Performance Spotlight: Matt Garstka

Vic Firth Artist Matt Garstka performs for the VF cameras at
The Fortress in downtown Los Angeles with his American Classic 55A!
The VF crew has captured HOURS of unbelievable music from some of the best drummers in the business! We'll be releasing a new video every month in this new series called "The Fortress Sessions"
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our KZbin channel for the latest videos!
www.vicfirth.com/artists/matt_garstka.php
The Fortress: www.thefortressla.com/theFortress.html

[@fleamarketfloppydisk]

That rug really ties the room together.

[@VicFirthCompany]

Dane Ellinger Am I wrong? Did it not?

[@wobblefrog]

***** le reddit up boat XDDD

[@drummerzarate]

jajajaja, the bass drum could be found at the street with the way he hit it

[@SuperAnimalDrummer]

Matt abides

[@jesse3380]

CHINAMAN IS NOT THE PREFERRED NOMENCLATURE!.. Asian american, please.

[@ImTheDrummer115]

This man is one of the best, if not the best, new drummers to grace the world of professional drumming. Proud to say I met him, and his personality is just as good as his drumming. If you haven't heard any songs off of Animals as Leaders: The Joy of Motion. Pick up the album, the drumming is fantastic, and the guitar parts are incredible. It's pretty much an instrumental progressive metal album.

[@jamesagostino3695]

Couldn't have said it better,

[@Fedophenix]

actually i don't like to say "someone is the best" because there are so many good drummers out there. Everyone is special on his own way… Everybody plays on his own way. And at all nobody is perfect, even the "good" drummers…

[@ImTheDrummer115]

Yeah, I have realized that since posting, but he definitely fantastic.

[@Fedophenix]

yeah he's really good...

[@incutool]

Thomas Pridgen is the best "young" drummer. Garstka is a close second. My opinion

[@aidanroessig8673]

Matt is one of the only drummers where I can listen to his solos as music. He has a lot of musicality in his drumming.

[@ajgdrums24]

Aidan Roessig Ever check out Benny Greb? :) not as much chops but he's just as musical and is also an inspiring drummer

[@James.Kalis.]

Benny Greb!! literrally the most musical drummer ever.. last thing any drummer needs is chops. you'll get the gigs for your musicality and pocket

[@ocbfdog]

So...no one has heard of Robert Searight?

[@BenMinal]

DUUUUUDE that was freaking insane!! So inspiring man

[@NoiseOnFire]

It's great to see one of the members of a great band being humble enough to compliment another musicians work. Good luck on Dorje!

[@HydraSperati]

Seriously one of the most influential modern drummers. No doubt about that.

[@Mynameisnumber5]

If this guy is 23 and he's this good, I want to see him when he's 50.

[@sjholmes101]

He'll end up like Neil Peart and cap out like all older drummers.

[@oriondrums2]

Spencer Holmes He is already better than Neil Peart.

[@sjholmes101]

oriondrums2 That's what I was implying. A lot of drummers are better than Neil.

[@oriondrums2]

Ah sorry I misunderstood. Although regarding being "better" than neil peart, I think the one thing that almost no drummer can do better than Neil is play as in the center of the beat and in time. Other than that though, he is a pretty limited in what he can do.

[@sjholmes101]

oriondrums2 Neil Peart isn't known for being the best at being the center of rhythm, I could list of a ton of drummers who keep beat better than him.

[@LanceCampeau]

Holy snare drum tone... LOVE it.... such pop!

[@drumfanatik316]

Derek Charette no, they definitely will. They’re Starclassic B/B’s with a Starclassic limited edition brass snare. I own the same drums and can tell you without a doubt that they sound amazing live! I don’t use any audio interfaces and most of the time only mic the kick drum in smaller venues and my vocal mic picks up the rest of the kit. These drums sing and are great live!

[@chronicgamesde]

Nothing here is a mistake or a mishap. A majority of rhyhtms you are familiar with are divided in a certain way 4/4 and 3/4. He is essentially switching between many more complex rhytms while switching tempos. Every single thing he hits, he hits with precise timing and meaning. Drumming like this is and doing it right is much tougher than your traditional drumming. This guy is a genius. If you are new to this sort of thing simply try to ignore a underlying rhytm and just listen to the bigger picture as a whole and how in what sounds like chaos there is so much order and skill.

[@Charlyxs]

Your comment is pretty much a detailed and more capable version of what i first guessed about his rhythmical style. But still, i do not really enjoy listening to the video. To me parts of it sound like a pure demonstation of capability. Maybe im just not deep enough into complicated rythms. Drumming like this might be much tougher than traditional drumming. But it's also tougher to listen to.

