in construction and still hit the gym

[@shelbyflora8764]

Here to represent all the girlies who love Animals As Leaders & The Downbeat 🫡❤️

[@dokes3643]

RESPECT

[@paintedlady_81]

Preach, sister!!! 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@paintedlady_81]

This is around the fifth time I’ve watched this episode.

[@hugorezende199]

yeahhh, now we have 2! you and Matts girfriend 🤪❤

[@hydrakn]

Learn so much from when these 2 talk... appreciate what they both do big time.

[@coopernichols4275]

Matt and Craig are the #1 bromance in the world. Like, the conversations you guys have are just delightful and enlightening. Fucking excellent.

[@moremeditations3622]

Joy of Motion has one of my favorite mixes in the genre 😂 I didn't realize it was so hated by everyone

[@t3hgir]

it's a "2014" mix looking back

[@pretzel_aksmash353]

That album is goated wtf

[@eduardodemorais]

1:03:50 yamandu costa being a topic in a metal drummers conversation is just amazing

[@hugorezende199]

simm, maneiro demais isso

[@ControlKey]

Finally another podcast with Matt, time to watch the whole thing in one sitting

[@LeYoIdBeHe]

Craig Reynolds, matt garstka, and dmt. My 3 favorite things. This podcast is amazing.

[@joshmireles4999]

I remember listening to ABR for the first time and thinking the 4/4+7/8 was GENIUS. The next week I discovered AAL and couldn't sleep for days trying to break down ONE song hahaha

[@VMac3]

What part of the podcast was this?

[@johnrinehart8866]

Crazy to think about that The Joy of motion was edited more than Matt wanted it to be. It would be interesting to hear it not as edited like The madness of many or Parrhesia.

[@marcopolo4468]

Dude we need more of these podcasts, it’s so helpful to us as drummers. I’ve got so much in common with Matt and Craig, you guys are fueling this fire just by having drum discussions

[@evankral]

I absolutely love the ‘Red Miso’ arguments in both of the recent podcasts. HAHAHA

[@rowanb4395]

😂

[@anthonyreynoso7275]

This is basically the JRE for drummers

[@Boxerharvey1]

As an aspiring drummer and avid Downbeat listener & patreon, this is easily the best podcast I’ve have ever heard & seen.

[@theboss477]

“Mastering Time for Women” 😂😭

[@stevenparsons1211]

nobody has ever called me glorious before much less that many times

[@njsteere]

This comment is glorious

[@rocioiribe5841]

it was glorious to listen to as well

[@andrewliamdesigndevelopment]

So much respect for him staying on a program even on tour.

[@smoked-old-fashioned-hh7lo]

matt is my biggest inspiration on expanding the way i think about music. it's changed everything for me.

[@neverendingwinkleface6482]

Musicians of the 60s, 70s, 80s, really good musicians. What a time to be a musician!

[@fanrosefabrose9457]

1:23:44 clip it and ship it, we got we wanted boys

[@drewbronig]

The inner game of tennis was a total breakthrough, glad to see it mentioned!

[@CharlieViking95]

2 hours and 30 minutes of Matt G?! Ima bust.

[@c0hink176]

I'm bussing

[@ngaugeblading9690]

Another great episode! The flow state is definitely real and applies to a lot of stuff as well. I used to play Roller Derby at the highest level (world cups, international club champs) and when I was playing well I was just "in the moment" and not thinking too much. You do your thinking at training and drill it into yourself that much that it becomes second nature. Thinking too much definitely fucks you over. Also I take my beaters out of the pedal before putting them in the case 😂

[@JVVVCK_]

One of the best episodes to date, stoked you were able to have Matt back on 🙏🏼

[@stevewade4190]

I just discovered this channel, idk where the hell I’ve been, but this is just sooo good! There are so many lil gems of knowledge to grab

[@reynlord666]

you’re here now that’s what matters 🖤

[@neverendingwinkleface6482]

Hands down probably one of the best podcast yall have made, you should both have a podcast lmao

[@coasterfreek219]

awesome, great interview. Thank you Craig

[@sheilanclarke2810]

Another great episode, Craig. PS: guess I'm part of the 2% of women into the podcast but also Animals As Leaders.

[@paintedlady_81]

I am one of the 2%!!! I love drums and nerdy boy music!!! 😆😆😆

[@pjkillaastudlovin]

1:37:10 the best part of the interview 😂 1:49:21

[@proddreamatnight]

Cannot get enough of this podcast rn

[@Toppu]

2:23:39 good job spoiling the movie for Matt

[@rixcom7621]

Two of my favorite drummers on the planet!! Cheers!

