The Matt Cameron Interview: Soundgarden, Pearl Jam & Temple of the Dog

Matt Cameron first gained fame as the drummer for Seattle-based rock band Soundgarden, which he joined in 1986. He appeared on each of the band's studio albums until its break-up in 1997. In 1998, Cameron was invited to join Pearl Jam and then became a permanent member of the band. In 2010, Cameron became simultaneously a member of Pearl Jam and the reunited Soundgarden. He remained with Soundgarden until its disbandment after the death of lead singer Chris Cornell in 2017.
Additionally, Cameron was a member of Temple of the Dog (with fellow Soundgarden and Pearl Jam bandmates)
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[@RickBeato]

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[@LloydWoodall]

Will there be a solo interview with Kim Thayil, too? The one with him, Krist Novoselic, and Jack Endino is excellent and I'd love to hear more in individual interviews with each of these guys!

[@RMScott]

Got weepy myself watching this great interview with Matt. I’m the same age as Matt and am from Seattle. In 1991 I was working in Special Effects and was hired by the RHCP to do flaming helmets and smoke for their Lollapolooza headlining tour in 1991. Pearl Jam and Soundgarden were on the bill as well. I became quite close with all of those guys but an amazing memory was of Matt. He would find me midday, after their set, and we would wander the festival together. After the tour I maintained my friendship with the guys. Matt is a wonderful man and an awesome musician. I miss him and those days.

[@BillypilgrimII]

The flaming helmets were an amazing stage effect. Was at that Lallapolooza in Raleigh NC, was a blast.

[@johnlucas2317]

I remember those flaming RHCP helmets when Lollapalooza came to Thunderbird Stadium in Vancouver. Awesome.

[@waltervaldez9954]

The same helmet Chad used in his instructional drum video. So rad!

[@edzeppelin933]

Reach out to him. He might miss you too

[@RMScott]

@@BillypilgrimII oh wow! Good memories from my time in North Carolina. Partied hardy with ya’ll. Thank you for reaching out and your feedback. Those were great times!

[@zeroxyu5023]

Jimmy Chamberlin is another incredible drummer of this era. Incredibly underrated. I would love to see him get interviewed by Rick!

[@notsure1135]

Fucken oath!

[@warborn_inc.]

Jimmy is truly one of the best around. He is such a monster player

[@unclesnott6808]

They are both living proof that you don't need 2 bass drums to kick ass. They are one kick MONSTERS.

[@pitpride1220]

He'll do it. Especially since Billy has been on.

[@rjanolsen3935]

Finally so god damn good to see someone mention Jimmy.. overall and underrated drummer

[@shawnbell6392]

I worked with Matt at a copy shop in the early grunge era in Seattle and he was always a great guy and I still have a homemade Christmas card he gave each of us at work one year. I've always been proud of his professional accomplishments and career.

[@Owenator26]

Matt Cameron is a monster drummer. His work in Soundgarden is just gold he has such a unique style of playing!

[@harrisongwin6859]

Jesus Christ Pose is otherwordly

[@hasedase4238]

Like suicide is such a fantastic song too, the groove is amazing

[@skineyemin4276]

Yeah, it's called fusion drumming, which is he's dope. Then, he confirms it as I was watching this video..., seconds ago.

[@onepunchflan3071]

​@@skineyemin4276you would think he was in a jazz band or sure 😅

[@vincentsheehan3193]

Rick is such a great interviewer. Why? Because he listens to what people have to say, without imposing an ‘angle’ and gives them room to talk. That is so rare these days. Brilliant interview with a superb drummer.

[@KeithWilsonUK]

This!!!

[@theinsidecyclist]

He really does ask great questions. Especially if you are a musician or do any recording. I found myself jumping over to Spotify to listen again to the sounds. The artists he interviews know that Rick knows his stuff. Great interview.

[@johnmoser2689]

He's so good because of the great amount of knowledge and respect there is between them really makes for a perfect interview

[@jamiemuller2987]

Was just going to say something to that effect - he gives them space to answer. You saved me the trouble 👍🏼

[@cotecan]

I actually felt the opposite: that he would at times not give him enough space to develope his ideas and would be too anxious stepping in.

[@User-jk8wq]

The snare drum on Superunknown is one of the most incredible things ever recorded

[@robertakerman3570]

And, I still don't know which pitch to tune to. Great interview though.

[@sunkmanitutankaowaci2733]

Yes

[@Weshopwizard]

Especially on Like Suicide. I love that intro so much!!

[@carlodave9]

His work on SG's Wooden Jesus is really unique & beautiful. I can't imagine hearing the demo of the song and coming up with that kind of musical feel. Still my favorite SG song -- and that's sayin' a lot because every album they made was awesome.

[@julianpottermusic]

@@carlodave9 Wooden Jesus is TOTD

[@springer90]

Matt Cameron in Soundgarden makes him one of the best drummers ever.

[@Gene-XL]

I’ve been on a MASSIVE Soundgarden, Temple Of The Dog, Chris Cornell binge for at least a month straight. Matt’s drumming is absolutely incredible throughout the discography!!! I’m not a musician, but man what truly epic music these guys made!