[@can_sarac]

Charlyxs yeh i think so too.. i sometimes force myself to listen to more animals as leaders to be able to improve myself as a musisian but even just listening to these guys is a task on its own :)

[@doyledesign]

No - there are definitely mistakes and mishaps here. Dozens of them, that is kind of the point with a free jam like this. Each time there is a little blip in his groove or rhythm miss he uses it to change patterns and direction. You couldn't put a click track and song over this. I'm not even saying this as a negative point, he is a drumming master - but it's incorrect to say this was his exact and entire plan for 6 minutes with no stroke error.

[@DavidMcmenemy]

Mike Doyle I agree. The flaws in any solo are what make it beautiful. Human, you could say.

[@chronicgamesde]

Mike Doyle uhm... You could never put a click track over a jazz drummer

[@gnagnognogna9942]

the best example of modern drumming

[@Cartzy]

Simply amazing.

[@Cartzy]

or complexly amazing as the case may be.

[@nickDOTbloc]

one of those drummers who can play practically every style cleanly

[@bakedandsteaked]

nickDOTbloc except for swing

[@bakedandsteaked]

djent is totally a genre ye, but that's besides the point. can't remember where I watched it, but at one of his clinics he said he really struggles with swing. He can still play it better than most people but it's still a weak point for him

[@combatwombatt]

dawsonw128 oh I thought you were salty because he was too good or something lol my bad dawg

[@bakedandsteaked]

djent is totally a genre lol it's cool but why do you always reply to me, then change your reply moments later. you've done it twice now lol

[@combatwombatt]

dawsonw128 half the time I'm on the move when I'm typing and when I sit down I re read comments I make and they're just structured awkwardly lol

[@Piclemania]

man, his kits always sound so organic, so natural

[@ScottWDrums]

One of the best kit sounds I've heard in a while.

[@giobelen]

Did anyone else freak out a bit when that camera appeared around the 2:45 mark?

[@philipknoefel]

after 7 years I’m rewatching this video and realizing how much I am inspired by it

[@JimmyKadesch]

so good dude!

[@padistedor]

Never heard of this guy before, really nice stuff here. I love that Vic Firth makes all these videos for us to enjoy and learn from.

[@badoocee1967]

It's about time someone put the spotlight on this Beast of a percussionist. Great job!

[@reeshavgohain]

One of the best drummers in the modern era. Big fan of you Matt!!!

[@ZippyBumpHD]

When you're really trying to get out the last shit. 5:26

[@Robowski22]

Incredible playing! Matt's groove is unmatched.

[@Niverlare]

Someone give this guy a few medals or something. I mean holy shit, I've seen him live with AAL two weeks ago and he's incredible. Definitely one of the best modern drummers these days.

[@xXSTFDXx]

a proper solo from start to end. there is always an underlying theme propelling it forward. amazing

[@Calibur43]

I swear he's got some of the best single stroke roll dynamics on the snare I've ever seen/heard. I'm 22, he's 23 and he's on the same level of appreciation I have for some veteran drummers at this point.

[@damienalexray6327]

This guy both inspires me and makes me afraid to go near my drums at the same time.

[@LordSnad0r]

This is just amazing, so much talent. The ride cymbal and all of his drums (except the bassdrum) I find just staggering soundwise

[@MrKevchen]

His ghost notes are awesome ! Just flawless drumming !

[@haydenlinder]

Still one of my favorite solos of all time. So passionate, creative, and groovy.

[@JakeStaffin]

There's a groove that starts at 2:16 that Austin Burcham did a "Study the Greats" on. One of the coolest grooves I've ever heard.

[@motopolak]

Incredible..... I was speechless watching his comfortability in complexity.

[@niclasrachow]

this is the most impressive drum vid i've seen in years. for various reasons.

[@jeremysdrumming4474]

I like the darker cymbal sounds, its different than the bright ping of a brilliant finish cymbal, which i love but still very cool, i like all kinds of cymbal sounds, that Tama kit sounds fantastic, Great performance!

[@tkcsope]

I've recorded here! Great live room. The natural acoustics in this room are rad. Also, the sidecar... classic and incomparable.

[@newspaperlightbulb]

Him having a drum battle with Tony Royster, Jr. would open a black hole

[@DerekPalizay2]

DAHHHHH! That groove at 2:15 O_o Put Head phones in. Good mic sound, especially the snare.

[@ronniemormino6746]

SWEET..SMOOTH ....GROOVES...you guys know the rest ...fantastic

[@captainpronin4890]

Speaking from the perspective of someone who has learned 1 on 1 with matt, his technique is astonishing. He is one of the most calm and collective drummers I've ever seen

[@AndresCastellanos]

one of my favorite modern drummers

[@TokiSpoki]

Thas was very nice! That kit sounds Amazing!!!

[@snarplaya]

Love this guy! Awesome playing!

[@smellslikedrums]

His drum sound his so dry but he is so wet. I like this.