[@jonashellborg8320]

This video/pod cast was soooo good! I listened to the full length of it, as it was full of incredible information! Sharing neurotilal, over analysing stuff in a super naked way, sharing the whole person above what the drummer is, and all the deep dives into grooves, soloing, the danger of defining things too much, then how in last bits how Garskta is so used to odd time counts he just speaks it. Loved it, Craig and Matt!

[@CreatureFromTheBlackTattoo]

Great episode - been looking forward to this one 🤘🏻

[@rocioiribe5841]

Been waiting on this one. Fully actualized Natty Matt and Vlogger man 5000.

[@Maiziexe]

"women don't like animals and should be more into drumming" me: *plays drums and listens to animals* 👀😂

[@JimmyKlef]

Just want to say this was fantastic. I can't imagine who might hate you, like was mentioned in the intro but I wouldn't know why. Also, it actually makes me happy to know they know Joy was a bit murky or whatever, but I hope they know the last album sounded absolutely fucking stellar. It's an overall unbelievable experience. I can still see matt wanting to pull it even more open and dynamic, I always agree for a wee bit more cymbals in modern productions, but the album sounds absolutely killer. It's for sure another gold standard to compare to right now.

[@ReeBPM]

Matt's ghost note lesson has been so important in getting my left hand back after injury. The value in his lessons are unreal! I'm away to run back through it again to work on foot hi hat timekeeping 👍

[@Alpengrower]

Craig's voice the whole video: journey is usually the part you remember anyways

[@ballmouse]

I’m new to drums, so I’ve had to google so much of the things y’all were talking about, but still really cool to hear such high level drum talk, sprinkled with some lifting and spirituality. 😂

[@moremeditations3622]

Camera quality is better than my eyes

[@DrLangly]

Excellent excellent excellent

[@supersapphire]

thank you so much for this upload Craig, information valued in diamonds and articulated so well. I will need to revisit this multiple times to take some of this stuff fully in. Cheers!

[@YouthDrummer]

im not a podcast guy, but this podcast may have just made me into one. great great content!

[@mattnormandrums]

This is cool hearing Craig suggest The Inner Game of Tennis book to Matt. I was working on one of Matt's lessons last night and noticed when I think about what I am doing too much, my feet tense up and I cannot play well. When I let go and relax into a sort of subconscious auto pilot state, I went on to flow for the full five minute round with little error and great footwork. Just ordered this book. Thanks for suggesting it here Craig.

[@rhythmicbeast]

Love your work brother. ♥️♥️♥️♥️🤘🤘🤘🤘🥁🥁🥁🥁

[@grizzlywhisker]

Thanks for this podcast. I'm also a total drum nerd, I've been playing drums my entire life and I'm always looking for info on different beaters and equipment type stuff as well as just general knowledge and tips.

[@rivo9980]

Craig's face when Matt says he likes something hard is peak comedy ngl

[@fanrosefabrose9457]

These 2 are like jocky boys from college who remained best freinds after graduating, the dude humor is hilarious and on point

[@DrumThruDriveIn]

Fuckin awesome. Loved it!!

[@zombiesateourchannel]

Holy shit. Matt made me realize why I am approaching drumming the way I am approaching it.

[@rogom-ts4ew]

I love at 48:35 that Craig has to say that, we're all thinking it too

[@scottmh96]

I never really got into animals as leaders, because (if Craig is smooth brain) it's like someone spit polished my brain. I'm a dumb core kid but after enjoying this podcast so much I felt like I owed them some attention. I've now listened to their entire discography driving south from the lake District and I feel like I've been missing out all these years!

[@benzoikari2421]

their voices sound like they should be coming out of the opposite people

[@TheWizard706]

This thumbnail is the best 🖤

[@Vittkid]

a legendary convo with 2 legendary drummers

[@thombakker2835]

Great episode dude. Thanks so much!

[@twobestiesonebraincell7672]

Mastering time for women has me in tearsssss

[@TheBUDoubleT]

Craig is really good at translating some of these complex concepts into terms even I can understand

[@albalkiewicz4616]

Most frustrating is how lyrically, how people are not catching the impact of the “so to speak” & the “and the sweat” a which whether you realize or not, drives the brilliance of the track

[@valleyproductions1]

I don't think there's anything wrong with sound replacement... There was a time when that's what you did. It was common to blend a slap sample with a natural tone... I like to do either depending on what I'm tracking

[@braedonavants]

Beautiful podcast, thank you for sharing 🎉

[@cexyes6572]

next podcast with Matt Halpern

[@dillongorman7538]

This was awesome! Expected not less from the two of you. Rock on!