[@I-495]

hell yeah!, chris made temple in honor of his old roommate who passed away. check out mother love bone and malfunkshun

[@dorkdorkerson]

In Like Suicide alone. Incredible

[@peterthomas1633]

Matt & I used to be neighbors and we'd see each other at the bus stop in the morning as we dropped our kids. A more humble, down-to-earth guy you will not meet. Just a good dude through and through.

[@alvarc3675]

Is it just me or he doesnt sound so humble?

[@AliKhan-sy9jy]

@@alvarc3675 He’s just excited. He’s very humble.

[@billyhughes9776]

@@alvarc3675 You can be humble and confident in your abilities at the same time. Matt knows he's a bad ass drummer.

[@joshajcip]

@@alvarc3675 That’s any musician when you let them talk about music. Plus he’s Matt Cameron so he can be cocky if he wants

[@symphonyinkart]

@@alvarc3675 just you lol

[@michaelluong6484]

My mind is just absolutely blown on this get, Rick. Hearing Matt talk so casually about some of my all time favorite records feels surreal.

[@D7L7S]

Ditto!

[@ke228]

Love Matt Cameron. He is not only a beast behind the kit, but also one of the most underrated and fascinating songwriters there is.

[@martijnnieuwenhoff4474]

I like his 1st Hater album, or drum-cam action during In My Tree - Pearl Jam. Matt is amazing behind the kit!

[@onepunchflan3071]

A thousand years wide is one of my favourite songs from soundgarden and matt wrote it.

[@Goldie_Hawn_Solo]

Finally somebody addresses Temple of the Dog. That recording was hands down among the very best rock recordings in the history of industrialized music. There are moments on that recording that are surreal musically.

[@drewfuss2006]

Right on. If you are ever in Seattle visit London Bridge where it’s recorded. They offer tours and let’s just say I’m not religious but that felt like a religious experience🙏🏻

[@Ike8Sec]

The guitar tone coming out of the solo on “Say Hello to Heaven”… I skip it back every time I hear it.

[@jtc2112]

Very special, maybe my all time favorite album

[@neugey]

There's a sincerity about that album that is incredible. Amazing how it came together so quickly and then disappeared.

[@m2kss427]

Agree 100%!!!

[@valuedhumanoid6574]

The strange thing is he list all those big names as influences growing up and how they helped form his style. Well, to many of us in the younger generation HE is our John Bonham, he is our Keith Moon. Our Ginger Baker. Just like a guitarist like Kim Thayil is our Jimi Hendrix, our Jimmy Page, our Jeff Beck. And on and on the hero worship goes

[@kettlejitsu71]

🔥🔥🤘🤘

[@Genious.]

So agree. I'm a guitar player but when I see Soundgarden, it's all about watching Cameron. I remember being horribly disappointed at the last time I bought tickets for a Suondgarden show and then found out later that he would be on tour with Pearl Jam.

[@kapers5772]

Well yes and no. I understand your logic but when you finally learn about the players that influenced your favorite players, you are naturally out of curiosity going to check them out. Because no matter when you were born Hendrix is Hendrix and he is the most important electric guitar player that changed not only the way that the instrument is used but music as a whole as well. Also Bonzo is still one of the most (if not the most) amazing, powerfull and uniquelly talented drummers of all time, no matter if you are 80 or 20 years old. All that coming from a student not an oldhead.

[@badm0t0rf1ng3r]

Kim is criminally underrated.

[@arottie4097]

@@Genious. That SUX!!!

[@ScareyHGV]

This is the man that truly inspired me to sit behind my late dad's drums. 18 years later and I'm still playing. Soundgarden and Pearl Jam were his favourite bands and he introduced me to other incredible drummers: Stewart Copeland, Jimmy Chamberlin, Jon Theodore, Dave Grohl, Stephen Perkins... he knew some amazing drummers but Matt always stood out to me the most.

[@robovac3557]

Nothing worse than a Dad that's tardy.

[@ryanleemartin7758]

@@robovac3557 bruh.

[@robovac3557]

@@ryanleemartin7758 😄😄😄

[@JasonSmith-we5ls]

Matt says at 44:50 “I’m trying to play less” and that is something every drummer that plays for X amount of years comes to understand, but Matt is a drummer that has NEVER played too much. His parts are always needed and always tasty. Absolutely loved this interview. Outstanding.

[@jamesrmore]

Not just drummer’s, great musicians. Intention. From Miles to Jaco…

[@RCAvhstape]

These Rick Beato interviews are the gold standard for musician interviews. More good information in a one hour video than whole stacks of music magazines or knucklehead youtuber vids.

[@chrislia9100]

He's an exceptional musician in his own right; he asks questions about specific things like song structures and time sigs that the average fanboy doesn't or won't. It's just a blessing for he happens to love the same bands I/we do. Like what a pure win

[@buellboy24]

100%

[@Kenneth_Mac_Pherson]

@@chrislia9100 DITTO! SAME HERE! YES! Rick Beato is AWESOME! He TRULY covers SO MUCH ground/MULTIPLE bases -- not just technique/technical/theoretical, but also emotional, aesthetic, historical, economic/financial, etc. Rick's VERY comprehensive in his approach & analysis!