[@Demiurge66]

He said himself he likes extra dry lol

[@nathan_khoury]

Thats what she said

[@ianwesenberg8399]

Man, I've never heard of this guy (and no I do not live under a rock), but this guy is amazing! He knows exactly what he's doing at every moment of his playing.

[@Calebhd_]

The amount he has improved since this video is as incredible as his playing here

[@dagugoso]

He had his eyes closed at all time, amazing.

[@p-tomrichi5244]

The best thing of the video was that he didnt need a double bass pedal to do his solo. This was just amazing, incredible combination of groove, chops and feel!

[@bartlettj79]

Mother of God...... Totally inhuman!! Saw them live, best show of musicianship I've ever witnessed

[@fredrikh3547]

A sight to behold, splendid player.

[@philippefeld1731]

Precise, powerfull, inspired... Great playing !!!

[@strawlemon2693]

That snare brought tears to my eyes.

[@tomc.6358]

This guy is amazing!

[@GRiMHOLDx]

The best guitarist and best drummer in the world are in the same band. Anyone really that surprised Animals As Leaders are so good? NOT ME!

[@Drums4Life762]

I love them. I never get tired of them

[@EnialisStormrage]

I love Animals As Leaders, but Garstka isn't the best drummer in the world. Simon Philips, Dave Weckl, Gavin Harrison, Chris Coleman, Horacio Hernandez....

[@Don_of_the_Dad]

Giovanni Paolini Danny Carey, Chad Smith, Bill Ward...

[@chobe78]

Okay, besides that there is no THE(™) best drummer in the world, I have to disagree.. I'd say Matt is already one of the best. Furthermore, almost all drummers on your lists are at least twice as old as Matt. So, imagine his abilities in 25+ years. :)

[@jimbodavis1944]

Donovan Doran Chad Smith??? Bill Ward??? They're with influential bands, but they're not on the level of Danny Carey or Matt Garstka. The polyrhythms those two play (Danny and Matt) put them in a different hemisphere.

[@GuilhermeMendesG]

Is he wearing different shoes? lol Matt is a beast.

[@GuilhermeMendesG]

True man. Actually I don't give a sh*t about the shoes, I just found it funny hahahah. Those who say it sucks know nothing about drums.

[@GuilhermeMendesG]

Ohhhh, I think I didn't read it right. Now I got it ... Well unfortunately, hope one day he'll learn how to deal with theses things.

[@lolh4x]

***** What the flying fuck is your obsession with ellipses.

[@hadeskiller1]

Those high toms sound incredible.

[@elmo1171]

He has really good focus and control . He is not just beating the drums as fast as he can either trying to sound like a magic man . I can see him really improving his style as he gets older too .

[@BustYourBallsMetalXD]

I see some people can't understand the music he jus made. Its fast YES, VERYYYYY techniqle, and crazy sounding. But if you look at him, he's feeling 100% of his music and solo. To do THIS kind of stuff and to FEEL at the same time is just UNREAL lol he is for sure 1 of a kind on this planet.

[@jarredwilliams7948]

he can transfer into different sub divisions better than I can pull out

[@lmagine6494]

Hes probably had a lot more practice then you... Sorry, had to ahah

[@nunnayuhbitness6708]

Very impressive! Saw some things l really wanted to see in here.

[@electricw3irdo]

love his technicality and strong stroke...

[@peofroding6464]

I really love Matt Garstkas feeling. With guitarists Tosin Abasi and Javier Reyes in Animals as Leaders he is phenomenal.

[@andyham6094]

Love the Tama Starclassic bb hyperdrive toms and that Starclassic brass snare sounds amazing, and this ride is one of my favorite rides ever. The crashability isn't quite loud enough for a rock setting for my band in particular but recording and practice this is the only ride I ever use.

[@bymyself11]

Wow what a great drummer! I can only dream if one day being a drummer with half that much skill

[@BrownCornelius000]

The guy kills it! He's been playing with Animals as Leaders for some time now as well. Hell of an addition.

[@harrycovill4474]

fucking incredible! to have a guy go through the Burklee thing and lean all the gospel and jazz chops and hang with those dudes, then go into this super tech heavy group, his style is just amazingly diverse and unique

[@callahanbotha8043]

This guy's tempo control is absolutely rediculous. Truly inspiring!

[@miko1209]

Amazing performance, no question about it. Anyone knows what snare he's using?

[@jeraldcuccurullo2497]

I love this cats playing style!! Simply very tasty and great hands and sense of musicality that's lacking in many of today's drummers!! Way to go Matt!!!!That's a Rap..😎♩🎶🎵🎹🌏

[@Piclemania]

and has anyone else noticed that many of Vic Firth's videos show some amazing cameras and filming equipmente, but their content is hardly shown in the video?