[@EUC_DeathRay]

Dude has gotten jacked!

[@simmoisbest1]

YES!!! hes back on!!❤

[@christianmusician16]

This podcast deserves more credits

[@DrLangly]

Great stuff as always

[@cstm1080]

Insanely cool chat

[@Leaving_Orbit]

Awesome conversation.

[@t3hgir]

Jamie bring up that drummer talking about DMT on his podcast

[@LeYoIdBeHe]

"I love banging on these drums" - Matt garstka

[@KBStickEm]

Keep rocking it, man!!

[@ejoyce98]

Been waiting for this one 😍

[@OsmonArtist]

awesome interview!

[@Diakonov29]

59:29 - Your delivery reminds me of a scene from robin hood prince of thieves. the sheriff of nottingham alan rickman and the line about cutting out hearts with spoons. Good Podcast.

[@jarrahdrum]

this is so cool , thank you

[@andrewliamdesigndevelopment]

15:13 I like this guy. Love Alan Watts. Dude is beyond his time.

[@nic-drums]

Great episode! You should have Aric improta on your podcast next time!

[@AlexKB01]

Yessss

[@kolvaughn6302]

1:28:51 - all are monsters, but this describes the real hierarchy.

[@VladProkhorovDrums]

Dude your intros kill me 😂😂 thank you for this! Matt is the best, and you are a fantastic drummer and Podcaster!

[@xdonutgogentlyx]

44:47 i say in sync, "this mf"

[@dokes3643]

SOOOO GOOD

[@Southboundpachyderm]

@30:00 that's me. I'm self taught, I have never focused on practicing things until the last few years realizing that I couldn't repeat things I do when I'[m just jamming. Now that I focus more on listening and simplifying what I hear, I can learn hard things really quickly. My skill was never being that technically good. It'[s that I can get behind the kit, the guitarist can play absolutely whatever or I can hear a song for the first time and play along to it pretty damn accurately. At the very least I can ALWAYS find the skeleton of a song and once you break it down that much you dont need to hear the song to know where the transitions are going to be. It just comes natural and i never understood why. But learning music that way buttfucked me when it comes to reading music and doing theory proper which is way more important now than it's ever been before. I can play piano well, guitar okayish and I can read music if I sit there and think about it for a second. But I hate doing it, so even if I start reading the music and playing to it, I just end up using my ear to get me through instead of actually reading the music and music teachers always busted my ass for using my ear. But jokes on them, because I have better relative pitch than most, and I don't have that scary feeling a lot of musicians get when they haven't practiced something enough.

[@myprivateyoutube1440]

Your ad read sounded like it could have been a cut scene from This Is Spinal Tap .....

[@pawz007]

Ive always wondered what Garstka thought if Weckl. Theres no way Garstka hasnt heard of him. Ive been jammin Weckl for years and has been a huge inspiration.

[@t3hgir]

Don't quote me on this but I think I've heard Matt say out of Gadd, Colaiuta and Weckl he actually took the most inspiration from Weckl...

[@pawz007]

@@t3hgir I believe it. Weckl always brought a sort of rock feel to jazz that has inspired so many. Another drummer I love that brings in a rock feel is Simon Phillips. When he jams with Hiromi Uehara and Anthony Jackson it is pure gold.

[@CreationTVstation]

Such a good fkkn interview!!! ty ty!

[@petarpavasovic6333]

12:12 Matt Garstka pretty much explained the basis of CBT psychotherapy

[@SothorosDjents]

Sick interview. Question for Matt, maybe not the right spot to ask it but since he touched on it around 1:07… Would you consider doing an anniversary rerelease of Joy of Motion, and even the 1st album, with entirely unsampled drums, only comped as you said you’d prefer? That would be such an interesting way to reexperience those amazing albums and would breathe fresh life into them…

[@reynlord666]

i’d imagine not as it would cost too much money to do that, drums are the most expensive part of a recording. the live album is where you’ll get that

[@SothorosDjents]

Thanks for the reply. Yeah, true that. Makes sense and glad to have the live album for that reason, as well as his play through videos with unedited drums. Cheers.

[@bren182]

So fucking stoked too holy shit 🔥

[@D_jamz]

Great ep!

[@fanrosefabrose9457]

Craig: the downbeat podcast isn't JUST a drummer podcast i bring on other musicians as well Meanwhile on the downbeat podcast: 1:46:24

[@Samuraijake93]

There's a book called the inner game of music thsts the same concept as the inner game of tennis. Highly recommended to anyone

[@mrlnstrousden]

Yes kreig!! 🐐⚔️🤘🏻

[@Glassererika]

i love this