[@ExcitedAnacondaSnake-hg8ec]

Only musicians seem to be able to interview musicians. Otherwise it’s always about drugz (as if musicians are the only addicts, just as many carpenters, police officers, and lawyers abuse drugs as musicians) , “rock and roll” lifestyle another ridiculous myth, and nothing about the music.

[@wardseyssens7474]

Yeah he's a grrreat interviewer

[@gibsoneb3]

Burden in My Hand, third chorus. “It’s just a Burden in My Haaand…(Matt’s snare erupts with a flurry of notes). One of the greatest moments in rock.

[@balajimani7812]

I know the exact moment you’re referencing, favorite part of the song

[@tonydog4456]

You’re so right. I love that part too. Perfect tempo for him to nail a single stoke roll. Super clean and powerful. It’s one of those immortal drum fills.

[@ExxylcrothEagle]

Song is a masterpiece!! 😃

[@clburdick1]

Yes, that snare is amazing

[@gyurko]

Tatatatatatatata

[@freefallin6871]

Matt is such a tasteful drummer. He has a rare distinction of demonstrating talent without excess and flash while simultaneously elevating any song he played.

[@Karmandarm]

His drums on Superunknown, my god

[@SlinkiestTortoise23]

Wrecked it! Phenomenal!! So well recorded too! Better than Nevermind! They captured the moment on that album!

[@alexraia1377]

Great album

[@tomasshannon6537]

best rock drum sound

[@SlinkiestTortoise23]

@@tomasshannon6537 Absolutely it is! Especially the snare, that album was so well mixed and produced!

[@thegoatchild3545]

Matt Cameron fucking rules forever. The “Kim is right-footed” bit is pure gold. What a player. Thank you, uncle Rick!🍻

[@Genious.]

I love that he simply CAN'T stop drumming, even with his hands, while he's answering questions.

[@pablocruise678]

You saw that too!!!!!

[@Genious.]

@@pablocruise678 In a way I'm used to it - every drummer I've worked with and been friends with, are constantly tapping out beats. I've also made most drummers I've worked with learn Jesus Christ Pose - never for the purposes of covering it - I just love watching drummers play that song. Same thing with Song For The Dead by Queens of the Stone Age.

[@TheDrunkenScoundrel]

LITERALLY, and I am not joking here, if you have listened to 'Black Hole Sun' as many times as I have....you can *&^%ing HEAR that snare sound when they are just handling it. The rattles and all were included in the sound. It was that well-recorded.

[@shady1kenobi]

I am a guitarist. I always watch the guitarist(s) during live shows. McCready is one of my favorite players - huge inspiration to my playing... but when i see PJ live, i can't help but stare at Cameron most of the time. That's how good he is. Excellent intv, Rick - thank you for chatting with a master rock drummer!

[@thisismebear6924]

and wish it was dave?

[@jhkuno88]

Temple of the Dog is one of the best drum records in rock music, and it sounds so natural and real, no quantized bs, no sampled crap....just the real deal, sounds nearly live because it is.

[@custum18]

Matt and Jimmy Chamberlin are my favorite 90s drummers. Both of them have that jazz and fusion influence that makes them standout.

[@pfzt]

I agree. Loved both of them rather subconsciously back in the 90s but when i started watching YT videos explaining their magic, i started loving them even more. Same with Dave Lombardo, once you learn about his "latin swing", Slayer never sound the same anymore.

[@m2kss427]

I second that Jimmy and Matt, two of my all time fav drummers. Both of them unique, authentic and very musical their own way.

[@speedking7224]

Matt, nick menza and Danny carey are the best 90s drummers

[@CarlosGonzalez-mr5qz]

Most definitely.

[@mlowder06]

WOW! Matt just casually pulls the "Black Hole Sun" snare off the shelf and demos it, like, uh no big deal! Matt is a total class act. Amazing interview Rick!

[@OswaldBatesIIIEsq]

One of the greatest songs ever.

[@smkxodnwbwkdns8369]

well he was in the band after all and wrote the drum part

[@johndinsdale4454]

I'd like this twice if I could. Matt will go down as one of the great drummers of our time. Writes a mean tune too.

[@TenableVegan]

Is that why barely anyone has heard of him?

[@lisajohnson521]

What are you talking bout? YOU never heard of him.

[@johndinsdale4454]

@@lisajohnson521 don't feed the troll 😉

[@lisajohnson521]

Too late 🤣but I won’t anymore.

[@johndinsdale4454]

@@lisajohnson521 🤣😜😎

[@ruifaustino]

Badmotorfinger ist one of the greatest Rock albums of all times. The drumming is absolutely insane. Cameron has been a major inspiration. Cameron is musically more creative playing the standard four or five piece kit then all those drummers who try to be unique out of creating exotic setups.

[@wadeere]

I am SO STOKED TO SEE THIS. Matt Cameron may be my favorite rock drummer ever. Not necessarily cause he's the most technical, but I just love his playing.