[@VicFirthCompany]

Not sure what you mean, Piclemania... We used 6 cameras and every angle was used several times. The coolest gear we added for the Fortress sessions was a jib - but we doubt that you'd like to see that angle for an entire video!

[@VicFirthCompany]

Vic Firth oops. Actually we used 7 cameras. Forgot one way back there over his left shoulder! We're always trying to balance having a cool/artistic look with actually being able to see what our artists are doing. Cameras flying around is cool, but since we're all drummers too - we want to make sure you can always see the hands (and feet)! We're always watching the comments, so feel free to let us know what you think!

[@terratremuit4757]

Vic Firth Hey Vic Firth, you guys should do some more performance spotlights with rudimental drummers such as Emmanuel Deleon or Pete Sapadin (or maybe some tenor players or even entire bass lines of corps that use your products)! I think a lot of drummers would like that as a change of pace from all of the set stuff. Especially since DCI seasons coming soon!

[@yugolago]

Awesome!!!

[@ukaszpietraszewski5604]

I LOVE MATT GARSTKA !!! AAA !!!

[@gustavofidalgo42069]

wow from beggining to end just fucking amazing and musical

[@Hoprgras]

I really dig this Dudes Feel! Especially in Gospel SHEDS!

[@honza_kriz_bass]

I really like like his shoes... What model is he using? And his drumming is cool, too... :-D :-P SPECTACULAR!!!

[@marmac7467]

He's amazing.

[@rajdeepdey4422]

Good Lord his drumming gives me goosebumps

[@DiegoPujolT]

This is exactly what I was looking for... Does anyone know what model of shoes he's wearing? I know they're ADIDAS Originals, but what's the specific model? (For real!) Great drummer, by the way.

[@rhythmista7707]

I believe his kick foot is sporting a vintage style "Gazelle" model. I had a pair of dark blue and light blue striped ones. Comfy shoes for drumming, only you have to work them in a bit..

[@drumdude91123]

great!

[@silasmorisseau9367]

Wow!!!!!! This man is a monster.

[@jameshardman6727]

WOW nice playing!

[@geengekken]

This guys grooves are from another dimension!! Holy#$&@

[@akash_screams]

Absolute God!! Hands down!

[@kirjian]

8 years later and he's light years better than this. Masterclass of putting in work

[@mattdrewdrums]

I mean, he's definitely better. But, Garstka here and even younger is still insane. Kid was extrememly technical and unique even in his early 20s.

[@kirjian]

@@mattdrewdrums yeah, exactly

[@diegopelozo2679]

genial! me encanta este batero

[@ericweekly5734]

its all awesome! 2:42 to 3:10 is ridiculously groovy!

[@DORITOBAGSACK]

I watched this 8 times now, and I'm still finding more things to analyze. Garska puts fucking poly-rhythms everywhere, jesus fuck.

[@ATXmw1]

mind. blown.

[@brianrandall3795]

How does his grip work? I can tell it works, and it's obviously not given him carpel tunnel so it works well. But with all the arm I can hardly tell how he's hitting those 32nds as well as he is.

[@gergenfonchen]

Someone has been working on their rudiments. Bravo!

[@themidlouds8879]

Man, what snare drum is this?! It's fantastic!

[@fleur_music]

+The MidLouds It's a 6"x14" Warlod Masai Snare Drum ;)

[@fleur_music]

***** Whoops, sorry about that ^^' Actually, I only went to Tama's website to see his kit but I didn't take the time to verify the information; I'll think about it next time ! Thank you, and sorry again ^^'

[@andyham6094]

Tama starclassic nickel over brass. But Tama doesn't make this snare anymore. But you can get the Tama slp black brass which is basically what took its place.

[@dreamstatedamage1]

Is it just me, or is he just better than everyone else?

[@onn.drummer]

freakin' amazing skills! #MattGarstka Somebody knows which Meinl cymbal he uses?

[@HalfGermanBeats93]

Yes! Yes!! Yes!!!

[@simoneforlivesi9808]

Please tell me what kit is that.... it's freaking amazing

[@davidchoi33]

So clean....

[@gaigewilderdrums]

Man what type are those crashes and hats! I need to know!

[@niukau]

Name of those hats please, I love them!

[@jacobjung3814]

+Takeshi Tatsumi Meinl Byzance Sand Hats

[@Drumsholic]

I just wondered what are thinking when he plays!! What at next second?Where to hit outime to make it complex?It seems like mathematically designing playing!

[@BrianRussick]

this dude shreds the drums...would love to hear him play some psychedelic fusion

[@islyrical]

Nice, sick playing, and i like the brazilian rythim at 2:17.

[@THEEBlackAnime]

Clean!

[@markwilliam6745]

i can almost hear animals as leaders songs in this solo. Goes to how how much he adds to that music.

[@MrPistons4life]

Flam crashing is dope bro