[@Diatonic5th]

Same here. I spent a lot of hours practicing Soundgarden songs when I was a kid.

[@Jeffs9304]

agreed

[@archerkee9761]

same

[@joeywho534]

Great, musical player.

[@marks6051]

I think he's technical in a way that you almost don't notice at first. He's not a show-offy drummer in general, but his grooves, fills and ghost notes and stuff are so, so tasteful. It's the kind of playing where you're like, "THIS is what's actually difficult about drumming."

[@TnerB91]

Matt wrote a lot of the guitar stuff on Limo Wreck off of Superunkown. Those riffs are soo fucking killer! Those harmonics as well omg

[@julianpottermusic]

wrote mailman and fresh tendrils too!

[@Andycap1001]

@@julianpottermusic AND the PJ tune Evacuation. That one's super fun to play on drums.

[@kristianwichmann9996]

Don't forget Rhinosaur!

[@gundolarry]

Easily a top 2 SG song for me. LimoWreck is just insane

[@R3TR0R4V3]

Limo Wreck is probably my favorite tune off of Superunknown. What a guy! 😎

[@mozdaboz]

He wrote one of Soundgarden's most underrated song in Limowreck which is one of my favorite tune by them

[@DaveTaste]

It's not underrated

[@demianvisgarra9855]

my favourite soundgarden song

[@westcoasthighway379]

Temple Of The Dog and Mad Season were the two best super groups of the 90s. Those 2 albums have to be listened to.

[@godsdemon7441]

Mad season hit me more than temple of the dog.

[@jodymills3138]

Big Fan of Matt and his unbelievable timing. His set looks Gorgeous. I’m lost with out SG. Matt imagine you feel more of that . He lives in our hearts.

[@grahamjarman]

i dont like him with pj. seems stiff

[@williamdonati6476]

@@grahamjarman agrew

[@williamdonati6476]

Agree

[@charlespolenzani2219]

Rush is my all time favorite band, yet Matt is my all-time favorite drummer. The man is so talented and his ability to assemble non-traditional beats that still nail the rhythm and don't distract from the song. The BEST!

[@sean8470]

he is an incredible drummer one of my favorites along with J. Chamberlain (smashing pumpkins)

[@pitpride1220]

RUSH is my favorite too. Soundgarden is up there. I loved Matt's work on Geddy's solo album.

[@petertromp8786]

Absolutely. I feel the exact same way: I love Rush - they're my number 1 band of all time as well; I loved Neil Peart and his compositional approach to drumming, never resting on his laurels, always learning, always innovating new patterns, while at the same time just savaging the kit when he feels like it; but Matt Cameron is my favorite drummer of all time - especially his output with Soundgarden. There's just something about his groove, especially when he's keeping it simple. I like his work with Pearl Jam, especially the songs he contributed greatly to, but Pearl Jam's music is almost too "simple" and uptempo to bring out the absolute best in Matt. I feel Matt is at his best when the tempo is sludgy and swamp-like, if you get what I mean. I think Matt is probably the best "slow" drummer in hard rock history. The way his drumming adds to the already overflowing menace of songs like Black Hole Sun, 4th of July and Limo Wreck is just to me so painterly and textured. He would also out out of nowhere just make your jaw drop with the most crazily inventive fills you've ever heard, like on Pretty Noose off of Down on the Upside. His kick drum patterns and their "unpredictability" is pure music bliss for me. When Matt is in the pocket, it's hypnotic, it's exhilarating and it's transporting. Whenever I've seen drumming cover videos of Soundgarden on KZbin, it looks as if the vloggers are on absolute cloud nine replicating Matt's fills. Just a once in a lifetime talent, and a very fine songwriter on top of it.

[@petertromp8786]

@@pitpride1220 Whatnow? You talking about Geddy's first solo album, from the early 2000s? Matt drummed on that? Holy cow, man; now I gotta go and unearth that thing.

[@charlespolenzani2219]

@@gthomas4371 By no means am I dissing Neil! The Professor is part of the holy trinity for me of Rock Drumming (Stewart Copeland rounds out the top 3 for me with Bruford as an honorable mention). And by saying that Rush is my favorite band I am further elevating Matt to the status he deserves. I mean c'mon! When Geddy needed someone to hit the skins for his solo project, who did HE call on? So no I didn't miss a single point. MATT IS THE BEST!

[@adamkane3736]

Man... This guy is 100% the inspiration behind my love of odd time signatures. I used to come home from school and spend hours playing around with Superunknown and Down On The Upside. His drum sounds on those two albums were so huge, and he has this insane ability to make something odd flow so smoothly.

[@chrissmith3668]

Matt Cameron’s playing sounds like nobody. That’s one of the best compliments you can give to someone. He literally created his own style. I have no idea what his style is but it is so distinct. You always know it’s him.

[@larkstonguesinaspic4814]

I love love love Matt Cameron. He always plays the right thing at the right time, and makes every song he plays on a better track. He's a truly great musician and songwriter, not just a drummer. This interview made me go back and listen to the old Soundgarden albums that I haven't listened to in a long time and my god, they're freaking amazing.

[@ladydi15]

I share your sentiment. Probably one of my biggest regrets is not playing an I strument early in life. Playing catch up. Matt gives alot of insight.

[@cozmicpfunk]

It is so rewarding to see live candid interviews like this, especially that Matt is comfortable to play and talk while demonstrating his amazing craft! Awesome video RB! Thank you :)

[@frankmarsh1159]

I always think I'll watch a little bit of these interviews and every single one of them I watch all the way to the end. Rick is so engaging and he asks all the right questions. Questions that musicians would ask if they had the chance. I learned so much about drums and drumming in this video. Things I had often wondered about. I always thought Matt was a great drummer and now I have a better understanding of why he's such a great drummer.

[@cozmicpfunk]

​@@frankmarsh1159 Totally! Ric has all the experience and knowledge about music so it comes naturally to engage other musicians about their craft :)

[@mattreichenberg309]

My favorite drummer ever hands down.

[@timwhiteside9971]

i always thought Matt sounded better with soundgarden than with pearl jam , don't get me wrong i love both bands and the reason i say this is because with soundgarden he is one of the founding members who helped build the band from the ground up and is such a vital presence , creative force , unique player to the point that it would be impossible to replace him in the band sort of like John Bonham and led zeppilin ; i know he worked with pearl jam years before becoming their full time drummer but pearl jams drum sound to me is more defined by Dave Abbruzzie ( i know i problaby spelled his name wrong ) when the hits started rolling in , i know some people will disagree with this but hopefully it will stir up some interesting conversation but make no mistake i am a huge Matt Cameron / soundgarden fan and this interveiw rocks !

[@doveshouse]

Amazing .. Matt Cameron, world famous superstar, drummer of two of the most popular rock bands in history, played in front of audeiences of 100k... Was clearly a bit nervous during this interview.... how incredibly funny. Possibly he just really loves this show.

[@mitchweiner]

It appears to me he just doesn’t do a bunch of interviews

[@kerrypotenza1679]

I'm so impressed that these awesome musicians have mutual respect for Rick Beato. This means that we'll get to see more top-notch interviews in the future. I love the direction this channel is going and the success couldn't happen to a nicer guy.

[@crazyralph6386]

Hard to not have mad respect for a genius rock producer, but a multi instrumentalist too! Dude could pick up a didgeridoo, and play the Free Bird guitar solo on it 😂

[@ccaputa]

Temple of The Dog is still one of my favorite albums. So many great songs, and Chris's vocals were insane.

[@ShaunHensley]

I can listen to that album on loop, especially on a long road trip

[@douglasdog1]

As a 90’s teen I was so spoiled with amazing musicians to listen to and as much as I loved it, never appreciated as much as I do now

[@ShaunHensley]

We thought it would never end. We literally had great music dropping every week for decades

[@legendofthestrings1]

Rick is like the best interviewer I have ever seen. He asks all the questions that should be asked. This was just amazing. I love his questions. The answers are so informing.

[@drewa1999]

Definitely!! Love the detailed questions and equally in depth answers!

[@itisnotreallythatimportant]

@@queenandclarenceofficial. get this L bot

[@bluewater3783]

Yes! Rick asks ALL the right Questions--And then Actually Allows The Answerers to Answer...!!! :) Imagine that! :)

[@LDdrums20]

As a drummer myself I can ensure that he is one of the best rock drummers ever. I admire his work in all of his records but specially in the temple of the dog album. Just amazing drumming.

[@vgaportauthority9932]

Temple of the Dog is amazing. I could never do those grooves, I just got lost in the time, but maaaaan did they sound great.

[@LDdrums20]

@@vgaportauthority9932 I love that he also recognized that at that age he was somewhat better

[@timothyfritz5772]

This is so amazing. Soundgarden, certainly my favorite band growing up in the 80’s/90’s, not to mention that insane Temple of the Dog album, to hear all these details is mind-blowing. Matt is simply a badass. Also love how he speaks so highly of so many other drummers, and is a true student of the game. The way he describes finding and knowing his sound is so cool and really makes you think about what makes this level of artist so incredible. Great interview Rick! 🤘🤘

[@lockyp204]

Always loved Matt’s drumming. But for me the song where he shines for me is “Like Suicide.” The song is basically worked around his fantastic beat

[@alanbaum3228]

Love that song

[@jaredjamesimages]

Such a great drum sound as well !! So good!

[@mattparlante6680]

And Kim's best guitar solo

[@PoorStargazer]

His drumming in Soundgarden was nothing short of legendary. His drumming in PJ (to no fault of his own) is uh....let's just say not fitting...

[@frankblacks.45]

Everyone who responds/agrees with this comment is a REAL Soundgarden fan, not a poser. Only true Soundgarden aficionados know how utterly amazing this track is.

[@robordm]

Damn, what a great interview. Bloody love Matt Cameron's drumming. Like Suicide gives me goosebumps every time I listen to it.

[@alex.h.2983]

Exactly !! In that song , especially in the second half , the drums parts are pure masterpiece

[@jeremymullins1294]

The Mighty MC. Not only one of our greatest living rock drummers, but a great songwriter too! Matt's Soundgarden/Pearl Jam song writing credits: Entering, Kingdom of Come, Birth Ritual, Jesus Christ Pose, Room A Thousand Years Wide, Drawing Flies, New Damage, Mailman, Limo Wreck, Fresh Tendrils, Rhinosaur, Applebite, By Crooked Steps, Eyelid's Mouth, Evacuation, Save You, Cropduster, You Are, Get Right, Unemployable, The Fixer, Johnny Guitar, Take The Long Way. (Not to mention numerous other songs in various solo projects and collaborations.)

[@gazg1978]

*(Nighttime Boogie Association, Hater and Wellwater Conspiracy) 👍

[@spectral1um397]

Where did you get the information on songwriting credits for Entering and Kingdom of Come?

[@jeremymullins1294]

Is he not listed in the liner notes for those? I didn’t check.

[@spectral1um397]

@@jeremymullins1294 I was intrigued because Screaming Life/Fopp is actually my favourite Soundgarden record! But no, I've always seen Entering attributed to Kim, and Kingdom of Come to Chris. Matt definitely had an impact on Entering with his distinctive drum beats, but I think this interview shows how he was given the freedom in SG to compose all his own drum parts. It's one of the mysteries of songwriting to me that in a band as democratic as SG, one person still takes the songwriting credit.

[@andym28]

Matt plays quite angular in Sound garden. Dave Abbrussi played quite ahead of thr pocket in pearl jam which worked very well.

[@lorenzosestito8671]

He already sounded like an experienced drummer on the first Soundgarden 's demo-screaming life

[@80sruler]

Seems like a great, regular guy

[@BenJuan26]

I've never clicked on a video so fast. Matt is one of my favourite drummers ever. He has an uncanny way of making the simplest things carry the song, and making non-standard time signatures feel completely at home.

[@MonkyMonk729]

I always joke he's the only drummer in the world that can make a 13.7/4 time signature groove effortlessly.

[@NeoGodHand]

I KNEW he was gonna say Your Savior was his favorite track. I’m not a drummer, but that track has always stuck out to me like a skyscraper coming off a mountain. The groove is grooving and drum solo is just divine. It just flows so well, he goes in and out of the time with his fills and just comes right back in, it’s amazing, especially with Chris’ vocals droning in the background. Such ambiance. I absolutely love, love, love Your Savior.

[@kylexplains7428]

Epic moment for sure

[@MonkyMonk729]

Ha- I knew he was going to say Your Savior, too. In, fact I immediateky answered it out loud in case Matt wasn't sure and he was able to somehow in that moment hear me remotely from the future. I tend to think he answered without my help to be honest. But yeah, the slinky groove in that song bring the drums to the forefront. That intro popped into my head instantly. And then there's the outro... a complete change of gears rhythmically where he goes into jazz beast mode while still tinging off quarter notes on the ride bell in perfect time.

[@davyboy9397]

He is in my top 5 greatest rock drummers currently living. Up there with Jimmy Chamberlin

[@padraigsisk4057]

As Matt is saying about being with Soundgarden as each musician was right for that band reminds me when Big country started as when Stuart Adamson had the band members he wanted

[@sergiom5907]

Soundgarden was my favourite band growing up, they're the reason I started playing in bands. Love hearing Matt speak so candidly in this interview. I'm waiting for a Kim Thayil interview now!

[@srvfan25]

That’s unlikely to happen Kim hates doing interviews

[@sergiom5907]

@@srvfan25 He recently did an hour and a half podcast with Josh Adam Meyers talking about Superunknown, so he can't hate them that much.

[@srvfan25]

@@sergiom5907 ok I was wrong then

[@colico14]

@@srvfan25 I think he's just selective about them. Kind of an introverted guy of few words.

[@zseattle]

@@colico14 "Few words" lol!

[@bretellis]

I know this is mostly an interview but as a fellow drummer... I would have LOVED to have seen him break down some of his most iconic grooves. One of the most underrated sections in my opinion is the instrumental section in Face Pollution... that bit is crazy as hell.

[@bloodromance4776]

This song it's just a straight jazz, which is great as fvck

[@peteywheatstraws4909]

I became aware of him in '87, a friend had told me about Soundgarden. He also played on Geddy Lee's solo album, "My Favorite Headache", back around 2000. Great musician.

[@silvijajovanovicboros9568]

I think that "burdened in my hand"is The best conceptual And producted drum song that he ever record And made in Cariere! That sound tune of drum And hes playing is atomic Fire,They All was on Fire...

[@JanPatrickLucas]

I recall Neil Peart being asked who's drumming he liked, many years ago when the grunge scene was thriving, and he said Matt! Ha! Yup he's that good!

[@coreymanske]

Rick, I consume nearly all of your content...I love it. As a drummer, interviewer, and writer I firmly believe this is your very best interview. THANK YOU SO MUCH for sharing this. I've sent this link to every drummer I know, and just shared it with the band. Again...thank you!

[@ADDG880]

And the one with Vinnie C!

[@timharrington4470]

Don't forget Dennis Chambers

[@coreymanske]

@@ADDG880 I LIKE the Vinnie interview but the one with Matt is more relatable since in my drumming career I've always been a 'band guy'...if that makes sense. Matt is CREATIVE for sure, though his drumming is accessible and understandable. I love Vinnie - I do - but we all know he's from a different planet. His chameleonic approach to session work is legendary, and again, I love him - BUT - the interview with Matt resonated more deeply with me, my approach, and my style.

[@coreymanske]

@@timharrington4470 I LIKE the Dennis interview but the one with Matt is more relatable since in my drumming career I've always been a 'band guy'...if that makes sense. Matt is CREATIVE for sure, though his drumming is accessible and understandable. I love Dennis - I do, especially his playing with Niacin and that amazing live Petite Blonde record - but playing-wise, he's from a different planet. His hand & foot speed are iconic, and again, I love him - BUT - the interview with Matt resonated more deeply with me, my approach, and my style.

[@ADDG880]

@@coreymanske absolutely hear where you’re coming from. This was certainly more “real”/relatable.

[@heavymetal1330]

Thank you, Seattle, for such great bands! 🙏🏻

[@Doogsay]

My favourite drummer of all time. I just listened to Down on the Upside again, sublime.

[@robertchristian9361]

In my opinion Matt is the next influential drummer after Bonham/Peart . Love the Temple of the dog album, still visit it constantly. Thank you two for this interview.

[@Billy-bd2oe]

Something bitter sweet seeing the guys moving on and doing their thing, knowing that Soundgarden will never return, that era is now in the dust of time like so many other things... But I had the honor of seeing them in 97 and Chris solo in 99 then Audioslave in 05, I am forever thankful

[@dbrown8698]

This is tremendous. As a lifelong fan of Matts, that was a trip to see THE Keplinger snare. Nice job Rick.

[@TheWriterNW]

Matt Cameron is an absolute MONSTER behind the kit!

[@kyleolin3566]

Don’t worry Matt. I welled up when you were talking about Chris too. Thank you for being such a huge influence in some of my favourite bands and an inluence in my own music.

[@hanreality.7266]

To be fair, I don’t think anybody ever worries about welling up. It’s a sign of love and respect.

[@kyleolin3566]

@@hanreality.7266 sadly, many people think it is a sign of weakness. As a man who never shed a tear for years (after suffering through trauma), I know how much weight can be lifted from shedding tears. Tears are healing.

[@elstifo]

Huge respect for this drummer.

[@SkepticMaestro]

Rick, you are without a doubt my favorite interviewer for musicians. With your decades of knowledge, you could easily overshare and step on the conversation. Instead, you let your guests Think, as well as speak, and your active listening is stellar, it actually brings the audience even closer to the guest and makes me just as interested in the topic as you seem to be. Thank you sincerely for doing these.

[@mygoodeyeclosedCC]

In November 2016 I was in the middle of my grad school program at USC. Alice In Chains and Temple of the dog (respectively) were touring. I decided to ditch school for one of the shows (classes are effin pricey so I would allow myself to miss just one class for a concert) and decided that Temple of the Dog was more rare than seeing AIC, hence they were worth missing class over. 11/14/2016 at The Forum was an unforgettable experience. I was the loudest one in my section, and was pissed other concert goers weren’t as enthusiastic to sing along to the jams with Temple of the Dog❤️👏🏻👏🏻💯🤘

[@oudevoida]

As a teen in the early 90s the first album that introduced me to odd time signatures was Drums Unlimited by Max Roach. After that I went down a rabbit-hole of guys like Joe Morello, Billy Cobham, Terry Bozzio and Elvin Jones and was just overwhelmed by how impossible all of it was. Then Superunknown came out and about the second listen I realized, wait, these are odd time signatures! And I played along and it was like a light bulb went off where I realized it's a FEEL not just counting along. Literally changed my life. Matt Cameron is such a genius for making difficult beats sound so simple and natural. I could never thank him enough for his positive effect on my life; I will always argue Superunknown is the greatest rock album ever made.

[@Oddballthegreat406]

What a great musician Matt is. So glad Rick is getting the mutual respect of all these music greats he's able to get on his channel. Maybe Eddie Vedder will come on and talk about his approach to vocal arrangements. That would be fascinating.

[@keithferris9574]

Eddie Vedder would have Rick totally geeking out.

[@srvfan25]

@@keithferris9574 he would probably be speechless

[@muzzyb2012]

I wanna hear about Vedders approach to writing lyrics

[@MarkSKimball]

Couldn’t figure out why he sounded so much like Tony Hawk and has a similar chill demeanor/voice. Then I read he grew up in San Diego and it kind of makes sense lol. Best drummer I think to emerge from the Seattle circuit and seems super down to earth.

[@coldanimal5107]

Matt Cameron's playing in Soundgarden was by far one of the biggest inspirations and influences on me when I was learning to play (along with Dave Grohl and Jimmy Chamberlin), and that was in pre-internet days when I never even got to hear him talk about what it all means to him! I'm so grateful that we get so much easier access to musicians behind the scenes and the old music that inspired them now!

[@bobshenix]

Dave A was a better fit for Pearl Jam's music... especially the earlier stuff in their catalog

[@coldanimal5107]

@@bobshenix I don't know if there's any truly objective "better" between them, but I definitely loved what Dave brought to those songs he played on. It's strange how often tense interpersonal relationships produce such amazing music, although sadly there's no way to make it last.

[@notsure1135]

Chamberlin, I reckon the autocorrect got ya. Just did the same thing to me.

[@CraftyMusicTips]

Us mere mortals would settle for being part of one iconic band, Matt is part of 3, why settle eh?! Legend 🤘

[@deveroth8871]

pearl jam, soundgarden, and what? temple of the fuckin dog?? FAR from iconic.

[@curtislavoie2242]

@@deveroth8871 You're right, forget the whole thing.

[@trevinormatt]

What a legend. Humble, professional and educated. Matt has been a huge influence on me both as a drummer and a guitarist. I grew up listening to Soundgarden and he made those odd times feel so natural and groovy that I ended up writing in 5 and 7 without even noticing.

[@donofly]

Matt is so lucky to have played with two of the best bands since the begining of Rock 'n Roll, but SG & PJ are equally lucky to have a drummer who can play anything, without any advice, or direction from the band. A versatile, and creative drummer is probably harder to find, than a decent singer. Rick Beato has very great taste in music, and is a multi-talented guy himself. I was happy to see this interview pop up in the sugestions box. 👌👍👍👍👌

[@gytrplr]

Underrated one of the all time greats

[@arunviswanathan5555]

Wow! Love Matt’s work with Soundgarden and love how he mentions Steely Dan and Caves of Altamira!!🥁🤘🏽😎

[@jerrya17]

He makes drumming look effortless. What a pro!

[@synthoelectro]

always heard jazz in Matt's playing, just amazing.

[@jcrm05]

Such a legend! Probably the best drummer from the grunge era.

[@myhomerecordingexperience]

Rick, I cried when Matt played the Black Hole Sun beat, it brought me back to when I was a kid listening and learning all those songs that sounded AMAZING! I love that music so much man and thats what Im trying to replicate somehow in my home studio. Thank you and try to get more guys like Matt. Maybe, Stone G, Jerry C, Dave Grohl, Deleo brothers, Tom Morello. Obviously Bredan O'brien would extraordinary.

[@keithferris9574]

Yeah man, the Deleo brothers would be an intriguing interview. Such great songwriters!!!

[@jurassikmunkee]

Good comment - agree with Jerry Cantrell and Deleo brothers especially

[@benzakonium]

This was an absolute joy from beginning to end. What a classy dude, one of the greatest of all time and my personal favourite.

[@daveandrecht3430]

Foo is one of the best drummers ever. Sound Garden was an amazing era. The rest is history. I was lucky enough to see him play when he was 6 years old playing in his pool house. He blew me away even at that age.

[@scottmasson3039]

Love his drumming. He, Grohl, and Jimmy Chamberlain were the most exciting rock drummers in the 90s for me.

[@RHINOSAUR]

Right up their among the greatest of all time.

[@andrewichigo]

Would absolutely love more guys from the Seattle grunge scene. Mike McCready or Stone Gossard, Kris Novoselic, Jerry Cantrell etc

[@peterdent2019]

The drumset sounds BEAUTIFUL

[@jimmirza4212]

Listening to Superunknown when I was growing up had such a deep impact on me, as a drummer, Matt's drumming was always facinating, tastefull and passionate. The entire album was a weird, dark and beautifully composed, truly inspiring.

[@bonescheffel7795]

A few years back, SG was set to play a festival in a nearby town. Since they hadn't played together for a while they came to the venue I worked at for a rehearsal day. Everyone was supercool. Matt was the only guy in the band that didn't make any mistakes. Each of the other guys made little mistakes, or had to relearn a part here and there. Matt was flawless.

[@natepolidoro4565]

A legend. Down On The Upside is my favorite album of all time.

[@richpaydirt]

A rock drummers drummer for sure. Matt has been the best drummer in rock for the last 3 decades.

[@marcok.6734]

Matt Cameron is The GOAT. 💪

[@DennisAlvey]

THANK YOU. I've never heard Matt Cameron talk for an extended amount of time. I'm not a drummer but I enjoyed this whole thing cause Soundgarden is my favorite band. And btw, I didn't realize what I was doing was weird. I play guitar (right handed) and use my wah with my left foot... I dunno! I just... do it that way.

[@DennisAlvey]

Nope.

[@judecarpenter2990]

I think that Rick is one of the coolest Gen X men. A musician that grew up in the era of golden guitars. Really touches my 40 year old bass playing ass how huge of a grunge fan Rick is. My formative bands are some of his absolute favorites. And we're huge AIC fans too!! Matt Cameron Sean Kinney Dave Grohl and even Abruzzees are some of the best drummers EVER IMO

[@eliminator173]

Rick is 60. Thats a boomer technically. Or at the end of the boomer generation

[@HDrums84]

That kick drum sound is killer. Hell, the whole kit sounds amazing.